In what has become an annual tradition, two Crookston High School students volunteered to create charcuterie boards for the United Way of Crookston auction, taking place from December 3 to 5.
Two seniors, Gunnar Groven and Cade Wisk, volunteered their talents to create a charcuterie board for the auction, helping to raise money for the United Way. Industrial Tech teacher Travis Oliver said he likes to have the kids volunteer to do something for United Way. “It has turned into a yearly thing, and that’s fine. I have to find kids who want to do that, and I always think it has more value if the kids do it, because I already know how to do this stuff. It goes on the online auction that they have and helps out the United Way and the community, so I think it’s a great thing,” said Oliver. “Gunnar and Cade both worked hard on their projects and came up with the ideas themselves, and we looked at what we did in the past. They always come up with something a little different than what the kids in the past came up with. So it’s always neat to see something and see the kids be creative. They’re both A students and did a nice job.”
Groven explains his project. “My project is a serving tray, charcuterie board type thing. It’s made of hickory and maple. I have handles on here so you can bring it out easily, and I put life is Gouda, you know, like the cheese,” said Groven. “This took about a week, about a week together. Mr. Oliver helped us. Miss Boll helped us. So yeah, it’s a team effort.” Wisk explains his board. “It’s also made out of hickory, my charcuterie board. Not too much fancy about it, just a classic charcuterie board,” said Wisk. “I thought it would be a good experience, help out a local charity, and get to learn new things through the process of making it. It took me three days to make.”
Altru Health System is pleased to announce that the Altru Heart & Vascular Center has officially relocated to the sixth floor of Altru Hospital, effective Monday, November 24. This strategic move, from the clinic to the hospital, supports Altru’s ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-centered cardiovascular care by bringing services closer to hospital-based resources for a more seamless, coordinated experience.
“Our patients will be able to come to the sixth floor as a one-stop shop for heart and vascular care,” said Jodi Stauss, Practice Manger for Heart & Vascular and Surgical Specialty Clinics at Altru. “Having our providers in a central location will help our team collaborate easily and will better serve the needs of our patients.”
The new location offers improved convenience and comfort, with key cardiovascular services—including echocardiograms, EKGs, and vascular ultrasound—now housed together in one dedicated space.
“Access to lots of natural light and beautiful artwork will put our patients at ease while we focus on healing their hearts,” added Stauss.
Patients with questions are encouraged to call Altru Heart & Vascular Center at 701-780-6236.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at KROX Radio! Hopefully you are able to enjoy time with family and friends and some good food!
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The Crookston Pirate Boys Basketball team has 28 out in 9-12 and 21 more out in seventh and eighth grade.
Seniors (9) – Zachariah Ali, Nolan Cassavant, Carter Fee, Gunnar Groven, Jacob Halvorson, Joshua Hesby, Isaiah Reyes, Peter Wiersma, Reggie Winjum Juniors (5) – Dominic Sanchez, Xsavior Ramos, Colton Osborn, Landon Meier, Ean Deleon Sophomores (4) – Kaydentz Smith-Ambuehl, Gavin Reitmeier, Cameron Martin, Jaspur Barstad Freshmen (10) – Asher Wieland, Zachary Waslaski, Brady Samuelson, Nathan Pahlen, Axl Page, Masen Lessard, Nolan Johnson, Maddox Hoerner, Marshall Hanson, Cameron Anderson Eighth grade (10) – Beau Smith, Arley Sinks, Pedro Rodriguez, James Hood, Joaquin Hebert, Beau Fredricks, Isaac Erdmann, Miguel De Los Santos, Christian Cassavant, Harrison Cameron Seventh grade (11) – Odin Prudhomme, Javarian Porter, James Ortiz, Jayden Nguyen, Evan Kofoed, Devin Gudmundson, Joseph Goering, Michael Garcia, Ashtin Cameron, Garland Bartrum, Jax Amiot
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The Crookston Pirate Wrestling team has 14 boys and five girls out for the team this year.
BOYS – Seniors (4) – Gavyn Hlucny, Jose Arriaga, Lucas Perala, Miles Corneillie Juniors (1) – Mico Roche Sophomores (4) – Mauricio Arriaga, Kolton Bahrenfuss, Gabe Perala, Jaron Knutson Freshmen (3) – Paul Thornhill, Eli Marsyla, Raymond Suarez Eighth grade (1) – Peewee Contreras Seventh grade (1) – Oliver Wallace
GIRLS – Senior – Ziizi Sam Sophomore – Silla Gonzalez Freshmen – Natalie Perala, Emma Pierson Seventh grader – Aaliyah Anchondo
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We have a Section 8A Boys hockey preview, compliments of our friends at Let’s Play Hockey. They put together a preview of each section and they said we could use it on the column. “Anything to get these kids some publicity,” is what they said when I reached out them. Here is the link to the preview of all the sections if you want to look at it. – Class A Boys: Bluejackets are pre-season top pick – Lets Play Hockey
Section 8A Section 8 is home to some of the bluebloods of Class A hockey. East Grand Forks captured the Class A state championship and will be a strong contender to repeat this season. The Green Wave will return 10 skaters from last season, along with two goaltenders. Tucker Lovejoy and Jace Panzer should each be in line for better seasons this year after putting in great efforts in 2024-25.
