Dennis “Spanky” Sullivan – OBIT

Dennis “Spanky” William Sullivan of Benedictine Living Community, in Shakopee, MN, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024, at the age of 95, with his beloved wife Mona at his side.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 11 am, with a gathering from 9 to 10:45 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 16400 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Walker will preside. Military honors will be provided by the Prior Lake VFW Honor Guard. Dennis will be laid to rest at a private family burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Spanky was born on November 1, 1928, to Peter Martin and Jennie (Conneran) Sullivan in Crookston, MN. He was the youngest of five children. His father Peter passed away prior to Spanky’s birth. Jennie left the farm and moved to Crookston, MN to raise the children. After attending Crookston Cathedral high school (class of “46”) and a stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Spanky attended the University of North Dakota and played hockey for the “Fighting Sioux” in the winter of 1948-49! In 1951, he was a member of the National Senior Hockey Champions, the Crookston Pirates.

In 1950, Spanky married Mona Ellingson in Crookston, MN. In 1954, the family moved to Thief River Falls to begin a Grain Belt Beer Distribution with his brother Pete. Thus, the company became Pete and Dennis Sullivan, Inc. Expanding the territory in 1961, Spanky and Mona moved the family to Ada, MN and the same occurred in 1969, when the family moved to Moorhead, MN. In 1975, the family completed the cycle and returned to Crookston, MN. During these years, they raised seven children. One highlight of his life was participating in a freedom honor flight from Phoenix, AZ to Washington, DC for World War II veterans.

Later years found Spanky and Mona living in Eau Claire, WI and Phoenix, AZ area only to return to Minneapolis/St. Paul area to be near family.

His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. He was a man of deep Catholic faith and was proud of his Irish heritage. You can bet his Irish eyes are smiling as he meets his Father in heaven for the first time.

Dennis is survived by wife Mona; children, Joseph of Edina, MN, Janna (Bruce) Reimer of Savage, MN, Richard of Edina, MN, Mary of Hudson, WI, Patrice (Mike) Raths of St. Paul, MN, Paul (Candy) of South Lake Tahoe, CA, Kathleen of Las Vegas, NV; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; lots of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Jennie; brothers Joe, Ralph, Pete and sister Patricia Nimens.

Candle

KCC TAKES ON FOSSTON IN 8A GBB CHAMPIONSHIP – ON KROX TV

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The Kittson County Central Bearcats take on the Fosston Greyhounds in the Section 8A Girls Basketball Championship game at 7:00 PM tonight at the Ralph Englestad Arena.

The game is a matchup of the top seed from each sub-section with Fosston having a 28-2 record after a 63-52 victory over Kelliher/Northome in the semi-finals on Wednesday. KCC is 24-4 on the year after an 81-73 victory over Sacred Heart in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
The teams met once during the regular season and Fosston won the game 56-54 in overtime on January 16 at Northland Community and Technical College.
You can watch the game by clicking below-

Fosston is looking to make its seventh state girls basketball appearance with previous trips in 1994; State Champions in 2000, 20001, and 2003; 2005 runner-up, and in 2006.

Kittson County Central is looking to make its first state girls basketball appearance. Kittson Central made it to state in 2002 where they were runners-up, and 2004. Hallock-Humbolt-St.Vincent/Kennedy made it to state in 1992.

You can watch the game by clicking below-

2024 Section 8A GIrls Basketball Championship (3-8-24)

FIRST HALF –

SECOND HALF –

 

 

 
1st
2nd 
Final
Kittson County Central
Fosston
For Kittson County Central
Points
Kaydence White
Morgan Turn
Greta Kuznia
Afton Lindgren
Berlyn Strege
Lily Peterson
Ellen Hilman
McKinley Folland

 

For Fosston
Points
 

 

President Biden delivers State of the Union address

U.S. President Joe Biden on January 5^ 2024^ near Valley Force National Park in Blue Bell^ PA.

President Joe Biden delivered his third State of the Union address before a joint session of Congress Thursday evening and took the opportunity to make his case to voters to elect him for a second term, listing his achievements and outlining his future agenda. The president’s speech seemingly served as the kickoff for his presidential re-election campaign against the presumptive Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.

Biden began by promising Ukrainians that the U.S. would not back away from defending them in the face of the ongoing oppression and war by Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying: “we have to stand up to Putin. We will not walk away. We will not bow down. I will not bow down. In a literal sense, history is watching.”

