July, 2023 | Krox AM

July 31, 2023

CROOKSTON COMMUNITY POOL TO REOPEN AUGUST 2

The Crookston Community Pool will reopen on Wednesday, August 2, with limited times and open swim numbers due to a lack of lifeguards.

The schedule for August 2-4 is-
6:00 to 9:00 a.m. Lap Swim
9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Aqua Class
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Open Swim (limit of 20 people due to staffing)

On August 5 and 6, the Pool is closed.

COSTS-
$5 per open swim
$5 per lap swim
$5 per aqua swim

The City of Crookston is looking for lifeguards. You have to be 15 or older and need to get certified. If you have any questions, contact Mikayla at 218-280-1118 or mjacobson@crookston.mn.us.

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July 31, 2023

CROOKSTON COMMUNITY POOL TO REOPEN AUGUST 2

The Crookston Community Pool will reopen on Wednesday, August 2, with limited times and open swim numbers due to a lack of lifeguards.

The schedule for August 2-4 is-
6:00 to 9:00 a.m. Lap Swim
9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Aqua Class
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Open Swim (limit of 20 people due to staffing)

On August 5 and 6, the Pool is closed.

COSTS-
$5 per open swim
$5 per lap swim
$5 per aqua swim

The City of Crookston is looking for lifeguards. You have to be 15 or older and need to get certified. If you have any questions, contact Mikayla at 218-280-1118 or mjacobson@crookston.mn.us.

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July 31, 2023

RIVERVIEW HEALTH HOSTING BLOOD DRIVE ON AUGUST 1

People often wait for a major tragedy to strike to consider donating blood. But every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood, meaning tragedies on an individual scale are happening daily. Donate now to ensure they have what they need when their tragedy strikes.

RiverView Health Auxiliary, in cooperation with Vitalant, is sponsoring a blood drive on Tuesday, August 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the RiverView Conference Rooms 1-3. If you can donate and would like to make an appointment, please contact Carrie Bergquist at 218-281-9572 or cbergquist@riverviewhealth.org. You can also schedule your appointment online by visiting www.donors.vitalant.org.

Remember that there is no substitute for blood. It cannot be manufactured and is the gift of life that only human beings can give to one another. Please consider donating.

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July 31, 2023

CROOKSTONITES PARTICIPATE IN BIKE RIDE ACROSS IOWA

Crookston Represented in the RAGBRAI “One L of a Ride”

Jim Kozitka and John Janssen completed the Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) on Saturday, July 29th. RAGBRAI is more than just a bike ride. It is an epic seven-day rolling festival of bicycles, music, food, camaraderie, and community. It is the oldest, largest, and longest multi-day bicycle touring event in the world, according to the website. The ride began on the west side in Sioux City, Iowa, ending with a tire dip into the mighty Mississippi in Davenport.

What stood out about this year’s 50th Anniversary 500-mile ride was the elevations and the heat, with temps ranging over 100 degrees on multiple days and heat indexes of 110 and more. Each year the route changes, with daily rides in 2023 extending between 55-89 miles and elevations daily reaching up to 4,218 feet of climb. Elevations that are hard to train for when Crookston is home.

Both riders noted that the daily celebrations and concerts were clearly enjoyed more by the locals in the overnight towns. “It was a matter of setting up a tent and getting a few hours of sleep, and we would hit it again long before daybreak to try and beat the heat,” said Kozitka.

The last stop before the finish seemed to round out a week of survival when a heavy thunderstorm came through during the night, scampering bikers to shelters with power outages and downed trees in the area.

Janssen and Kozitka agreed it was nice to be home.

Crookston’s Cathy LaJesse and Bill Kresl also participated in the ride.

Jim Kozitka and John Janssen by the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa.

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July 31, 2023

American nurse and her child kidnapped near Port-au-Prince, Haiti

An American nurse and her child were kidnapped near Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince on Thursday. El Roi Haiti, a Christian humanitarian organization, has identified the woman as Alix Dorsainvil. Dorsainvi works for the nonprofit organization, and her husband and the child’s father, Sandro Dorsainvil, is the organization’s founder and director of operations in Haiti.

