Month: December 2023

The National Weather Service in Grand Forks, North Dakota has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Crookston and a large portion of the KROX Radio listening area. The watch includes the Minnesota cities of Crookston, East Grand Forks, Ada, Twin Valley, Halstad, Moorhead, Thief River Falls, Red Lake Falls, Fosston, Fertile, McIntosh, Erskine, and Breckenridge. The North Dakota cities of Tolna, Grand Forks, Cooperstown, Finley, Mayville, Hillsboro, Hatton, Portland, Valley City, Fargo, Lisbon, Enderlin, and Wahpeton.

A WINTER STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT FROM MONDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON…

* WHAT…Heavy mixed precipitation is possible. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 inches followed by ice accumulations up to half an inch possible. Winds could gust as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE…Portions of northwest and west central Minnesota and northeast and southeast North Dakota.

* WHEN…From Monday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon.

* IMPACTS…Power outages and tree damage are possible due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…There remains uncertainty with how much ice will accumulate, and where the greatest impacts will occur.

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Jimmy Allen Gray Jr. of Crookston has been charged with false imprisonment and other charges after an argument over chicken nuggets. For the story from iNewz.tv’s Neil Carlson, click below.

The post CROOKSTON MAN CHARGED WITH FALSE IMPRISONMENT appeared first on KROX.

There will be a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Wesley United Methodist Church tonight starting at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend for a meaningful worship experience.

Crookston City Hall will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Crookston Eagles Club will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Golden Link Senior Center will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Fisher American Legion will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Polk County Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

All clinics at Riverview will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

Garbage collection for Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day) will be collected on Tuesday, December 26.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Pinochle on Tuesday, December 26, starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Men’s Cards on Wednesday, December 27, beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by Cribbage at 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will host Dart League on Wednesday, December 27, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, December 27.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have SAIL on Thursday, December 28, starting at 2:30 p.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Thursday, December 28, starting at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve baskets.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Friday Morning Rolls on Friday, December 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Jackpot Bingo on Friday, December 29, 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 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. 

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.

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.

The post BULLETIN BOARD-DECEMBER 24, 2023 appeared first on KROX.

Taking proactive measures now can help young yard trees survive winter weather conditions and hungry wildlife, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

“Yard trees provide countless benefits to our environment and our well-being. They help clean our air, reduce our electric bills, and enhance our surroundings, to name a few,” said Nikki Henger, the DNR’s Forestry Division outreach specialist. “Supporting our yard trees during the winter months will help set the stage for them to thrive in the summer.”

Here are five things people can do to help care for trees in winter:
Mulch and water. Add a 3-inch layer of mulch at least 3 inches away from the trunk and about 3 feet in diameter. Water trees regularly until the ground freezes.

Tidy up around the trees. Wildlife, such as rabbits and rodents, browse on trees and shrubs as a regular part of their diet. Minimize this risk by removing places where wildlife might nest, such as tall grasses, brush piles, tarps, or water bags, directly around trees.

Wrap young trees. Tree wraps or plastic guards help protect against rabbits, rodents, and sunscald. Newly planted trees should be wrapped for at least two winters, while thin-barked species should be wrapped for at least five winters. Sunscald occurs when the sun heats the trunk, followed by quick freezing at night, leading to cracking bark. Be sure to remove the tree guards in late spring.

Add fencing. Effective barriers can be wire fencing, hardware cloth, or poultry netting. Bury fencing 2 to 3 inches below ground and extend it about 2 feet above the anticipated snow line to create a more critter-proof barrier. Periodically check fenced areas to ensure wildlife is not trapped inside. If deer are frequent visitors in a large yard or wooded area, consider installing a 10-foot woven wire fence to reduce damage. Bud capping is also commonly used to shield white pine seedlings from deer browse. Fold a 4″ x 6″ piece of paper in half and staple it around the top leader of the tree this time of year until it grows out of reach to deer.

This is a great time to get in touch with a certified arborist about pruning. There is a lower risk of disease transmissions, like oak wilt, in winter. It is also easier to visualize the tree’s branching structure without leaves.

Yard trees need a little attention all year round and provide a great reason to get outside in December! Following these winter tree care steps will give trees extra protection during winter so they can start strong in the spring growing season. To learn more about residential tree care, visit the DNR’s tree care webpage (mndnr.gov/tree-care).

The post PROTECT TREES FROM WINTER AND WILDLIFE appeared first on KROX.

The City of Crookston accepted donations for Toys for Tots for a fifth and final 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.

Toys for Tots delivery will take place on Saturday, December 23.

The donations received in Week 5 as of Friday, December 22, are listed below –

Tots For Tots raised a total of $8,350

The post CROOKSTON TOYS FOR TOTS DONATIONS-DECEMBER 22, 2023 appeared first on KROX.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have the Johnny Holm Band today from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Admission requires a $10 cover charge, and you must be 21 or over to attend.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo this afternoon starting at 2:00 p.m. This is a $400 must-go jackpot.

There will be a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Wesley United Methodist Church on Sunday, December 24, starting at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend for a meaningful worship experience.

Crookston City Hall will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Crookston Eagles Club will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Golden Link Senior Center will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Fisher American Legion will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas holiday.

The Polk County Transfer Station will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

All clinics at Riverview will be closed on Monday, December 25, in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

Garbage collection for Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day) will be collected on Tuesday, December 26.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Pinochle on Tuesday, December 26, starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Men’s Cards on Wednesday, December 27, beginning at 8:00 a.m., followed by Cribbage at 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will host Dart League on Wednesday, December 27, starting at 7:00 p.m.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, December 27.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have SAIL on Thursday, December 28, starting at 2:30 p.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Thursday, December 28, starting at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve baskets.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Friday Morning Rolls on Friday, December 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Jackpot Bingo on Friday, December 29, 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 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. 

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.

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.

The post BULLETIN BOARD-DECEMBER 23, 2023 appeared first on KROX.

Crookston City Hall has given recognition to nine city employees for their efforts and time spent working for the city of Crookston. Thank you, and congratulations to the ones mentioned.

5 Years of Service:

Lynn Flage- Water Department

Blake Kawlewski- Water Department

Adam Borkowski- Public Works(Street) Department

Greg Hefta- Building Official Department

10 Years of Service:

Phillip Peterson- Parks & Recreation Department

20 Years of Service:

Becky Gutierrez- Police Department

Don Rasicot- Police Department

Darin Selzler- Police Department

The post CITY OF CROOKSTON GIVES EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION appeared first on KROX.