While the Green Wave will be hoping to retain its title, it’ll have to stave off a stiff test in the form of the Warroad Warriors. Warroad has a rich hockey history, having made four tournament appearances since 2020, but is still seeking its first championship since 2005. The Warriors will undoubtedly have aspirations and opportunities to capture that title with an extensive returning roster of exceptional players. They’ll be without last year’s top scorer, Taven James, but will return their next five leading scorers. Ryan Shaugabay is a senior this year and will look to build upon a breakout season in which he scored 58 points. The Warriors will also be strong in net with both Finn Hanson and Patrick Kennedy coming back for a potential state title run.
There’s plenty of talent elsewhere in the section apart from the Green Wave and Warriors as well. Senior forwards Garrett Fischer and Jay Reese should play massive roles in a Crookston offense that looks like it could score a lot of goals. Fischer scored 56 points last season while Reese added 48. In a similar situation, Red Lake Falls should be able to score plenty of goals, too. They’re led by Keegan Schmitz (49 points last season) and Boe Nelson (44).
Section 8 has a ton of goal-scoring ability, but there’s also a lot of defense in the section as well. Griffin Lindberg is a junior from Detroit Lakes who should be one of the strongest in the class. Lindberg started 25 games last season for the Lakers and logged a .908 save percentage. Reid Gerbracht is a strong defender for Bagley/Fosston, who should be interesting to follow this season as he plays his junior season for a Flyers team that went 15-11-0 last year and has aspirations for even more.
Bagley/Fosston: 2024-25 Record: 15-11-0 Head Coach: Jake Seuntjens Conference: Northwest State Trips: None Top Returning Players: Wyatt Gerbracht, F, Jr. (23-11-34); James Palmer, F, So. (11-19-30); Logan Dillich, F, Jr. (16-13-29); Reid Gerbracht, D, Jr. (6-18-24); Dakota Erickson, F, Sr. (10-6-16); Grant Merschman, D, Sr. (2-11-13); Camron Benson, F/D, Sr. (6-6-12); Cole Johnson, F, Sr. (6-5-11); Trenton Wiese, F/D, Sr. (0-2-2); Brett Berg, F, Sr. (0-1-1); Brookston Hildebrandt, G, So. (1-0-0, 1.50, .920)
Crookston Pirates: 2024-25 Record: 18-8-1 Head Coach: Josh Hardy Conference: Mariucci State Trips: None Top Returning Players: Garrett Fischer, F, Sr. (29-27-56); Jay Reese, F, Sr. (19-29-48); Greyson Ecker, F, Sr. (15-16-31); Tate Hamre, D, Sr. (13-12-25); Gavin Aakhus, F, Jr. (7-5-12); Grant Funk, D, Jr. (3-9-12); Liam Larsoh, F, Sr. (1-9-10); Isaiah Donarski, D, Sr. (0-1-1); Evan Shockman, F, Sr. (1-0-1); Brady Chandler, G, Sr. (2-0-0, 1.50, .921)
Detroit Lakes Lakers: 2024-25 Record: 10-14-3 Head Coach: Ben Noah Conference: Central Lakes State Trips: 1995, 1996 Top Returning Players: William Cymbaluk, F, Sr. (7-20-27); Easton Kennedy, F, Sr. (7-14-21); Carter Whitworth, F, Sr. (11-4-15); Hudson Pettit, D, Sr. (2-8-10); Lawsen Justesen, F, Sr. (3-4-7); Hank Schlauderaff, F, Jr. (0-1-1); Griffin Lindberg, G, Jr. (9-13-3, 2.43, .908); Noah Germain, G, Jr. (1-1-0, 1.40, .930)