Dorsainvil, who hails from New Hampshire, lived and worked in Port-au-Prince as a nurse at the school run by El Roi Haiti. The organization said that Dorsainvil and the child were kidnapped from the organization’s campus near Port-au-Prince on Thursday morning “while serving in our community ministry.”

El Roi Haiti “aims to expand access to affordable education and teaches a faith-based curriculum.” Jason Brown, the president and co-founder of El Roi Haiti Outreach International, said in a statement shared to the organization’s website: “Our team at El Roi Haiti is grateful for the outpouring of prayers, care, and support for our colleague. We continue to work with our partners and trusted relationships to secure their safe return.” Brown said Dorsainvil is “a deeply compassionate and loving person who considers Haiti her home and the Haitian people her friends and family … Alix has worked tirelessly as our school and community nurse to bring relief to those who are suffering as she loves and serves the people of Haiti in the name of Jesus Thank you for your support and compassion during this on-going situation. We would request that no attempts be made. to contact the family for comment at this time.” Brown asked the public to “refrain from speculating on social media about this situation in order to protect Alix and her child during this time” and said that any updates will be shared to the El Roi Haiti website.

Federal officials in the United States said they are in contact with Haitian authorities, and a spokesperson for the State Department said in a statement: “The U.S. Department of State and our embassies and consulates abroad have no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. We are aware of reports of the kidnapping of two U.S. citizens in Haiti. We are in regular contact with Haitian authorities and will continue to work with them and our U.S. government interagency partners. We have nothing further to share at this time.”

Editorial credit: SevenMaps / Shutterstock.com

July 31, 2023

Two people killed by gunfire blocks away from University of Florida campus

Police in Gainesville, Florida confirmed that two people were killed after shots rang out in a crowd in nearby the University of Florida campus.

The Gainesville Police Department said police officers had been conducting crowd control in downtown Gainesville in the area of 900 West University Avenue – several blocks from the University of Florida campus – when they heard gunshots early Sunday. Police could not confirm how many people were shot, but reported two of the shooting victims later died from their injuries.

The Gainesville Police Department posted on social media that “anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 352-955-1818 or can remain anonymous by contacting the Alachua County Crime Stoppers at 352-372-7867,” and that additional information will be provided at a later time as it becomes available.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/people-killed-after-shots-fired-blocks-university-florida-101852976

Editorial credit: University of College / Shutterstock.com

July 31, 2023

Apple TV+ announces new French haute couture drama “La Maison”

Apple TV+ has announced the new series La Maison, a new, 10-episode fashion drama. The series will star Lambert Wilson, Amira Casar, Carole Bouquet, Zita Hanrot, Pierre Deladonchamps, Antoine Reinartz, Anne Consigny, Florence Loiret Caille and Ji-min Park.

La Maison follows the family behind a contemporary French iconic fashion house, and according to a press release, the series “gives an immersive look behind the scenes of the ever-evolving world of fashion, aspirational French elegance and luxury, and the lives of its powerful families.”

An official series synopsis reads: “High fashion meets high drama in this behind-the-curtain look at how a family dynasty of an iconic fashion house is thrown into scandal and reinvention by a viral video featuring star designer Vincent LeDu (Wilson), leaving his family’s legendary haute couture house hanging by a thread. Perle Foster (Casar), Vincent’s former muse who is still in his shadow, teams up with next-generation, visionary designer Paloma Castel (Hanrot) to save and recreate the century-old Maison LEDU, claiming their rightful place in both the LeDu family and the fashion world.”

La Maison is created by José Caltagirone and Valentine Milville, who also serve as showrunners.

Editorial credit: Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock.com

July 31, 2023

Emmy Awards ceremony postponed because of SAG, WGA strikes

The Emmy Awards has been postponed due to the ongoing Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes. The unions for both guilds have also forbidden members to attend awards shows or take part in promotional events.