Referencing the January 6th, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Biden did not name Donald Trump directly, but said: “my predecessor and some of you here seek to bury the truth of January 6th. I will not do that. This is a moment to speak the truth and bury the lies. And here’s the simplest truth. You can’t love your country only when you win.”

Speaking on the decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, Biden vowed: “in its decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court majority wrote ‘women are not without electoral or political power’. No kidding. Clearly those bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade have no clue about the power of women in America. But they found out when reproductive freedom was on the ballot and won in 2022, 2023, and they will find out again in 2024. If Americans send me a Congress that supports the right to choose I promise you: I will restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again.”

President Biden also officially announced the construction of a temporary port along the coast of Gaza to allow more humanitarian aid into the region as the war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza continues, saying: “no U.S. boots will be on the ground. This temporary pier would enable a massive increase in the amount of humanitarian assistance getting into Gaza every day. But Israel must also do its part. Israel must allow more aid into Gaza and ensure that humanitarian workers aren’t caught in the crossfire.”

Editorial credit: OogImages / Shutterstock.com

6 arrested in connection with death of Arizona teen beaten outside Halloween Party

Phoenix Arizona; Maricopa County Sheriff's office

Six people have been arrested months after the death of a 16-year-old who was beaten outside a Halloween party in Arizona on October 28, 2023, and died two days later in the hospital.

A Maricopa County grand jury indicated two more suspects on charges stemming from the gang-style, fatal beating of Preston Lord:  Taylor Sherman, 19, was booked late Wednesday by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office on one count of first-degree murder and one count of kidnapping; and Jacob Meisner, 17, was charged Thursday with first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated robbery, according to the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. He was in custody on other charges when he was served with the charges connected to Lord’s death.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said at a news conference on Wednesday that four others have been charged so far in Lord’s death — Dominic Turner, 20, William Owen Hines, 18, and Talan Renner and Talyn Vigil, both 17, were indicted on first- and second-degree murder charges, as well as kidnapping. Renner and Vigil are juveniles but will be charged as adults.  Turner also was charged with aggravated robbery.

All six defendants are being held on $1 million bonds, according to the county attorney’s office. In a statement obtained by NBC News through their attorney, Lord’s parents, Nick Lord and Autumn Curiel, thanked community members “who stepped up to provide information to secure these arrests … But for law enforcement’s collective efforts and community members’ invaluable cooperation, these arrests would not have happened. Each arrest represents a step towards accountability and justice for our son Preston.”

Editorial credit: Thomas Trompeter / Shutterstock.com

Barbie announces new role model dolls including Viola Davis, Shania Twain, and Helen Mirren

Logo Barbie on Mattel Circle Poster Clean Vector Pink

Mattel announced in a press release that they will release eight new ‘Role Model’ Barbie dolls inspired by a vast array of famous women in honor of International Women’s Day. The role model dolls “recognize women worldwide who embody the brand’s mission to inspire stories to shape the future.” Mattel also announced an anniversary collection featuring Barbie Career 65th Anniversary dolls, a new doll inspired by the original 1959 Barbie doll, and 2024 Fashionistas dolls paying homage to Barbie fashion through the years.

Mattel unveiled the dolls ahead of Barbie’s 65th anniversary this Saturday, which includes Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis, Grammy-winning singer Shania Twain, actress Helen Mirren and singer Kylie Minogue, as well as content creator Maira Gomez, writer and director Lila Avilés, model Nicole Fujita and comedian Enissa Amani. Dame Helen Mirren said in a statement that she is “blown away” by the doll: “It’s a very special thing, and something I can add to my list of my favorite achievements; becoming a Dame of the British Empire, having an Oscar, having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame – and having my own Barbie.”

Barbie SVP Krista Berger said in a press release: “Barbie’s story has never been just about her. It’s about the countless young kids she’s inspired and the millions of stories she helped them imagine along the way. For the past 65 years, Barbie has used her global platform to empower girls to dream big, explore their limitless potential, and direct their own narrative to shape their future. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we recognize over six decades of stories Barbie has helped write and and the doll that continues to give everyone the opportunity to dream — and dream big.”

Editorial credit: Adryan Samuel Hutagalung / Shutterstock.com

Jake Paul to fight Mike Tyson in live boxing match on Netflix

Former boxing champion Mike Tyson attends 2018 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York

Jake Paul and Mike Tyson will fight in a live boxing match on Netflix. The streaming service announced in a press release Thursday that it has partnered with Paul’s ‘Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)’ for the match. For the opportunity to sign up for presale tickets, click here.

