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Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin criticized after failing to notify White House of hospitalization

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin during meeting of the alliance's Defence Ministers at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels^ Belgium

The U.S. Defense Department has acknowledged that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been hospitalized since Monday due to complications following a minor elective medical procedure. According to a statement from his press secretary, Austin had been admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. Austin, 70, spent 41 years in the military, retiring as a four-star Army general in 2016.

Pentagon spokesperson Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Sunday that Austin is “still in the hospital and recovering well” and “resumed his full duties Friday evening,” , adding that he did not have details on when Austin would be discharged.  However, officials from the White House said that the National Security Council, including National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, was not informed Austin was in the hospital until Thursday morning. Similarly, the Senate Armed Services Committee was not notified about Austin’s hospitalization until Friday evening, saying: “the committee was notified before the press notification went out” about Austin.

Austin wrote in a press release on Saturday that he is “on the mend” and looks “forward to returning to the Pentagon soon.”  Austin said: “I also understand the media concerns about transparency and I recognize I could have done a better job ensuring the public was appropriately informed. I commit to doing better. But this is important to say: this was my medical procedure, and I take full responsibility for my decisions about disclosure.”

The Pentagon’s failure to disclose Austin’s hospitalization to the President and other senior White House officials and Cabinet members is not typical practice. The Pentagon Press Association, which represents media members who cover the Defense Department, sent a letter of protest which read: “The fact that he has been at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for four days and the Pentagon is only now alerting the public late on a Friday evening is an outrage. At a time when there are growing threats to U.S. military service members in the Middle East and the U.S. is playing key national security roles in the wars in Israel and Ukraine, it is particularly critical for the American public to be informed about the health status and decision-making ability of its top defense leader.”

The Biden administration said that the President spoke with Austin on Saturday evening, calling it a “warm conversation,” and adding that the president “absolutely has full confidence in Secretary Austin.”

Editorial credit: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.com

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Congress announces spending deal as shutdown looms

US Capitol over clear blue sky

House and Senate leaders announced on Sunday a $1.59 trillion spending deal for government funding in 2024, tentatively averting a potential shutdown later this month. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer shared that the agreement includes $886 billion in defense spending and $704 billion in non-defense spending.

Johnson’s and Schumer’s agreement reduces the chances of a shutdown, however, there are still major hurdles facing Congress ahead of two funding deadlines (January 19 and February 2).  Conservatives are still demanding to use the funding bill as leverage to impose more stringent immigration and border security demands, and congress will still have to approve funding bills to avoid a shutdown by the deadlines.

President Joe Biden said Sunday, “The bipartisan funding framework congressional leaders have reached moves us one step closer to preventing a needless government shutdown and protecting important national priorities. It reflects the funding levels that I negotiated with both parties and signed into law last spring.”

In a letter to his Republican colleagues Sunday, Johnson wrote: “We have secured hard-fought concessions to unlock the FY 24 topline numbers and allow the Appropriations Committee to finally begin negotiating and completing the twelve annual appropriations bills.” Concessions from Democrats include “an additional $10 billion in cuts to the IRS mandatory funding (for a total of $20 billion), which was a key part of the Democrats’ ‘Inflation Reduction Act.’ In addition, we will cut $6.1 billion from the Biden’s Administration’s continued COVID-era slush funds, which we achieved despite fierce opposition.”

Schumer’s statement with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that the agreement on non-defense discretionary spending will allow Democrats to “protect key domestic priorities like veterans benefits, health care and nutrition assistance from the draconian cuts sought by right-wing extremists. It will also allow us to keep the investments for hardworking American families secured by the legislative achievements of President Biden and Congressional Democrats. We have made clear to Speaker Mike Johnson that Democrats will not support including poison pill policy changes in any of the twelve appropriations bills put before the Congress.”

Editorial credit: S.Borisov / Shutterstock.com

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2024 Golden Globes: See the full list of winners

sign for the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on December 6^ 2018 in Beverly Hills^ CA

The 2024 Golden Globes ceremony was held Sunday night at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif, with Oppenheimer, Barbie, Succession, Beef and The Bear coming away as the big winners of the evening.

