Month: December 2023

The Crookston Eagles Club will host Dart League on Wednesday, December 7, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

United Valley Bank in Crookston invites their customers to a Holiday Open House today and tomorrow. Join them for cookies, coffee, and cider.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Bridge this afternoon beginning at 12:30 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will host a Christmas party on this afternoon from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve baskets.

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

The Community Christmas Food Basket Committee is again helping Crookston individuals and families in need this holiday season. They will be offering a gift card to Hugo’s to purchase food items through December 8. Individuals and families can call 218-289-9644 between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 to register for a Hugo’s gift card. Only 1 gift card per family and address will be given. All gift cards will be mailed out before Christmas.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Friday, December 8, starting at 6:30 p.m. This will be a $500 must-go jackpot, the kitchen will also serve baskets.

The Grand Theatre will show its Annual Free Christmas  Movie on Saturday, December 9, at 11:00 a.m. Santa will be there, and there will be prize drawings.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, December 9, beginning at 2:00 p.m. This is a $400 must-go jackpot.

There will be a free sponsored movie at the Fosston Movie Theatre on Saturday, December 9, at 6:00 p.m. Free admission and free gift giveaways, sponsored as a “Thank You” by the Community Voice Mobile app.

The 12^th Annual Christmas Concert in the Hafslo Church at the Polk County Museum will be held Sunday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. with a Carols Sing-a-long and featuring the University of Minnesota Crookston Concert Choir under the direction of George French. A free will offering will be taken on behalf of the UMC Choir. A reception will follow in the Museum Auditorium with Christmas goodies and beverages. Sponsored by the Polk County Historical Society.

The Benedictine Crookston Auxiliary has the Angel Tree at the Villa South Entrance Door on Monday, December 11, and Tuesday, December 12 today, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Community members are encouraged to pick an Angel off of the tree to purchase a gift for a Villa Resident.

The Benedictine Living Community in Crookston will have a Resident Bake Sale on December 11 and 12  from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the  Wellness Room.

Join the Climax Public Library on Monday, December 11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Climax Community Center for a performance featuring musician Lyndon Johnson sharing the songs of Scandinavian pioneer immigrants to the Red River Valley and other Swedish Holiday folk music. The Climax Community Center is located at 105 W Broadway, Climax, Minnesota.

The Fisher American Legion will have a Legion and SAL meeting on Tuesday, December 12, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Crookston FFA Alumni and Supporters will meet on Tuesday, December 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the Crookston High School Ag Room/Shop. If you are interested in helping support the local student FFA chapter, you are welcome to join. You do not have to be a past FFA member to join.

The public is invited to attend the presentation of the Evolution of Sugar Beets in the Red River Valley on December 13 at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the Golden Link in Crookston. There will be video and slide presentations.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, December 13.

Wesley United Methodist Church in Crookston will have its Blue Christmas Service on Sunday, December 13 at 7:00 p.m. There will be piano, guitar, and violin music selections. All are welcome. There will be a time of fellowship to follow.

Cathedral Elementary School invites you to their Christmas Program, “The Little Drummer Dude,” on Thursday, December 14, in the church. A dress rehearsal will take place at 1:00 pm, and the main performance will begin at 6:30 pm. All are invited!

The 2023 Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop in Plummer at the Main Railway crossing on Central Avenue on December 14 at 6:00 p.m. with a performance by professional musicians at 6:15. The CPKC makes a donation at each stop and encourages attendees to donate cash or a non-perishable food donation if they are able.

Tri-Valley Transportation will provide bus transportation to the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train on Thursday, December 14, with stops in Mahnomen at 4:20 p.m., Plummer at 6:00 p.m., and Thief River Falls at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $2 round-trip for riders in Mahnomen, Plummer, and Thief River Falls and $5 round-trip for riders from the other locations. Reserve your ride by noon on Wednesday, December 13, by calling Tri-Valley Transportation at 800-201-3432.

E.C.F.E. Pop-in and Play for ages birth to Kindergarten entrance will be on Saturday, December 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Washington School. You and your child can play in the gym using equipment designed for young children. Registration is not required.

The Red Lake Falls Civic and Commerce Committee will have their Holly Dazzle on Saturday, December 16, and Santa Day at the Red Lake Falls City Hall from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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 from December 17 to January 5. Please join them at the entrance of the Villa for the lighting on December 17 at 5:00 p.m. for cocoa and cookies.

Polk County Family Resource Center Play and Learn will be held Monday, December 18, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Crookston Library. Join them for the making of Christmas ornaments, decorating cookies, music, fun, and crafts.

E.C.F.E. will have its Going To The Movies event on Monday, December 18, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Theatre. Doors will open at 4:45 p.m. Join them for a free child-friendly movie. Concessions will be available for purchase.

The Fisher American Legion will have a SAL Smear tournament on Tuesday, December 19, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Christmas at the Cobblestone Hotel and Suites in Crookston will be Wednesday, December 20, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Join them for fun, cookies, and hot chocolate. There will also be a drawing for the raffle of the motorcycle fundraiser. A holiday backdrop will be in the meeting room for pictures with Santa.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, December 20.

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 is December 15. For more information and to get a registration form, contact Bill Peterson at 218-280-1109 or bpeterso@umn.edu

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

The Salvation Army Bell Ringing has begun and runs through Christmas Eve. Individuals and organizations interested in ringing the bell can register online at www.registertoring.com. Shifts are available seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. outside of Walmart in Crookston. For more info,  email Cody Kill at codykill@usc.salvationarmy.org or Garett Bengtson at garett.bengtson@gmail.com or call 701-741-2329.