East Grand Forks Green Wave: 2024-25 Record: 16-13-2 Head Coach: Tyler Palmiscno Conference: Mariucci State Trips: 1971, 1980, 1982, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2013, 2014 Champions, 2015 Champions, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2025 Champions Top Returning Players: Tucker Lovejoy, F, Sr. (19-11-30); Jace Panzer, F, Jr. (10-16-26); Nolan Meulebroeck, F, Sr. (6-10-16); Cole Schmiedeberg, D, Sr. (6-5-11); Max Bies, D, Jr. (3-4-7); Jake Chupka, F, Sr. (3-4-7); Ryan Clauson, D, Jr. (1-2-3); Braden Overgaard, F, Sr. (1-1-2); Wyatt Cordts, F, Sr. (0-1-1); Bodey Schmaltz, D, Sr. (1-0-1); Noah Schindele, G, Jr. (15-10-2, 2.61, .889); Camden Rognerud, G, Jr. (0-0-0, 8.88, .500)
Kittson County Central Bearcats: 2024-25 Record: 5-15-1 Head Coach: Josh Rynning Conference: Northwest State Trips: None Top Returning Players: Eli Muir, F/D, Jr. (10-19-29); Jaxton Hemmes, F/D, Jr. (4-12-16); Guilford Finney, F, Jr. (4-5-9); Kamden Gullickson-Palmer, D/F, So. (6-3-9); Clarence Przekwas, F, Jr. (0-6-6); Ozander Andrade, F, Sr. (1-2-3); Jaxon Bring, F, Jr. (1-2-3); Gavin Johnson, D, Sr. (2-0-2); Ty Folland, D, Jr. (0-1-1); David Kaul, G, Sr. (1-0-0, 6.04, .781)
Lake of the Woods Bears: 2024-25 Record: 4-19-0 Head Coach: Brett Nylander Conference: Northwest State Trips: 1949, 1950, 1951 (as Williams), 1993 Top Returning Players: Dawson Canfield, F, Sr. (13-13-26); Eli Johnson, F, Sr. (5-4-9); Zack Brouse, D, Sr. (1-3-4); Thad Olson, D, So. (1-2-3); Jack Cook, D, So. (1-0-1); Mecat Smith, F, Jr. (0-1-1); Jonah McDougall, G, Jr. (4-19-0, 5.76, .853)
Park Rapids Area Panthers: 2024-25 Record: 9-18-0 Head Coach: Bill Moore Conference: West Central State Trips: None Top Returning Players: Finn Henry, F, Jr. (20-18-38); Easton Brovold, F, Jr. (10-10-20); Chad Pinoniemi, F, Jr. (4-4-8); Lou Wesa, F, Sr. (4-3-7); Levi Meschke, D, Jr. (1-5-6); Colton Hauser, D, Jr. (2-3-5); Owen Hoverson, D, Jr. (2-3-5); Chance Landstrom, F, Sr. (1-1-2); Bryze Zubke, D, Sr. (2-0-2); Logan Felton, G, Jr. (6-10-0, 6.12, .832); Rylie Wesa, G, Jr. (0-1-0, 10.00, .762)
Red Lake Falls Eagles: 2024-25 Record: 21-5-0 Head Coach: Dominic Ste. Marie Conference: Northwest State Trips: None Top Returning Players: Kegan Schmitz, F, Sr. (17-32-49); Boe Nelson, F, Jr. (27-17-44); Coby Knott, F, Sr. (12-15-27); Riley Broden, F, Sr. (15-10-25); Dennis Lanctot, F, Sr. (8-10-18); Dawson Erickson, F, Sr. (5-9-14); Xavier Payment, D, Sr. (2-9-11); Max Konickson, F, Sr. (2-4-6); Thoren Thronson, D, Jr. (1-4-5); Oliver Melin, D, Sr. (2-2-4); Marley Benoit, D, Sr. (0-3-3); Alex Mattson, F, Sr. (1-2-3); Draven Wirth, G, Sr. (15-5-0, 2.19, .905); Nathan Altepeter; G, Sr. (6-0-0, 1.89, .864)
Thief River Falls Prowlers: 2024-25 Record: 8-13-1 Head Coach: Kyle Anderson Conference: Mariucci State Trips: 1945, 1951, 1952, 1954 Champions, 1955, 1956 Champions, 1959, 1960, 1965, 2006, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2018 Top Returning Players: Spencer Anderson, F, Jr. (17-10-27); Hudson Brouse, F, Jr. (3-8-11); Masson Collins, D, Jr. (1-3-4); Johnny Rogalla, F, Jr. (1-2-3); Jed Kelly, F, Jr. (1-1-2); Ian Winter, F, Jr. (0-1-1); Ryan Flaagen, D, Sr. (0-1-1); Cooper Roff, G, Sr. (4-10-1, 3.38, .890)
Top Returning Players: Ryan Shaugabay, F, Sr. (20-38-58); Broden Hontvet, D, Sr. (8-32-40); Wyatt Samuelson, F, Jr. (25-6-31); Gavin Andersen, F, Jr. (14-12-26); Samuel Hard, D, Sr. (8-11-19); Ryan Lee, D, Jr. (4-8-12); Wesley Schreiner, D, Jr. (5-6-11); Thomas Grapentine, D, Sr. (1-6-7); Taylor Humeniuk, F, Sr. (4-3-7); Ryan Chamernick, F, Sr. (2-3-5); Mason Reed, D, Sr. (3-2-5); Finn Hasnon, G, Jr. (13-5-0, 1.92, .923); Patrick Kennedy, G, Sr. (7-2-1, 2.37, .894)
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The District 9 West – North division football all-district awards are below.
