CADEN BOIKE NAMED CROOKSTON ROTARY STUDENT OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL

The Crookston Rotary Club has announced that Crookston High School’s Caden Boike is the Crookston Rotary Student of the Month for April.

Caden Bolke
Parents: Lon and Chris Boike
Siblings: Alec is currently doing his medical residency in Oregon, and Sydney is going to be graduating from Medical School this May.
Activities involved in or volunteer projects: Throughout my years at Crookston High School, I have played Soccer, Basketball, Track, and Tennis. I have also taken part in Leo Club activities, such as home-delivered meals and helping out at Highland. I am also a member of the National Honor Society.
Church: I grew up going to school at Cathedral School. After moving up to high school, I took religious education classes, went to church, and helped at events.
Community Service: I have helped a lot in Leo Club and Sports to benefit the community. I have helped at the Cathedral Fish Fry, taught younger kids basketball and soccer, and served food to the elderly.
Sports: I am currently in soccer, basketball, and tennis. I used to be in track and field as well, and when I was a freshman, I competed at the state meet.
Fine Arts: I have loved to draw ever since I was a kid. I have even taken both high school and college drawing classes. I also took photography, which was enjoyable. I am into music and have been in band since fifth grade. I was in the orchestra for one year, in the choir for a couple of years and I am the percussion leader.
Hobbies: Reading, drawing, playing games with friends, playing the piano or the drums.
Plans after graduation: I will be attending NDSU and pursuing Software Engineering. I am going to be rooming with Brannon Tangquist.

Alex Murdaugh sentenced to 40 years in prison on federal financial charges

The Colleton County Courthouse^ site of the High Profile Alex Murdaugh Murder Trial. Walterboro^ South Carolina USA - February 27^ 2023

A federal judge sentenced Alex Murdaugh to 40 years in prison in connection to his federal charges in April 2024. According to NBC News, a district judge is allowing Murdaugh to serve his prison sentences for state and federal crimes simultaneously; Murdaugh was previously sentenced to 27 years in prison, imposed by South Carolina for related crimes, and was also ordered to pay more than $8 million in restitution to his financial victims. At his sentencing hearing, Murdaugh apologized to the victims of his scheme, saying he felt “guilt, sorrow, shame, embarrassment, humiliation. There’s not enough time and I don’t possess a sufficient vocabulary to adequately portray to you in words the magnitude of how I feel about the things I did.”

Murdaugh, 55, pleaded guilty in September to the 22 federal charges (which included bank fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering) for stealing millions of dollars from his South Carolina law firm. Prior to sentencing, federal prosecutors said in a filing last week that Murdaugh failed a polygraph test that he agreed to undergo as part of a plea deal, and identified 11 new financial victims and another $1.3 million in stolen money. Murdaugh has admitted to his financial crimes, saying he was in the throes of opioid addiction for many years.

Murdaugh was convicted last March for the double murder of his wife, Margaret, 52, and their younger son, Paul, 22, who were found dead at the family’s hunting lodge with gunshot wounds in 2021. He is already serving two consecutive life sentences without parole for those murders.  Murdaugh has never admitted to the killings, which prosecutors say he carried out to divert attention from the financial wrongdoing he believed was about to be revealed. He is attempting to appeal those convictions.

Editorial credit: Al Munroe/ Shutterstock.com

Former NFL CB Vontae Davis found dead in home at age 35

NFL football on grass turf background

Former Miami Dolphins CB Vontae Davis, who retired in 2018, has died at the age of 35. No cause of death has been released pending an autopsy. According to the Miami Fox affiliate WSVN, David was found dead in Southwest Ranches, Florida on Monday morning, with the Davie Police Department confirming to PEOPLE that Davis’ body was found in a home owned by Davis’ grandmother, Adaline Davis.

Police said that officers responded to the residence in reference to a medical call that was made by “the house assistant, who found the homeowner deceased. Preliminary information suggests that foul play is not involved  The investigation remains ACTIVE.”  A statement from The Davie Police Department read: “This morning, Davie Police Officers responded to 6051 SW 178th Avenue in reference to a medical call. Officers were called to the residence by the house assistant, who found the homeowner deceased. We can confirm that the deceased individual is Vontae Davis age 35. Preliminary information suggests that foul play is not involved.”

Davis’ former coach Chester Frazier also confirmed the death on X: “#illinination we lost a great today!!! RIP TO @vontaedavis man nothing but good memories of that dude in school!!! Praying for the Davis family!!”  The Miami Dolphins also posted on X: “We are heartbroken by the sudden passing of former Dolphins CB Vontae Davis and extend our deepest condolences to his family & loved ones during this difficult time.”

The Miami Dolphins signed Davis in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, trading him to the Indianapolis Colts during 2012 training. A two-time Pro Bowler, Davis played across 10 NFL seasons with various teams including the Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts and Buffalo Bills.