Christopher Nolan picked up the prize for Best Director of a Film for Oppenheimer while Cillian Murphy won the Best Actor in a Drama Film award, and Robert Downey Jr. earned the prize for Best Supporting Actor in a Film. Oppenheimer also earned the Best Drama Film and Best Original Score awards.

Barbie won the inaugural award for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement, with Emma Stone earning Best Actress in a Comedy Film for Poor Things, which was also voted Best Comedy Film. Paul Giamatti and Da’Vine Joy Randolph won the Best Actor in a Comedy Film and Best Supporting Actress in a Film for The Holdovers.

Succession won the award for Best Drama Series, with Matthew MacFadyen accepting the Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series, and  co-star Kieran Culkin winning the Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Series, and Sarah Snook winning for Best Actress in a Drama Series. Elizabeth Debicki was awarded Best Supporting Actress in a TV Series for The Crown.

Editorial credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock.com

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ARREST/FIRE REPORT-JANUARY 8

The Northwest Regional Correction Center reported the arrest of the following-

Tayten Harvey Weiss, 22, of Fargo, for domestic assault and act to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death.

Dawn Marie Wambach, 50, of Grand Forks, for traffic DUI.

Ruy Rolando Alinis Jr., 42, of Crookston, for DUI and refusal to submit to chemical testing.

Lisa Mari Kami, 40, of Grand Forks, for third-degree drug possession within a school, park, or housing zone.

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ARREST/FIRE REPORT-JANUARY 8

The Northwest Regional Correction Center reported the arrest of the following-

Tayten Harvey Weiss, 22, of Fargo, for domestic assault and act to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death.

Dawn Marie Wambach, 50, of Grand Forks, for traffic DUI.

Ruy Rolando Alinis Jr., 42, of Crookston, for DUI and refusal to submit to chemical testing.

Lisa Mari Kami, 40, of Grand Forks, for third-degree drug possession within a school, park, or housing zone.

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Snoop Dogg joining NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024

SNOOP DOGG famous singer performs singing on stage famous singer performs on stage singing a well known festival in ITALY

NBC Sports announced that Snoop Dogg is joining NBCUniversal’s coverage of the 2024 Summer Games, taking place in Paris, France. Snoop will provide regular reports for the Olympics primetime show beginning July 26 for NBC and Peacock.  The rapper will speak with NBC Olympics host Mike Tirico throughout the Olympics, providing his unique take on the games and events; as well as explore the city’s iconic landmarks, attend Olympic competitions, and chat with the athletes, their friends and families.

Said Snoop: “I grew up watching the Olympics and am thrilled to see the incredible athletes bring their A-game to Paris. It’s a celebration of skill, dedication and the pursuit of greatness. We’re going to have some amazing competitions and, of course, I will be bringing that Snoop style to the mix. It’s going to be the most epic Olympics ever, so stay tuned, and keep it locked. Let’s elevate, celebrate and make these games unforgettable, smoke the competition, and may the best shine like gold. Peace and Olympic LOVE, ya dig?”

Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production, said: “Snoop is already an Olympic gold medal commentator, generating tens of millions of views for his highlights commentary on Peacock of the dressage competition during the Tokyo Olympics. That performance alone has earned Snoop a job as our Special Correspondent in Paris. We don’t know what the heck is going to happen every day, but we know he will add his unique perspective to our reimagined Olympic primetime show.”

NBC and Peacock will be NBCUniversal’s primary platforms for its coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which are scheduled for July 26-Aug. 11.

Editorial credit: stedalle / Shutterstock.com

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BULLETIN BOARD-JANUARY 8, 2024

Crookston home-delivered meals will be provided by Andy Oman State Farm Insurance and U.M.C. through Friday, January 12.

The Golden Link Senior will host a Lions Club meeting and lunch today starting at 12:00 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior will have a Sit, Stand, and Dance Class at 2:00 p.m. this afternoon, followed by Kens and Collectors club beginning at 6:00 p.m.

The Highland PTO will meet tonight at Highland School starting 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 Pinohcle on Tuesday, January 8, beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m.

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.

The Crookston VFW will meet on Tuesday, January 9, at 5:00 p.m. at the Golden Link Senior Center.

