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The City of Crookston has issued this announcement regarding Thursday’s Crookston Downtown Tunes.
The parking lot on W 2nd St (Old Waynes Hotel Parking Lot) will be closed on Thursday, June 26th, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. for Crookston Downtown Tunes. Vehicles still in the parking lot will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Have you ever been confused by a medical bill or program? Who hasn’t, right? If you’re a RiverView Health patient, your go-to for help is Mela Hatchett, the financial counselor in the Patient Financial Services (PFS) Department. Consistently recognized for her calm demeanor, patience, and accountability, Mela was also recently recognized as the organization’s April Employee of the Month (EOM).
Mela began working in her role in the PFS Department in November 2020. The oldest of five children, her family is from Grand Forks, where her father was stationed at the Grand Forks Air Force Base in 1966. He moved to Crookston after the 1997 flood. Mela and her daughter, Robyn, moved to Crookston in 2022. Her siblings live in the Twin Cities and Duluth areas.
In her free time, Mela enjoys gardening, music, K-dramas, and she volunteers as a trained Bible Study instructor.
“I was surprised and I appreciate the recognition,” she shared of being named the EOM. “Isn’t there the saying, you’re only as good as the company you keep? I feel it doesn’t matter how talented an individual is if they don’t have the opportunity, support, and resources to use and improve their talent.”
“My supervisor, Lexie Huebner, gives me that support by encouraging me to voice any concerns or suggestions I may have, and then she makes sure that I have the resources I need to help our patients. She’s always looking for ways we can do our jobs better and reminds us to take care of our physical and mental health.”
“I also work with excellent teammates in PFS and HIM (Health Information Management). They are quick to respond to my questions and work with me to resolve patients billing issues. They willingly share their knowledge and experience with me so I can improve my understanding of the billing and revenue processes. Without this good leadership and teamwork, I wouldn’t be able to excel in this position.”
“Thank you, RiverView, for being one of the healthiest environments I’ve ever worked in.’’
President Donald Trump departed early Tuesday for the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, coming just one day after Iran carried out retaliatory strikes at a U.S. base in Qatar, and hours after he announced a ceasefire in the Israel-Iran conflict. The NATO summit will be the first time Trump will face European U.S. allies since returning to the White House in January.
Per CNN, Israel accused Iran of firing several missiles and vowed to respond “with force,” while Tehran denied violating the truce. A visibly agitated Trump told reporters as he left for the summit that both Israel and Iran had violated the ceasefire, several hours after it was to take effect. Trump said: “We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what the f**k they’re doing,” however the President indicated he did not believe the ceasefire was broken. Trump said he is “not happy” and that “Israel, as soon as we made the deal, they came out and dropped a boat load of bombs the likes of which I’ve never seen before. The biggest load that we’ve seen, I’m not happy with Israel. OK, when I say now you have 12 hours, you don’t go out in the first hour and just drop everything you have on them. So, I’m not happy with him [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu]. I’m not happy with Iran either.”
Netanyahu said Israel agreed to the ceasefire with Iran, in coordination with Trump, after the country achieved all of its war goals, including removing the threat of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. In a televised statement late Tuesday, Netanyahu said that Israel took out top generals and nuclear scientists and destroyed nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan and the Arak heavy water reactor.
Trump later posted on Truth Social stating the ceasefire was saved: “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly “Plane Wave” to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!”
Upon his arrival in the Netherlands on Tuesday night, Trump attended a formal dinner at the Netherlands Royal Palace alongside the King and Queen of the Netherlands. On Wednesday, Trump will attend the NATO summit where he will participate the first plenary session with NATO leaders. The president will then spend a few hours engaged in bilateral meetings with several world leaders, a senior U.S. official told reporters on a conference call, and will later hold a news conference before leaving the Netherlands to return to the U.S.
Editorial credit: Brian Jason / Shutterstock.com
Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., will be the House Democratic Party’s top member on the House Oversight Committee, after beating Massachusetts Rep. Stephen Lynch in a 150-63 caucus vote made on Tuesday. Lynch, 70, is one of the most senior members of the Oversight Committee who had been serving as acting ranking member after the late Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va. took a leave of absence in April.