Editorial credit: dean bertoncelj / Shutterstock.com

Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ is Spotify’s most streamed album in a single day for 2024

Beyonce arrives at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 10^ 2013 in Los Angeles^ CA

Beyoncé’s new country-inspired album, “Cowboy Carter” has broke the Spotify record for the most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far, with Spotify posting on its social media accounts: “This is also the first time a country album holds the title this year.” The 27-track album was released last Friday.

The lead single off Cowboy Carter, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” was streamed on the platform over 200 million times, sending it to the top spot on the US Top 50 chart. According to Billboard, that achievement makes Beyoncé the first woman – and first Black woman – to have topped both the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs since the lists began in 1958.

Cowboy Carter features a host of Black country musicians, as well as appearances from the legendary Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, as well as collabs with Post Malone and Miley Cyrus. In addition, Beyoncé and JAY-Z’s 6-year-old daughter, Rumi, has a guest spot on the track, “Protector.”

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

ARREST/FIRE REPORT- APRIL 2, 2024

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

Natalie Joanne Legarrie, 36, of Crookston, for domestic assault.

David Carrizales, 38, of Twin Valley, for traffic DUI.

ARREST/FIRE REPORT- APRIL 2, 2024

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

Natalie Joanne Legarrie, 36, of Crookston, for domestic assault.

David Carrizales, 38, of Twin Valley, for traffic DUI.

Michael Jackson biopic casts roles of Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Gladys Knight and more

Actor Larenz Tate attends as Saks Fifth Avenue and Starz celebrate the final season of "Power" on August 19^ 2019 in New York City.

Lionsgate and Universal Pictures announced additional cast members for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael from director Antoine Fuqua, per Deadline. According to the filmmakers, Michael will give “a riveting and honest portrayal” of the life and career of Jackson, who died at age 50 in 2009.

New casting additions include Larenz Tate, who will play Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, with Kendrick Sampson set to portray Grammy-winning songwriter, composer and music producer Quincy Jones. Kat Graham and Liv Symone have been cast as legendary singers Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, respectively, while Jessica Sula will play Jackson’s sister, La Toya Jackson. In addition, KeiLyn Durrel Jones will portray Bill Bray, who was hired by Joe Jackson in the 1970s as security for the Jackson 5, with Kevin Shinick cast as Dick Clark, who hosted American Bandstand when the Jackson 5 made a legendary early appearance.

Previously announced casting includes Jaafar Jackson (Jackson’s nephew) as Michael Jackson, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca. Prince Jackson, Michael Jackson’s eldest son, is working with the filmmakers on set, on behalf of his siblings.

Producer Graham King said in a statement: “I’m thrilled that we were able to bring together such a gifted group of actors for this film. What they bring to these key roles provides a rich backdrop for the movie, adding to the extraordinary ensemble.” In addition to King, producers include the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain.

Michael will open worldwide in theaters on April 18, 2025.

Editorial credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com

BULLETINBOARD-APRIL 2, 2024

Crookston Home-Delivered will be delivered by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church- WELCA through Friday, April 5.

The Crookston Public Library will have Baby Bounce today 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 Golden Link Senior Center will have Pinochle and Recycled Cards this afternoon starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m., and a VFW meeting at 5:00 p.m.

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

The Fisher American Legion will host an Auxiliary meeting on tonight at 7:00 p.m.

The Golden Link Senior Center will have Men’s Cards on Wednesday, April 3, starting at 8:00 a.m., followed by Cribbage at 10:00 a.m.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have UMC Swing Dance Club on Wednesday, April 3, starting at 8:00 p.m. This is free for all UMC students and $5 for others.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, April 3.

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 Golden Link Senior Center will have Bridge on Thursday, April 4, starting at 12:30 p.m., followed by SAIL at 2:30 p.m., and an American Legion Auxiliary meeting at 6:00 p.m.

The Crookston American Legion Auxiliary Nels T Wold Unit 20 will meet on Thursday, April 4 in the Golden Link Card Room at 5:00 p.m.  All members and those interested in becoming members are welcome.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Thursday, April 4, starting at 6:30 p.m. The kitchen will serve baskets.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Friday, April 5, starting at 6:30 p.m. This will include a $500 must-go jackpot, and the kitchen will serve baskets.

The Crookston Eagles Club will have Bar Bingo on Saturday, April 6, starting at 1:00 p.m. This will include a $400 must-go jackpot. The Cathedral Spring Gala will follow at 5:00 p.m.

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 5th graders.

The public is welcome to attend the Crookston Public School Wellness Policy Meeting on Tuesday, April 9, at 11:00 am in the CHS conference room.

The Fisher American Legion will host a Legion and SAL meeting on Tuesday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m.

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.

The Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, April 10.

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. 

RiverView Health will be offering a CPR class on Thursday, April 11, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the RiverView Home Care Building, 721 South Minnesota Street in Crookston. The Cost is $55 for those needing certification, and for those not needing certification, the class is free. To register, call 218-281-9536. No walk-ins will be allowed.

