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Gypsy Rose Blanchard, convicted of helping kill her abusive mother, released from prison after 7 years

Looking up at the outside walls of a modern prison surrounded by a fence and barbed wire.

A Missouri Corrections official confirmed that Gypsy Rose Blanchard, who plead guilty to helping her boyfriend kill her abusive mother, was released from prison on parole on Thursday. Missouri Department of Corrections spokesperson Karen Pojmann said of the conditions of Blanchard’s release that “her original 10-year sentence started in June 2015, so, barring parole violations and other extenuating circumstances, it’s expected that she’ll be on parole supervision and reporting to a parole officer until June 2025.”

Blanchard was the victim of Munchausen syndrome by proxy at the hands of her mother, Dee Dee Blanchard. Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a rare syndrome in which a caregiver fakes, exaggerates or induces illness in a child to gain attention. Dee Dee was found to have convinced those around her, including doctors, that her daughter was afflicted with leukemia and muscular dystrophy among other ailments.

In 2016, Blanchard pleaded guilty to second-degree murder after confessing that she convinced her boyfriend to stab her mother to death as she slept. In the days after Dee Dee’s killing, details started to emerge that revealed the unusual situation, with Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott saying at a June 2015 press conference that “things are not always as they appear.” In a plea deal, prosecutors sentenced Gypsy Rose to 10 years in prison, after attorneys uncovered the abuse she had experienced at the hands of her mother. Blanchard, who admitted to being in the house at the time of the murder, said that she knew her boyfriend, Nicholas Godejohn, was going to stab Dee Dee and she did nothing to stop it. Godejohn was convicted of murder and sentenced in 2019 to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Court filings show he admitted to stabbing Dee Dee and said he only killed her because Gypsy asked him to.

The case of Gypsy Rose and Dee Dee gained national attention, after the release of the HBO Max documentary “Mommy Dead and Dearest,” as well as the 2019 Hulu miniseries “The Act,” starring Patricia Arquette as Dee Dee Blanchard.  In an interview with People magazine shortly before her release, the now 32-year-old Blanchard said she regretted her role in the killing “every single day … She was a sick woman and unfortunately I wasn’t educated enough to see that. She deserved to be where I am, sitting in prison doing time for criminal behavior.”

Blanchard will release the upcoming book “Released: Conversations on the Eve of Freedom” on January 9, 2024, which tells her story through her own perspective, with the help of writers Melissa Moore and Michele Matrisciani.  In addition, a six-hour Lifetime special “The Prison Confessions of Gypsy Rose Blanchard” is set to premiere on January 5, 2024, featuring interviews with Blanchard from prison.

Editorial credit: Eddies Images / Shutterstock.com

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Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley attempts to clarify Civil War comments after backlash

Former South Carolina Governor / Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley at the Iowa State Fair political soapbox in Des Moines^ Iowa. August 12^ 2023

On Thursday, Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley attempted to clarify the remarks she made in which she failed to mention slavery as the cause of the Civil War.

The former governor of South Carolina and ex-United Nations ambassador came under fire Wednesday night after a video of her exchange with a voter in New Hampshire during the town hall in Berlin, N.H. circulated on social media. When pressed by the voter over the cause of the Civil War, Haley said, “Well, don’t come with an easy question, right? I mean, I think the cause of the Civil War was basically how government was going to run, the freedoms and what people could and couldn’t do .. We need to have capitalism, we need to have economic freedom.”  After the voter responded it was “astonishing” that she did not mention slavery while discussing the Civil War, Haley asked: “What do you want me to say about slavery?” the voter responded:“You answered my question. Thank you.” 

However, during a New Hampshire radio interview, Haley attempted to clarify her comment, saying: “We know that. That’s the easy part of it. What I was saying was what does it mean to us today? What it means to us today is about freedom. That’s what that was all about.” She later accused the voter who asked her about the cause of the Civil War of being a “Democrat plant.”

Republicans and Democrats both slammed Haley’s initial comments — Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.), a supporter of Trump, wrote on X that the answer was “slavery, period.”  Meanwhile, the campaign of fellow candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis posted the video of Haley online with the word, “Yikes.”   And President Biden reposted a video of the exchange, writing simple, “It was about slavery.”

