August, 2025 | Krox AM

August 8, 2025

Kelly Clarkson’s ex-husband Brandon Blackstock dies at age 48 from cancer

Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock arrives for the 25th Annual Critics' Choice Awards on January 12^ 2020 in Santa Monica^ CA LOS ANGELES - JAN 12

Talent manager Brandon Blackstock, the ex-husband of Kelly Clarkson and the former stepson of Reba McEntire, has died at age 48. The news of Blackstock’s passing comes just one day after Clarkson cancelled the remainder of her Las Vegas residency dates this month, noting that her ex-husband was ill and she needed to spend time with their children, River, 11, and Remington, 9.

A rep for the family told PEOPLE in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away. Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

Clarkson had announced on social media the cancellation of this month’s concerts in Las Vegas, sharing that she needed to spend time with her children as their father was battling an undisclosed illness: “Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas. While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them. I am sincerely sorry to everyone who bought tickets to the shows and I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”. The four dates affected included August 8, 9, 15, and 16, with new dates now added for July 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, and August 1, 2026. Clarkson is tentatively set to return to Las Vegas for four more dates in November.

Clarkson and Blackstock were married from 2013-2022 and share 11-year-old daughter, River Rose, and 9-year-old son, Remington Alexander. During that time, Blackstock served as Clarkson’s manager; his father, Narvel Blackstock, was her previous manager. Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon in 2020 after nearly seven years of marriage, which was finalized in March 2022 after a messy court battle over property and finances. Clarkson was granted primary custody of their two children.

Prior to his relationship with Clarkson, Blackstock was married to Melissa Ashworth from 2001-2012, with whom he shares daughter Savannah, 23, and son Seth, 18. Blackstock later became a grandfather in January 2022 when Savannah gave birth to her first baby, son Lake, with Quentin Lee; she announced in July 2025 that she is pregnant with the couple’s second baby.

Blackstock was seen in pictures with River and Remington at the Houston Rodeo back in March 2024, alongside his brother Shelby and Shelby’s mother, Reba McEntire. McEntire was previously married to Blackstock’s father, Narvel Blackstock, from 1989-2015.

Blackstock is survived by his sons Seth and Remington, daughters Savannah and River, grandson Lake, father Narvel Blackstock and siblings Shelby, Shawna and Chassidy.

Editorial credit: DFree / Shutterstock.com

August 8, 2025

See A$AP Rocky, Denzel Washington in the trailer for Spike Lee’s new film ‘Highest 2 Lowest’

A$AP Rocky attends The Fashion Awards 2024 at the Royal Albert Hall in London^ England. London^ United Kingdom - December 2^ 2024

The first trailer was released for Spike Lee’s new movie, Highest 2 Lowest, which stars Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Ilfenesh Hadera, Ice Spice and A$AP Rocky, who also soundtracked the film.

Per Deadline, Highest 2 Lowest is a modern reinterpretation of the 1963 Akira Kurosawa classic High and Low, which was itself based on the novel King’s Ransom by Ed McBain. The original thriller follows a shoe company exec who becomes a victim of extortion when his chauffeur’s son is kidnapped by mistake and held for ransom; however the new film is set in contemporary NYC, and sees a music mogul (Washington) contend with a similar plot.

Highest 2 Lowest debuted out of competition at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, marking the sixth time Lee debuted a film in the Cannes Official Selection, – 36 years to the day since his first appearance with Do the Right Thing.

Highest 2 Lowest arrives in theaters on August 15, and debuts on Apple TV+ on September 5. See the trailer – HERE.

Editorial credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com

August 8, 2025

Crookston School Board approves new hires and changes

The Crookston School Board held a special meeting on Thursday in the Crookston School District Conference Room to approve several hires and employment changes.

