Month: July 2023

On Tuesday, July 4, at 11:30 p.m., two young males were seen stealing two bottles of liquor worth approximately $90.00 from the Mentor Liquor Store. The males appear to have been driving a white Ford Explorer Sport Trac with North Dakota plates. Photos of the males and the vehicle are attached. The investigation is ongoing. Please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at 218-470-0431 if you know the identity of the individuals pictured or have any regarding the theft.

The post TWO UNIDENTIFIED MALES CAUGHT ON CAMERA STEALING TWO BOTTLES OF LIQUOR appeared first on KROX.

Fertile Firefighter’s Relief Association Write-up American Crystal Sugar is proud to award Fertile Firefighter’s Relief Association a check for $5,000 to help fund a new fire truck. The Fertile Firefighters Relief Association is a non-profit charitable organization that supports the Fertile Fire Department. The Fertile Fire Department’s latest pumper is over 20 years old, and though their fleet has been well maintained, it is time to invest in a new truck to ensure service reliability. The cost of a new truck (and required additional equipment) will likely exceed the $450,000 mark. American Crystal is proud to support this program.

The post AMERICAN CRYSTAL SUGAR AWARDS FERTILE FIREFIGHTER REIELF ASSOCIATION $5,000 TO GO TOWARD A NEW FIRE TRUCK appeared first on KROX.

Here are the Itasca State Park Nature Program events for July 14 to July 20

Family Fishing Fun

Friday, July 14, 2023, from 9:30-11 a.m.

Meet at the Lake Itasca Fishing Pier below Douglas Lodge

Kids and adults, are you a ‘first-time’ fisher person wanting to try a new fishing skill? Learn to identify the common fish species, how to tie a knot, bait your hook, and cast for fish. Suitable for ages 6-12. NOTES: An adult must accompany children. Bring your fishing pole or use one provided (limited number). Bars are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bait provided. Non-Minnesota residents will need a fishing license (within the park, purchased at Itasca Sports Rental).

Tree ID Walk

Friday, July 14, 2023, from 1:30-2:15 p.m.

Meet under the porch at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center

Interested in learning about the trees of Itasca State Park? Join us for a walk as we discover the different kinds of trees and how to identify them.

Five Facts in Five Minutes: Great Blue Herons

Friday, July 14, 2023, from 1:30-3 p.m.

Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)

Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn all about great blue herons.

Circle Time Under the PinesP is for Pond, Preschool Program

Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 11-11:30 a.m.

Meet by the Lakeside Museum (Look for a large blanket underneath a big pine tree) on the picnic grounds (In between Lake Itasca and the picnic shelter)

Children 2-5 years old,join a naturalist volunteerand have fun at Itasca as we learn about nature through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. NOTES: Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying lunch at the park after the program.

Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps

Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 12:30-2 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)

Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail below Douglas Lodge

Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building and what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.

Jr. Naturalist: Tall Tales of Itasca

Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m.

Meet outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter). If raining, meet inside the Museum.

Many great authors have been inspired by nature. Both legends and biographies merge or blend overtime, making incredible stories to be remembered. Join us for an account and a chance to create your own.

All About Fire, Campfire

Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 7-7:30 p.m.

Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)

Gather around the campfire for a family-friendly educational program all about the fire. Learn about the fire triangle, fire extinguisher use, fire safety, and fire history. Remember to bring s’more fixings for after the campfire talk!

Five Facts in Five Minutes: Dragonflies

Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 10:30-Noon

Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)

Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn about Dragonflies.

Outdoor Kids Fabulous Fish

Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 2-3:30 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)

Meet by the Swim Beach/ Playground (at the south end of the picnic grounds on Lake Itasca)

Kids of all ages come out and explore nature at their leisure. This program series allows kids to connect with nature through hands-on activities that focus on life around the lake. Have fun discovering Itasca while hanging out at the swimming beach or playground.

Itasca’s Evening Under the Pines: Julie and Bill Kaiser

Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 7-9 p.m.

Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater on the picnic grounds (in between the swimming beach and the picnic shelter). If raining, meet at Forest Inn.

Sit outside witha view of Lake Itasca and enjoy an evening of music with Bill and Julie Kaiser. From Minnesota’s north woods, Bill and Julie’s music has been described as acoustic “folkgrass” with a mix of bluegrass, folk, and original.

