To The Crookston Times readers,

It is with regret that CherryRoad Media announces the closing of The Crookston Times

Our company is dedicated to the preservation of community journalism. Since the purchase of our 1st paper in late-2020 to today, we have prided ourselves on our ability to fight the difficult battle that newspapers face in today’s digital society. Unfortunately, that battle cannot always be won.

The Crookston Times has struggled in recent years to find its footing in this community. Since purchasing The Crookston Times, CherryRoad Media has been unable to avoid financial losses every month. The paper was losing money when we bought it, and it continued to do so. We must now come to terms with the fact that we do not have a path forward to sustainability.

And we thank those who have supported us.

Turkeys come to Crookston

A young turkey sits in the fresh snow south of the Crookston Fire Department March 30. A turkey trots south of the Crookston Fire Department March 30.

UMN Crookston staff member Pogatshnik also hosts podcast on Minnesota Vikings

On the University of Minnesota Crookston campus people know James Pogatshnik as a member of the Media Services team who is able to fix issues with projectors in classrooms, or help record audio in the sound booth. What a person may not know, is James has a whole life outside of the walls of UMN Crookston. Yes he is a bit of a minor celebrity who gets recognized by his voice on occasion while sitting at a bar or restaurant in Grand Forks. This is because of a podcast he hosts, along with friend Arif Hasan entitled “Norse Code.” The podcast is 420 episodes into an over eight-year run and it is an opportunity for Vikings fans to gather, listen, not take themselves too seriously, and share in community.

Early Childhood Family Education events for April

Crookston Early Childhood Family Education's featured events for April 2022 include "Just Toddling" and "ECFE Swimming." Just Toddling will be held Monday, April 11 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Washington School for children ages 12-24 months and their caregivers.

2022 Minnesota Century Farm honorees announced

The Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Farm Bureau recognize 78 Minnesota farms as 2022 Century Farms. In Polk County, the Refling-Johnson-Olson Farms (1889) of Fertile and McWilliams Farm (1919) of Fisher were recognized.

RiverView to host Collective Goods Sale April 5 and 6

RiverView Health Auxiliary is set to host a Collective Goods Sale, previously Books Are Fun on Tuesday, April 5 and Wednesday, April 6 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in River- View's Conference Rooms 1-3. Items include books, electronics, home goods, linens and blankets, kids’ gifts and more. This sale could compliment Easter bas-ket fillers or other special occasions.

Crookston Fire Department answers common questions on spring burning and permits

With it being springtime in the Crookston area, the Crookston Fire Department would like to answer some common questions about burning restrictions and permits. What are spring burn restrictions? Beginning in 2001, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resouces instituted spring burning permit restrictions in the fire prone portions of the state each spring.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office: Beware of Grandkid Scams

The Sheriff’s Office has received calls about a scam in our area targeting seniors. It goes something like this: “Grandma, I need money for bail.” Or money for a medical bill, or some other kind of trouble.

Wendy Jean Stone

Wendy Jean Stone (Bakken), 64, returned to God on Friday, March 25, 2022, after a courageous journey with cancer. She passed with her loving husband Roger by her side.