April, 2023 | Krox AM

April 27, 2023

CHS’ FRANKIE TORVINEN AND EMMA GUNDERSON ARTWORK RECEIVES HONORS

Two Crookston High School students, Frankie Torvinen and Emma Gunderson’s artwork has received several honors.

Juried by the Northwest Arts Council Regional Art Show, and by the Office of Senator Mark Johnson, Frankie’s Torvinen ‘s photograph titled, Replaced by Positive Energy, has been chosen to appear for a year at the State Capitol Office Building. Frankie received a double-star award for her photography. She also entered additional photography and a painting at the Minnesota State High School League Art Festival for Region 8. Both of these works also earned double-star rankings.

Emma Gunderson completed three works for the Minnesota State High School League Art Festival, all of which earned double star and perfect score ratings. One of her paintings, entitled On a Trip is currently at the Northwest Minnesota Arts Council Art Competition in Middle River, MN. This painting has been chosen to travel through local communities for the next calendar year as a part of a collection of work throughout Northwest Minnesota.

April 26, 2023

HALLE BRUGGEMAN TO PLAY TENNIS AT WISCONSIN-STOUT AND MAJOR IN ENGINEERING

Crookston High School senior Halle Bruggeman signed a National Letter of Intent to play tennis at The University of Wisconsin Stout on Wednesday afternoon at Crookston High School with her parents, Chris and Stacey Bruggeman, sister Maddie, and Coach Cody Brekken in attendance. Stout is a member of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and an NCAA Division III program.

Bruggeman had over 50 victories from eighth grade to her senior year, with 15 wins during her senior year while primarily playing doubles throughout her career. While Bruggeman was a solid tennis player, she is an even better student and decided to attend Stout because she wants to be an engineer. The hands-on offerings at the school were the deciding factor. “They are a polytechnic institute which means it is a lot more hands-on learning which is something that I found I like more and I do better with, and for engineering, that’s important to do all the hands-on and lab stuff,” said Bruggeman “It is a little smaller I like the small hometown feel, and when the coach said I would have a spot on the starting roster, it was exciting to be able to play tennis again competitively and to be a part of that atmosphere I was told to go where I wanted to go and be happy, and I visited a lot of top-ranked schools, but it came down to the hands-on approach.”

Halle’s tennis coach said seeing a student-athlete play at the next level is always fun. “It is exciting, and there is no doubt she made the best decision for her and her family, and she’s got a great support system looking out for her, and she picked all the right things for her and her college choice,” said Brekken “She has everything, character, athletic ability, and academics, and we know she will make her family proud and the community proud and will do great things.”

Coach Brekken said Bruggeman is a hard-nosed, tough player. “She is a gritty player, and nothing affects her on the court,” said Coach Brekken. “She is a solid doubles player and hard ball striker who will do great at the next level.”

Halle Bruggeman with her family

April 26, 2023

Athlete of the Week – Isaac Thomforde

This week’s Athlete of the Week is Crookston Pirate Boy’s Tennis player Isaac Thomforde. The junior was the only Pirate to pick up a win this past weekend as the Pirates were in Hibbing for a tournament.

Isaac Thomforde

This year, Thomforde has played singles and throughout his tennis career he has spent most of his time on the singles court. “I do prefer singles over doubles,” said Thomforde. “I did get a chance to play doubles last year in the section tournament and that went well, but as of now I like sticking to singles.”

Thomforde has been a great player for the Pirates program the past few years, and this year he’s been tasked playing #1 singles, which he has handled well going 4-4 against tough opponents. “Isaac has been doing a lot of things great this year to allow him to play at a high level. His serve has been a huge part of his success, if he continues to work on his serve at practice and get it to where it is automatic, he will continue having a great season,” said Pirates coach Nick Garmen. “His ground strokes have also allowed him to have success, he has great technique and is very coachable. The last thing that has helped him this season is his attitude. He is always positive on the court no matter how he is playing. All of these things have allowed him to play great so far this season.”

Upon graduating from Crookston next spring, Thomforde is hoping to attend Bethel University in the Twin Cities to play tennis and major in Missional Ministries.

First started playing tennis – Freshman year

What is the best part of your game – Serving and Forehand

What part of your game would you like to see improvement on – play at the net

Favorite court to play at – Anywhere indoors

Do you have a favorite match from over the years – Last year I played against a kid at Bemidji, he beat me really bad the first time, but I asked him what I could do to play him better and he told me to go after his backhand. The next time I played him I did, and I ended up losing by just three in the super tiebreaker so that sticks out.

Favorite sports team – Minnesota Vikings

Favorite sport – Tennis

Favorite athlete – Anybody but Nick Garmen

Favorite Movie – The Passion of the Christ

Favorite TV Show – The Chosen

Favorite food – My mom’s potatoes and hamburger gravy

What music are you listening to – Christian Hip Hop

You’re stranded on a deserted island and you can have ANY three people with you – The Holy Trinity

Plans after graduation – As of now I want to go to Bethel University, play tennis and major in Missional Ministries.