Five Facts in Five Minutes: Loons by the Lake

Monday, July 17, 2023, from 10:30-Noon

Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)

Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn about the common loon and what makes this animal unique.

Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps

Monday, July 17, 2023, from 12:30-2 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)

Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail below Douglas Lodge

Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building and what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.

Jr. Naturalist: Extraordinary Owls

Tuesday, July 18, 2023, from 2-2:45 p.m.

Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)

Young naturalists, join us as we learn about Minnesota’s owls and the traits that make them so well adapted for life at night! After the interpretive talk, complete an owl craft to take home with you.

Take Me Fishing Tuesday

Tuesday, July 18, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Meet at the Lake Ozawindib Pier on Lake Ozawindib

Kids and adults, are you a ‘first-time’ fisher person wanting to try a new fishing skill? Learn to identify the common fish species, how to tie a knot, bait your hook, and cast for fish. Suitable for ages 6-12. NOTES: An adult must accompany children. Bring your fishing pole or use one provided (limited number). Bars are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bait provided. Non-Minnesota residents will need a fishing license (within the park, purchased at Itasca Sports Rental).

Five Facts in Five Minutes: Tenacious Ticks

Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)

Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn all about ticks.

Smokey Bear Event Day

Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center

Smokey Bear invites you to this fun, family-friendly come-and-go event with many activities for all ages! Join wildland firefighters as they share their experiences with fire in the forest. Learn how fire affects the woods, check out fire trucks and equipment, try getting into a fire shelter, and much more. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with Smokey Bear!

The post ITASCA STATE PARK NATURE PROGRAM-EVENTS JULY 14 TO JULY 20 appeared first on KROX.

The Crookston Community Pool is closed until further notice.

The Eat United Food program will run through July 27 on Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Ray Ecklund Park Complex at the Lion’s Shelter by the hut. All children 18 and younger can get a free meal, and adults 19 years or older can purchase a meal for $5. Children must be present in order to receive a meal (one per child.) Meals must be consumed on-site. There will be to-go meals this year.

Crookston Home delivered meals this week are provided by Cathedral Women and the Ken Study Club.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have foot care today from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime for ages 0 through 6 today, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

RiverView Health is offering a CPR class tonight from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the RiverView Home Care Building, 721 South Minnesota Street in Crookston. The cost is $50 for those needing certification, and for those not needing certification, the class is free. To register, call 218-281-9405. No walk-ins will be allowed.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo this evening starting at 6:30 p.m., and the kitchen will be serving baskets.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have SAIL on Friday, July 14, at 2:30 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have a walleye dinner on Friday, July 14, at 5:30 p.m., followed by a DAV meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Friday, July 14, starting at 6:30 p.m. This is a $500 must-go jackpot.

The Crookston High School Annual Pirate Pride Golf Scramble will be on Friday, July 14, at Minakwa Golf Course. The cost is $100 per person and includes lunch. Call Minakwa at 281-1774 to reserve a cart. Carts are not included in the $100 per person. To pre-register, contact Steve Kofoed at 320-290-9904 or email stevenkofoed@isd593.org. Must be 18 years of age or have graduated high school. All proceeds will help support Crookston High School Pirate Athletics.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, July 15, starting at 2:00 p.m. This is a $400 must-go jackpot.

The Crookston Community Theatre will present Vintage Hitchcock, a live radio play, on July 17, 18, and 19 at 7:00 p.m. each night at the Crookston Eagles Club. Admission at the door is $17 and includes a piece of pie at intermission.

If you are 55 years or older and are interested in becoming a member of the Golden Link Senior Center, head down to the Golden Link Center on Tuesday, July 18, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. They will have coffee and goodies, and there will be staff present to answer all of your questions about becoming a member.

The Crookston Public Library will have Baby Bounce for children 0 through 3 and their caregivers on Tuesday, July 18, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m

An Ag Waste Collection will be held at CHS Ag Service on Highway 75 South in Crookston on Tuesday, July 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Old or unused herbicides or pesticides will be accepted. You can dispose of up to 300 pounds free of charge. For amounts greater than 300 pounds, call 218-694-2090. Waste pesticides only will be accepted, no paint, fuels, crop oils, rinsates or recycling.