Politico reported that Garcia, 47, won a first-ballot majority after winning the backing of the caucus’ powerful Steering and Policy Committee. Garcia said following the vote: “We’ll get immediately to work,” adding that first on the agenda was meeting with the Oversight Committee staff “to let them know that we’re ready for consistent leadership. It is an opportunity for us to continue holding the corruption of Donald Trump accountable and also doing incredible work on government reform. Efficiency is not DOGE. Efficiency is actually making government work better for our constituents across the country, and that’s what we’re going to focus on.”
The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee oversees federal government activities and has the power of subpoena to compel witnesses to appear before the committee during investigations. Garcia would be in line to chair the powerful Oversight and Government Reform Committee if Democrats win control of the House in next year’s midterm elections. If that were to happen, Garcia would work to hold President Donald Trump accountable for “corruption” while working to reform the federal government, he told media after the caucus vote.
Garcia is in his third term in the House; before coming to Washington, he made history as the first Latino and first openly gay mayor of Long Beach, California. Garcia served as Long Beach mayor from 2014 until 2022, when he won election to succeed Rep. Alan Lowenthal, D-Calif., who did not seek re-election.
Editorial credit: Sheila Fitzgerald / Shutterstock.com
James Marsden has joined the cast of Your Friends & Neighbors for its second season, currently in production. The Apple TV+ drama was renewed back in November for Season 2. Apple TV+ wrote on X: “Welcome to the neighborhood, James. #YourFriendsAndNeighbors ”
Season 1 of Your Friends & Neighbors stars Jon Hamm, Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Hoon Lee, Mark Tallman, Lena Hall, Aimee Carrero, Eunice Bae, Isabel Gravitt, and Donovan Colan. The show follows disgraced hedge fund manager Andrew “Coop” Cooper (Hamm), who turns to robbing his wealthy neighbors in Westmont Village after a divorce and career downfall—only to uncover dangerous secrets behind their polished façades.
Hamm also serves as executive producer alongside Connie Tavel and Craig Gillespie. Season 2 will be executive produced by Jamie Rosengard, Lori Keith Douglas, and Stephanie Laing, who also returns as director.
Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Variety reported that the prequel series “Dexter: Original Sin” has been renewed for Season 2 at Paramount+ with Showtime. The news comes after the show’s first season concluded on Feb. 14.
Set in 1991, the show serves as the origin story of Dexter Morgan, with Patrick Gibson playing the young version of serial killer Dexter, who is portrayed by Michael C. Hall in the original series that first aired on Showtime in 2006. Hall provides the young Dexter’s inner monologue, with Christian Slater portraying Dexter’s father, who offers guidance regarding who Dexter should kill while evading detection by police.
The premiere season also included cast members Molly Brown, Christina Milian, James Martinez, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Patrick Dempsey.
The official description of the show states: “When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry (Slater), he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcement’s radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.”
Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com
The Crookston Housing and Economic Development Authority (CHEDA) Board met Tuesday, June 24, at the Valley Technology Park.
Dale Stainbrook took the Oath of Office at the beginning of the meeting, as he was appointed as a City Council Member to the board. He joins Morgan Hibma as the second council member to be seated on the board, filling the space left vacant by Tim Menards’ resignation.
The board then approved the consent agenda and Crookston Housing & EDA Payables. Theresa Tahran then gave a brief update on housing. There was not much to report, but Tahran did make the board aware that there had been a fire at Oak Court, which gutted one apartment and did some smoke damage in the apartment directly across, the hallway, and the air conditioner in the unit above the fire needed to be replaced. The cause of the fire, Tahran says, was an electronic charger, and added that they are currently getting bids in place for the repairs.
Taylor Wyum did the EDA/Community Development Report for the meeting, as Development Director Karie Kirschbaum is on medical leave. With not much new going on with the EDA, Wyum touched on the $2.7 M grant for the downtown corridor. “When the legislative session ended and they passed their budget, MnDOT provided a letter to the Senators and Representatives who worked together on that particular piece of legislation and stated that $2.7M would be allocated to Crookston’s Highway 2, Corridor Project.”
On the main agenda were some housekeeping items such as approving the signature authorization for HRA/HUD documents in Kirschbaum’s absence, a resolution to accept HUD Capital Funds Grant of $106,973 for public housing, and approving a Rehab Loan Request. Tahran explained that there is an entity asking for a $25,000 Rehab Loan to flip a house. The applicant plans to repay the loan within 3-6 months.