The first item approved was a change to Lisa Conzemius’ job title. Conzemius was hired to be the Middle School Principal, but due to the late hiring window, the district decided to make her the 6-12 principal for the upcoming school year. Conzemius will be paid $116,764 with benefits. Superintendent Bruer was asked why they decided to expand the job to cover grades 6-12. “We looked at it very cautiously to see what best fits our situation here at the school, and we feel she has experience in middle school and high school.” said Bruer. “She wanted to do this, and we feel we need help with students.” Bruer then expressed that the main reason the job was expanded was due to the current hiring cycle, as well the other members of staff who can assist the principal. “We’re hiring at the wrong time period of the year,” said Bruer, ” so we felt, let’s get some more help here, let’s get the Dean of Students involved, and that’s the biggest reason why we’re looking at a 6-12 principal.”

The second item approved was the employment of Evan Pederson as the Crookston High School Activities Director and Dean of Students. Pederson will make $69,000 this year, $71,070 for the 2026-27 year and $73,202 for the 2027-28 school year. The school district will contribute up to $21,996 annually towards a family health insurance plan, along with other benefits.

The third item approved by the board was an employment agreement with Brandon Neibauer-Adams as the new Community Ed Director. In addition to his normal English teacher duties, Neibauer-Adams will receive an extra $10,000 for taking over the Community Ed Director job.

The board also approved the employment agreement with Lon Boike, who is a teacher on Special Assignment and Assistant Activities Director. Boike will be filling in for Highland School Principal Chris Trostad, who is on medical leave, and will also help the Activities Director. Boike will receive an extra $4,272 for his assistant activities director duties. Superintendent Bruer explained that Boike and Pederson would be working two positions simultaneously. “But we’re also going to have Lon Boike, who is going to be around, and he is going to fill in the extra part of that dean of students, so we have two people working both jobs.” Bruer then explained how the division of duties would go between the two. “Right now, we’re looking at Evan being the head AD and Lon being the assistant AD; assisting with help and also the history of the AD program…we’ll have two people working with the program itself, and when you look at it that way, we hae a good spot for both; they both have good qualifications to do that.”

The final item approved was the employment of Brittanie Watson as a high school match teacher to replace the retired Wayne Folkers. Watson taught for one year in Hankinson, North Dakota, and four years in Fargo. Watson has a BA in mathematics and education, a Master’s Degree in Ed Leadership, a PHD in Ed Leadership, and two years of administration.
Watson will start with a salary of $65,872 along with benefits.

August 7, 2025

KROX RADIO LOOKING FOR A NEWS DIRECTOR

KROX Radio, a full-service radio station with news, sports, and public service, has an exciting opportunity with the opening for a full-time News Director for our award-winning news department.

The news director is responsible for developing and reporting local news stories for the radio newscasts Monday-Friday and for our website.

The news director covers Crookston City Council, Polk County Commission, and Crookston School District meetings. The news director also covers community events and any other news in the area.
The news director needs strong ethical standards and the knowledge of the value of public service media, social media, and technology.

The news director can also help with covering sporting events for the website if interested.

The news director needs to have the following–
– Demonstrate commitment to accuracy, ethics, and transparency
– Good people skills
– Willingness to work flexible hours as news stories require
– Demonstrated skills in interviewing and writing
– Comfort with taking pictures
– Training as a reporter, writer, editor, photographer, or producer is helpful but not necessary
– Comfortable with editing audio for radio broadcasts

Benefits include – health, retirement, paid time off, and performance bonuses.

To Apply: Email KROX General Manager Chris Fee with a letter of interest, resume, and three professional references at chrisjfee@yahoo.com.

KROX is an equal-opportunity employer and prohibits harassment. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, family responsibility, disability status, protected veteran status, or religion. Accepting Applications until filled.

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $32,000.00 – $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:
401(k) matching
Health insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Relocation assistance

Experience:
Writing Skills: 1 year (Preferred)
Journalism: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:
Driver’s License (Required)

Work Location: In person

August 7, 2025

Clara Galland – OBIT

Clara Galland, 100, of Mentor, MN passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Cornerstone Nursing and Rehab Center, Bagley, MN.