The Northwest Research and Outreach Center’s annual Crops and Soils Day will be Wednesday, July 19, at the NWROCs maintenance/farm operations building. Signs will direct you to NWROC’s parking lot. The small grains morning tours will begin with registration and CEU sign-up at 7:30 a.m. and tours at 8:00 a.m., lunch at 11:45 and sugar beet tours with registration and CEU sign-up at 12:15 p.m. and tours at 12:45 p.m. If you need special accommodations for accessibility or have dietary restrictions, contact Megan Benoit at 218-281-8610 or by email at mbenoit@umn.edu.

The Marshall County Fair in Warren will be July 19 through 23.

The Crookston Public Library will have Just for Kix dance instructors teaching dance moves for kindergarten through grade 5 on Wednesday, July 19, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

The Common Ground Summer Bash will be held Wednesday, July 19,from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Schuster Park in Crookston. There will be a Pickleball tournament, grill-out, lawn games, tennis, and basketball. Students who just finished sixth through twelfth grade can attend. For more info, contact Reilly Stroot at 218-242-2067 or Leah Winjum at 218-289-3250.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime for ages 0 through 6 on Thursday, July 20, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Crazy Days in Crookston will be Thursday, July 20. Businesses will have Crazy Day Specials, and KROX will have their Crazy Day Auctions at 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Crookston Public Library will host an Outdoor Summer Concert featuring Brianna and Zach on Thursday, July 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring a blanket or chair for seating.

The Crookston Public Library Books and Brews Book Club will meet at Drafts Sports Bar and Grill on Tuesday, July 25, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the book Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.

The Crookston Public Library will host Nature Prints with Sara for ages birth to 13 on Wednesday, July 26, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn about relief printing and incorporating natural materials at the eco-printing party.

The Crookston Public Library will host Nature Printing Programs for Youth in grade PreK through seventh grade on Wednesday, July 26, at 2:00 p.m. Participants will create prints that can be used as cards, bookmarks, and more. All supplies will be provided, but youth should bring their own leaves.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime for ages 0 through 6 on Thursday, July 27, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Wesley United Methodist Church will have Summer Salad Lunches on July 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. They offer a variety of salads, homemade desserts, and beverages. Dine-in or take-out is available$ 12.00 per meal.

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

The first annual St. Jude’s Shanty Motorcycle Run will be Saturday, July 22. Registration is from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. The run starts at 11:00 a.m. at Irishmans Shanty. $20 per bike, $10 per passenger. The first stop is The Spot in Red Lake Falls, the second stop is the Black Cat in Thief River Falls, the third stop is the Cozy Bar in Brooks, then heads back to Irishmans Shanty. Proceeds go to St. Judes Research Hospital.

The Crookston Gun Club will be hosting a Minnesota permit to carry a firearm course and a Minnesota permit to carry a firearm renewal course on Saturday, July 29^th at 8:00 am at the Crookston Gun Club, followed by a live fire qualification course. The cost for the Minnesota permit to carry course andrenewal course is $100.00 per person. Class size is limited. Please contact Darin Selzler at 218-289-2825 or emailwarriorfirearmstraining@hotmail.comto register.

The Crookston Public Library will have Baby Bounce on Tuesday, August 1, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. These are social and early literacy activities for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

Nite to Unite Neighbors Joining Neighbors will be held on Tuesday, August 1^st,from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the campus of the University of Minnesota Crookston.

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

The Central High School Class of 1963 will be celebrating their 60^th reunion on Saturday, August 19, from 12:30 to 5:00 at the Carnegie Library upstairs. There wont be a program, and attendees should bring a snack to share and their own drink.

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

DNR Hunter Safety Training for youth aged 11 and older will be on August 29 and 31 and on 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

A fundraising account has been established for David Meine, a Crookston native who suffers from Stage 3 Huntingtons 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 of each month, running from June through October. Place the materials on your curbside. Branches must be cut in four-foot lengths and bundled in order for the crews to take them away. Any branches 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 Womens, Mens, and childrens clothing as well as toiletries and other common items. Donations may be dropped off at the Care and Share Center at 220 East Third Street.