Friends of the Library Open House is on Tuesday, January 9, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Crookston Library.  All current and future members are welcome to attend.
The Fisher American Legion will host a Legion and SAL meeting on Tuesday, January 9, at 7:00 p.m.
The Golden Link Senior Center will have Men’s Cards on Wednesday, January 10, starting at 8:00 a.m., followed by a board meeting starting at 9:00 a.m., Cribbage beginning at 10:00 a.m., and Bridge at 12:30 p.m.
The Crookston Eagles Club will host Dart League on Wednesday, January 10, at 7:00 p.m.
The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Night Burger Night on Wednesday, January 10.
The Golden Link Senior Center will have Footcare on Thursday, January 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by SAIL, which will start at 2:30 p.m.

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 Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Thursday, January 11, starting at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve baskets.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Friday Morning Rolls on Friday, January 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Friday, January 12, starting at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve baskets.

The Crookston Eagles Club will host Bar Bingo on Saturday, January 13, starting at 2:00 p.m. This will include a $400 must-go Jackpot.

The Crookston Public Library will have Baby Bounce on Tuesday, January 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Intended for children ages 0 to 3.

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.

The United Way of Crookston’s Dine Out week will be January 21-27.

The Crookston Public Library will discuss the book “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave at the Reading by the Red on Tuesday, January 23, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Copies are available from the book club kit at the Crookston Library on a first come, first served basis. Otherwise, it is available from the LARL catalog, as well as on Libby.

The Early Childhood Build a Wood Project for ages birth to 5 years will be on Monday, January 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Please bring an adult, a Phillips screwdriver, and a hammer. Register early to save your spot by calling 281-5078.

The Washington Elementary School P.T.O. meeting will be on Tuesday, January 30, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. R.S.V.P. for childcare by January 29.

RiverView Health will host a four-hour First Aid Class on Thursday, February 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the RiverView Home Care Building, 721 South Minnesota Street in Crookston. The cost of the class is $55. You must pay in advance to save your spot.  To register or for more information, call 281-9536. No walk-ins will be accepted.

The Crookston Gun Club will host its 43rd annual Family Fun Night and Awards Banquet on Saturday, February 24, at the Crookston Eagles Club. There will be a social at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dinner choices will include Prime Rib or Walleye. The price is $30 for adults and $25 for ages under 18. For more information, call Steve Videen at 218-289-2115.

CONTINUING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Crookston January pool hours are Monday through Friday- lap swim  6:00 to 9:00 a.m., aqua aerobics 9:00 to 10:00, homeschool open swim 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., and open swim 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, mom and tot 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., open swim 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. birthday party slots from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Closed on Sundays.

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.

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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THE CROOKSTON CITY COUNCIL AND WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE WILL MEET MONDAY NIGHT

The Crookston City Council will meet on Monday at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall council chambers.

The agenda will include the resolution regarding the approval of the IRP loan guidelines. The final item on the agenda will be the resolution regarding ordering the preparation of the preliminary Engineer’s report for the 2024 street improvements.

The consent agenda will include the approval of minutes from the December 20 city council meeting and the approval of bills and disbursements in the amount of $464,966.03. The consent agenda will also include the resolutions regarding a donation for Kids First in 2023 and appointing the City Auditing Firm Miller Mcdonald in 2024. The resolution regarding designating depositories for public funds in 2024, the resolution to appoint Tanner Holten as the City Attorney for 2024, the resolution to appoint Rich Clauson as the City Engineer for 2024, the resolution regarding the approval of the license renewals for 2024, the resolution to designate the City of Crookston Website and Crookston Times as the official newspaper of 2024, the resolution regarding the Confidence Learning Center Application for lawful gambling premises permit at the Crookston Eagles, the resolution providing grants to non-profit organizations for the 2024 calendar year, the resolution regarding appointing the boards or commissioners for 2024, and the resolution regarding the approval of the City Council Committee composition for 2024.

The Crookston Ways and Means Committee will meet following the council meeting in the City Hall council chambers. The lone item on the agenda will be further discussion about the City Administrator search.

To view the full agenda packet, click here.

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Denis Paul Kawlewski – OBIT

Denis Paul Kawlewski, 84, of Crookston, MN, passed away in his home under hospice care on January 6, 2024, after a long struggle with heart-related issues. He was lovingly cared for in his last years by his wife and his two eldest children, who live close by.

