Month: December 2023

There will be a Lion’s Club meeting and lunch held at the Golden Link Senior Center today at 12:00 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have a Sit, Stand, and Dance class today starting at 2:00 p.m., followed by Mathein’s Women’s group beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have $8 Burger Baskets tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Recycled Cards and Pinochle on Tuesday, December 5, starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m.

The Crookston VFW will have a meeting on Tuesday, December 5, beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the Golde Link Senior Center.

The Crookston Eagles Club will host an Auxiliary meeting on Tuesday, December 5, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have a Men’s Cards group on Wednesday, December 6, beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by Cribbage at 10:00 a.m.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, December 6.

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 on December 7 and 8. Join them for cookies, coffee, and cider.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Bridge on Thursday, November 7, 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 Thursday, November 7, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Thursday, November 7, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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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On Thursday, December 7 at 3:00 PM, the Grand Forks Police Department will formally welcome its newest member. Chief Mark Nelson will be swearing in K9 Hart, with his handler, Cpl. John Klingbeil.

K9 Hart is an 18-month-old male German Shepherd. The GFPD obtained K9 Hart from McDonough K9 in the fall of 2023. K9 Hart and Cpl. Klingbeil recently graduated from basic training from the McDonough K9 basic handler course. This challenging basic program lasted 14 weeks, beginning August 21, 2023. The team trained and certified in a variety of specialized skills, including tracking; area and building searches; locating discarded evidence, obedience; suspect apprehension; and much more. K9 Hart joins fellow K9s Shelby, Riot, and Kade on the Grand Forks Police Department.

The swearing-in ceremony will take place at the Grand Forks Police Department (122 South 5th Street) in the Media Center.

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Rydell and Glacial Ridge National Wildlife Refuges will be hosting their 9th Annual Christmas Bird Count on Thursday, December 14th. This public event is administered by the National Audubon Society and is the longest-running citizen science bird project in the U.S. This year marks the 124th year of the Christmas Bird Count.

Counts are held in designated areas throughout the U.S. between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5 each year. In recent years, counts were annually completed in over 2,500 locations, including Canada and Latin America. More than 75,000 people participate in the counts, and more than 50 million birds are tallied each year!

Information from the count provides important information on winter ranges of birds, population trends, and how a changing climate alters winter bird distribution.

Birds observed in the Rydell/Glacial Ridge Count Circle over the past eight years have included 54 different species, including northern shrikes, Bohemian waxwings, red-bellied woodpeckers, Hoary redpolls, northern goshawks, white-winged crossbills, and Lapland longspurs.

People interested in participating do not need to be experienced birders. This event can serve as a learning experience for new birders, and those individuals will be paired up with Refuge staff or experienced volunteers. Participants should meet at the Rydell Refuge Visitor Center at 8:00 AM for coffee and a brief meeting. Bring binoculars and a bird book if you have them. If not, we’ll have some on hand for your use. Counting will take place within a 15-mile diameter circle that stretches from Erskine west to the center of Glacial Ridge NWR. Participants can count from a vehicle or on foot, depending on their preference and the weather conditions that day. Refuge staff will host a potluck lunch back at the Visitor Center at noon. After a hearty lunch, folks can “call it a day”, or can go back out and continue to search for birds.

Please RSVP no later than December 8th to Wildlife Biologist Ben Walker at 218-230-5563 or benjamin_walker@fws.gov. Ben can also help if you have questions about the count or need more information.

The post RYDELL AND GLACIAL RIDGE REFUGES TO HOST NINTH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT appeared first on KROX.

On Tuesday, the Polk County Board of Commissioners met at the Polk County Government Center and held a public hearing regarding the local option sales tax adjustments heading into 2024.

LOCAL OPTION SALES TAX APPROVED

Polk County Engineer Richard Sanders gave a final presentation to the board, reviewing the local option sales tax after the public hearing commenced, where no individuals were present during the public hearing portion. The board ultimately approved the local option sales tax increase from 0.25% to 0.50%.

“Today, the Polk County Board passed the resolution at a public hearing increasing the local option sales tax in which Polk County currently brings in revenue from 0.25% to 0.50%,” said Sanders, “Legislature (back in 2008) gave the counties the ability to do that.”

By statute, the revenue gained from local option sales tax has to be spent on county road projects. Sanders presented the board with projects that will take place over the Highway Department’s five-year plan and other projects within the CSAH system. Estimated construction costs over the next five years (within the county road system) are in the amount of $5.2 million. The highway department estimates project costs not within the county road system will be approximately $23 million.

The Highway Department has allocated these funds toward 2024 projects such as the Climax bridge improvements and Box culvert installation on CSAH 9, CSAH 15, and CSAH 21 (located west of 220).

Sanders is estimating that the county will receive $1.9 million per year during the five-year plan, equating to approximately $9.9 million. “The local option sales tax is any business that does work in Polk County they have to add that extra tax when they are selling taxable items,” said Sanders, “This does not pertain to clothing or food, but if you go buy something downtown that is taxable now instead of paying 0.25% you will pay 0.50% to Polk County.” The county will also receive gas tax, tab fees, and motor vehicle sales tax revenue.

POLK COUNTY REVIEWS COUNTY LEVY-SET AT 2.5% INCREASE

Polk County Administrator Chuck Whiting reviewed the updated 2024 county levy, which has since dropped from a 2.6% increase to a 2.5% increase. “I would say next year’s budget is fairly routine,” said Whiting, “It’s probably the most normal budget I’ve dealt with two or three years. Nothing stands out; there are no (huge) initiatives for next year.”

The total levy increase of 2.5% equates to $672,443 in the budget. The county is expected to see expenditures total just shy of 75 million dollars in 2024, and the net levy is set at $27.5 million.