Visitation will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Mentor on Sunday, August 10, 2025 starting at 5:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday morning.

Clara Josephine Galland was born March 3, 1925 to parents Anton and Goldie (Gunderson) Sveningson at Fisher, MN. At an early age the family moved to the Erskine area, then to Mentor, MN. There she attended public school. Clara was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. She was a long time member of Faith Lutheran Church in Mentor. She helped with Sunday School and the Ladies Aid. She is a charter member of the Ladies Aid.

She married Wilson Galland on March 14, 1943 in Erskine, MN at the church parsonage. They lived near Mentor all their married life.

Clara was a homemaker but when the children got older, she started to work at the Pioneer Care Memorial Home as a dietary aid. She continued to work there for 21 years.

Due to her health she decided to retire in 1992. After retirement she went through several surgeries and after her back surgery she was confined to a walker most of the time. But with the help of her wonderful husband they could still remain at home and do the work together. She enjoyed baking and would always try to have goodies on hand, especially when the Grandchildren would come over. She knew just what each one liked.

Loving family members are her daughter Sharon Wolf, son Bruce (Lorraine) Galland; daughter-in-law, Janis Galland. Ten special Grandchildren, Becky Kalvik, Karen (Craig) Caldwell, Jennifer Cummings, Chad (Melissa Jacobs), Melissa and Crispen Galland, Marcia (Jason) Sorensen, Jill (Leif) Kolstoe, Amy Broden, Katie (Jason Bachmeier) Galland. Nine precious Great-Grandchildren. Michael Galland, Paige (Adam) Remde, Megan (Rahim Raja) Hanson & Grace Hanson, Hailey, Riley and Gunnar Broden, Natalie Bachmeier, Hunter Sorensen and Ava Kolstoe; great-great granddaughter Diana Remde.

Clara was preceded in death by her husband, Wilson; son, Reggie; her parents; five brothers, Sven, Lawrence, Lloyd, Carl and Daniel Sveningson; two sisters Alma Hole and Alice Galland, son-in-law Bob Wolf; grandson-in-law Todd Cummings.

Funeral service for Clara Galland will be held 11:00 AM on Monday, August 11, 2025 at Faith Lutheran Church in Mentor, MN with Reverend Mike Sletto and Reverend Timothy Lundeen Officiating. Burial will be held at Faith Lutheran Cemetery, Mentor, MN.

August 7, 2025

Irene Williams – OBIT

Irene Williams was born in the Radi family home near Fisher, MN on September 24, 1931, one of 8 children of the union of Ernest John Fredrick and Caroline “Carrie” (Wagner) Radi. While growing up on the farm, she was baptized and confirmed in Fisher’s Trinity Lutheran Church and began her education at a nearby country school within walking distance of the farmstead. Irene would later attend Fisher High School where she played the trombone in the school’s band while also playing trumpet in the Radi family band with her siblings as they entertained and participated in local parades. Her love of the arts was strong, and she was a great supporter of her children and grandchildren as they followed passions and never missed an opportunity to see them shine. Following her graduation with the Class of 1949, she remained at home to help on the farm when needed. On February 21, 1950, Irene was united in marriage to Milton E. “Mickey” Williams at Trinity Lutheran Church. They made their forever home on the Williams Farm and Irene and Mickey were blessed by the births of their 5 children: Steve, Michael, Jeff, Sue, and Jim. While Mickey planted and harvested their many crops, Irene saw to it that the crew was well fed. She was a wonderful cook and always made sure everyone left with full and happy bellies. Together, She and Mickey raised their kids in a loving home and proudly supported and attended all their activities including sports, concerts, plays, and other events. Irene additionally volunteered at the Fisher School, helping with fundraisers, and chairing the PTA.