Sub District MVP – Raydon Woinarowicz (Stephen-Argyle) Offensive Lineman of the Year – Parker Nelson (Fosston) Offensive Player of the Year – Shay Jacobson (Goodridge/Grygla) Defensive Lineman of the Year – Owen Larson (Goodridge/Grygla) Defensive Player of the Year – Brody Scalese (Kittson Co. Central) Special Teams Player of the Year – Sawyer Torgerson (Northern Freeze) Coach of the Year – Cory Waling (Kittson Co. Central)
2025 All-District 9 West – North Sub-District Honorable mention – BGMR – Will Foss Clearbrook-Gonvick – Brady Hagman Fertile-Beltrami – Brady Bjerk, Gage Henrickson Fosston – Nelson Maneke, Brandon Burns Goodridge/Grygla – Brandon Burns, Abe Miller Kittson Co. Central – Keaton Brewer NCE/UH – Trygg Bakke, Reese Krabbenhoft Northern Freeze – Avynn Ryba, Garrett Rominski Stephen-Argyle – Rylan Anderson Warren-A-O – Sid Carlson, Noah Sedlacek
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The University of Minnesota Crookston women’s basketball team announced the signing of seven student-athletes for their 2026 signing class. The class is the largest of Head Coach Natalie Moynihan’s time as head coach and the largest for the program since signing seven in 2022. The Golden Eagles signed Cairin Berger (G, 5-9, Esko, Minn./Duluth Marshall H.S.), Chloe Boll (G, 5-9, Crookston), Hanna Bultman (F, 6-0, Oak Creek. Wis./St. Thomas More H.S.), Maggie Hydes (F, 5-11, Louisville, Ky./Homeschool/LKY Athletics), Lexi Lamppa (G, 5-8, Eveleth/Rock Ridge H.S.), Maija Lamppa (G, 5-8, Eveleth/Rock Ridge H.S.), and Lexi Mahlen (F, 6-0, Fosston).
The Golden Eagles are currently in their third season under Coach Moynihan. Minnesota Crookston is coming off a 9-20 mark last season and have started this season 1-3 and 0-1 in the NSIC.
Cairin Berger (G, 5-9, Esko, Minn./Duluth Marshall H.S.) Berger averaged 14 points per game at Duluth Marshall H.S. She was an All-Lake Superior Conference Second Team pick. Berger is closing in on 1,000 points at Duluth Marshall H.S. She competed for Esko H.S., before making the move to Duluth Marshall. She was a First Team All-Conference pick as a freshman. She is the daughter of Matthew and Trish Berger. Her brother Cuinn plays for the Minnesota Crookston men’s basketball team. Her brother Camden played at Fond du Lac Tribal Community College.
Chloe Boll (G, 5-9, Crookston, Minn./Crookston H.S.) Boll has been a two-year captain for Crookston High School. She averaged 18 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game as a junior…Boll earned Academic All-State for basketball, and was an All-Northwest Conference selection. She is the daughter of Bryan and Melissa Boll. Boll plans to major in exercise science. Her brother Ethan plays football at North Dakota. Her Dad Bryan played football at Concordia College. She has a cousin Mollie Rupp, who plays volleyball for Minnesota Duluth. Her cousin Bailey Rupp is committed to play hockey at Minnesota Duluth. Her aunt Jenny Boll played basketball at North Dakota.
Hanna Bultman (F, 6-0, Oak Creek, Wis./St. Thomas More H.S.) Bultman was a WBCA Honorable Mention All-State pick in basketball as a junior…She earned First Team All-Metro Classic Conference, and was runner-up for Player of the Year…Bultman was Second Team All-Conference for volleyball. As a senior, she was named Honorable Mention All-Conference for volleyball. As a sophomore, Bultman was named Honorable Mention All-Metro Classic Conference for basketball and volleyball. In ninth grade, she was named Honorable Mention All-Conference for basketball and volleyball. She tallied 20.0 points per game, and shot 50.1 percent from the field as a junior. Bultman also notched 8.2 rebounds per tilt. She is the daughter of Craig and Alicia Bultman.
Maggie Hydes (F, 5-11, Louisville, Ky./Homeschool/LKY Athletics) Hydes attended homeschool, but has competed for the LKY Saints, a competitive sports program for homeschool athletes in Louisville. She has been a three-year team captain. Hydes helped the Saints to the East Coast National Championship for homeschools in 2025. They were also ORHC Conference Tournament Champions.She was named to the All-Tournament Team. Hydes plans to major in exercise science. She is the daughter of Missy and Sonny Hydes. She previously attended traditional school but made the move to homeschool.
Lexi Lamppa (G, 5-8, Eveleth, Minn./Rock Ridge H.S.) Lamppa earned All-Lake Superior Conference honors in basketball and cross country. She is a two-time state qualifier in basketball and cross country. She is joining Minnesota Crookston women’s basketball alongside her twin sister Maija Lamppa. She averaged 19.8 points per game as a junior at Rock Ridge H.S. She was a teammate at Rock Ridge of current Golden Eagle Anna Westby. She is the daughter of Josh and Stacie Lamppa. Her father Josh Lamppa played baseball at College of St. Scholastica. Her sister Ella Lamppa played tennis at Wisconsin-Stout. Her sister Emma Lamppa plays basketball at Hamline. Her aunt Jen Waldorf played basketball at St. Cloud State and Montana State University-Northern.