The former YouTuber and Tyson will meet in a “boxing mega-event” that will stream live exclusively on Netflix on July 20, taking place at AT&T Stadium, an 80,000-seat capacity venue in Arlington, Texas, and the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys. The match will mark Paul’s most-anticipated fight to date and his second fight of 2024, following his knockout against professional boxer Ryan Bourland on March 2.

Paul, 27, said in a statement: “It’s crazy to think that in my second pro fight, I went viral for knocking out Nate Robinson on Mike Tyson’s undercard. Now, less than four years later, I’m stepping up to face Tyson myself to see if I have what it takes to beat one of boxing’s most notorious fighters and biggest icons … Whether you’re tuning in on Netflix or showing out in person, whether you’re team Paul or team Tyson, or whether you’re a lifelong boxing fan or watching your first fight, you’re not going to want to miss this event … My sights are set on becoming a world champion, and now I have a chance to prove myself against the greatest heavyweight champion ever, the baddest man on the planet and the most dangerous boxer of all time. This will be the fight of a lifetime.”

The 57-year-old Tyson is the former undisputed world heavyweight champion, said he’s “very much looking forward to stepping into the ring” with Paul, adding that “he’s [Paul] grown significantly as a boxer over the years, so it will be a lot of fun to see what the will and ambition of a ‘kid’ can do with the experience and aptitude of a GOAT. It’s a full circle moment that will be beyond thrilling to watch; as I started him off on his boxing journey on the undercard of my fight with Roy Jones and now I plan to finish him.”

Tyson (50-6, 44 KOs) has not fought in an official pro match since 2005, and lost his final two matches. He reigned as the undisputed heavyweight champion from 1987 to 1990, and regaining two title belts in 1996.

Editorial credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com

ARREST/FIRE REPORT- MARCH 8

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

Devon Bradley Benke, 28, of Middle River, for fourth-degree assault to a peace officer.

Emanuel Garza, 35, of Crookston, for escaping custody while held pursuant to lawful arrest.

ARREST/FIRE REPORT- MARCH 8

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

Devon Bradley Benke, 28, of Middle River, for fourth-degree assault to a peace officer.

Emanuel Garza, 35, of Crookston, for escaping custody while held pursuant to lawful arrest.

BULLETIN BOARD- MARCH 8, 2024

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. This includes a $500 must-go jackpot, and the kitchen will serve baskets.

The Crookston Eagles Club will not have Bar Bingo on Saturday, March 9.

Discover the secrets of success for growing and maintaining the best perennials for our northern climate!! The Crookston Public Library will present Growing Perennials of the North, featuring plant expert Joe Bergeson of Bergeson Nursery, on Saturday, March 9, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles will host their Camp Confidence Fundraiser on Saturday, March 9.  Tickets are $60 and include dinner and a $50 gift certificate to Reed’s Sporting Goods for use in their store or online. Cocktails and raffles begin at 5:00. A dinner of prime rib or walleye at 7:00, and a raffle and auction will follow. Tickets for this event are now sold out.

The Masonic Lodge will have a Breakfast Fundraiser for the Crookston High School FFA on Sunday, March 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge located at 141 West Robert in Crookston. Waffles, French Toast, gluten-free pancakes, sausages, and juice will be served. It’s a free-will donation.

The Crookston Figure Skating Club, in cooperation with the Crookston Park and Rec Department, will present Dreams on Ice “It’s Showtime” at the Crookston Sports Center on Saturday, March 9 at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and students and preschool are free. There is a family weekend wristband for $25.

The Dream Boutique shopping events will take place Sunday, March 10, from 2:00 to 5:00 and Tuesday, March 19, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Local girls going to prom can shop for prom dresses, shoes, and jewelry at 107 East 2nd Street in Crookston, the old Opticare building across from Crookston City Hall.

Get ready for Poetry Month by joining the Crookston Public Library for a poetry reading featuring past Wisconsin Poet Laureate and Mahnomen High School graduate Kimberly Blaeser on Monday, March 11, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the Climax Public Library on Tuesday, March 12 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The University of Minnesota Crookston Campus will have its International Dinner Series featuring different menus from various countries on March 11, 18, and 25.  The dinners will be served at 6:00 p.m. at the Bede Ballroom. Tickets are $25 for adults, under 18 are $20. $10  per UMC students who don’t have a meal plan.   The series ticket package for all 3 dinners is $75 for adults and $60 for those under 18. $30 for UMC students who do not have a meal plan. A limited number of tickets are available; get yours today by going to z.umn.edu/MIC2024Dinners. If you have questions, contact Rae French at rfrench@crk.umn.edu or 218-281-8339.