Irene, Mickey, and the children were devoted members of the Trinity Lutheran Church, where Irene taught Sunday school for many years, and enjoyed her fellowship and term as president of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML). She was drawn to the wonderful work of Hospice of the Red River Valley and was one of the first to volunteer her time to the organization. She loved volunteering for Hospice and provided a kind ear and ample conversation for those in her care. Irene also held longtime membership in Crookston’s Riverview Hospital Auxiliary, served as 3-time president of Fisher American Legion Auxiliary Post 242, and treasured her many Homemakers’ Club friendships. Irene was an avid golfer and bowled for many years in the Women’s League and with Mickey in a Couples’ League. Playing cards was always a highlight of family and friends’ get-togethers. She continued playing weekly until her passing. Her favorite quiet times were filled by doing crossword puzzles, keeping up with current events and the news, and of course, Hallmark Movies!

Together, she and Mickey enjoyed traveling and making lasting memories while visiting the Holy Land and Jerusalem, Egypt, Greece, Hawaii, and most of the United States. Sadly, Mickey passed away on August 19, 2011. Irene continued to live on the farm, until moving to the Summit Apartments in 2023. She adored her children and grandchildren and was immensely proud of every one of them.

She loved going to the grocery store, shopping and being present at social events. She was a vivid storyteller, ready to discuss memories, friendships, and local happenings with friends and family.

Irene’s memory will be forever cherished by her 5 children: Steve Williams of Mentor, MN, Michael A. Williams of Springfield, VA, Jeff and Karen Williams of Littleton, CO, Sue and Steve Meyer of Fisher, MN, and Jim and Roxanne Williams of Eden Prairie, MN; 9 grandchildren: Heather (Jim) Williams, Melissa (Jeremy) Klein, Brandon Horgen, Barbie Horgen, Ben Horgen, Tina Williams, Adam Williams, Jesse Williams, and Nathan (Narysse) Williams; 3 step-grandchildren: Shaun (Lucy) Meyer, Joshua Meyer, and Rachel (Dallas) Aune; 5 great-grandchildren: Asher, Ruth, and Ronin TeBay, and Zander and Paxton Huelsbeck; and 5 step-great-grandchildren: Taylor (Taelor) Van Dyke, Kanaly Meyer, and Ava, Addisyn, and Grayson Aune. Irene also leaves 3 sisters and brothers-in-law, Elda and Howard Higginbotham of Renton, WA, Norma and Don Adams of Las Vegas, NV, and Marilyn and Robert Menard of Boise, ID; 2 sisters-in-law, Pearl Radi of Fargo, ND and Carol Radi of Crookston, MN; along with several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

In addition to Mickey, her beloved husband and best friend of over 61 years, Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Caroline Radi; an infant great-grand-daughter, Jazlynn Horgen; sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Edward Gillner; and 3 brothers, Leslie, Raymond, and Erwin Radi. From Mickey’s side of the family, Irene is preceded in death by parents-in-law, Peter and Sella Williams; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Hilda and Vernon Sandstrom, Clarice and Don Jones, Selmer Williams, Palmer Williams, Inez and John Huber, and infant sister, Mary. Blessed be the memory of Irene Dorothy (Radi) Williams.

Irene’s family will celebrate her life with a funeral service on Saturday August 16, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisher beginning at 10:30 am. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am. Interment will take place in Greenwood Cemetery following the service.

August 7, 2025

Pres. Trump hits India with additional 25% tariffs over Russian oil imports

President Donald Trump Indian President Ram Nath Kovind during a ceremonial at the presidential palace NEW DELHI^ INDIA - February 25^ 2020

President Trump has imposed an additional 25% tariff on goods from India over its imports of oil from Russia, the White House said on Wednesday, raising the rate from 25% to 50%.