Maija Lamppa (G, 5-8, Eveleth, Minn./Rock Ridge H.S.) She was an All-Lake Superior Conference pick. Lamppa helped Rock Ridge H.S. to two sixth-place finishes, and two Section Championships. She has served as a basketball captain. Lamppa joins her twin sister Lexi as signees for the Golden Eagles. She was a teammate at Rock Ridge of current Golden Eagle Anna Westby. She is the daughter of Josh and Stacie Lamppa. Her father Josh Lamppa played baseball at College of St. Scholastica. Her sister Ella Lamppa played tennis at Wisconsin-Stout. Her sister Emma Lamppa plays basketball at Hamline. Her aunt Jen Waldorf played basketball at St. Cloud State and Montana State University-Northern.
Lexi Mahlen (F, 6-0, Fosston, Minn./Fosston H.S.) Mahlen is a two-time All-Pine to Prairie Conference pick in volleyball. She is a three-time All-Conference selection in basketball. Mahlen earned three All-Conference picks in softball. She was a Conference MVP in softball. She is the daughter of Nate and Rochelle Mahlen. Mahlen joins her sister Brynlea Mahlen, who is on the Golden Eagle women’s basketball team. Her mom Rochelle played volleyball and softball at Jamestown. Her dad Nate Mahlen was an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team from 2007-23, and is currently an assistant athletic director at Minnesota Crookston.
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JOKES
An elderly man lay dying in his bed.
In death’s agony, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite chocolate chip cookies wafting up the stairs. He gathered his remaining strength, and lifted himself from the bed.
Leaning against the wall, he slowly made his way out of the bedroom, and with even greater effort forced himself down the stairs, gripping the railing with both hands, he crawled down the stairs.
With labored breath, he leaned against the doorframe, gazing into the kitchen. Were it not for death’s agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven: there, spread out upon waxed paper on the kitchen table were literally hundreds of his favorite chocolate chip cookies.
Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of heroic love from his devoted wife, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man?
Mustering one great final effort, he threw himself toward the table, landing on his knees in a rumpled posture. His parched lips parted: the wondrous taste of the cookie was already in his mouth, seemingly bringing him back to life.
The aged and withered hand trembled on its way to a cookie at the edge of the table, when it was suddenly smacked with a spatula by his wife.
“Stay out of those,” she said, “they’re for the funeral.”
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There were these two elderly people living in a Florida mobile home park. He was a widower and she a widow. They had known one another for a number of years. Now, one evening there was a community supper in the big activity center. These two were at the same table, across from one another. As the meal went on, he made a few admiring glances at her and finally gathered up his courage to ask her, “Will you marry me?”
After a dramatic pause and precisely six seconds of ‘careful consideration,’ she answered. “Yes. Yes, I will.”
The meal ended and with a few more pleasant exchanges and they went to their respective places.
Next morning, he was troubled. “Did she say ‘yes’ or did she say ‘no’?”
He couldn’t remember. Try as he would, he just could not recall. Not even a faint memory. With trepidation, he went to the telephone and called her.
First, he explained to her that he didn’t remember as well as he used to. Then he reviewed the lovely evening past. As he gained a little more courage, he then inquired of her, “When I asked if you would marry me, did you say ‘Yes’ or did you say ‘No’?”
He was delighted to hear her say, “Why, I said, ‘Yes, yes I will’ and I meant it with all my heart.”
Then she continued, “And I am so glad that you called, because I couldn’t remember who had asked me.”
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A wife comes home late at night from being out of town and quietly opens the door to her bedroom. From under the blanket she sees four legs instead of two. She reaches for a baseball bat and starts hitting the blanket as hard as she can. Once she’s done, she goes to the kitchen to have a drink.
As she enters, she sees her husband there, reading a magazine. “Hi Darling”, he says, “Your parents have come to visit us, so l let them stay in our bedroom. Did you say ‘hello’?”
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How are former Crookston Pirates athletes doing in college or elsewhere? ****LET ME KNOW OF OTHERS TO ADD TO THE LIST. Email me at chrisjfee@yahoo.com
Teagen Lubinski is a freshman playing football at St. Scholastica
Addie Fee is a freshman playing tennis and hockey at Wisconsin-Superior.
Kambelle Freije is a freshman playing hockey at Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Riley Helgeson is a freshman playing football at Northern State.
Emily Bowman is a freshman playing Softball at North Dakota State College of Science.
Halle Winjum is a sophomore playing basketball at Minnesota Crookston.