Haley and DeSantis are neck-and-neck for second place behind Donald Trump in national polling. As of Thursday, Trump leads the national polls with 63.1 percent of the support, followed by Haley with 10.8 percent and DeSantis close behind with 10.6 percent.

Editorial credit: Juli Hansen / Shutterstock.com

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‘Parasite’ actor Lee Sun-kyun dead at 48 by apparent suicide

Lee Sun-kyun at 2023 New York Asian Film Festival Opening Night at Walter Reade Theater in New York on July 14^ 2023

Lee Sun-kyun, star of the Academy-Award winning film ‘Parasite,’ has died at the age of 48. South Korean police confirmed the news on Wednesday, December 27, revealing that Lee was found dead in a parked car located in Seoul, after a search was underway when he was reported missing. Per law enforcement, Lee was found with a charcoal briquette in his passenger seat. Several South Korean media outlets have reported that Lee’s death is being treated as a suicide. South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency also reported on Wednesday that authorities have launched an investigation regarding his death.

Lee was under investigation by police for allegations that he had used illegal drugs while at the home of a hostess working at a South Korean bar, according to a Wednesday report from Yonhap. Lee was first questioned by police in October regarding the drugs, and apologized at the time for “causing immense disappointment … I am sorry for my family, who are enduring extreme pain at this moment.” While Lee has since maintained his innocence, and he tested negative in two drug tests following the initial incident. According to Yonhap, he was most recently questioned on Saturday, December 23.

Lee starred as Park Dong-ik (Nathan) in the 2019 movie Parasite. The film took home four Academy Awards at the 2020 Oscars, becoming the first non-English-language film to win best picture.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

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Cardi B, LL Cool J added as performers on ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest’

Cardi B at 5th Annual Diamond Ball benefiting the Clara Lionel Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street^ 2019

ABC announced additional performers for the upcoming Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve With Ryan Seacrest 2024, taking place on Dec. 31st. Among the latest additions to the lineup are Cardi B, who is set to take the stage for a special performance from Miami; and LL Cool J, who will rock the stage from Times Square.

Longtime host Ryan Seacrest is returning to New York City’s Times Square with co-host, singer Rita Ora. The show will also be broadcast from Hollywood, California, with TV personality Jeannie Mai hosting, as well as presenter Dayanara Torres returning to co-host from Puerto Rico.

The New York festivities include previously announced performances by Megan Thee Stallion, Jelly Roll, Sabrina Carpenter and Tyla.  Doechii, Ellie Goulding, Green Day, Janelle Monáe, Loud Luxury x Two Friends with Bebe Rexha, Ludacris, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Paul Russell, Reneé Rapp with Coco Jones and Thirty Seconds to Mars will all be performing. Additionally, K-pop group NewJeans will be performing live from South Korea, and singer Post Malone will take the stage in Las Vegas at the Fontainebleau Hotel. Meanwhile, while Ivy Queen will be performing from Puerto Rico.

‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2024’ airs Sunday, December 31st live on ABC beginning at 8 pm EST.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

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BULLETIN BOARD-DECEMBER 29, 2023

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Friday Morning Rolls today from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Jackpot Bingo tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. There will be a $1,000 must-go jackpot. The kitchen will serve baskets, there will also be horse races and pull tabs between games.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, December 30, starting at 2:30 p.m. There will be a $400 must-go jackpot.

The Red Lake Falls American Legion will have a Customer Appreciation Night on Saturday, December 30, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to enjoy free appetizers while they last, and one free Tom and Jerry Cocktail per each customer over 21 years of age.

The Crookston Eagles Club will be closed on Monday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s.

The Polk County Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s.

All Clinics at Riverview Health will be closed on Monday, January 1, for the New Year’s holiday. As a reminder, the Emergency Department is always open. 

The Crookston Public Library will have Baby Bounce on Tuesday, January 2, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.  There will be songs, stories, and action poems for infants through preschoolers and their caregivers.