In a newly issued executive order, Trump stated that India is continuing to import oil from Russia, either directly or indirectly. Because of these ongoing transactions, Trump said an additional 25% duty would be imposed on Indian goods entering the U.S. market: “I find that the Government of India is currently directly or indirectly importing Russian Federation oil. Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 percent.”

This new increase will be added to the 25% tariff already set to take effect Wednesday night, part of a broader wave of tariffs Trump is implementing across several major trading partners. The additional duty is scheduled to be enforced within 21 days. At 50%, India would face one of the highest import tariffs levied by the U.S. on any country. Other nations facing similar high tariffs include Brazil at 50%, Syria at 41%, Myanmar at 40%, and Switzerland at 39%.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs pushed back in response to the latest tariff escalation, stating that the Trump administration’s targeting of India over Russian oil imports was “unjustified and unreasonable” and that it “will take all necessary measures to safeguard its national interests and economic security.” India has previously claimed that its purchases of Russian oil were made with the knowledge and backing of the United States.

During an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Trump criticized India’s trade practices, saying, “India has not been a good trading partner, because they do a lot of business with us, but we don’t do business with them. So we settled on 25% [tariffs] but I think I’m going to raise that very substantially over the next 24 hours, because they’re buying Russian oil. They’re fueling the war machine.”

According to data from the Commerce Department, India ranked as the 10th-largest exporter of goods to the United States in 2024, with imports exceeding $87 billion. Among the top categories were machinery, plastics, rubber, chemicals, metals, glass, and agricultural products.

Editorial credit: Exposure Visuals / Shutterstock.com

August 7, 2025

Suspect in custody after 5 soldiers are injured in shooting at Fort Stewart army base in Georgia

MAP DEPICTING Fort Stewart. Georgia. USA

A suspect is in custody after five soldiers were injured in an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart in Georgia on Wednesday.

According to a U.S. official and the military base, the shooting at the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area was reported at 10:56 a.m. Per NBC News, the suspect was identified as Quornelius Radford, a male soldier who has prior ties to Florida. Radford was apprehended at 11:35 a.m., Fort Stewart said. The circumstances surrounding the shooting were not immediately clear.

The Fort Stewart Hunter Army Airfield posted to social media: “Five Soldiers were shot today in an active shooter incident in the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team area. All Soldiers were treated on-site and moved to Winn Army Community Hospital for further treatment. There is no active threat to the community. Law enforcement was dispatched for a possible shooting in the 2nd ABCT complex at 10:56 a.m. The shooter was apprehended at 11:35 a.m. The installation was locked down at 11:04 a.m. and Fort Stewart lifted the lockdown of the main cantonment area at 12:10 p.m. 2nd ABCT complex is still locked down. Emergency medical personnel were dispatched to treat the wounded Soldiers at 11:09 a.m. The incident remains under investigation and no additional information will be released until the investigation is complete.”

CBS affiliate WTOC-TV reported that the wounded soldiers were treated on site and then taken to an Army hospital, with two of the victims were rushed to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, which is a Level 1 trauma center (Fort Stewart is about 40 miles southwest of Savannah.). No information was immediately released about the conditions of the wounded service members.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said on social media, “As we remain in close contact with law enforcement on the ground, Marty, the girls, and I are saddened by today’s tragedy at Ft. Stewart. We are keeping the victims, their families, and all those who answer the call to serve in our hearts and prayers, and we ask that Georgians everywhere do the same.”

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on social media that President Trump has been briefed on the shooting and the White House is monitoring the situation, with a defense official stating that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also been briefed on the shooting.

Editorial credit: SevenMaps / Shutterstock.com

August 7, 2025

Leo Woodall to co-star with Rachel Weisz in Netflix limited series ‘Vladimir’

Rachel Weisz at the 10th Annual Governors Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom on November 18^ 2018 in Los Angeles^ CA

Leo Woodall has joined the cast of Netflix’s limited series, Vladimir, in the titular role. The eight-episode series is based in the Julia May Jonas novel of the same name.