The Crookston Blue Line Club will be offering the following programs this spring: The Crookston Blue Line Club is partnering with Nissa Brekken and Mike Enright this spring for Power Skating for Mite/8U through Bantams. MITE/8U Power Skating will be Tuesdays, March 12-April 23, from 6:30 to 7:00 a.m. Squirt/10U, Peewee/12U, and Bantam Power Skating will be Wednesdays, March 12-April 24, from 6:15 to 7:00 a.m. Cost is $75 for Mite/8U and $100 for Squirt/10U, Peewee/ 12U and Bantams. 3v3 Stanley Cup, Wednesdays, March 27-April 24 from 6:15 to 7:15 p.m. for Squirts/10U, Peewee/12U and Bantams, BHS and GHS from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.  Cost is $75, register and pay online, goalies are free. Go to crookstonbluelinehockey.com for registration. The deadline to register is Sunday, March 24. 

The Louisville Town Board Annual Meeting will be held Tuesday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall in Dorothy. All residents of Louisville and Red Lake Falls Townships are welcome to attend.

Highland PTO will meet on Tuesday, Mar 12, at 6:00 p.m. at Highland School.

The Crookston Public Library will have STEMsational Tuesday for Kindergarten through grade 5 on March 12 from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. Explore science, technology, engineering, and math activities.

Andover Township will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, March 12, at 4:00 p.m. at the CHS Ag Services office to determine the levy for the coming year and review quotes for gravel and other businesses to come before the board. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19.

Crookston School District Staff Appreciation Week Planning meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. at Highland School.  All parents from Washington, Highland, Middle School, & High School are invited to help plan Staff Appreciation Week activities for all schools in May.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime for ages 0 through 6 on Thursday, March 14, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Come celebrate Pi(e) Day with Crookston FFA on Thursday, March 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Crookston Eagles Club.  FFA teams will have hands-on activities for all ages, burger baskets, pie with a free-will donation, and a silent auction, including student projects.  All funds raised will help send qualified teams to the Minnesota FFA State Convention in April.  Contact crookstonffaalumni@gmail.com for more information.

RiverView Health will be offering a CPR class on Thursday, March 14, 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 Blue Line Club Fun Night will be held Friday, March 15, at the Crookston Eagles. The social starts at 5:00 p.m., and dinner of prime rib, walleye, or chicken parmesan will be served at 6:00 p.m.  There will be games, raffles, a silent auction, and dancing to benefit youth hockey in Crookston.  Individual tickets are $40, a couples ticket is $60, and must be purchased by March 9 by calling Katie Fee at 470-0423 or email crookstonhockey@gmail.com. Everyone is welcome to attend.

All Veterans are invited to the Golden Link Senior Center on Saturday, March 16, at 10:00 a.m. Fargo Memorial Honor Guard Representatives Jim Graalum and Jason Hicks will present information regarding the Fargo Veterans Cemetery Facilities. This event is sponsored by the Crookston American Legion Post 20 and the Crookston American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 20.

The Crookston Civic Music League’s 2023-2024 Entertainment Series will host the Sinta Quartet at the Crookston High School Auditorium on Saturday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. For ticket and membership information in the Crookston Civic Music League, please call  Elaine Metzger at 218-281-2681, Emily Luckow at 218-281-5907, or Alvern Wentzel at 218-281-7873. Admission is by season ticket only.  For transportation, call THE BUS 281-0700.

The Mr. CHS contest will be held on Sunday, March 17, at 2:00 p.m. at the Crookston High School Auditorium. Admission is $4.

The Fertile Public Library’s Resolute Readers Book Club will meet this month to discuss “Fly Girls” by Keith O’Brien. The book shares the untold story of five women who fought to compete against men in the high-stakes national air races of the 1920s and 1930s and won! The group will meet on Wednesday, March 20, at 4:00 p.m. at the Fertile Public Library, located at 101 Mill St. S. All are welcome.

The Downtown Crookston Development Partnership will present Broadway at the Grand on Thursday, March 21, at 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Theatre. There will be a free showing of Bandstand, and concessions will be available.  The next showing will be Into the Woods on Thursday, April 18.