Denis was born October 10, 1939, in Perham, MN. He was the second of two sons born to Paul and Dorothy (Abel) Kawlewski. When Denis was a child, his parents rented land in Dent, MN where he and his older brother, Roger, helped their parents work the family farm. As a youngster, Denis loved to spend his free time fishing & hunting and teaching himself how to play a variety of musical instruments. He taught himself how to play guitar, banjo, drums, mandolin, and dabbled with the piano. Denis went to Perham high school where he graduated in 1957. When Denis was a sophomore in high school, he and some friends formed a band called the KBK Harmoniers. Denis played lead guitar. The band played all types of music, including country, rock-n-roll, and old-time dance music like waltzes, cha-chas, and polkas, and they played a lot of music by request. They traveled to small towns all around MN and ND, playing wedding dances, firemen’s balls, bars, etc., until about 1961.

During this time, Denis also worked for other farmers baling and hauling hay, combining, and doing other general farm work. In 1957, he got a job at the Turkey Plant in Pelican Rapids, MN. He started out on the line, but very quickly moved into refrigeration. He worked there for the next 4 years, honing his skillset. His mentor saw his potential, and in 1961, recommended him for a refrigeration position just opening up in Crookston, MN at a new frozen potato processing plant. Denis got the job and moved to Crookston, renting a room in a house on the corner of Euclid Avenue and South Main Street. He began his new position at Jiffy-Fry, Inc. from the plant’s opening day.

Denis left Jiffy-Fry in 1965 to take a maintenance position at Sears in Grand Forks, ND. He was very talented; there was nothing he couldn’t build or fix. In 1969, he started his own business and worked as a self-employed construction contractor in Crookston for the next 17 years. But the severe economic recession of the 80’s had drastic effects on his business and forced him to close his shop in 1986. He then went to work for Dee, Inc. He started out in the machine shop and then moved to the Match Plates Division, where he worked until he retired in 2005.

Denis met Carol Donarski in 1961 at Jiffy-Fry; she also began working there shortly after its opening. They started dating in October of 1961 and got married on July 14, 1962, when he was 22 and she was 20. They were married in Crookston at Cathedral Church and their wedding dance was held in Euclid, MN, 15 miles north of Crookston. They spent the first 3 months of their married life in a rented house out in the country. They then moved into a rented apartment in the north part of Crookston. While living there, their eldest child, Teresa Ann, was born in April 1963. In August of 1963, with the help of Carol’s father who loaned them money for the down payment, they bought a house on Euclid Avenue, built by Carol’s uncle, Adolf Mackowick. This would be their family home for their entire lives. They went on to have 3 more children: Daniel Paul – born in April 1964, Angela Belle – born in December 1966, and Rodney Allen – born in August 1969.

In the early years of their marriage, Denis helped Carol enhance her guitar-playing skills (she was also self-taught, and Denis helped her learn some new chords). When the kids were young, the house was often filled with relatives or family friends who played musical instruments and jam sessions frequently broke out. Denis bought a couple of snowmobiles and that became another much-loved winter activity with his young children. He also enjoyed playing cards; Smear was THE card game in northern Minnesota. Both Denis and Carol grew up playing this card game and passed it along to their children. They had many fun family card games over the years and Five-Handed Smear was everyone’s favorite. His other favorite pastimes included tinkering in his workshop, working on home improvement projects, driving (or more accurately – playing with) his John Deere tractors to blow snow, mow the lawn, and till the garden. He enjoyed golfing with his sons, and later, his grandsons. In his retirement, he could occasionally be found playing music with an ad-hoc band to entertain the residents at the Villa St. Vincent Nursing Home in Crookston. Some of his most memorable travel experiences were visiting his daughter, Angie, in California in 2003 and going on an Alaskan Cruise for his son and daughter-in-law’s wedding (Rod and Linda) in 2012.

