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 student advocates for Increase Teachers of Color Act

Crookston elementary student Azomali Obisakin along with Crookston Head Start teacher, Regina Zapata, testified February 9 in front of the Minnesota Education Policy Committee in support of the "Increase Teachers of Color Act." Zapata and Obisakin were among the 12 testifiers throughout the State of Minnesota speaking in support of this bill.

Washington School kindergartners celebrate Pirate Pride

Washington School kindergartners celebrated Pirate Pride with a photo in their new Pirate Pride shirts. Washington and Highland School PTO groups contributed money to purchase a Pirate Pride shirt for each kindergarten student. With the effort of Lorri Capistran, a member of both schools' PTO groups, each child was able to order and receive a preferred shirt size. For several years, students at Washington School have received a Pirate Pride shirt that can continue to be worn as students move to 1st Grade at Highland School. "Thank you to Lorri Capistran for overseeing the project and distribution each year." said Washington School. SUBMITTED

Retiring Crookston Police Chief Paul Biermaier celebrated at reception

Retiring Crookston Police Chief Paul Biermaier, center, is pictured with Mayor Dale Stainbrook, left, and incoming Police Chief Darin Selzler at Biermaier's reception February 25 at City Hall. The plaques shown are from the city recognizing his 32 years of service, from the Pine to Prairie Drug Task Force Advisory Board in which he was Board Vice Chair, and from the Crookston Police Department in appreciation of his years of hard work and dedication to the department. JESS BENGTSON

Sparring with a Snowy Owl

Mid February, Rob met with Olivia, a 6-year-old female snowy owl, in Northern Minnesota. Rob: Thank you for chatting with me.

Winter for Wildlife

Watching wild birds feeding at my feeders is a joy, and an obligation of sorts, especially this winter. The winter of 2021-2022 has been harsh for creatures of the wild. When snow gets deep and temperatures plunge, many species of wildlife experience hardship when it becomes too difficult to move around much less locate food that’s buried beneath over two feet of snow.

School zones at Highland CHS

I am writing this communication to ask once again for your help in keeping our kids safe as they travel to and from school. This Fall I asked for your help in ensuring safety around our school buses and I am happy to report that people have been using caution around our buses. We have seen far fewer stop arm violations this year compared with previous years. I want to thank our community for stepping up in a big way to keep our kids safe. As part of this focus on school safety, I also wanted to communicate about the school zones that have been established at Highland Elementary School and Crookston High School. A school zone has been established in front of Crookston High School on Fisher Avenue from just east of the railroad tracks to Ag Country Farm Credit Services. The speed between these points is reduced to 25 mph when students are present. A school zone also exists on Central Ave. directly in front of Highland Elementary School and this speed zone is 15 mph when students are present.

Make every minute count

Why is it that the people who make the worst use of their time are the same ones who complain that there is never enough time? The late management guru Peter Drucker, often called “the father of modern management,” said, “Time is the scarcest resource and unless it is managed nothing else can be managed.” He added: “Everything requires time. It is the only truly universal condition.

Wrestling sends six to state tournament

The Crookston Pirates wrestling team hosted the Section 8A individual wrestling tournament on Saturday, February 26, sending six wrestlers to the State tournament. “Wrestling can be a grueling sport,” head coach Wes Hanson said.