On Saturday, January 6, the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association will host a Snowshoe Lacing Workshop at the Rydell NWR Visitor Center. The one-day workshop will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Class participants will learn how to lace their pair of Ojibwa-style snowshoes. This is a fun, hands-on class. You’ll be able to work at your own pace with provided instructions and friendly presenters to assist you along the way. Snacks and lunch will be provided, courtesy of the Friends of Rydell and Glacial Ridge Refuges Association. Pre-registration is required, and class size is limited to 20 participants. The deadline for registration was December 15. For more information and to get a registration form, contact Bill Peterson at 218-280-1109 or bpeterso@umn.edu

The Crookston Public Library will have STEMsational Tuesday on Tuesday, January 9, from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. This is intended for ages five through ten where kids can explore science, technology, and math activities. STEMsational Tuesday will be held the second Tuesday of every month during school hours.

RiverView Health is offering a CPR class on Thursday, January 11, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the RiverView Home Care Building, 721 South Minnesota Street in Crookston. The cost is $55 for those needing certification, and for those not needing certification, the class is free. To register, call 218-281-9536. No walk-ins will be allowed.

The Care and Share in Crookston will have an Open Heart Open Doors Dinner and Silent Auction on Saturday, January 20, at the Crookston Eagles Hall. Social hour will be at 5:00, dinner of walleye or prime rib at 6:00, and Silent Auction and games at 7:00. Cost is $50 per ticket; call the Care and Share at 218-281-2644 for ticket information. Proceeds will go towards a cargo van.

CONTINUING ANNOUNCEMENTS

This holiday season, you can sponsor a bell in loving memory or honor of a special veteran or soldier through December 31. The cost to sponsor is $1, and the bell will be hung on a tree displayed at the Main Street Courtyard in downtown Crookston for the month of December. Sponsor a bell by stopping at Scott’s True Value in Crookston or contact Kim Ringdahl at 218-281-7762, Jamie Cassavant at 218-289-0865, or Pam DeLage at 218-415-1615.

Cobblestone Hotel and Suites in Crookston will have a Mitten Tree in support of Crookston Family Services through December 30 in loving memory of Kim Samuelson of R.B.J.’s local restaurant. There will be hats, gloves, and scarves for all ages, one item per person.

The Benedictine Living Community Crookston Auxiliary is accepting donations for their Light Up A Life Display. Your gift of $5 will light up a bulb in memory of a friend, loved one, or someone living whom you wish to honor. Please make checks payable to Benedictine Auxiliary, 516 Walsh, Crookston, MN. 56716. Donations will go towards the Benedictine Auxiliary Living Community in Crookston. The Light Up A Life Display will be lit from dusk to dawn until January 5. 

As the Crookston Care and Share expands, its women’s dormitories are in need of twin bed frames, dressers, lamps, and end tables. Donate: call 218-281-2644.

The Crookston Squadron Civil Air Patrol meets every Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Call 218-281-3954 for more information.

Highland Elementary School is looking for new or used winter gloves and snow pants in sizes 8, 9, and 10. If you are interested in donating or have any questions, call 218-281-5600.

Parents of children are invited to register their children for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The program provides one book every month to your child for FREE from when you enroll until they turn five. Crookston Public School manages the program, and you can register at www.ImaginationLibrary.com.

The Crookston Care and Share is 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 or call 281-2644. The Donation Room is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Fridays from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Every Tuesday (except for Federal Holidays), The Crookston Public Library will host New Born Baby Talk from 9:30 am. to 11:00 a.m. This is for parents with babies 0-12 weeks old. A public health nurse, parent educator, and lactation specialist will be available to answer questions about your newborn and provide support and information on your new journey of parenting.

The Crookston Public Library’s Books & Brews Book Club meets 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 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 p.m. They will discuss books and enjoy beverages.

The Crookston Public Library will have StoryTime every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Golden Link is serving noon lunch Monday through Friday. All are welcome to dine in between the hours of 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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 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 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 p.m. and every Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. For more information or to donate, call 218-277-0000.

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Donald J Amiot – OBIT

Donald J. Amiot, 82, passed away early Monday, November 28, 2023. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 5 at 11:00 AM at the Church of St. Michael in Stillwater, Minnesota. There will also be a celebration of life on April 6 from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Dellwood Country Club in Dellwood, MN.

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BIG LAKE USES THREES TO TAKE DOWN CROOKSTON 62-26

The Big Lake Hornets knocked down nine threes to defeat the Crookston Pirates girls basketball team 62-26 at the Holiday Classic at Fergus Falls High School.

