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.

Pirates earn season sweep of Prowlers with 4-2 victory

The Crookston Pirates girls’ hockey team defeated section rival Thief River Falls 4-2 to earn the series sweep on Monday, January 10. After a rough stretch of games—tying with Bemidji and losing to East Grand Forks and Roseau—the girls needed a game like this to set them back on track, head coach Emily Meyer said.

For tastier pasta, toast the noodles

A great way to add flavor to a pasta dish is to toast the noodles in oil, which brings out nutty notes that add complexity to the final result. And a great example of this lesson is sopa seca, which translates to “dry soup” from the Spanish.

Fournet Building subordination approved by Ways & Means Committee

Crookston City Council's Ways & Means Committee approved a preliminary request from First Community Credit Union for the City and CHEDA (Crookston Housing & Economic Development Authority) to subordinate loans for the Fournet Building in relation to proposed refinancing. Fournet owner Jeff Evers told the Committee after the approval that the project is moving along for its tenants, but the biggest delay was the elevator installation. Evers added that he had to change elevator companies after waiting over a year with no results, but the new elevator provider should have the install complete by April.

French, Osborn Crookston High School Triple ‘A’ award winners

Crookston High School seniors George French and Emma Osborn were recently named Minnesota State High School League's 2022 Triple 'A' Award recipients. The purpose of the Triple ‘A’ award is to recognize and honor high school seniors who have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field, and in fine arts.

The First Amendment

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Martin Luther King Day retroflection

May I share some reflections on a special person on a day of national celebration? Everyone has special memories that cement historical occurrences in their personal consciousness, whether it be the assassinations of the Kennedys or Martin Luther King, or the Jihadist assaults of 911. Mine relate directly to this day’s events and the historical circumstances that preceded it and proceeded from it.

Make every state count in presidential elections

Most Americans understand from a young age the fairness of one person, one vote. It’s one of the foundational principles of American democracy, so we learn it at school, and we hear it at home.

Scanner in a vehicle?

Question: I have a buddy who drives around with a scanner in his vehicle. He says because he has a ham radio license it’s legal, is that true? Answer: Your friend is correct.

Youth wrestlers compete in Mahnomen

The Crookston Pirate youth wrestlers competed in Mahnomen on Saturday, January 8. Deeken Solheim, Levi Kresl and Aiden Samuelson finished first.

Pirate wrestlers sweep home Triangular

The Crookston Pirates wrestling team went 2-0 in its Triangular with Blackduck-Cass Lake-Bena (BCLB) and Fertile on Tuesday, January 11. To cap the night, Fertile had five open classes, leading to a 57-15 Pirate victory.