Denis is lovingly survived by Carol, his wife of 61 years, and their four children: Teresa Kawlewski of Crookston, Dan (Leann) Kawlewski of Crookston, Angie Kawlewski of Washougal, WA, and Rod (Linda) Kawlewski of San Jose, CA and Inman, SC; five grandchildren: Zachary Strommen of Crookston, Brock Strommen of Crookston, Cassandra (Jared) Trepanier of Bemidji, MN, Kody Kawlewski of Crookston, and Blake Kawlewski of Crookston; one step-granddaughter: Sheanna (Chance) Cooper of Grassy Pond, SC; three great-grandchildren: Kendra Strommen, Jayce Trepanier, and Cooper Trepanier; three great step-grandchildren: Jazzlyn Doss, Parker Cooper, and Charlotte Cooper; brother and sister-in-law, Adolph and Bernetta Donarski of Crookston; sister-in-law, Delores Donarski of East Grand Forks; brother-in-law, Ronald Gruhot of Crookston; and many other cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Preceding Denis in death were his parents Paul and Dorothy Kawlewski; parents-in-law, Frank and Belle Donarski; brother, Roger Kawlewski; brothers-in-law: Albert Donarski, Irvin Donarski, Leo Donarski, Frank Donarski, Jr., and Ronald Donarski; sisters-in-law: Jean Marie Piper, Mary Jean Donarski, Mary Lou Gruhot, Elaine Donarski, and Elaine Kawlewski; nephews: Doulas Donarski and Terry Kawlewski; and step-granddaughter, Starr Rogers.

A celebration of Denis’ life will be held by his family at a future date.  Please visit www.stenshoelhouske.com for more information.  

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PIRATE HOCKEY FIGHT CANCER NIGHT ON JAN. 11 – PROCEEDS GO TO DANI SYLVESTER

The Crookston Pirate Boys and Girls hockey teams will have their second annual Crookston Pirate Hockey Fights Cancer games (through the Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer Organization) on Thursday, January 11. The girls will take on the East Grand Forks Green Wave at 5:00 p.m., and the boys will take on the Warroad Warriors at 7:00 p.m. Both games will take place at the Crookston Sports Center.

“The Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer Organization started years ago in Rosemount, and then they wanted to branch out and help other programs run similar fundraisers,” said Crookston Boys Head Hockey Coach Josh Hardy, “What’s unique with this program is that they let you choose who the funds that you raise go towards. Last year, Emily (Meyer) and I decided this is a good year to find a date in January that works, and we got some materials from the Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer, and things blew up from there.”

Last year, during the inaugural Hockey Fights Cancer games, the community raised nearly $14,000 for the Northwest Minnesota Cancer Crusaders, who provide grants to local families traveling for cancer treatments. “Last year was a fantastic fundraiser. We raised about $14,000 between the boys’ and girls’ teams,” said Hardy. “That all went to the Northwest Minnesota Cancer Crusaders, and they provide travel grants for the local people in our area who are traveling for chemotherapy or cancer treatment.”

This year, the games are in honor of Dani Sylvester. Sylvester has run the Mini-Mite 1-2 and Learn to Skate programs for multiple years, and under her leadership, the community has seen explosive growth in participants. “Dani has been a Pirate alumnus, and she comes from a family that has always been about hockey,” said Crookston Girls Hockey head coach Emily Meyer. “Everything she’s done with our youth program, from learning to skate and helping us get our numbers back to where we want them. We’ve seen a decline in participation, and Dani has gone above and beyond to make hockey fun again in Crookston.”

On June 2, 2023, Dani was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She started Chemotherapy immediately on June 7 and since then has gone through a variety of chemotherapy treatments, radiation, and surgeries. Due to the type of cancer she has, a long road of therapy is ahead for the next 10 years until she is deemed in remission. “It was impacting here that someone like Dani was diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Meyer. “I know that it runs in their family, but it was hard to see someone like that get hit with this. It was a difficult time for everyone in the hockey community. Just seeing someone so strong have to fight this battle; ever since she’s been diagnosed, she’s hit the ground running, fought it hard, and never gave up or stopped what she’s been doing.”

After speaking with coach Meyer and Hardy, they stated there couldn’t have been a better recipient.

To donate, use the QR code below. Or you can also donate through Venmo at mnhockeyfights.  

The price of admission will remain the same during both boy’s and girls’ games on Thursday. A silent auction will also take place during the games, and the proceeds will go toward the fundraiser. Dani Sylvester will drop the puck for the girl’s game, and during both high school games, Mini Mite hockey will take place between the first and second periods.

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