As part of the main agenda, Wyum asked if any board member(s) would like to be on the Hiring Committee for a Temporary Grant-Funded Contractor Position. Wendy Ault and Bill Tate showed interest in the job.
The last item on the main agenda was a 5-Year Economic Development Vision. Board Member Phil Schramm shared what he was looking for with the board, and it was decided that at a future meeting, possibly a special meeting, they would spend time looking into each of the board members’ vision for Crookston. “During our Finance Committee Meeting, Phil brought up that it would be nice for the CHEDA Board to look at a five-year vision, what they would like to see, in Crookston,” says Wyum. “It’s my understanding that it hasn’t been done in a while, so it sounds like we’ve got a new board since the last time it was done, so it would just be nice to get everybody on the same page and be able to set some priorities.” All action items on the main agenda were approved unanimously by the board.“
The board talked over some informational points before adjourning. The next CHEDA meeting will be on Tuesday, July 29, at 7:00 a.m.
The University of Minnesota Crookston women’s basketball program announced the signing of three student-athletes for the 2025-26 season. The Golden Eagles added Caleigh Adams (F, 6-0, Bakersfield, Calif./San Francisco State University), Taylor Dirkes (G, 5-8, Osakis, Minn./Osakis H.S.), and Tayden Hanks (F, 5-11, Los Lunas, N.M./Pima Community College). The three signees join early signees Anna Westby (F, 5-11, Eveleth, Minn./Rock Ridge H.S.) and Emma Pierson (G, 5-9, Cherry Valley, Ill./Belvidere H.S.).
The Golden Eagles ended the 2024-25 season with a 9-20 (7-15 NSIC) mark. UMC returns a big portion of their core guided by three-time All-NSIC honoree Emma Miller (Sr., G, Albertville), who is second all-time in scoring in a career, and holds the single-game scoring mark. Riley Jenkins (Jr., G/F, Galesburg, Ill.) returns after earning All-NSIC Second Team honors in 2024-25. Minnesota Crookston also returns Hope Dudycha (Jr., G, Austin), who started all 29 games. Halle Winjum (So., G, Crookston) is back after 11 starts as a freshman, while Rayna Klejeski (Jr., F, Barnum), Brynlea Mahlen (So., G, Fosston), and Natalie Mikrot (Sr., G, Willow River) also return.
Caleigh Adams (F, 6-0, Bakersfield, Calif./San Francisco State University)
She played in six games as a freshman for San Francisco State University, averaging 2.0 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. Adams had 12 points on 5-of-8 from the field versus Jessup. In high school at West High, Adams had 500 rebounds in 52 games. She notched 1,000 points in 65 career games. Adams notched 16.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game at West High. She was the 2023-24 Bakersfield Varsity All-Area Player of the Year. Adams was named the 2021-22 South Yosemite League Player of the Year. In 2021-22, she was selected to the Bakersfield Varsity All-Area First Team, and was also named to the squad in 2020-21. Adams is the all-time leader in blocks for West High, and is second all-time in points, and rebounds.
She is the daughter of Bryan Adams and Denise Rankin. Her father Bryan played football at UCLA. Her mother Denise played volleyball and competed in track and field at UC-Irvine. She plans to major in communication at Minnesota Crookston.
“Caleigh brings us extra length and athleticism at the shooting forward position,” Moynihan stated. “She is a great three-point shooter and helps make our team more dynamic. I am excited for her to join our Golden Eagle family!”
Taylor Dirkes (G, 5-8, Osakis, Minn./Osakis H.S.)
Dirkes was named the Team MVP for Osakis High School. She was also named the Prairie Conference MVP, and earned the Silverstreak Award, and All-Section Team accolades.
She is the daughter of Tom and Theresa Dirkes, and plans to major in agricultural business at Minnesota Crookston.
Taylor comes to us eager and ready for the challenge of the NSIC,” Moynihan remarked. “She is a very strong guard and brings another level of toughness to our squad. I am excited for Taylor to join our team this coming season!”
Tayden Hanks (F, 5-11, Los Lunas, N.M./Pima Community College (Ariz.)