Netflix announced: “Leo Woodall will star as the titular VLADIMIR — joining Rachel Weisz in the upcoming adaptation of the Julia May Jonas novel. As a woman’s life unravels, she becomes obsessed with a captivating new colleague and is hell-bent on turning her fantasies into reality.” Weisz also serves as an executive producer on the project.

A series synopsis reads: “As a woman’s (Weisz) life unravels, she becomes obsessed with her captivating new colleague (Woodall). Full of sexy secrets and dark humor, the series is about what happens when a woman goes hell-bent to turn her fantasies into reality. As a woman’s life unravels, she becomes obsessed with a captivating new colleague and is hell-bent on turning her fantasies into reality.”

In addition, actors John Slattery (“Mad Men,” “Spotlight,” “Nuremberg”), Jessica Henwick (“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” “Silo”), and Ellen Robertson (“Mickey 17,” “Black Mirror,” “Too Much”) have been cast as series regulars in the roles of John, Cynthia, and Sid respectively.

Recurring cast members including Kayli Carter as Lila., Miriam Silverman as Florence, Mallori Johnson as Edwina, Matt Walsh as David, Tattiawna Jones as Alexis and Louise Lambert as Dawn.

Kate Robin (‘One Mississippi,’ ‘The Affair,’ ‘Dead to Me’ and ‘Six Feet Under’) serves as show runner, with production underway in Toronto; no premiere date disclosed as of press time.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

August 7, 2025

Young Leader Program looking for young farmers to apply

If you are passionate about farming, ready to connect with agricultural industry leaders and grow your leadership skills, look no further than the Young Leader Program. Program sponsors American Soybean Association and Corteva are seeking farmers to apply for the 2025 2026 ASA Corteva Agriscience Young Leader Program.

Phase I of the 2025-26 Young Leader program will take place Dec. 1-4 at Corteva’s Global Business Center in Johnston, Iowa. It continues Feb. 24-Feb. 27, 2026, in San Antonio, Texas, in conjunction with the annual Commodity Classic Convention and Trade Show.

The Young Leader program has helped identify and train soybean farmers to be leaders in the industry for more than 40 years. As the first state affiliate of ASA, the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) has developed dozens of leaders through the program and continues recruiting growers to represent Minnesota soybean farmers for the next generation.

“The support MSGA shows for the Corteva Young Leader program is beyond amazing,” said Brownton farmer Ryan Mackenthun, MSGA vice president and 2019-2020 Young Leader graduate.

After completing the program, participants have the opportunity to become full voting at-large MSGA directors for three years. Soybean growers – both individuals and couples – are encouraged to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, agriculture trends and information and the development of a strong and connected network. Growers of any age are encouraged to apply: The program, which is supported by the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and the soy checkoff, is designed for those young in their leadership careers.

“The Corteva Young Leader Program was a great experience,” Mackenthun said. “It gave me a very in-depth look at what being an active leader in various soybean associations looked like. Thanks to this program, I have peers in the agricultural community from across the U.S. and Canada that I chat with often to share farming practices.”

Soybean growers, both individuals and couples, are eligible to apply for the program, which focuses on leadership and communication, agriculture trends and information, and the development of a strong and connected network. The program is designed for growers who are young in leadership, not age. Interested spouses/partners are encouraged to attend and will be active participants in all aspects of the program, even if not employed full time on the farm.

ASA and Corteva will work with ASA’s 26 state affiliates and the Grain Farmers of Ontario to identify the top producers to represent their states as part of this program. The deadline to apply is Sept. 1. Learn more about the program and how to apply here.

About the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association
MSGA is a nonpartisan, farmer-led advocacy organization established in 1962. The organization represents the interests of Minnesota’s nearly 26,000 soybean farmers. MSGA’s goal is to ensure profitable soybean farming by influencing favorable farm legislation, monitoring government policies and supporting research and market development activities. Click here to join MSGA.