Month: March 2024

Clay, Norman, and Polk Counties are taking a significant step forward to ensure a long-term sustainable water supply for the region. On March 22, 2024, the three counties initiated the judicial process for creating the West Central Regional Water District (WCRWD) in Clay County District Court, marking a crucial milestone in addressing the region’s drinking water needs. Once complete, the WCRWD will have the capacity to provide centralized drinking water service to rural residents and cities in southwestern Polk County, western Norman County, and northern Clay County.

This effort was spurred by Polk County’s initial infrastructure investment of $584,674, and the WCRWD is pursuing additional funding at the federal and state levels. At the federal level, Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, as well as Representative Michelle Fischbach, have secured a total of $3.5 million for the project in the federal budget via the Community Project Funding process. At the state level, Senators Mark Johnson and Rob Kupec, as well as Representatives Debra Kiel and Jim Joy, are supporting legislation that would provide an additional $9.25 million in bonding.

The water district formation process will involve a judicial process in Clay County, public hearings, collaboration with state regulators, state and federal legislators, and community engagement to ensure that the interests of the residents and businesses of the three counties are served. The three county boards will work diligently to navigate the legal requirements and timelines to establish the WCRWD in accordance with state statutes. The legal formation process is anticipated to last a year or more.

“The West Central Regional Water District is committed to ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for generations to come. The legal formation of the district marks a crucial step forward in achieving this goal and underscores our collective commitment to the well-being of our communities,” says Lucas Spaeth, Superintendent of Halstad Municipal Utilities.

Ensuring public health and access to high-quality drinking water is at the core of the WCRWD. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, all three counties exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) maximum contaminant level of 10 micrograms per liter for arsenic among the private wells that were tested. Arsenic levels were found to exceed the EPA standard in 43% of private wells that were tested in Norman County, 39% in Clay County, and 21% in Polk County.

“Residents, farmers, and businesses are encouraged to stay informed and participate in the formation process by attending public meetings, providing feedback, and engaging with District representatives. Transparency and community involvement are key priorities as we work together to shape the future of water management in our region,” says Frank Gross, Clay County Commissioner.

Why is the formation of WCRWD important?
Access to Clean Water: The formation of the WCRWD will ensure that everyone in the region has access to safe and clean drinking water, addressing current water quality concerns.
Sustainable Future: By establishing a regional water system, the WCRWD will lay the foundation for a sustainable water future, supporting economic growth and community development.
Community Resilience: A reliable water supply is essential for the health and resilience of our communities, especially in times of drought, staffing shortages, or other emergencies.

ABOUT WCRWD
The WCRWD is a collaborative effort between local governments, community stakeholders, and water experts aimed at providing a reliable and clean water supply to residents, farmers, and businesses in Norman, Clay, and Polk counties. For more information, please visit https://wcrwd-ae2s.hub.arcgis.com.

The Crookston Fire Department (CFD) responded to the following calls on 3/28/2024 –

At 6:46 a.m., the CFD responded to Section 31 of Parnell Township for a report of a one-vehicle accident. Upon arrival, the CFD assisted local agencies with the extradition of the driver of the vehicle, who was then transported to RiverView Health. The CFD then cleared the scene.

At 3:30 p.m., the CFD responded to the 200 block of S Broadway for a report of an individual stuck in an elevator. Upon arrival, the CFD was able to get the individual out of the elevator. The CFD was able to reset the elevator and then cleared the scene.

Crookston City Hall will be closed by 12:00 p.m. today in observance of Good Friday. The city garbage collection for Friday, March 29, will be collected as normal.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo tonight at 6:30 p.m. This will include a $1,000 must-go jackpot. In between games, there will be horse races and pull-tab games. The kitchen will also be serving baskets. Stars in Bars Karaoke has been canceled.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, March 30, beginning at 2:00 p.m. This will include a $400 must-go jackpot.

“Recovery for Everyday People.” Rev. Gretchen Enoch will host a six-session class using the 12 Steps of Recovery with the Bible to bring healing and wholeness to all people. Monday nights starting April 1, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church. The cost for materials is $20. Scholarships are available upon request. Call 812.639.7816 to register. A ministry of the Northern Lights Ministry Collaborative. 