Hanks played two seasons at Pima Community College in Arizona. She helped the Aztecs to a combined 56-15 mark in her two seasons in Tucson. In 2023-24, Pima made it to the NJCAA Division II Tournament. During her sophomore season, she helped the Aztecs to a runner-up finish at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Joplin, Mo. Hanks played in 30 games in a freshman, notching 1.7 points and 1.9 boards per game. As a sophomore, she played in 33 games and started three. Hanks tallied 1.7 points and 1.9 rebounds per tilt. She had eight points against Trinidad State College and Illinois Central College. Hanks notched seven boards versus Arizona Christian University. She played for Los Lunas High School, where she was a State Champion, and three-time District Champion. She played one season of club basketball for New Mexico Select. Hanks earned the NJCAA Sportsmanship Award. Additionally, she was named NMAA All-District in 2021 during her high school career.
She is the daughter of Tim Hanks and Thalia Campanella.
“Coming to us from New Mexico, Tayden’s urgency, strength and speed will add to our presence inside on both ends of the court,” Moynihan said. “She is vocal and ready to get to work and I am looking forward to her joining our family this year!”
Now is the time to schedule your child’s annual well-child visit at RiverView Health. If they also need a sports physical, save time and schedule both in the same appointment. “Well-child visits are crucial for children’s health and development, allowing for the identification of potential problems early on, ensuring they stay on track with their growth and development milestones, and providing necessary immunizations,” shared Natalie Royal, FNP-C.
“These visits also offer an opportunity for parents and healthcare providers to discuss concerns, receive anticipatory guidance, and establish a strong, trusting relationship.” Annual well-child visits are even more critical than usual now to ensure your children are up-to-date on immunizations, including the measles vaccine. Measles was officially eliminated from the United States in 2000; however, due to declining vaccination rates and increased vaccine hesitancy, a recent surge in cases of the disease leaves many people vulnerable to measles infection. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death, especially in children. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective and is the best way to prevent measles.
Along with immunization maintenance, well-child exams allow for
–Observation of growth and development
–Detection of illness by screening examinations
-Counseling and education of parents and children
-Promotion of mental health
Time to Address Concerns, Get Additional Help
A well-child visit is an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns you have about your child with their provider. If they are not performing well academically or socially, or if there are family issues, this is a great time to reach out for help. Your provider can help you access various resources, including other medical professionals, counselors (for children and/or families), and local programs.
To get the most out of your child’s visit
-Prepare a list of topics you would like to discuss with the provider and bring it with you to the visit.
-Do not be afraid to discuss a subject that concerns you.
-Talk to others around you who spend time with your child, such as teachers, grandparents, and parents of peers. They can help you identify any issues you might not have noticed.
Most insurance policies cover the cost of well-child exams.
Sports Physicals Offered at Same Appointment
If your child is entering seventh grade or above and plans to participate in sports, they can get a well-child exam and sports physical at the same appointment. If this is your intention, let the patient access representative know when you call to schedule the appointment. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) requires students to have a physical exam every three years, typically before entering seventh and tenth grades. The sports physical is an opportunity to address exercise-specific issues, including injuries, nutrition, and training and exercise programs, as well as attitudes toward sports participation.
While a RiverView sports physical meets all the requirements for participation in sports as set by the MSHSL, it is not intended to replace a well-child exam. A well-child exam is a more comprehensive examination that includes reviewing immunization records, medical history, and family history. To speed up your child’s in-person appointment, fill out the MSHSL’s sports physical form and bring it to the appointment. The form is available at https://www.mankatoclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025- 2026-MSHSL-Sports-Physical-Form.pdf.
To schedule a well-child exam/sports physical, please call your preferred RiverView Clinic location in Crookston at 281.9595, Fertile at 945.6695, or Red Lake Falls at 253.4606. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed with school preparations to schedule your child’s well-child visit/sports physical at RiverView Health. Now is the perfect time to check those items off your to-do list and have peace of mind knowing they are starting the school year in good health.
Pictured: Natalie Royal, FNP-C, visits with a patient during a well-child exam.
Governor Tim Walz announced today that Melissa and Mark Hortman will lie in state on Friday, June 27, 2025. They will be joined by their Golden Retriever, Gilbert. Hortman will be the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state in the Capitol. The Capitol rotunda will be available for the public to pay their respects from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A private funeral will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:30 AM. Space will be limited. A LiveU feed and photos will be available, and a livestream will be available on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s YouTube channel. Please reach out to claire.lancaster@state.mn.us to receive additional details as they are available.