FIRST HALF-

The game started with Ashley Fitzgibbons hitting two early three-pointers to give Big Lake an early lead. Naomi Johnson for Crookston got an early bucket underneath to make it 8-3, with Big Lake holding their early lead. Big Lake would get on a run to make it 17-3 with the help of a three from Alexis Moen. After the Hornets made it 26-7 with baskets from Rylie Sternquist and another Fitzgibbons three, the Pirates would call their first timeout of the half. Sternquist would hit two first-half threes as she had 14 first-half points, while Fitzgibbons hit three first-half threes. A little after the timeout, Crookston would get Johnson going in the paint again as she could get another first-half basket, but the Pirates would be trailing, 35-9. Crookston was able to draw a lot of fouls in the half as Katelyn Christensen was able to make her way to the free-throw line. She would go two for two from the charity stripe to make it 38-13 late in the first half. Big Lake would hold that margin heading into the halftime break. 

SECOND HALF –
Fitzgibbons would start with another three in the second half as she connected for her fourth three of the game to give Big Lake a 41-13 lead. Crookston’s Brooklyn Waldal positioned herself close to the basket and put in a tough short-range shot to make it 43-15. Sternquist was able to continue scoring for the Hornets as she was able to get a couple of baskets from the inside, as she finished with a game-high 22 points. Chloe Boll would find her rhythm in the second half after being held to one first-half point. She would get her midrange game going with a jumper later in the half, which made it 50-19, Big Lake. Naomi Johnson was able to get another basket in the lane for the Pirates as she would have a team-high eight points in the game. Later in the half, Chloe Boll could sink a mid-range jump shot again as she had three second-half field goals to give her seven points in the game. Her final jumper made it 57-26. Big Lake kept their lead with Shiloh Elliot hitting some free throws and Lexie Parks chipping in a late bucket to give Big Lake a 62-26 win. 

Crookston drops to 2-5 on the year, while Big Lake improves to 3-5 on the year.

Crookston will either play Detroit Lakes or Fergus Falls tomorrow. 

 

 
1st
2nd 
Final
Big Lake
38
24
62
Crookston
13
13
26
For CROOKSTON
Points
Rebounds
Assists/Steals
Naomi Johnson
8
Chloe Boll
7
Katelyn Christensen
5
Isabelle Smith
3
Brooklyn Waldal
2
Joey Nesseth
1

For Big Lake
Points
Rylie Sternquist
22
Ashley Fitzgibbons
12
Alexis Moen
11
Shiloh Elliott
9
Greta Layton
3
Mya Knapp
3

Lexie Parks

2

 

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CHEDA APPROVES FINAL BUDGET FOR 2024

The Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority (CHEDA) held a special meeting on Thursday morning at Valley Technology Park to set the final budget for 2024.

There are minor differences in the 2024 budget in contrast to the 2024 budget, which includes expected increases. The total income in 2023 was 1.97 million dollars and is expected to increase in 2024 by about $200,000, estimated at $2.133 million. The expenditures in 2023 totaled approximately $1.97 million, and the estimated costs for 2024 are expected to reach $2.12 million. “With our 2024 budget, we are predicting a net income of $4,857, which is our interest,” said Housing Director Theresa Tahran. “We’re not increasing this budget too much.”

CHEDA will receive approximately $406,136 in total rent income in 2024. Other large line items in the income item lines include $1.3 million in total grant income and nearly $24,000 in investment income. Highlighted line items in the expenditures include approximately $194,000 to be disbursed in Administrative salaries and $329,000 spent in total administrative expenses. It also has nearly $128,000 in utility expenses and $251,250 in general maintenance expenses. CHEDA expects to spend $865,930 on housing assistance payments in 2024. The current net income for CHEDA is negative $126,145 due to expenses to the workforce house.

“The largest item in our budget is our public housing and section 8,” said Tahran. “We increase our payment standard for section 8 each year and our flat rent at Oak Court; that’s our income. We also get operating subsidy for public housing, which also increases a little each year.”

According to the Housing Urban Development (HUD), final budgets for Economic and Development Authorities must be set before January 1, 2024. CHEDA approved the 2024 final budget during the meeting.

The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the meeting on November 29.

 

 

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