The Crookston Public Librarys Books & Brews Book Club meet on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at 6:30 p.m. 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 their own food and drinks. All are welcome.

The Crookston Public Librarys Reading by the Red Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of every other month at the library at 6:30 p.m. 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 p.m.

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

The Grand Theatre will have free gaming or family movie Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Its 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 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Students and parents should call ahead to check the availability of the youth center 218-470-0149.

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

The post BULLETIN BOARD- July 13, 2023 appeared first on KROX.

The Northwest Regional Corrections Board meeting was held Monday, July 10. The meeting recap is below.

ALL DEPARTMENT MONTHLY REVIEW

The meeting included every department’s monthly statistical review for June. The average daily inmate population was 184 inmates per day, 155 males and 29 females. The average daily population from January 2023 to June 2023 was 173 inmates. Northwest Regional Corrections Executive Director Andrew Larson gave his thoughts on the numbers, “unfortunately for us, we are seeing these numbers return to where they were pre-covid, and how we saw a huge reduction in our population for a couple of years.”

The most common reasons for arrests in June were assault/domestic assault, controlled substance crimes, D.U.I., failure to appear in court, and parole/probation violations. The per diem revenue for June was in the amount of $98,446. Larson explained the per diem numbers, “we typically try to shoot for the $100,000 mark to stay on budget,” said Larson, “we’re a little shy of that mark because we had to refuse some other county inmates.”

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS JUNE RECAP

The D.O.C. averaged 7.5 inmates per day in June, and most D.O.C. inmates housed in Polk County are transferred here for work release. “These inmates are transitioning back into the community, and they’re working back to getting a job; they’re getting stabilized, so they are ready when the time comes for their release date.”

JUVENILE CENTER JUNE RECAP AND UPDATES

The Juvenile Center is taking trauma focus more seriously for their inmate’s health. Many of the inmates the Juvenile Center receive have a long history of trauma; Larson gives his thoughts on the process, “we’ve always been cognizant of the prevalence of trauma these kids have endured,” said Larson, “just given their backgrounds, I think we’re being more purposeful now then we have been in the past, it goes without saying the kids that we get they have a significant trauma history. Whether it’s being the subject of physical or sexual abuse, observing abuse, and being taken out of the home can be traumatic.”

Juvenile Center Staff are set to receive new training regarding trauma; the staff will learn about the effects of trauma and how to manage the behavior of adolescence. “Our case worker recently went down to St. Paul for trauma training,” said Larson, “Stephanie Covington, who is a world-renowned expert and does a lot of programming, gave our case worker a lot of training on trauma.” The staff will be exposed to programming to help kids incarcerated with their past traumas.

The Minnesota Legislature has ordered all Juvenile Facilities to implement a Risk Assessment Instrument (R.A.I.) to determine whether an adolescent will be arrested or brought into custody in a secure detention facility. This instrument or tool determines if secure detention for a child is appropriate or if other alternatives can be taken. “This is going to be a significant change for us; there are some jurisdictions in the state that are doing this already,” said Larson, “this is not something we have done locally in part because we don’t have many alternative placement options available, but also in ways secure detention has been used.” R.A.I. is a numerical scoring system created by the Juvenile Center staff to measure each adolescent’s behavior and current state. This system will be implemented at the Juvenile Center on August 15, 2023. There were 13 total residents in the Juvenile Center in June. There are seven; four are local, and three are from non-member counties.

The Juvenile Center is actively hiring. The criteria to be employed is at least 21 years of age or actively enrolled in criminal justice or human services-related field, high school diploma or equivalent. If interested, positions for the Juvenile Center are posted on INDEED.

PROBATION FEES UPDATES

The Minnesota Legislature has changed the language of what may waive fees into must waive fees. All Supervision fees are set to be waived by 2027. With supervision fees being waived, the Northwest Regional Correction facility will lose 90% of their fee revenue which ranges from $105,000 to $109,000 per year. “Within the large public safety omnibus bill, while it did come with significant increases with C.C.A. funding, C.C.A. being a subsidy we get from the state to fund our probation program,” said Larson, “it came with big funding increases, but we still have to eliminate our supervision fees.” The board decided not to act up to this point, and they will re-evaluate in 2025 when a formal plan needs to be implemented.

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