Month: March 2024

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

Lisa Marie Crow, 40, of Crookston, for drug possession and cause or permit a child or vulnerable adult to be exposed to meth.

Liza Jean Stevens, 44, of Gary, for failure to appear in court.

Katie Lynn Carlson, 39, of Farmington, for third-degree drug possession.

Grace Magon Lindblom, 45, of White Bear Lake, for third-degree drug possession.

The Crookston High School LEO Club and UMC will deliver Crookston Home-Delivered meals this week.

The Crookston Public Schools will have Early Childhood Screening for children who are 3 years old by January 1, 2024, or 4 and 5 years old who have not been screened yet. Screenings will be held today and tomorrow at Washington Elementary School, 724 University Avenue.  Call 281-5078 or email lorimorgan@isd593.ogr for a screening appointment or for more information.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Dart League tonight beginning at 7:00 p.m. The kitchen will also serve baskets.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Red Lake Falls American Legion will not have Bingo on Thursday, March 7.

The Crookston Public Library will have Storytime for ages 0 through 6 on Thursday, March 7, from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will host Bar Bingo Progressive Jackpot on Thursday, March 7, at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve baskets.

The Crookston Classic Cruiser’s first meeting of 2024 will be Thursday, March 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the North Shore Room at the Crookston Inn.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Friday, March 8, 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 line. Cocktails and raffles begin at 5:00. A dinner of prime rib or walleye at 7:00, and a raffle and auction will follow. Limited tickets will be sold, so buy yours today at the Crookston Eagles.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

The Polk County Commissioners met on Tuesday at the Polk County Government Center.

POLK COUNTY HIGHWAY PROPOSES FOUR BIDS FOR CURRENT PROJECTS

The meeting began with Polk County Engineer Richard Sanders seeking approval to award bids for projects. The board approved the lowest bid regarding the Bituminous Overlay on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 14 and 45. “Polk County led bids for overlays on CSAH 45,” said Sanders, “From Trunk Highway 220 and Trunk Highway 75, and CSAH 14 from CSAH 75 north to CSAH Trunk 75.” The bid was ultimately awarded to Knife River Materials out of Bemidji in the amount of $1,781,156.

The next bid reviewed was regarding the CSAH 8 (located in McIntosh) and CSAH 105 (Erskine) mill and overlay. The bids for this project opened up on February 23, and the project included the overlay through the north limits of McIntosh. The board approved the award of the bid to Agassiz Asphalt LLC, out of Newfolden, Minnesota, in the amount of $276,681.

The third contract the commissioners approved was regarding the yearly gravel road stabilization. This year, the stabilization will be geared toward CSAH 35, which is located north of McIntosh and east of the county line. The bid was awarded to Thygeson Construction out of Thief River Falls in the amount of $539,600. “What we do with the stabilization is the contractor hauls out four inches of gravel,” said Sanders, “And we add the chemical base to the gravel and mix it like concrete. We then end up with a stabilized road so it doesn’t get muddy and sloppy during the spring. This gives the residents a nicer road to drive on, but it is not a paved road.”

The commissioners approved the final bid for the bituminous crack route and seal project. Each year, after the Highway Department overlays a road, they anticipate cracks to reappear in the streets. Sanders explained that after the project is completed they revisit the road after two years and hire a contractor to fill the road with rubber crack fill. The bid was ultimately awarded to Aztec Asphalt Technologies.

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE WEST CENTRAL REGIONAL WATER DISTRICT ESTABLISHMENT

Polk County has allocated American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to get a water line from North Dakota to Climax. The money will also be used to upsize the pipe, which will allow more possible crossings on the North Dakota and Minnesota border. “The plan is to create a couple more crossings,” said Polk County Administrator Chuck Whiting, “Down south in Norman County, Clay County, and it will depend on what the district itself can cash flow and develop.” The water district is currently searching for state bonds to help mitigate the cost of this procedure.

Whiting believes this will increase the water quality for residents within these counties because the water will come from an actual service rather than individual water wells.

The commissioners reviewed the resolution to approve the establishment of the West Central Regional Water District and the commencement of water system establishment proceedings. The board approved the authorization to move ahead with the formation of the water district, and the planning of the formation has taken nearly three years. “The attorney representing Polk, Norman, and Clay counties,” said Whiting, “Will take this resolution to the district court. Clay (County) will begin the district’s legal process.”

Once each county approves the resolution along with the district court, the West Central Regional Water District will become its own entity. The district will ultimately serve the south and east portions of Polk County and the entirety of Norman and Clay County.

The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the February 20 meeting. It also had the approval of bills and disbursements in the amount of $834.42. The Polk County Commissioners will meet again on Tuesday, March 12, at the Polk County Government Center.

The Crookston March pool hours in the month of March.

Monday through Friday are –
Lap swim  6:00 to 9:00 a.m.
Aqua aerobics 9:00 to 10:00
Open swim 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Homeschool open swim 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Fridays only)

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.

On Saturday, March 2, the 6th-grade Crookston boys basketball team placed 2nd in the Warren Jaycees & Lions Tournament. The boys beat BGMR in the first game 35-19 and Warren-Alvarado-Oslo 28-19 in the second game to get into the championship game. They lost in the championship game to the Grand Forks Hoosiers 50-37 in a hard-fought game.