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.

Polk County Sheriff’s Office: Juvenile hit by pickup in Fosston

A juvenile was hit by a pickup while crossing the street in Fosston on January 7, the Polk County Sheriff's Office reports. Dispatchers were notified of the accident at approximately 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of 1st St E and N Granum Ave in the City of Fosston and, upon further investigation, found that a juvenile female was crossing 1st St E when she was struck by a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup driving east.

CROOKSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCIDENT REPORTS

An accident was reported on January 6 at 3:24 p.m. at the 1200 block of North Front Street where a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a juvenile male of Crookston, collided with a 2002 Ford F150, driven by Alexis Schmisek of Crookston. There were no injuries and mild and moderate damage to both vehicles. A citation was issued to the juvenile male driver.

Dennis James Kuzel

MOORHEAD - Dennis James Kuzel, 79, of Moorhead, MN, and a former longtime Crookston, MN resident, passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2022, in the Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, ND, with his family at his side.

Wayne LeRoy Yeager

CROOKSTON - Wayne LeRoy Yeager, 62, of Crookston, MN, passed away at his home Thursday evening, January 6, 2022, comforted by his family gathered at his bedside. Wayne was born in Fargo, ND on August 3, 1959, the son of Elton LeRoy and Eva Ingrid Elizabeth Maria (Ottl) Yeager.

Debra “Debbie” Jean Paulson

CROOKSTON - Debra “Debbie” Jean Paulson, 66, a Crookston, MN native and lifelong resident, passed away at RiverView Health early Thursday evening with some family by her side, January 6, 2022, after a brief illness.

Daniel Leroy Johnson

MENTOR - Daniel Leroy Johnson, 58, passed away Thursday night, January 6, 2022 in his home in Mentor, MN surrounded by his family. Dan was born October 30, 1963 to Stanley and Betty (Hinkley) Johnson in Grand Forks, ND.

LaVonne Jobe Hinkley

BATESVILLE, AR - - LaVonne Jobe Hinkley, 85, of Batesville passed away January 7, 2022. She was born July 29, She was born July 29, 1936 in Eldred, Minnesota to Henry and Irene (Wachter) Jobe.

Council hears first reading of ordinance on traffic rules for UTV use

Crookston Police Chief Paul Biermaier spent time at the podium at this week's City Council meeting offering the first reading of an ordinance that details traffic rules for Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) use within the city. Should the Council pass the ordinance, a permit would be required to operate a UTV on city roadways, streets, alleys and other public property.

Public Works purchase OK’d by Council

Crookston City Council approved Public Works' request this week to purchase a directional snow plow loader attachment and increase their budget after it was said that the attachment could do three times the "swipe" of their current plow. Recent snow events have kept city employees busy and following recommendations from two cities nearby, Public Works Director Brandon Carlson says the new attachment will go along with the upgraded equipment that will arrive this summer.

Roseau scores 3 in first en route to 6-2 Win

The Crookston Pirates girls’ hockey team lost 6-2 to conference-leading Roseau on Saturday, January 8. The Rams got off to a hot start, scoring three goals in the first period.