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.

As the Crookston Care and Share expand, 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.

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 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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Congratulations to Benedictine Living Community – Crookston’s December Senior Athlete of the Month, Raphael Topka.

Raphael has demonstrated consistency with his restorative nursing walking program and walks almost every day. He chooses to attend activities exercise classes and never misses a day. He is always eager and looking for ways to stay active. Benedictine Crookston staff are proud of his hard work and dedication to staying strong and active.

Some of Raphael’s favorites include:
Color: Red
Season: Spring
Food: Meat with Potatoes and Gravy
Exercise: Walking and any exercise to keep his arms and legs moving!

The post RAPHAEL TOPKA NAMED BENEDICTINE LIVING COMMUNITY ATHELETE OF DECEMBER appeared first on KROX.

Back by popular demand, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is once again inviting the public to help name another round of eight snowplows – one for each MnDOT district.

Submit the most witty, unique and Minnesota- or winter-themed snowplow name ideas.

Submissions will be accepted through Friday, December 15, at noon.

This year’s contest includes a few basic rules:
Each person may only submit one name.
Submissions are limited to no more than 30 characters (including letters and spaces).
Gosh darn it, nothing vulgar, please. Any submissions that include profanity or other inappropriate language will not be considered.
Politically inspired names (including phrases, slogans or plays on politicians’ names) will not be considered. Naming snowplows is meant to be fun and lighthearted, so we’re going to keep this contest nonpartisan and nonpolitical.
Past winners will also not be considered.
MnDOT staff will review all the submissions, select some of the best ideas, and invite the public to vote on their favorites in January 2024.

TO SUBMIT A NAME, CLICK HERE.

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The Evolution of Sugar Beets in the Red River Valley will be on Wednesday, December 13, at the Golden Link Senior Center in Crookston. Cliff Nelson, retired Maintenance Superintendent at American Crystal Sugar, is organizing the event and will feature several speakers talking about farming methods used then and now, how sugar was marketed, and the history of the factories and processing.

Cliff Nelson described how he came up with the idea of hosting the event. “It kind of started some time ago; I was talking to young farmers. A lot of them have heard about how beats used to be harvested,” says Nelson. “So, it kind of came to me that I grew up on a beet farm north of East Grand Forks (and) quite a number of years ago. So I kind of know a lot of the history of the sugar beats. So I thought: ‘Why not put on a little seminar explaining the sugar beets and how it came to the valley?’”

Nelson’s portion of the event will be about what goes on in the sugar beet factories and when they were built in the valley. Nelson says what he hopes the community will get out of the event. “I’m hoping that they’ll see how important sugar beets are here in the valley,” Nelson said. “And also, I’m a collector, so I’ve got a few old models of antique tractors. I’m also a collector of model steam engines, so I’m going to bring some of them down, and we’ll have a display case down here. So hopefully, the old-timers will bring back some good memories, and the new people will learn something.”

Allen Dragseth is the president of the Sugar Beet Museum in Crookston. He’s been running the museum for 20 years since he bought the old Crookston Implement Building. Dragseth now collects vintage equipment that was involved in sugar beet harvesting and displays it at the museum. “We got harvesters from back in the (1930s) and (1940s), and we’ve got modern equipment for people to see how the beet industry has grown over the years and modernized,” said Dragseth. “It’s probably one of the modern agricultural commodities that’s grown. It’s what’s happened over the years: the way harvesting has changed and how we’ve grown.”

Dragseth will be talking about the early beet harvest and the growing of sugar beets in the early days. “It’s one of the biggest industries in town, and it gets to be pretty wild here in the fall during our harvest time,” Dragseth said. “This past fall, my wife and I came back from Fargo after dark, and boy, if you don’t know what the heck is happening in town with all the trucks and the lights on and everything, it’s kind of scary when as you first drive into town. I’m sure a lot of people have experienced that. It’s not known (by a lot of people) really how sugar is made out of the beets. We’re hoping to show them how that is.”

Scott Knutson, Board of Directors at American Crystal Sugar, will also be there, and he will talk about how the sugar is marketed.

The Golden Link Senior Center is hosting the event. This is the first time this event is being hosted. Director of the Golden Link Jennifer Erdmann hopes this will be a yearly event. “This was all brought on by Cliff Nelson, our member who is retired from American Crystal Sugar, and he said: ‘This would be great for us to speak on the evolution of sugar beets in this Red River Valley and then to have Allen and Scott with them and all the displays,” Erdmann said. “So, hopefully, we can continue this every year.”

The event is free, and all are welcome to come.

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The loon will be featured on the official Great Seal of the State of Minnesota. The State Emblems Redesign Commission unanimously voted to move forward with design S224 as the basis for the next state seal of Minnesota. Aspects of the design may still be modified, including dates, language, design of the stars, and color of the loon’s eye.

Commissioners also listened to testimony from the public in Tuesday’s meeting. They will meet in person next Tuesday (December 12) to discuss design modifications to the state seal. On December 12th, Commissioners will also continue work to create Minnesota’s next state flag, using the six finalists as the basis for the flag. Final designs for the flag are F29, F944, F1154, F1435, F1953, and F2100. They can be viewed on the flag entry page on the State Emblems Redesign Commission’s website.

The State Emblems Redesign Commission was established in the 2023 legislative session to develop and adopt a new design for the official state seal and a new design for the official state flag no later than January 1, 2024.

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