Month: March 2024

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

There will be a Youth Transition Exploration Fair this afternoon from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Crookston High School. This opportunity provides support and resources for youth ages 14-21 who are on an Individualized Education Plan.  Supper will be provided, and meet vendors that can supply the needed resources to transition from school to life in the community; there will be prize drawings and free swag bags. Call the Tri-Valley Bus at 218-281-0700 for a free ride.

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 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 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.

Our Savior’s Lutheran School staff are hosting their 2nd annual Hotdish Competition Fundraiser tonight.  The menu will include hotdishes, jello, relishes, and cookies.  Staff will be serving some of their favorite homemade hot dishes from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15 pm and competing to see who is the best chef! Vote with your donations – the hotdish with the most money at the end of the event will be announced at 6:30 pm and declared the Ultimate Hotdish Winner!

The Crookston Eagles Club will host an Aerie and Auxiliary meeting tonight at 7:00 p.m.

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 on March 6 and 7 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 on Wednesday, March 6, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The kitchen will also serve baskets.

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 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.

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 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

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 Crookston Eagles Club will be hosting its annual Camp Confidence Extravaganza Fundraiser on Saturday, March 9. Camp Confidence is a camp located in the Brainerd Lakes area that houses and provides activities for individuals who have cognitive or learning disabilities. In the summer of 2023, the organization celebrated its 50^th anniversary.

“The state eagles have been involved with them basically since they’ve started,” said Local Aerie secretary for Crookston Aerie 873 Jake Fee, “This is a great camp, and it’s a year-round camp in the Brainerd Lakes area, which provides all kinds of hands-on activities whether its canoeing, archery, cross country skiing, fishing, they have all sorts of outdoor activities.”

In February, the Crookston Eagles hosted a cornhole tournament which raised nearly $2,000 for Camp Confidence. Camp Confidence relies on entities like the Eagles to run these fundraisers because they do not receive state or federal funding. “This is all done on fundraising, so these events are very important,” said Fee, “Whether it’s the cornhole fundraiser or this event, which we’re hoping to raise around that $20,000 mark. We’re also looking to do a gun bingo in the fall. These events are important that we do locally but also throughout the state.”

Tickets for the Camp Confidence Extravaganza are $60. The ticket includes a prime rib or walleye dinner and a $50 gift certificate to Reed’s Sporting Goods for use in their store or line. It is important to get your tickets quickly; as Fee noted, this event sells out each year. You can get your ticket at Scott’s True Value throughout the week from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or at the Crookston Eagles Club from 3:00 p.m. to close.

“The doors will open at 5:00 p.m., and I always recommend getting there as quick as possible,” said Fee, “They don’t print endless amounts of tickets, so some of these raffles do sellout, especially the gun and cash raffle, which are some of the popular ones so I do recommend getting there when the doors open right at 5:00 p.m.” The gun raffle includes ten different guns that were purchased from Erickson Embroidery. Other big-ticket items in the raffle include an Eskimo I49 I fish house, an Eskimo 3I Fish House, and a pizza oven.

Over the nine years the Crookston Eagles have hosted the Extravaganza, they have raised more than $100,000 toward Camp Confidence. “This is something we’re very proud of,” said Fee. “We couldn’t do this without the community’s support. The community has bought into this, and it’s not only a fun event, but, with the lives they are changing with this event, it really provides life-changing experiences for those with cognitive and developmental disabilities.”

The Camp Confidence Extravaganza event begins at 5:00 p.m. Attendees can check in and buy raffle tickets. The prime rib and walleye dinner will begin at  7:00 p.m., and the raffle/auction will follow.

Recently, CHS students enrolled in the Advanced Woods class, taught by Mr. Oliver took on a project at United Valley Bank in Crookston. The project consisted of making the United Valley Bank logo for the Crookston Office Board Room.  

Dylan Thode, Tyler Michaelson, and Tim Brule designed the United Valley Bank logo in CNC Software and cut out the logo on the CNC Router at Crookston High School. They also sanded and painted the logo after the parts were cut. There were a few challenges along the way, but in the end, the project was a success. They did a nice job and were rewarded graciously for their efforts by Bank President Adam Maruska.

Don’t forget to “spring ahead’’ on Sunday, March 10, when daylight savings time (DST) begins at 2 am. Most U.S. residents – with the exception of those in Arizona and Hawaii – follow the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which mandates states use DST, meaning we will lose one hour of sleep with Sunday’s time change.

“While this shift in time may seem minor, it can significantly impact our sleep patterns and overall well-being,’’ Dr. Arveity Setty, RiverView Health Sleep Center medical director, stated. “As a sleep doctor, I’ve witnessed firsthand how daylight savings time affects individuals across different regions, including those living in Minnesota and North Dakota…Everyone responds differently to daylight savings time. Some people adapt quickly, while others may take longer. Be mindful of your sleep patterns during this transition, and prioritize good sleep hygiene to minimize disruptions.’’