Family –
Dad – Jim (pan boiler at American Crystal Sugar)
Mom – Shelly (government teacher at CHS)
Brother – Nathan (Welds for American Crystal Sugar in Hillsboro)

April 26, 2023

Brent C. Simmons – Obit

Brent C. Simmons, 58, Fargo, ND, formerly of Fertile and Warroad, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Brent Carter Simmons was born on September 15, 1964, to Curtis and Joan Simmons. He attended Fertile-Beltrami High School and graduated in 1983. After high school, he attended Mayville State University. He began his career at Marvin Windows as a dock worker, where he retired after 27 years of service.

Brent enjoyed fishing for walleyes and spent many years fishing on the Warroad River and ice fishing on Lake of the Woods. He also enjoyed spending time at the local casinos and visiting with friends. His card-playing skills were highly competitive and legendary. He was a very easy-going kind of guy who always had a story to share.

He loved his sports! His passion for baseball started when he was very young where he spent time pitching and playing baseball with his brother and the local teams when he was older. His heart was always with the Minnesota Twins. He knew the Twins record and where they were in the standings. Many comments were shared if it was a tough year. Brent also enjoyed watching sporting events for Concordia College, the NDSU Bison the Minnesota Gophers, and many, many more teams.

Brent was very engaged with family and friends. He was the kind of guy that walked into a room and would know several people. He truly enjoyed talking with people and certainly had the gift of gab. While he had a very close relationship with his immediate family, his pride and joy were his nieces and nephews. He treasured them so much, and they him.

Brent is survived by his siblings, Craig (Karen), Waseca, MN, Holly (Terry) Geeck, White City, OR, Jody (Darrin) Rude, Pelican Rapids, MN, and Wendy (Stacy) Pellett, West Fargo, ND; his nieces and nephews; and grand-nieces and grand-nephew.

He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents; Truman and Dagny Simmons, and Julius and Mable Halstensgard, and several aunts and uncles.

Special thank you to Sanford Health and all Bethany Towers staff for their care.

Funeral: 2:00 PM, Friday, April 28, 2023, at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home, Fertile, MN.

A Visitation and Prayer Service will take place from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home in Fertile on the day of the service.

Interment: First Evanger Lutheran Cemetery, Fertile, MN.

April 26, 2023

Robert N. Rude – Obit

Robert N. Rude, 73, Halstad, MN, formerly of Ada, MN, passed away on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.

Robert “Bob” Neil Rude was born on September 1, 1949, to Gilmer and Bernice (Foss) Rude in Fargo, ND. Bob was one of five children. He graduated from William Kelly High School in Silver Bay, MN in 1968 and was an avid runner in track and cross country, at one time holding the Silver Bay High School record for the mile run. After some time, Bob pursued his associate degree as a Personal Technician at Western Wisconsin Technical Institute in La Crosse, WI, graduating in 1980. Over the years Bob worked in various positions ranging from farm labor, construction, and restaurant management. He made the decision to move to Ada, MN in the 1990s to be near family.

Bob enjoyed all activities outdoors, bow and gun hunting, fishing, and trapping. He also enjoyed woodworking.

Bob is survived by his siblings, Ron Rude, Hillsboro, ND; Douglas (Nancy) Rude, Moorpark, CA; and Barbara Church, Londonderry, NH; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilmer and Bernice; brother, Bradley Rude; brother-in-law, Rick Church; and many aunts and uncles.

Memorial Service: 2:00 PM, Friday, May 19, 2023 at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Halstad, MN.

Visitation: One hour before the memorial service at the funeral home in Halstad.

Inurnment: St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery, Nielsville, MN.

April 26, 2023

Athlete of the Week – Isaac Thomforde

This weeks Athlete of the Week is Crookston Pirate Boys Tennis player Isaac Thomforde. The junior was the only Pirate to pick up a win this past weekend as the Pirates were in Hibbing for a tournament.

Isaac Thomforde

This year, Thomforde has played singles and throughout his tennis career he has spent most of his time on the singles court. I do prefer singles over doubles, said Thomforde. I did get a chance to play doubles last year in the section tournament and that went well, but as of now I like sticking to singles.

Thomforde has been a great player for the Pirates program the past few years, and this year hes been tasked playing #1 singles, which he has handled well going 4-4 against tough opponents. Isaac has been doing a lot of things great this year to allow him to play at a high level. His serve has been a huge part of his success, if he continues to work on his serve at practice and get it to where it is automatic, he will continue having a great season, said Pirates coach Nick Garmen. His ground strokes have also allowed him to have success, he has great technique and is very coachable. The last thing that has helped him this season is his attitude. He is always positive on the court no matter how he is playing. All of these things have allowed him to play great so far this season.

