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.

Minnesota National Guard soldiers reflect on time at Villa St. Vincent

Ten Minnesota National Guard soldiers turned nurses arrived in Crookston on December 17 the day before their first shift at the Benedictine's Villa St. Vincent and three weeks later they said farewell after what they called a "rewarding experience." The Times had the opportunity to sit down with guardsmen Karl Runningen, who has been in the military for 25 years (11 in the Army and 14 with the National Guard) and Zach Halvorson, who has been with the National Guard for eight years, just before their mission was complete.

Klemek’s Minnesota Outdoors: Snowy Owl

I spent the New Year in the Red River valley driving from Moorhead to Alvarado. I stopped at numerous towns along the way—Ada, Hendrum, Climax, Crookston, and East Grand Forks and Grand Forks. And in between all these towns were the wide open spaces of farmland, prairie, and river bottoms.

Exercise is a natural high

Two of the most popular New Year’s resolutions are to exercise more and to lose weight. New Year, New You – right? However, by February – or even earlier – those purchased exercise machines are collecting dust and people are cancelling gym memberships in droves.

Pirate wrestling bounces back

After a rough start in their Triangular on Thursday, January 6, the Crookston Pirate wrestling team bounced back to win all three matches at Mahnomen on Friday, January 7. In the Quadrangular at Mahnomen, Crookston picked up wins against Mahnomen-Waubun (48-30), Wadena-Deer Creek (51-18) and Pelican Rapids (58-15).

Doda scores hat trick in Pirates’ first win

The Crookston Pirates boys’ hockey team is showing major improvement, as they picked up their first win against Park Rapids Area and lost a close game to Thief River Falls (TRF). Two players were key to the Pirates’ success: Jack Doda and Alexander Longoria.

Men’s basketball adjusts without Channel

The University of Minnesota men’s basketball team challenged two Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) teams this weekend but came up short, falling to Upper Iowa 63-74 and Winona State 65-70.

Hesby rains threes in Pirates’ loss to East Grand Forks

The Crookston Pirates boys’ basketball team played evenly with East Grand Forks (EGF) up until the final minutes of the first half where the Green Wave went on an 8-0 run, leading to a 96-72 win. The Pirates were short two players, as Ryan Abeld left the game early with a knee injury, and Reggie Winjum was home sick.

David “Dave” Anthony Benson

David “Dave” Anthony Benson died peacefully at Villa St. Vincent on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the age of 82. A memorial service will be planned in the spring of 2022. The Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online registry and messages of condolence may be made at www. stenshoelhouske.com