The Emmys, which honors excellence in television and streaming, had been planned for Sept. 18, but will now take place on a later date to be determined by the Television Academy and Fox, pending the outcome of the strikes. The presentation is now expected to air in January.

The ongoing Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild strikes have shut down TV and film productions all over the world, as members have been picketing in Los Angeles and New York. Actors and writers are seeking higher wages and clear guidelines regarding the use of artificial intelligence. The WGA has been out of work since May.

Editorial credit: Elliott Cowand Jr / Shutterstock.com

July 31, 2023

BULLETIN BOARD-July 31, 2023

The Crookston Community Pool is closed until further notice.

The Crookston Lions and Minakwa Golf Course Annual Youth Golf Tournament will be on August 7. Registration will be at 8:00 am, with a Shot Gun Start at 9:00 am. Ages 8 and under four holes and all receive a participation medal 9-10 years old: 9 holes 11-12 years old: 9 holes 13-14 years old: 18 holes 15-17 years old: 18 holes Prizes awarded for Boys and Girls Medalists along with trophies and door prizes. The entry fee is $20 (lunch included). Park and Rec golfers aged eight and under are $10 (lunch included).

The Crookston Eagles Club will have $8 burger baskets today from 5:30 to 7:00 pm.

The Golden Link will have Forrest LaPorte, CNP, speaking on “Heart Attack & Stroke Prevention” on Tuesday at 10:00 am. There’s limited seating, so call 281-3072 to reserve your spot.

The Crookston Public Library will have Baby Bounce on Tuesday from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. These are social and early literacy activities for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have darts and an Aerie meeting at 7:00 pm on Tuesday.

Nite to Unite Neighbors Joining Neighbors will be held on Tuesday from 4:30 to 7:30 pm on the University of Minnesota Crookston campus.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have an Auxiliary meeting on Wednesday starting at 7:00 pm.

RiverView Health will host a four-hour First Aid Class Thursday from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm at the RiverView Home Care Building, 721 South Minnesota Street in Crookston. The cost of the class is $55. You must pay in advance to save your spot. To register or for more information, call 281-9536. No walk-ins will be accepted.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Thursday starting at 6:30 pm.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Friday starting at 6:30 pm. This is a $500 must-go jackpot.

There will be a Ride for Elliot fundraiser on Saturday, August 5, starting at IC Muggs in Crookston. Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m., and kick stands up at 11:00 a.m. Stops include Gentilly, Fertile, and will end in Lengby with a free-will offering meal by Fozzies. The cost is $20 per bike, and they will have a 50/50 raffle. For more information, call 605-770-5191. The proceeds from the ride go to Elliot Thompson, the daughter of Jordan and Kayse Thompson. Elliot is two years old and was born with myelocytocele, a type of spina bifida, and they will have to make a trip to Philadelphia to see a specialist every six months to a year for treatment.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday starting at 2:00 pm. This is a $400 must-go jackpot.

Minnesota Northern Railroad will be replacing the track on Polk County 9, just west of Highway 75 (the crossing by American Crystal Sugar). The road will be closed and detoured for three days starting August 7.

The Fisher American Legion will have a Legion and SAL meeting on Tuesday, August 8, at 7:00 pm.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 9.

Crookston High School FFA will be having an alumni and supporter charter chapter informational meeting on August 10 in the Crookston High School commons at 6:00 pm. If your time in the blue jacket was memorable and you want to give back, or you have seen the benefits that FFA provides students, you’re invited to an information meeting. You do NOT have to be a past FFA member. FFA alumni and supporters lend education and financial assistance to their local FFA chapter.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 16.

The Crookston Public Library will have a free Summer Concert featuring Kissing Company Thursday, August 17, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket for seating. Admission is free, thanks to Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Seri funding.

