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.

CHS Prom committee raises money with baked potato bar

The Crookston High School Prom 2022 Committee had a baked potato bar fundraiser January 27 in the high school commons while the Pirates basketball teams played Climax-Fisher. A freewill offering was collected. Here, some happy customers show off their baked potatoes and fixings. NATALIE DILLON

CHS Speech team has first in-person tourney in two years

The Crookston High School Speech Team kicked off the tournament season this past weekend in Fergus Falls. This was the first in-person tournament in two years and CHS students brought home medals. George French competed in Humorous Interpretation and received a 1st place medal in Honors Finals and Isaac Wandrie competed in Great Speeches receiving a 6th place medal in Honors Finals. The next tournament will be in Staples on February 12. Photo (left to right): George French, Isaac Wandrie, Coach Brandon Adams, Jack Anderson SUBMITTED

Kiwanis Builders Club host pancake breakfast fundraiser

Crookston High School Kiwanis Builder's Club members gather for a quick photo during their pancake fundraiser January 30 at the Masonic Lodge. They raised money to support the Builder's Club and 5th grade Terrific Kids program at Highland Elementary. JESS BENGTSON

Civic Music League Artist Series presents ‘Duo Baldo’ Feb. 8

The musical comedy team “Duo Baldo” will entertain the audience Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at 7 p.m. at the Crookston High School auditorium. Concert admission for the Crookston Civic Music League concert series is by season ticket only. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door. For rides call T.H.E. Bus at 218-281-0700.

Braxton Volker Earns 100th Career Win in Home Dual

The Crookston Pirates wrestling team may have lost both matches against Detroit Lakes and West Central Area, but they had reason to celebrate as Braxton Volker picked up his 100th career win. “That’s a huge milestone,” head coach Wes Hanson said.

Highland School displays new Pirate decals on the office windows

Highland Elementary School has a new way to show their "Pirate Pride" and maintain a little privacy in their office all thanks to Pirate decals installed along the office windows. The decals were approved by the Crookston School Board in November 2021 and "spice up" the main commons area. School Board member Mike Theis told the board in November he liked the aspect of privacy for students who are in the office as the open windows before allowed others to see right inside. Highland Principal Chris Trostad told the board in November that the decals were just another way to "brand" the school as Pirate country.

Hesby Records Double-Double in Win over Fisher-Climax

The Crookston Pirates boys’ basketball team picked up its third win of the season over Fisher-Climax behind senior Jacob Hesby’s double-double performance. Hesby gave the Pirates their first points going 1-3 from the line after being fouled shooting a three.

Kick and Jazz Compete

The Crookston Pirates dance team competed in Bemidji and at Conference on Thursday, January 27 and Friday, January 28. Conference, which was originally scheduled for January 21 but postponed due to weather, was held in Detroit Lakes.

Girls’ Hockey Finishes Busy Week 3-1

After defeating Detroit Lakes and Bemidji, the Crookston Pirates girls’ hockey team finished their busy week 3-1, defeating East Grand Forks (EGF) 3-1 but losing to Fergus Falls 3-4 in OT. The Green Wave lost to Thief River and Bemidji going into Friday’s game, giving the Pirates an extra incentive to win.

Boys’ Hockey Earns Season Sweep of Park Rapids

After a 6-0 loss to Hibbing on Friday, the Crookston Pirates boys’ hockey team responded with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Park Rapids for the season sweep on Saturday. The Pirates got off to a slow start, however, putting just six shots on goal in the first period without a goal.