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.

City Council moves forward with search for new administrator

Crookston City Council formally approved the resignation of City Administrator Amy Finch at their February 14 meeting and agreed to move forward with David Drown & Associates (DDA) in the search for a new administrator. Mayor Dale Stainbrook mentioned that the city was "well aware" that there was a clause in the previous contract with DDA that says if the city administrator left within a two-year period DDA would do another search for the city to fill the position, plus the cost of travel and lodging.

Arline Miller

Arline E. Romundstad Miller, long time resident of Crookston, Minnesota died on February 18, 2022 at age 99.

Carol Evenson

Carol Jean “Cookie” Evenson, 76, a lifelong Crookston, MN resident, died Friday morning, February 18, 2022, at the Benedictine Living Community Crookston with her husband, John, and son, Brent, at her side. She had been battling ill health for many months.

Janet (Jan) C. Erie

Janet (Jan) C. Erie, age 92, died on February 17, 2022, one month after surgery for a hip fracture. Jan was born on May 26, 1929 in Hallock, MN, the only child of Alvin and Janette Holmquist. She was delivered by her grandfather, Dr. Charles Harris. Jan spent her early years in Gilby, ND but graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks, ND in 1947. From there she went to the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1951 with a Liberal Arts degree. While at the University she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority and Phi Beta Kappa. It was there that she met her future husband, Kenneth (Ken) Erie at a sorority/fraternity mixer. While Ken was in Japan serving in the Korean conflict, Jan taught in the St. Louis Park school district from 1951 to 1952 and lived in the Uptown area with friends of hers from Grand Forks. During that time Jan submitted Ken’s application to enroll him in law school at the University of North Dakota. They were married in Grand Forks in January 1954 and Ken also started law school at that time. Jan taught school in Grand Forks until the spring of 1956 when Jay was born. They moved to Crookston in 1957 where Ken began his law career. They raised three children, Dr. Jay (Janet) Erie, Rochester, MN; Jane (Jim) Moen, Eden Prairie, MN and Dr. John (Lori) Erie, Fargo, ND. While in Crookston she was active in many civic organizations, including Agassiz Club, Matrons Club, and Chapter AX P.E.O. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where she served as an Elder and was active in the women’s groups and the Sunday school department. She was a member of the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and served as President of the University of North Dakota Alumni Foundation. Jan and Ken retired to Bemidji, MN in 1988 where they were members of the First Lutheran Church and she was a member of Chapter AT P.E.O. Both Ken and Jan enjoyed golf. They played in Bemidji and Marco Island, FL where they wintered for 30 years and where Jan shot a hole in one. She is survived by her three children, nine grandchildren, Dr. Beth (Matt) Raecker, Dr. Drew (Sara) Erie, Kathryn (Kyle) Swenson, Hannah Erie, John Moen, Jeff Moen, Sarah Moen, Ellen Erie, Tom Erie, and 7 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Ken, and her parents, Alvin and Janette Holmquist. Services and internment will be held in Crookston this summer at a date to be determined.

Robert Moore

EAST GRAND FORKS - Robert A. Moore, 72, of East Grand Forks, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, February 10, 2022 at Aurora St.

Commissioners: Polk County bridge replacement priority list highlights

Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution for the county's bridge replacement priority list at their February 22 meeting with County Engineer Rich Sanders providing information on which projects are funded and when they'll happen. Of the 20 bridges on the list, seven bridges will be replaced, rehabilitated or removed in 2022, Sanders told the Times.

Crookston Baseball Association presents donations to Parks & Rec

During the February 22 Crookston Park Board meeting, Crookston Baseball Association treasurer Mike La- France, who is also the acting Park Board chair, presented three checks to the city's parks and recreation department totaling $38,000 for summer baseball and softball programs, senior legion baseball and junior league baseball. The Baseball Association is also paying for the lighting rehab project at Karn Field which will cost approximately $10,000, LaFrance added.

CROOKSTON GIRL SCOUTS HOSTED COOKIE SALE AT TRUE VALUE

Crookston Girl Scouts sold cookies at Scott's True Value Hardware Store Saturday. Pictured are Scouts Katherine and June at their table. If you'd like to order girl scout cookies, contact Troop Leader Marcia Haglund at 218-289-1489. JESS BENGTSON

Pirates avenge last year’s season-ending loss to Barnesville

The Crookston Pirates girls’ basketball team reached the 20-win mark with a set of victories over Norman County East and Barnesville this week. On Saturday, the girls avenged last year’s season-ending loss to Barnesville with a hard-fought 60-45 win.

Crookston High School Pep Fest and Snow Fest royalty 2022

Crookston High School's Snow Fest Week was February 14-18 and, during their Pep Fest held on February 17, Snow Fest royalty was announced plus senior students involved in winter sports and activities were recognized.