Notice is hereby given to the qualified voters of Hammond Township, County of Polk, State of Minnesota, will hold their election and annual meeting on Tuesday, March 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to elect one supervisor for a three-year term and one clerk for a two-year term. The annual meeting will follow to determine the levy for the coming year, review quotes for road maintenance, and any other business to come before the board. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime for ages 0 through 6 on Thursday, March 21, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Join the Books and Brews Book Club at Drafts Sports Bar & Grill on Tuesday, March 26, at 6:00 pm. They will be discussing “The Secret Book of Flora Lea.”

The Red Lake Electric Cooperative will have its Annual  Meeting for members on Wednesday, March 27, at 10:30 a.m. at the Legacy Event Center in Thief River Falls. The meeting agenda includes the year 2023 in review, financial reports, and election of directors. Door prizes will be awarded, and a lunch will be served.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime for ages 0 through 6 on Thursday, March 28, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.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 Knights of Columbus Fish Fry suppers will be on Friday nights from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral Church through Friday, March 22nd. It will be dine-in or drive-thru.  The menu is deep-fried walleye, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, cole slaw, and roll. Desserts will be for sale and served by service groups.  Drive thru will serve a cookie. Adult Walleye meal is $17, and extra walleye fillet is $8.00.

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 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.

CROOKSTON SCHOOL BOARD DECIDES TO KEEP WASHINGTON SCHOOL AFTER RECIEVING OFFERS FROM THE CITY

The Crookston School Board held a special meeting on Wednesday at Crookston High School to discuss and consider keeping Washington School for future expansion.

The city of Crookston and the Crookston Economic and Housing Development Authority (CHEDA) have had many discussions, meetings, and negotiations regarding the potential purchase of Washington School in hopes of making it a childcare facility for which the city seems to have a very high demand. The School Board ultimately decided to keep Washington School for future expansion.

“It’s no secret we’re building onto Highland School,” said Crookston Public Schools Superintendent Randy Bergquist, “We’re planning on moving preschool and kindergarten over there, but in light of new information, our preschoolers are growing. We now have four full-time sections of preschool classrooms and two half-time half-time sections. We have students who want to come to preschool that often have to be on a waiting list, so that was one decision brought forth.”

With Crookston schools also seeing increased numbers in elementary students, grades 1-5, the school board believes it is necessary to keep the Washington building to be able to house and educate all students and the growing numbers that come with it. “As a superintendent, I want to plan for an expansion, not decline,” said Bergquist, “I think Crookston has a lot to offer. So what we’re going to do, and the board voted unanimously to do this, we’re going to kindergarten teachers over to Highland and keep Washington as it stands for preschool.”

The board reviewed the possible issues that could’ve occurred if following through with the sale of Washington, which included the financial hardship the district would’ve faced when dealing with the addition of classrooms and teachers to the Highland preschool facility. “We would’ve tried to keep kindergarten and preschool isolated as much as possible from the other grades,” said Bergquist, “But because of that, we would’ve had to spend more money on lockers, spend money for teachers to change classrooms, and overall moving costs. We would’ve also installed age-appropriate bathrooms and sinks in those classrooms, and that would’ve cost money.”

The negotiations and offers that were given to the school district from the city of Crookston regarding the purchase of Washington have not been released to the public. However, the city offers included playground equipment and kitchen materials. The board determined that constructing a new playground would cost an additional $380,000-$400,000.

Along with the board unanimously approving the decision to keep Washington School, Superintendent Bergquist believes this will help the growth of the school district and help give all students the possibility to be enrolled without having to be placed on a waiting list. “I support this decision. The information that we put together,” said Bergquist, “Concludes that it’s a good decision to keep Washington. The bottom line is we’re already strapped for space as it is for grades 6-12, and we’re gaining kids in elementary school over at Highland. It would’ve been worse for me to go to the community and say, ‘Guess what, we want to have your taxes go up because we want to expand over at Highland.’ I think parents would’ve looked at us and said, ‘You’re nuts. You just built an expansion, and you want to do more.’ Prices aren’t going down. Building costs are going up. I think this an opportunity for us just to try this.”

As it stands, the preschool students and teachers will still be based out of Washington School. Kindergarten will be placed in the new add-on facility at Highland, and elementary school students grades 1-5 will be enrolled at Highland Elementary.