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 Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, April 24.

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 Fisher American Legion will have Wednesday Burger Night on Wednesday, May 1.

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 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 16th 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.

“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. This will be on Monday nights 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. 

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.

CITY OF CROOKSTON OPENS APPLICATION PROCESS FOR NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR

The City of Crookston continues to face challenges regarding its Finance Department and retaining a Finance Director.

After the unexpected resignation of recent Finance Director Audrey Passa, the Crookston City Council approved accepting the temporary services of CliftonLarsonAllen, LLC, before finalizing candidates for the Director position on April 16. “Michelle, from CliftonLarson and another individual who will also be assisting her,” said City Administrator Corky Reynolds, “Will be undertaking (on a temporary basis) some of the Finance Director’s duties. Assisting department heads with questions regarding the budget, where they are at, what expenditures they have made, amounts they have left, also looking at our various reporting requirements, reports that need to be made to the state, and the federal government.”

The CliftonLarsonAllen representatives will also recommend how the Finance Department should be staffed in the future and determine if additional help is necessary from technicians, a senior accountant, or additional help in the accounting profession. “At this time, under these circumstances,” said Reynolds, “It will allow CliftonLarson to make recommendations for us about what we can do better and how that should be accomplished. So I think that this is a good benefit for the city at this point in time.”

Reynolds explained that there have been difficulties and challenges the Finance Department has faced for many years. He believes that the department has operated with old-school tactics regarding methods and budgeting, and times have changed. “I think some of the difficulties here is that the department has done the same thing year after year,” said Reynolds, “And methods for allocating and budgeting have changed. How we do things, what things cost, being burdened in the past with lower than necessary levies have put the city in its position.”

In the last two years, the city has experienced significant levy increases of 18%, which was an attempt to bring the city up to par with financing different department line items, perhaps in prior years, would’ve been pushed to a later date. “For the finance department here,” said Reynolds, “That’s stressful; that may be one of the situations that have led to some of the finance people leaving. It’s just a bigger job now than it was 15-20 years ago. There are more requirements placed on us by the state and federal governments. That may be part of the reason.”

The city sent out the advertisement for the opening position of the city’s Finance Director on March 17 and will look to finalize the candidates and open interviews by April 16.

 

THE NORTHWEST MINNESOTA ARTS COUNCIL ANNOUNCES YEARLY ‘OF THE AWARD WINNERS’

Three awards are given each year to recognize artists and arts advocates within our seven-county region who stand out in terms of artistry or volunteerism in the arts. Of the Year Award winners were nominated by area residents. 

Of the Year Award Winners include:

Randy Larson of Gatzke is the Northwest Artist of the Year for Music.

Larson has played with many bands, including Back Behind the Barn Boys and Eagle Creek. He’s been a mentor to aspiring musicians in our region. Our Artist of the Year award can be given to any discipline artist including visual, performing, or creative writing who are emerging or at a mid-way point in their artistic endeavors. It is a cash award of $500. Congratulations, Randy!

Randy Larson

Rom Ogaard of Crookston will be awarded the Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year Award

Ogaard has been a longtime radio host at KSRQ 90.1 radio at Northland Community and Technical College and will be retiring in April. As Ron West, he has partnered with the NWMAC to offer a weekly radio segment that promotes artists, the arts, and arts organizations. He also hosts segments that feature the Campbell Library in East Grand Forks, and the North Dakota Museum of Art in Grand Forks. These radio programs have brought news and information about the arts to our region and beyond.

Our Arts Advocate of the Year award is $500 and includes arts from all disciplines. Congratulations, Rom!

Rom Ogaard

Betsy Saurdiff of Grygla will receive the Northwest Star Award.

Betsy is a retired German and visual arts teacher from the Grygla and Goodridge School Districts. In 2018 Betsy was named Arts Advocate of the Year. She is a well-known potter in our region and sells her work out of her studio BettsPottery and at art shows. She’s had a solo show in our gallery and is a regular entrant and award winner in our annual NW Art Exhibit. The NW Star Award comes with $5,000. Artists can only receive our Northwest Star Award once as a lifetime achievement award. Congratulations, Betsy!

Betsy Saurdiff

These awards will be presented on Sunday, April 21 in Lake Bronson at the Kittson County History Museum. The NW Art Exhibit will be open that day for viewing artwork starting at Noon. A reception with light refreshments and music will start at 2:00 PM with the awards program at 3:00 PM. The exhibit and reception are open to the public and free to attend. The reception is a wonderful day of celebrating the arts in our region. Please join us!

For more information about these awards, visit http://www.northwestminnesotaartscouncil.org/

Funding for Northwest Star and Northwest Artist of the Year comes from The McKnight Foundation. Funding for Northwest Arts Advocate of the Year comes from the Minnesota State Legislature.