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.

Crookston School District Referendum Communication

On August 9th, 2022, Crookston Public School residents will have a decision to make on whether or not the district should construct a multiuse complex. This complex would contain an 8 lane track; turf field for football, PE classes, and soccer; a pressbox and field lights. This complex would sit north of Crookston High School and would be a part of our home complex. The total cost of this project is estimated at $3,915,000 that is projected to be spread out on a 12 year bond. As with any project, questions have arisen that I would like to answer. My job as your superintendent is to give you honest, accurate, and straightforward information so that you are able to make an informed decision on August 9th.

Superintendent Olson – March Community Communication

Greetings from Crookston Public Schools! It is so nice to be writing this as the snow and ice are melting and winter gives way to a warmer spring. These days always remind us of the wonderful summer weather that is only a few months away. Here are a couple of things that I would like to communicate with you.

Crookston Times to host open house March 28-April 1

Crookston Times will be hosting an open house March 28-April 1 at their office building located at 124 South Broadway and invite the public in to view the start of the historic front page archive project. Front pages like 1908's Carnegie Library opening, 1964's Times Building Fire, 1979's Crookston Centennial and many more with local and national news headlines have been laminated so people can view them for years to come.

Crookston Wedding Expo 2022

Samantha Hogstad, right, and her fiance chat with the One 'N Only of Euclid at the 2022 Crookston Wedding Expo event held at the Eagles Club March 22. Vendors showcasing their goods to wedding couples included the Crookston Eagles Club, One 'N Only, Crookston Inn, LimeLife by Alcone, Legacy Acres, Creekside Country Crafts, An Elegant Affai, Sound Engagement DJ, Polk County Recorder, At Home Rachel Gluten Free Baked Goods, Alicia Berhow Photography, Weddingbliss website services, Hair Connexion, Lilla Rose by Stacy Erickson, and Kick'n Entertainment. Multiple prize packages worth $500 or more were given out to wedding couples that attended and had their names drawn. (Photo by Jess Bengtson)

United Way of Crookston: Thanks to the community for the success of the 2022 Jail & Bail fundraiser

The United Way of Crookston would, once again, like to thank the Crookston community for making our Jail and Bail fundraiser a huge success! With an almost entirely virtual jail this year, over $5500 was raised for our local agencies and programs. We had 50 wonderful “detainees” that agreed to go to online jail and spend two weeks promoting our event that resulted in our goal being surpassed. 22 of our jailbirds went above and beyond by raising more than their initial bail goal, the top 10 being:

Klemek’s Minnesota Outdoors: Owls

Among the most fascinating and mysterious group of wild birds are the many species of owls. Occurring nearly everywhere worldwide, the only place owls don’t exist is Antarctica. Represented by two avian families, some 135 species of owls can be found hiding, hunting, and hooting throughout the world, including 12 species here in Minnesota alone.