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.
Crookston City Council to Discuss Land Donation, Leases, and 2025 Planning
The Crookston City Council will convene Monday evening following the Truth in Taxation meeting to tackle a wide range of issues, including a proposed land donation to Minnesota Northern Railroad, updates to city leases, and planning for 2025.
Among the key agenda items is a resolution to approve the in-kind donation of 10 acres of Industrial Park land to Minnesota Northern Railroad. The donation is part of an agreement tied to the Minnesota Department of Transportation’s Rail Service Improvement Program, aimed at boosting local industrial development.
Additionally, the council will vote on renewing cash farm leases at two city properties. These include a lease at the Industrial Park with BTB Farms and a lease near the Crookston Sports Center with Ryan Richman.
Another significant topic is an amendment to a Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) contract for ADA retrofits on Trunk Highway 2. The amendment reflects updates to the city’s ongoing accessibility improvements.
Other resolutions on the agenda include:
A subordination request for Building Vision Crookston, LLC, related to property at 509 N. Main St.
Approval of Small Cities Development Program funding for Golf Insiders, LLC, using local income.
Adoption of the city’s 2025 calendar for regular council and Ways and Means meetings.
Discussion of rescheduling the Dec. 23 meeting to Dec. 30.
The meeting, open to the public, will also include routine business such as approving city bills and disbursements totaling $334,421.20, as well as renewing liquor and tobacco licenses for 2025.
Residents may participate in the public forum to voice concerns or suggestions about issues not on the agenda. The forum is limited to 15 minutes.
The meeting will be live-streamed on the City of Crookston’s YouTube channel. For those unable to attend in person, comments can be made by phone at (218) 281-4515 during the public forum.