Summer Arts Safari and Crookston Community Theatre will present Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids on Friday, August 18, at 5:30 pm. and Saturday, August 19, at 11:00 am. at Highland Elementary School. Adults 13 years and older are $5, children 6 to 12 are $3, and kids under 5 are free. Grades 3 through 9 can register to take part in the play on Monday, August 14, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. at Highland Elementary School. The cost is $25 and includes a T-Shirt. Practice will be Monday through Friday, August 14-18, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bring your own lunch and water bottle.

The 19th Annual Crookston Blue Line Club 5-Person Golf Scramble will be on August 18. 8:00 am registration, 9:00 am. Shotgun Start. Team Sponsorship is $4; Individual Entry is $80.00. For more information and to register, contact Katie Fee at 218-470-0423 or crookstonhockey@gmail.cm.

The Central High School Class of 1963 will be celebrating their 60th reunion on Saturday, August 19, from 12:30 to 5:00 at the Irishman’s Shanty.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 23.

The Wesley United Methodist Church will have Summer Salad Lunches on August 24, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. They offer a variety of salads, homemade desserts, and beverages. Dine-in or take-out is available for $12.00 per meal.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, August 30.

DNR Hunter Safety Training for youth aged 11 and older will be on August 29 and 31, September 1, 5, 7, and 8. Field Day and Test will be Saturday, September 9. Classes are held at the Crookston Gun Club, 26251 240th St. S.W. in Crookston. To register, call Steve Videen at 218-289-2115 or email him at stevevideen@yahoo.com.

CONTINUING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Grand Theatre will have a Classic Family Matinee and Video Club gaming every Wednesday at 1:00 pm Admission is free with a concession purchase or pay just $1.

A fundraising account has been established for David Meine, a Crookston native who suffers from Stage 3 Huntington’s disease. He recently became a double amputee and is confined to a wheelchair. Funds will be used to remodel their home to make it handicapped accessible. Stop by or mail a donation to American Federal Bank, 304 North Broadway, Crookston, MN. 56716 or call 218-281-3305. Reference “Benefit Account for David Meine.”

Twig and Branch Collection will be held on the second and fourth Mondays from June through October. Place the materials on your curbside. Branches must be cut into four-foot lengths and bundled by the crew to take them away. Annuities or tree trunks not cut to this length and bundled will be left for the owner to haul away. Twigs may be in boxes or bags. Individuals removing their diseased elm trees should call City Hall to schedule a pickup. Please note that leaves, grass, and other compostable material must be in the clear City of Crookston bags and will be collected on your regular garbage collection day.

The Crookston Care and Share are now accepting donations of Women’s, Men’s, and children’s clothing, toiletries, and other everyday items. Donations may be dropped off at the Care and Share Center at 220 East Third Street.

The Crookston Public Library’s Books & Brews Book Club meet on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 pm at Drafts Sports Bar and Grill. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages. Appetizers are provided by the Friends of the Crookston Public Library; participants are responsible for the cost of thein food and drinks. All are welcome.

The Crookston Public Library’s Reading by the Red Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 pm. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages.

The Golden Link is serving noon lunch Monday through Friday. The cost is $8. Veterans’ meals are half-price on the first Monday of the month. Call 281-3072 by 10:00 the day you plan to have lunch.

The Crookston Friends of the Library meet on the third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm.

The Crookston Library Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:15 pm.

The Grand Theatre will have free gaming or family movie Wednesdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. It’s free with a concession stand purchase per person or just $1 without a concession stand purchase.

The Cove Youth Center in Crookston is open Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Students and parents should call ahead to check the availability of the youth center at 218-470-0149.

The Crookston Care and Share Center’s Donation and New Hope Food Shelf will be open every Monday and Wednesday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, and every Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm click here for information on the Care and Share New Hope Food Shelf website. For more information or to donate, call 218-277-0000.

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July 31, 2023

Allen Ray Stortroen-OBIT

Allen Ray Stortroen, 67, a Crookston, MN native, passed away unexpectedly from natural causes at his home Saturday morning, July 29, 2023.