The Crookston Public Library will have Baby Bounce on Tuesday, April 2, at 10:30 a.m. for children born to 3 years of age and their caregivers. Join them for songs, stories and action poems.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime on Thursday, April 4, at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3 to 6, although children of all ages are welcome to join the fun. There will be stories, songs, rhymes, flannel boards, special guests, and more.

The Crookston Early Childhood Initiative Breakfast Fundraiser will be on Sunday, April 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge #141, 112 West Robert Street in Crookston. The menu includes waffles, French toast, gluten-free pancakes, juice, and sausage.

Explore science, technology, engineering, and math activities during STEMsational Tuesday, April 9, from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. at the Crookston Public Library. This is geared for Kindergarten through 5^th graders.

Kindergarten Round-Up will be on Thursday, April 10, at Washington School in Crookston. This is for families who have a child who will be five years old by September 1, 2024. If you have a child who is eligible for Kindergarten and has not been contacted, please call Washington School at 281-2762.

Senior Citizens are invited to the Senior Citizen Breakfast on April 11. The Leo Club seniors will serve breakfast at 8:30  a.m., you’ll be excused to the auditorium at 9:15 a.m. to be entertained by the CHS drama students who will perform Mean Girls.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime on Thursday, April 11, at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3 to 6, although children of all ages are welcome to join the fun. There will be stories, songs, rhymes, flannel boards, special guests, and more. 

Join the Crookston Public Library for a Gardening for a Health and Well-Being presentation on Saturday, April 13, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The presentation will feature local Master Gardener Lisa Loegering, University of Minnesota Extension, and the Community Wellness team from Polk County Public Health.

The First Lutheran Church in Warren will have a Bake Sale and Lunch on Saturday, April 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Lunch will include barbeques, chips and pie.

Spring Clean-Up Week in Crookston will be April 15 through 19. Single-family dwelling items will be picked up only on your regular garbage pickup day, and they must be placed on the street boulevard by 7:00 a.m. and not more than 24 hours prior to your collection day. Yard Waste Collection will be the week of April 22.

The Crookston Public Library will have Baby Bounce on Tuesday, April 16, at 10:30 a.m. for children birth to 3 years of age and their caregivers.  Join them for songs, stories, and action poems.

The Celebrate the Young Child Collaborative invites you to come PLAY together at their CYC Family Festival on Tuesday, April 16, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Crookston High School.  Many hands-on stations will be available, along with information booths and a light meal.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime on Thursday, April 18, at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3 to 6, although children of all ages are welcome to join the fun. There will be stories, songs, rhymes, flannel boards, special guests, and more.

The Wild Rice Electric Cooperative Annual Meeting of the Members will be held on Thursday, April 18, at the Shooting Star Event Center in Mahnomen. Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. with a plated dinner served at 5:00 p.m. Entertainment by Blu Kanu from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. The business portion of the meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. Members can sign up to win prizes.

The Downtown Crookston Development Partnership will present its final Broadway at the Grand on Thursday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Theatre. They will be showing Into the Woods, and concessions will be available as well. 

A Veteran’s Benefit Fair will be held on Friday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Crookston National Guard Armory. Many vendors will be on hand.

The Crookston Public Library will offer Spring Watercolors, a special painting program, on Friday, April 19, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. for ages 5 through 13.  Youth must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. All supplies will be provided, and no registration is required.

A Cancer Benefit for Cindy Bingham will be held on Friday, April 19, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Crookston Eagles. There will be food, a silent auction and Stars in Bars Karaoke to follow. Donations can also be made to the Bingham Benefit Fund at Bremer Bank in Crookston. All proceeds will benefit Cindy’s medical bills and associated expenses.