Blake Melsa is a sophomore playing soccer and baseball at Alexandria Tech
Jackson Reese is a sophomore playing soccer at Alexandria Tech
Matt Contreras is a freshman playing baseball at Concordia College.
Naomi Johnson is a freshman playing soccer at Alexandria Tech
Paul Bittner is an assistant coach on the University of Wisconsin-Superior Men’s Hockey team.
Reese Swanson is a sophomore playing hockey at St. Olaf.
Carter Coauette is a sophomore playing football at Minot State.
Isaac Thomforde is a sophomore playing Tennis at Northwestern College in St. Paul.
Halle Bruggeman is a Junior on the University of Wisconsin-Stout Women’s Rugby team.
Ethan Boll is a Sophomore on the University of North Dakota Football team.
Breanna Kressin is a Junior on the Hockey Cheer Team for THE University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Hockey team.
Jacey Larson is a Junior playing hockey at Dakota College at Bottineau.
Aleah Bienek is a Senior playing hockey at Trine University in Indiana.
Ty Hamre is Senior playing football at Bemidji State University.
Seth Heppner – Head Coach of Men’s and Women’s Golf at Jessup University
Brady Heppner – Head Coach of Women’s Golf at UMC and Assistant Hockey Coach
Crookston School District Coaches Blake Bergeron is the head Pirate Wrestling Coach. Jason Cassavant is a Jr. High Baseball Coach and Head American Legion Baseball coach Amy Boll is the head Pirate Girls Track head coach Sarah Reese is the Pirate Head Girls Soccer coach Marley Melbye is an assistant girls golf coach Connor Morgan is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach Ben Trostad is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach Ethan Magsam is the Pirate Boys Hockey assistant coach Chris Dufault is a youth wrestling Coach
Non-Crookston High School coaching/Admin/etc
Elise Tangquist is the Head Girls Golf Coach at Horace High School in Fargo, ND.
Carmen (Kreibich) Johnson is the head Little Falls Volleyball coach.
Tim Desrosier is an Assistant Coach for Warren-Alvarado-Oslo Pony Boys Basketball
Pat Wolfe is the head wrestling coach for Fosston/Bagley.
Austin Sommerfeld is an Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communication at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth.
Collin Reynolds is the head baseball coach for the University of Colorado Buffalo Club Baseball team.
Trent Stahlecker is a School Security Specialist & he works for the Brevard Public Schools, Florida.
Cody Weiland is an assistant wrestling coach at Proctor/Hermantown.
Josh Edlund is the head football coach and phy ed teacher at Flandreau, South Dakota.
Allison Lindsey Axness is Assistant Varsity Volleyball Coach at Champlin Park
Jeff Olson is the Head Wrestling Coach and Head Baseball coach at Delano.
Jake Olson is an Assistant Football Coach and Head Boys Tennis coach at Delano.
Matt Harris is an Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Marty Bratrud is the Superintendent and High School Principal at Westhope High School.
Gordie Haug is an assistant football coach at the University of North Dakota.
Mike Hastings is the Wisconsin Badgers Men’s head Hockey coach.
Mike Biermaier is the Athletic Director at Grand Forks Schools.
Stephanie (Lindsay) Perreault works with the North Dakota State stats crew for Bison football, volleyball, and basketball in the winter. Stephanie’s husband, Ryan, is the assistant director for Bison media relations.
Jason Bushie is the hockey athletic trainer at Colorado College.
Chris Myrold is the Director and Fitness at Mission Ranch and Fitness in Camel, California. Kyle Buchmeier is a Tennis Pro at the Reed-Sweatt Family Tennis Center in Minneapolis
Jaren Bailey is serving our country and is currently in the Marines’ Boot Camp.
Ben Andringa is serving our country in the Army and is now a Ranger.
Philip Kujawa class of 2004, from Crookston High School. He is an Army recruiter in Rochester.
Rob Sobolik is the General Manager of the Fargodome
That’s it for this week. Thanks for the comments, and if you have anything to add or share, please e-mail chrisjfee@yahoo.com or call. Thanks for reading and listening to KROX RADIO and kroxam.com.
The Crookston Firefighters and Auxiliary, along with the City of Crookston Employees, are conducting the 43rd annual Toys for Tots drive. Toys are delivered to kids in Crookston who might otherwise not receive anything for Christmas.
City Hall is now accepting Toys for Tots donations and sign-ups for gifts through December 18th. Donations can be dropped off at City Call during regularbusiness hours. Anyone who needs additional help this holiday season can also sign up to receive gifts through December 18th. The only requirements are that kids up to the age of 14 can be signed up, and you must live in Crookston. Presents will be delivered the morning of Wednesday, December 24th (Christmas Eve), starting at 8:00 am.