Allen was born on July 31, 1955, in Crookston, the 5th of 6 children of the union of Sidney H. and Lois Eva (Bennen) Stortroen. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he was a lifelong member and graduated from Central High School as a member of the Class of 1973. While in high school, he worked part-time at the local M&H service station. On April 15, 1978, Allen was united in marriage to his soulmate and the love of his life, Mary Jane Jorgenson. The ceremony was held in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Warren, MN. Allen and Mary Jane made their home in Crookston and together raised their 3 children: Nicole, Tanya, and Travis, in a very loving home. During his early years, Allen was employed at various times with Red Owl in the Meat Department, Terra Chemical Company, American Crystal Sugar, and Burlington Northern Railroad. In 1980 he began his career with M&H, managing and supervising their convenience center and service station in Crookston; He transferred within the company to retail supervisor and then maintenance supervisor for all M&H stores; later transferring to the Grand Forks M&H Store as the manager. He retired in 2020 after a long and rewarding 40-year career as an integral part of the M&H company.

Allen was the family handyman, considered by them to be the master of all trades. He cherished every day he spent with Mary, and the couple were inseparable, whether hunting, fishing, or camping at Stony Point Resort, near Cass Lake, MN, for the last thirty years. He loved animals and, over the years, had several dogs, including his most recent, his beloved Willow. She was always at his side and rarely let him out of her sight. Allen was the honorary Coach of the Minnesota Wild and rarely missed watching a game. He knew every single MN Wild player and their individual stats and could rehash a game and tell you what they were doing right, and what they were doing not so right. Winning the Stanley Cup was a longtime dream and perhaps he will get to celebrate with the team some day from Heaven.

Allen and Mary Jane were very proud of their family and spent a lifetime cheering on their many accomplishments. He loved getting stuffed animals from the claw machines and gifting them to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and any other kid who happened to be around. He enjoyed telling them stories of his hunting and fishing adventures, and while a few of those stories might have been whoppers, it didnt matter. He was still re-elected every year Best Dad, Grandpa, and Great-Grandpa (and Best Joke Teller).

Allen is survived by Mary Jane, his beloved partner and best friend for over 45 years; their 3 children: Nicole Nelson and husband, Brad, of Bagley, MN, Tanya Roppel and husband, Nathan, and Travis Stortroen and wife, Lynsie, all of Albert Lea, MN; 9 grandchildren: Lissette and Mercedes Aponte, Vinny Nelson, Haley and Grayson Roppel, and Libbie, Sofie, Josie, and Crosbie Stortroen; and great-grandson, Jaxson Pitchford. Allen also leaves 4 siblings: Roger Stortroen of Watford City, ND, Ardean Renfrow of Crookston, MN, Loretta (Perry Skip) Nesdahl of Larimore, ND, and Julie (Greg) Tate of Crookston; and from Mary Janes side of the family: brother-in-law, Kermit Jorgenson of Roseau, MN; step-sister, Debbie Kujava and step-brother, Dennis Kujava, both of Badger, MN; and sister-in-law, Mary Jorgenson of Congress, AZ; as well as, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and their Stony Point family.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Sidney and Lois; brother, Keith Stortroen; sister-in-law Carol Stortroen and from Mary Jane’s side of the family, parents-in-law, Ray and Harriet Jorgenson; step-father, Frank Kujava; brothers-in-law, Jerald and Lyle Jorgenson; and infant sister-in-law, Shirley. Blessed be the memory of Allen Ray Stortroen.

The funeral service celebrating Allens life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 4, 2023, in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Crookston, with The Rev. Michael Ozaki, officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-7:00 p.m. in the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home, with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service and time of sharing led by Jo Johnson, who will also serve as eulogist at the funeral service. Visitation will continue at St. Paul’s for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will follow in the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston. All services will be livestreamed by going to Allens obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may be offered to Mary Jane and family on the funeral home website as well.

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