Yard Waste & Branch Collection in Crookston will be collected the week of April 22. All residents will need to have their yard waste and branches out by Monday as City crews will begin picking up on Monday and collect until they’ve been through the route. (This may only take a couple of days, not the entire week.) Place the materials on your curbside. Branches must be cut in four-foot lengths and bundled in order for the crews to take them away. Bagged yard waste must not exceed 30 pounds. per bag. Any branches or tree trunks not cut to this length and bundled will be left for the owner to haul away. Twigs may be in boxes or bags. Individuals removing their diseased elm trees should call City Hall to schedule pickup. Please note that yard waste is defined as leaves, grass, and other compostable material and will NOT be required to be in the clear City of Crookston bags during this week only.

Polk County Family Resource Center  Spring activities are on the fourth Monday of the month from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Crookston Public Library. Make your own journal on April 22. All supplies and snacks are provided.

The Books and Brews Book Club will meet at Drafts Sports Bar and Grill on Tuesday, April 23, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss Solito by Javier Zamora.  Appetizers are provided by the Friends of the Crookston Public Library. Participants are responsible for the cost of their own food and drinks. All adults are welcome and no registration is required.

The Lake Agassiz Regional Library will host a Notable Minnesota Coaches and Athletes Then & Now Virtual Event featuring Ross Bernstein on Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at www.larl.org/nfldraft. The recording will be available until May 8. This program is offered free of charge, thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime on Thursday, April 25, at 10:30 a.m. for children ages 3 to 6, although children of all ages are welcome to join the fun. There will be stories, songs, rhymes, flannel boards, special guests, and more.

The Benedictine Living Community in Crookston Is having an Adult Prom Fundraiser on Friday, May 3, at the Crookston Eagles. Tickets are $50 per person and include your meal with a choice of New York strip steak or walleye and a drink ticket. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 7:00 and dance to follow with Big Papa’s DJ. A prom king and queen will be crowned. Tickets can be purchased at the Benedictine Living Community office from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 218-281-3424.

Washington School School Readiness and ECFE families, along with Washington staff and families, will celebrate together at a fun End of the Year Picnic on Monday, May 13, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Washington School.  This event offers great food and family fun.  In the event of rain, activities will be held inside.

The Mark Olsonawski Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held Thursday, June 6, in Hallock at Two Rivers Golf Course, and the UMC Teambacker Golf Classic on  Friday, June 14, at Minakwa Golf Course in Crookston. UMC Teambackers host both tournaments and raise funds for Golden Eagle Athletics. To learn more or register a team, use these links: https://z.umn.edu/olsonawski24 and https://z.umn.edu/umcgolf24.

The Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston will host a Rhubarb Festival on Thursday, June 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

CONTINUING ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Crookston March pool hours Monday through Friday are – 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. Fridays only, and open swim 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday, open swim from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., birthday party slots from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., call 218-1242 for reservations.  Closed on Sundays. Costs are: Open swim $5 a person, aqua aerobics $5 a person, lap swim $5 a person, and aqua and lap swim membership is $36 a month.

The application period for many healthcare scholarships through the RiverView Foundation is now open. Applications for the following scholarships are due to the Foundation office by noon on April 15, 2024. Bishop Afonya Healthcare Scholarship, Lenertz Family Healthcare Scholarship, June E. Shaver Healthcare Scholarship, Richard Maves Healthcare Scholarship, Lynette “Pud’’ Joseph Healthcare Scholarship, RiverView/Glenmore Foundation Scholarship, and Rongen Family Healthcare Scholarship. Guidelines and applications are available online at https://www.riverviewhealth.org/foundation/scholarships/, by calling the Foundation office at 281-9249, emailing Foundation Director Randy Schoenborn at rschoenborn@riverviewhealth.org, or by stopping at the Foundation office located at 721 S. Minnesota Street, Crookston.

Buy your tickets now for the 16^th Annual Crookston High School Triple A Academics, Arts, and Athletics Senior Recognition Banquet, which will be on Monday, April 29, at 6:00 p.m. in the CHS Commons. Tickets must be purchased by Monday, April 22, and can be purchased at the Crookston High School, KROX, or Wonderful Life Foods. The cost of tickets is $17. Make checks payable to Triple-A. If you have any special dietary needs, please contact Irishman’s Shanty at 281-9912. Sponsored by Crookston Rotary, Crookston Lions, Pirate Fine Arts Boosters, and Pirate Boosters.