According to Dr. Setty, a sleep medicine specialist and pediatrician, following DST disrupts our circadian rhythms. These 24-hour cycles regulate sleep and other key bodily functions such as appetite and mood. These rhythms are largely dependent on light exposure. In order to reset each day, they must be synchronized with natural light-darkness cycles to ensure healthy, high-quality sleep.

The transition from Standard Time to DST means darker mornings and more evening light, which can essentially delay the sleep-wake cycle, making you feel tired in the morning and alert in the evening.

Circadian misalignment can contribute to sleep loss, as well as “sleep debt,” which refers to the cumulative effect of not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.

Start Now to Prepare for DST Dr. Setty recommends the following to ease the transition to DST:

Gradual Wake-Up: In this week before DST, wake up 15-20 minutes earlier each day. By the time the clocks change on Sunday, your body will have adjusted incrementally.

Saturday Reset: Saturday, before DST, set your alarm back by an additional 15-20 minutes. This gradual approach helps your body align with the new schedule.

Sleep Hygiene: Create a relaxing bedtime routine to promote better sleep by limiting exposure to screens (phones, computers, television) before bedtime and keeping your sleep environment cool, dark, and quiet. 

To get through DST fatigue, the National Sleep Foundation recommends spending time in bright light during the day to regulate your body clock, eating meals at consistent times daily, and establishing a relaxing pre-sleep routine.

“You need to take care of your sleep and consider implementing strategies to maintain a consistent sleep schedule despite the time change,’’ Dr. Setty continued. “Prioritize your sleep health during this time. Remember, a well-rested you is better equipped to embrace the changing seasons and march forward into brighter days.’’

Rest Assured with Services from Riverview’s Sleep Center

Whether you are having trouble adjusting to DST or have other issues with sleep, RiverView’s Sleep Center offers services to individuals from birth through the end of life. The symptoms of sleepiness, snoring, or an inability to concentrate may not seem like reasons to seek medical attention; however, in addition to the psychological and social effects, any of these symptoms could be the result of an undiagnosed medical condition. Left untreated, sleepiness and sleep-wake disorders can lead to serious health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, or accidents due to untreated sleep issues. 

RiverView’s Sleep Center, accredited by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, offers an experienced, objective, and systematic approach to diagnosing and treating sleep-wake disorders.  Offering sleep studies since 1996, RiverView’s Sleep Center provides help for Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.

Sleep Apnea: Disruption of breathing during sleep, with brief periods throughout the night when breathing stops. People with sleep apnea may not get enough oxygen and have inadequate sleep. The most common symptoms of sleep apnea are loud snoring, waking up feeling unrefreshed, having trouble staying awake during the day, headaches, waking up during the night, and feeling like you are choking.

Narcolepsy: The need to sleep no matter how much sleep you get at night. You may fall asleep while working, talking, or driving a car, with attacks lasting from 30 seconds to more than 30 minutes.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS): RLS is discomfort in the legs when sitting or lying still. Individuals with RLS feel the constant need to stretch or move their legs, which prevents them from falling asleep. Symptoms are most likely to occur during inactivity, especially while sitting.

Pediatric and Adolescent Sleep Disorders: All sleep disorders affecting adults have a pediatric counterpart. The most common problems are of the sleep/wake schedule (difficulty falling or staying asleep or inability to sleep at desired times). Infants and children also suffer from sleep apnea. Narcolepsy typically begins in adolescence and may affect younger children. Unusual motor behavior during sleep may result from sleep terrors, sleepwalking, or nocturnal seizures. 

Good health starts with good sleep. If sleep, or lack of it, is a problem, talk to your primary care provider for a referral to the RiverView Sleep Center or call Rehab Services at 281-9463 for more information.

Is it Time for a Sleep Study? Take the quiz to find out by clicking here.

Celebrate National Poetry Month by joining your library for a poetry reading featuring past Wisconsin Poet Laureate and Mahnomen High School graduate Kimberly Blaeser. Blaeser will read from her Ancient Light collection of poetry, accompanied by a visual photography slideshow, which invokes an ancient belonging and the voice of the deep relatedness the poet experiences in the watery regions of Minnesota. A book signing will follow the presentation.

Blaeser’s tour is sponsored by Lake Agassiz Regional Library and will include visits to the following locations:

• Monday, March 11 at 6:00 p.m. at the Crookston Public Library, 110 N. Ash St., Crookston, MN
• Tuesday, March 12 at 6:00 p.m. at the Climax Public Library, 104 W. Broadway, Climax, MN
• Wednesday, March 13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Mahnomen School Cafeteria, Door #2, 310 West Madison Ave., Mahnomen, MN
  This event is made possible thanks to the sponsorship of the Manoomin Arts Initiative, Mahnomen Indian Education, and the Mahnomen Public Library. The program will include a free community feast beginning at 5:30 p.m. and a reading by Poet Laureate Kimberly Blaeaser at 6:00 p.m. 
• Thursday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Detroit Lakes Public Library, 1000 Washington Ave., Detroit Lakes, MN

These programs are offered free of charge, thanks in part to funding from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. Learn more at larl.org/legacy.

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