To donate, stop by City Hall or mail your donation to: Crookston Water Department 124 North Broadway Crookston, MN 56716
TheDistrict 9 West – North Sub-district football all-districtawards have been announced. Teams in the sub-district are Badger/Greenbush-Middle River, Clearbrook-Gonvick, Fertile-Beltrami, Fosston, Goodridge/Grygla, Kittson County Central, Norman County East/Ulen-Hitterdal, Northern Freeze, Stephen-Argyle, Warren-A-O, and Win-E-Mac. The award winners are listed below.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS Sub District MVP – Raydon Woinarowicz (Stephen-Argyle) Offensive Lineman of the Year – Parker Nelson (Fosston) Offensive Player of the Year – Shay Jacobson (Goodridge/Grygla) Defensive Lineman of the Year – Owen Larson (Goodridge/Grygla) Defensive Player of the Year – Brody Scalese (Kittson Co. Central) Special Teams Player of the Year – Sawyer Torgerson (Northern Freeze) Coach of the Year – Cory Waling (Kittson Co. Central)
Lynelle Slininger, age 70, of Mahnomen, MN, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Mahnomen Health Center, Mahnomen.
A memorial service will be held Monday, December 8, 2025 at 1:00p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Ada, MN. A time of gathering will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00p.m., with a prayer service at 3:00p.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, rural Ada. Inurnment will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home of Twin Valley, MN.
Steven “Steve” Schultz, age 60, of Twin Valley, MN, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at HIA Heather’s House in Fargo, ND.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 1:00 pm, with a visitation one hour before, at Wild Rice Lutheran Church rural Flom, MN. Burial will take place at Wild Rice Lutheran Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Anderson Family Funeral Home of Twin Valley, Minnesota
The University of Minnesota Crookston women’s basketball team announced the signing of seven student-athletes for their 2026 signing class. The class is the largest of Head Coach Natalie Moynihan’s time as head coach and the largest for the program since signing seven in 2022. The Golden Eagles signed Cairin Berger (G, 5-9, Esko, Minn./Duluth Marshall H.S.), Chloe Boll (G, 5-9, Crookston), Hanna Bultman (F, 6-0, Oak Creek. Wis./St. Thomas More H.S.), Maggie Hydes (F, 5-11, Louisville, Ky./Homeschool/LKY Athletics), Lexi Lamppa (G, 5-8, Eveleth/Rock Ridge H.S.), Maija Lamppa (G, 5-8, Eveleth/Rock Ridge H.S.), and Lexi Mahlen (F, 6-0, Fosston).
The Golden Eagles are currently in their third season under Coach Moynihan. Minnesota Crookston is coming off a 9-20 mark last season and have started this season 1-3 and 0-1 in the NSIC.
Cairin Berger (G, 5-9, Esko, Minn./Duluth Marshall H.S.) Berger averaged 14 points per game at Duluth Marshall H.S. She was an All-Lake Superior Conference Second Team pick. Berger is closing in on 1,000 points at Duluth Marshall H.S. She competed for Esko H.S., before making the move to Duluth Marshall. She was a First Team All-Conference pick as a freshman. She is the daughter of Matthew and Trish Berger. Her brother Cuinn plays for the Minnesota Crookston men’s basketball team. Her brother Camden played at Fond du Lac Tribal Community College. “Cairin is a strong and dynamic wing who can score at all three-levels,” Moynihan said. “She’s tough as nails and her ceiling is so high! We are so thankful Cairin is a Golden Eagle!”
Chloe Boll (G, 5-9, Crookston, Minn./Crookston H.S.) Boll has been a two-year captain for Crookston High School. She averaged 18 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game as a junior…Boll earned Academic All-State for basketball, and was an All-Northwest Conference selection. She is the daughter of Bryan and Melissa Boll. Boll plans to major in exercise science. Her brother Ethan plays football at North Dakota. Her Dad Bryan played football at Concordia College. She has a cousin Mollie Rupp, who plays volleyball for Minnesota Duluth. Her cousin Bailey Rupp is committed to play hockey at Minnesota Duluth. Her aunt Jenny Boll played basketball at North Dakota. “Chloe joins us from just across town where she will rejoin her high school teammate Halle (Winjum).” Moynihan stated. “Chloe brings a toughness and strength to our swing position and we are excited to welcome her “home’!”
Hanna Bultman (F, 6-0, Oak Creek, Wis./St. Thomas More H.S.) Bultman was a WBCA Honorable Mention All-State pick in basketball as a junior…She earned First Team All-Metro Classic Conference, and was runner-up for Player of the Year…Bultman was Second Team All-Conference for volleyball. As a senior, she was named Honorable Mention All-Conference for volleyball. As a sophomore, Bultman was named Honorable Mention All-Metro Classic Conference for basketball and volleyball. In ninth grade, she was named Honorable Mention All-Conference for basketball and volleyball. She tallied 20.0 points per game, and shot 50.1 percent from the field as a junior. Bultman also notched 8.2 rebounds per tilt. She is the daughter of Craig and Alicia Bultman. “Hanna is a very athletic forward who can score at all three-levels,” Moynihan stated. “Her ceiling is extremely high and we can’t wait to coach her!”