Whiting’s presentation also showed the revenue breakdown for the county heading into 2024, which included 37% of revenue coming via property taxes in the amount of $27.5 million and the road and bridges projects to be responsible for 24% of the payment in the amount of $17.6 million.

The truth and taxation public hearing will occur on Tuesday, December 12, at 6:00 p.m. at the Polk County Government Center. Those who are questioning assessed valuations are encouraged to attend the public hearing. “We’ve had a lot of questions and calls coming to the government center regarding people assessed evaluations,” said Whiting, “We respond to those at the budget hearing. We understand when people see their values increase and tend to have questions about it, so we’ll be here to answer any questions. It’s a public meeting, and everybody can attend.”

 

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The Crookston United Way will open its annual Holiday Season auction beginning on Monday.

Local businesses and anonymous residents of Crookston have donated 55 items to this year’s auction. This is the third year the United Way has made it an online auction. Executive Director of The Crookston United Way Libby Boucher believes it is a more efficient and convenient way to tackle your Christmas shopping list.

“This will be the third year that we’ve done this all online, and it’s nice because you can shop in your pajamas,” said Boucher, “You can shop at 10:00 a.m. while you’re drinking your coffee, or you can shop after a night out, and you feel like shopping online. So this has been successful for us and has been one of our big fundraisers.”

Some of the local businesses that have donated to the auction this year include Scobey’s Bar and Grill, American Crystal Sugar Company, The Grand Theatre, LeBlanc Reality, and many more. “We have a one-night stay and Winery Visit at a new bed and breakfast that opened just outside of the Twin Cities,” said Boucher, “We have a huge pressure cooker, so anybody that uses these is awesome. I believe it’s 21 quarts, and KROX has donated a Mall of America package which includes all of the great stops at M.O.A. like Nickelodeon Universe.”

Hand-crafted items and artwork are also included in the items listed. Crookston High School teacher Travis Oliver has donated once again to the auction. CHS students have hand-crafted two charcuterie boards with embedded iron handles, now up for auction.

The auction will be open from Monday, December 4, until Saturday, December 9. If you want to see the listed auctioned items, visit the Crookston United Way Facebook page and click the gift smart link, where you can place your bids.

Click here to view all the items and place bids in the auction.

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The ice season got off to a quick start in parts of Minnesota in recent days, with ice forming on some water bodies and numerous reports of ice anglers already testing their luck. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to stay on shore until there’s at least 4 inches of new, clear ice.

Ice conditions this time of year are highly variable and can change quickly. Falling into the cold water can turn tragic fast. Safety officials stress the importance of anyone heading onto the ice to check its thickness for themselves and not rely on other people’s footprints, tracks, or social media posts.

While 4 inches of new, clear ice is the minimum recommended thickness for walking, it takes at least 5 to 7 inches to hold a snowmobile or small all-terrain vehicle, 7 to 8 inches for a larger, side-by-side ATV, and 9 to 10 inches for a small car or SUV.

“The beginning of the ice season is always an exciting time for us hardy Minnesotans, but it also can be deadly if you don’t take the proper safety precautions,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the DNR Enforcement Division. “Checking the ice thickness regularly – and for yourself – is absolutely vital and one of the easiest ways to ensure tragedy doesn’t strike when you’re out there.”

Each year, unexpected falls through thin ice lead to serious injury or death. Checking the ice thickness with a spud bar, auger or other device is the best way to prevent falling through. Wearing a life jacket is the best way to avert tragedy, since the initial shock of falling into cold water can incapacitate even strong swimmers. A good set of ice picks can help someone get out of the water, and a cell phone, whistle, or other communications device makes it more likely a person can call for help.

General ice safety guidelines

No ice can ever be considered “safe ice,” but following these guidelines (mndnr.gov/safety/ice/thickness.html) can help minimize the risk:

• Always wear a life jacket or float coat on the ice (except when in a vehicle).
• Carry ice picks, rope, an ice chisel, and tape measure.
• Check ice thickness at regular intervals; conditions can change quickly.
• Bring a cell phone or personal locator beacon.
• Don’t go out alone; let someone know about trip plans and expected return time.
• Before heading out, inquire about conditions and known hazards with local experts.
• Parents and guardians should talk with their children and neighborhood children about staying away from the ice unless there’s adult supervision. This includes lakes and rivers, as well as neighborhood ponds, retention ponds and anywhere ice forms.

For more information, visit the DNR’s ice safety webpage (mndnr.gov/icesafety) and the boating safety webpage (mndnr.gov/boatingsafety).

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The City of Crookston accepted donations for Toys for Tots a second week. Crookston Firefighters and Auxiliary, along with the City of Crookston Employees, will be delivering toys to kids in Crookston who otherwise would not get anything for Christmas.

To make a donation, stop by City Hall or mail your donation to Crookston Water Department at 124 North Broadway, Crookston, MN 56716.

The donations received in Week 2 as of Friday, December 1, are listed below –

Donator	Amount
Rich & Carrie Clauson	$100
Knights of Columbus	$150
Eagles Auxiliary	$100
Fraternal Order of Eagles	$500
John & Rosemary Tucker	$100
Dan’s Flying Service- Dan & Sara Geist	$200
Bob & Kathy Altringer	$100
Sisters in Spirit	$50
Robert & Lynette Young	$50
John & Jan Vallager	$100
Peter & Patricia Ramstad	$50
Chuck & Vicki Henre	$100
In Memory of Bill Hurst by Chuck & Paula Lariviere	$100
Total Week 2	$1,700

 

Tots For Tots has raised a total of $3,750.

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