Upon graduating from Crookston next spring, Thomforde is hoping to attend Bethel University in the Twin Cities to play tennis and major in Missional Ministries.

First started playing tennis Freshman year

What is the best part of your game Serving and Forehand

What part of your game would you like to see improvement on play at the net

Favorite court to play at Anywhere indoors

Do you have a favorite match from over the years Last year I played against a kid at Bemidji, he beat me really bad the first time, but I asked him what I could do to play him better and he told me to go after his backhand. The next time I played him I did, and I ended up losing by just three in the super tiebreaker so that sticks out.

Favorite sports team Minnesota Vikings

Favorite sport Tennis

Favorite athlete Anybody but Nick Garmen

Favorite Movie The Passion of the Christ

Favorite TV Show The Chosen

Favorite food My moms potatoes and hamburger gravy

What music are you listening to Christian Hip Hop

Youre stranded on a deserted island and you can have ANY three people with you The Holy Trinity

Plans after graduation As of now I want to go to Bethel University, play tennis and major in Missional Ministries.

Family
Dad Jim (American Crystal Sugar)
Mom Shelly (Teacher at CHS
Sisters Nathan (American Crystal Suger in Hillsboro)

The post Athlete of the Week – Isaac Thomforde appeared first on KROX.

April 26, 2023

THREE CHS FEMALE STUDENTS TO ATTEND GIRLS STATE

Crookston High School students Nashalie Tellez, Ny Nguyen, and Emily Soberon have been selected to attend the 2023 American Legion Auxiliary Girls State from June 11-17 at Bethel University.

Girls State is a week-long experience of learning about Minnesota government at the local, county, and state levels by their participation in the process. The girls are being sponsored by Crookston American Legion Auxiliary Unit #20.

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April 26, 2023

President Joe Biden speaks to labor leaders after announcement of 2024 bid

President Joe Biden pitched his economic vision and promised to deliver for American workers during a speech to labor leaders in Washington, D.C., just hours after announcing his 2024 reelection bid.

Biden said he was proud to be considered a pro-union president and will continue to push policies that will produce more union jobs, while chastising Republicans for not voting for the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act and other initiatives, which he said will cut the debt while supporting jobs that will construction and other jobs that boost the middle class. Speaking over the chants of “four more years”, Biden addressed the labor federation at the North America’s Building Trades Unions at the Washington Hilton, which represents 14 unions and nearly three million workers. He said “We’re on the cusp of major change. We’re creating jobs again. Manufacturing has come alive again. People can afford decent health care. Towns that have been forgotten and left behind are coming to life again because of you all — what we’re doing … Now we’ve just got to keep going. Finish the job… Wall Street did not build America, the middle class built America and unions built the middle class.”

The speech was Biden’s first public event after making his 2024 re-election bid official in a video message on Tuesday morning. Biden said that unions were responsible for growing jobs and the economy alongside him since he entered the White House, and urged workers to stick by his side: “Folks, trickle-down economics doesn’t work. We’ve got a very different plan for the economy, we, you and I together, we’re turning things around, and we’re doing it in a big way.”

Editorial credit: Trevor Bexon / Shutterstock.com

April 26, 2023

One-year-old girl hospitalized after shooting in Oakland, CA

Police in Oakland say a one-year-old girl was wounded in a shooting in Oakland, Calif. The shooting took place at around 6:15 p.m. Monday when the family’s car pulled up to a fire station near East 15th Street and 12th Avenue.

Multiple reports said that the shooting was captured on surveillance footage and that the family could be seen looking for help at the fire station. Firefighters gave the child medical assistance as they waited for paramedics who brought her to the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in stable condition.

Police did not say if it was a random or targeted shooting and had no information about possible suspects. Additional details of the condition of the 15-month-old child was not yet released as of press time.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Oakland Police Department at 510-238-3426.

Editorial credit: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com

April 26, 2023

Hulu’s ‘Reasonable Doubt’ is renewed for Season 2

Hulu’s ‘Reasonable Doubt’ will return for a second season. Executive producer Kerry Washington confirmed that the streaming service renewed the legal drama series for Season 2. Reasonable Doubt premiered on Hulu in September 2022.

Washington shared a TikTok video on Twitter that showed her “pass” on new ideas for her previous projects, including Scandal and Little Fires Everywhere; when Reasonable Doubt Season 2 was suggested, Washington reacted with “smash.” Washington captioned the tweet: “Ready to SMASH. Season 2 of #ReasonableDoubtHulu here we gooooooo.”

Created by Raamla Mohamed, Reasonable Doubt follows Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi), a defense attorney at a prestigious Los Angeles law firm. Morris Chestnut (The Best Man, The Resident) will join Season 2 as a series regular, portraying Corey Cash, “a charming, media-savvy defense attorney who often represents the underdogs.” McKinley Freeman, Tim Jo, Angela Grovey, Thaddeus J. Mixon, Aderinsola Olabode and Michael Ealy also star.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com