Maggie Hydes (F, 5-11, Louisville, Ky./Homeschool/LKY Athletics) Hydes attended homeschool, but has competed for the LKY Saints, a competitive sports program for homeschool athletes in Louisville. She has been a three-year team captain. Hydes helped the Saints to the East Coast National Championship for homeschools in 2025. They were also ORHC Conference Tournament Champions.She was named to the All-Tournament Team. Hydes plans to major in exercise science. She is the daughter of Missy and Sonny Hydes. She previously attended traditional school but made the move to homeschool. “Maggie comes to us all the way from Kentucky,” stated Moynihan. “She is a dynamic forward that provides length and athleticism at our stretch position. We are thrilled to have Maggie as a part of our family!”
Lexi Lamppa (G, 5-8, Eveleth, Minn./Rock Ridge H.S.) Lamppa earned All-Lake Superior Conference honors in basketball and cross country. She is a two-time state qualifier in basketball and cross country. She is joining Minnesota Crookston women’s basketball alongside her twin sister Maija Lamppa. She averaged 19.8 points per game as a junior at Rock Ridge H.S. She was a teammate at Rock Ridge of current Golden Eagle Anna Westby. She is the daughter of Josh and Stacie Lamppa. Her father Josh Lamppa played baseball at College of St. Scholastica. Her sister Ella Lamppa played tennis at Wisconsin-Stout. Her sister Emma Lamppa plays basketball at Hamline. Her aunt Jen Waldorf played basketball at St. Cloud State and Montana State University-Northern. “Lexi is one of the most versatile point guards in the state,” Moynihan said. “Her footwork and ability to score in the midrange, pass and read defenses fits perfectly into our system. We are so excited to have Lex join our family!”
Maija Lamppa (G, 5-8, Eveleth, Minn./Rock Ridge H.S.) She was an All-Lake Superior Conference pick. Lamppa helped Rock Ridge H.S. to two sixth-place finishes, and two Section Championships. She has served as a basketball captain. Lamppa joins her twin sister Lexi as signees for the Golden Eagles. She was a teammate at Rock Ridge of current Golden Eagle Anna Westby. She is the daughter of Josh and Stacie Lamppa. Her father Josh Lamppa played baseball at College of St. Scholastica. Her sister Ella Lamppa played tennis at Wisconsin-Stout. Her sister Emma Lamppa plays basketball at Hamline. Her aunt Jen Waldorf played basketball at St. Cloud State and Montana State University-Northern. “Maija is a very dynamic guard who can score at all three-levels,” Moynihan remarked. “She has great footwork and has the ability to affect the game on both ends of the court. We can’t wait to coach Maija!”
Lexi Mahlen (F, 6-0, Fosston, Minn./Fosston H.S.) Mahlen is a two-time All-Pine to Prairie Conference pick in volleyball. She is a three-time All-Conference selection in basketball. Mahlen earned three All-Conference picks in softball. She was a Conference MVP in softball. She is the daughter of Nate and Rochelle Mahlen. Mahlen joins her sister Brynlea Mahlen, who is on the Golden Eagle women’s basketball team. Her mom Rochelle played volleyball and softball at Jamestown. Her dad Nate Mahlen was an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team from 2007-23, and is currently an assistant athletic director at Minnesota Crookston. “We are thrilled to welcome Lex to our Golden Eagle family where she will join her sister Bryn!,” Moynihan said. “Lexi is a dynamic big who can post, rebound and shoot the three. We’re excited to see what she can provide for us once she gets healthy!”
The success of parents, teachers and students working together was shown in the November 10-21 Read-A-Thon held at the Highland Elementary School and Washington Early Childhood School in Crookston.
Highland’s 500 K-5 students logged 3,603 hours—216,196 minutes—of reading, and 104 pre-school students at Washington booked 401 hours—24,038 minutes—of reading. Collectively, 69 students read over 13 hours each.
To promote the Read-A-Thon, special events were held such as “Drop Everything and Read” and reading themed dress up days.Parents and teachers helped the students log their minutes. The Read-A-Thon promotes literacy, reading skills and the joy of reading as well as the spirit of giving to organizations like the Highland Parent Teacher Organization and the Washington Parent Advisory Council. While tax dollars fund public education, donations and support from parent organizations make special field trips possible and enable teachers to purchase art supplies, enrichment materials, and craft items tailored to their classrooms.
People in the community who do not have students in the public school system may not be aware of the opportunities to support elementary education in Crookston. A way to do that is to donate to the Highland PTO and the Washington PAC. The addresses where checks may be sent are:
Highland Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) 801 Central Ave. N. Crookston, MN 56716-2719
Washington Parent Advisory Council (PAC) 724 University Ave, Crookston, MN 56716-1167
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 At 3:15 pm, the Crookston fire department responded to a motor vehicle accident on the 400th block of Washington. They performed a standard battery disconnect on scene, before turning it over to law enforcement and the towing company.
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