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.

Add sweetened condensed milk to your list of staples

The list of pantry staples always begins with items like dried beans, pasta, rice and trickles down to canned fruit, soups and breadcrumbs. But near the top of my supply list is sweetened condensed milk. Just seeing the can makes me happy.

NCTC students named to Phi Theta Kappa’s All-State Team

Two Northland Community & Technical College students, Abigail Medicraft and Isaac Wood, were recently named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Minnesota Academic Team. Only 40 students from across Minnesota were chosen for this elite honor.

Snowshoe Lacing Workshop and Candlelight Ski/Owl Prowl Event at Rydell

Looking for a new hobby to help you get through the long, cold winter months? On Saturday, February 19, the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host a Snowshoe Lacing Workshop at the Rydell National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center near Erskine.

UMN EXTENSION: FREE FAMILY FOCUSED WEBINARS NOW THROUGH APRIL

University of Minnesota Extension Center for Family Development educators and partners are facilitating webinars, providing information and resources for families and those who serve families to make informed decisions leading to greater health, resilience and well-being.

Crookston Rotary Club Students of the Month

Crookston Rotary Club recently celebrated their Students of the Month from Crookston High School and University of Minnesota Crookston including Kristine Cotten (UMC) and Claire Oman and Emma Osborn (CHS.) Each Student of the Month receives a $100 scholarship with the high school students receiving theirs during the annual Triple A Banquet towards the end of the school year.

Crookston Rotary Club welcomes new members

Crookston Rotary Club recently inducted new members Amy Finch, pictured second from left, Brandon Carlson, third from left, and Robert Barnes, second from right. They're shown here with Rotary President George French, left, and their membership sponsor Don Cavalier, right. Interested in learning more about Rotary? They meet on the second and third Wednesday of each month at noon at the Crookston Inn. JESS BENGTSON

McCleary named CEO of American Federal Bank

Dean McCleary has been named President and CEO of American Federal Bank. McCleary has served as Senior Vice president and Chief Financial Officer of American Federal for the past 19 years. Prior to that he was the Vice Chancellor for Finance at University of Minnesota in Crookston, and also spent 14 years with Bremer as Senior Vice President of Finance.

United Way Dine Out Week through January 30

United Way of Crookston's "Dine Out Week" will be held through January 30 with seven restaurants participating including Scobey's Pub & Grub, Joe's Diner, Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream, RBJ's Restaurant, Mugoo's Pizza, Irishman's Shanty and Drafts Sports Bar & Grill. Participating restaurants have pledged to make a donation to the United Way from sales earned during Dine Out Week.

Council Ways & Means Committee discusses Golden Link snow removal

The City Council Ways & Means Committee discussed the Golden Link Senior Center and using city resources for public purpose during their meeting this week, and heard that, according to state statute, they were allowed to appropriate money to support facilities but not provide in-kind services. The Golden Link, which falls under nonprofit Crookston Area Senior Association (CASA), Inc., receives an annual stipend from the city and has also received snow removal and garbage collection from the city which allegedly violates the city's own policies.