DNR Hunter Safety Traning for ages 11 and older will take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays beginning May 7. The classes will be held at the Crookston Gun Club. To register, contact Youth Activities Coordinator Steve Videen at 218-289-2115 or by email at stevevideen@yahoo.com

The Driftbusters Snowmobile Club has a $500 scholarship available to children of all club members who have successfully completed snowmobile safety training and submitted the application form. Applications are available at the Crookston High School or by emailing joelleb21@yahoo.com. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2024 to be eligible.  

The 2024 Crookston Firefighters Association Memorial Scholarship Award is now taking applications. This scholarship is for a graduating high school senior residing in Crookston or one of the townships served by the Crookston Firefighters Association. Applicants must plan to attend a 2-year community college or a 4-year college or university. Applications must be received by April 15, 2024. Applications can be downloaded at www.crookstonfirefightersassociation.org. Please submit questions to firereserve@crookston.mn.us.

The Crookston Eagles Auxiliary #873 awards a $500 scholarship annually. Applications are available at the Crookston High School or by contacting Sheila Menard at 218-289-3212 or by email at crookstoneaglesauxiliary.873@gmail.com. Applicants must have a relative who is a member of the Crookston Auxiliary but does not need to attend school in Crookston. Applications must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2024.

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.

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.

Polk County Family Resource Center  Spring activities are on the fourth Monday of the month from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Crookston Public Library. Plant flowers and veggies and take home your own mini pot. All supplies and snacks are provided.

Polk County Public Health and ECFE will host a Newborn Baby Talk event for parents with babies newborn to 12 weeks every Tuesday from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Crookston Public Library. There will be 2-12 week sessions. January 9-March 26, and April 2-June 18. 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 journey of parenting. A facilitated discussion will cover feeding, attachment, sleep, development, family changes, and returning to work. You can have your baby weighed too.

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 6:00 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 6:00 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.

CHS boys and girls hockey participated again in the second annual Crookston Pirate Hockey Fights Cancer games through the Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer Organization. They raised the most money out of all the participating hockey programs statewide.

“This is an organization that started in Rosemount, Minnesota,” said CHS boys hockey coach Josh Hardy, “They run this every year for mini-mites all the way up to high school, and typically there’s a lot of teams. Last year was the first year we did it, and we raised about $14,000 for the Northwest Minnesota Cancer Crusaders. This year, we decided to raise money for one of our own with Dani Sylvester, who’s fighting breast cancer. She’s a huge part of our hockey community.” 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. 

Crookston raised a staggering $30,980 for Sylvester through Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer, which is a massive jump from the $14,000 raised a year ago. The fundraising efforts this year boasted Crookston hockey as the number one fundraising program in the state through the Minnesota Fights Hockey Organization. The top five in the program included-
-Crookston High School raising $30,980
-Waconia High School raising $18,974
-Rosemount High School raising $13,709
-Chaska Chanhassen raising $13,315
-Rosemount Area Schools raising $10,657

Many community members came together during a doubleheader in January, where the boys took on Warroad, and the girls played East Grand Forks at the Crookston Sports Center. Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer was highlighted during the day along with Dani Sylvester, who dropped the puck for the girls’ game—the day also included a silent auction with all proceeds and donations going toward Sylvester and the Minnesota Hockey Fights Cancer Organization.

“It was pretty cool that we were able to help somebody out like that,” said Hardy, “Obviously, the goal with things like this is we want to help out a family member to show how important it is that if you can help out do so. That’s the message we wanted to send to both of our teams: the importance of community, and this was the most significant thing we did this year. It’s not the wins and losses, but to come together and help out someone was pretty cool, and hopefully, they can take the rest of their lives with them.”

Hardy explained that this year’s donations and efforts speak volumes about what kind of community Crookston is and that it should send a positive message to upcoming and returning hockey players. “This community has been amazing,” said Hardy, “My family and I have lived here for eight years now, and it just says a lot about what Crookston is as a community and how they’re willing to fight for their own.”