February 8, 2025 – Crookston https://trftimes.com/northern-watch/25733/february-8-2025-crookston 2025-02-07T06:00:45Z ]]> ]]> February 8, 2025 https://trftimes.com/northern-watch/25741/february-8-2025 2025-02-07T06:00:42Z ]]> ]]> Joy Gillespie, 80 https://trftimes.com/obituaries/25740/joy-gillespie-80 2025-02-06T10:15:44Z Thief River Falls - Joy Diane Noel Gillespie, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. A visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. with a prayer service at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com. ]]> ]]> Edna Waller, 98 https://trftimes.com/obituaries/25738/edna-waller-98 2025-02-06T10:13:37Z Crookston - Edna Lorencia (Underdahl) Waller was born December 16, 1926, to her Norwegian immigrant parents Ole and Anna Underdahl in Strathcona. The last surviving sibling of seven, Edna waltzed into the presence of Jesus’ arms in the early morning hours of Monday, January 27, 2025. Edna grew up in the Strathcona-Middle River area in close company with her extended family. She started elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse in Strathcona. Her family moved to Grand Forks when she was in 10th grade and she later graduated from Central High School. Following high school, Edna worked various jobs in Grand Forks. She enjoyed retail work in Herberger’s department store and Cooper Photography. On June 27, 1948, Edna was united in marriage to Harvey Waller and they made their home in Crookston. As Harvey worked for the Park Department, Edna worked part-time at a jewelry store while raising their two children, Scott and Lori. As the children grew, Edna began a 42-year journey with the Eagles Lodge, where she took on many roles– bookkeeping, hiring, bartending, beverage server, and selling pull tabs. The Eagles Lodge became a special place for Edna and Harvey, where they spent countless weekends together, enjoying Saturday night meals, dancing to live music, and playing bingo. Edna’s favorite nights were when Harvey would sing and play guitar with the band. Edna’s love for people shone through in everything she did. She had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved, and her face would light up whenever a familiar face entered the room. As her family grew, she treasured the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always expressing her delight and affirming her love for them. In her retirement, she enjoyed volunteering at Tri-Valley as a foster grandparent rocking babies and playing with preschoolers. Feeding people was one of Edna’s greatest joys. Her meatballs and lefse were family favorites, and her home was a place where no one left hungry. Her homemade buns, donuts, cookies, date bars, and an assortment of breads were a delicious and comforting part of every gathering. Edna was a dedicated lifelong member of both the VFW and the Eagles Auxiliaries. She was honored with the Patriotic Americans Award (VFW Auxiliary) and was named Eagle of the Year by the Eagles Auxiliary. Edna lived her final years at the Summit Assisted Living and Villa St. Vincent, where she often found singing as she meandered in the hallways. She eagerly joined sing-alongs, church services, bingo, and crafts, and loved playing cards with fellow residents. Edna shared a special bond with Bobbie Jo, one of her favorite care providers. In February 2024, Edna was crowned Queen of Hearts at the Villa Nursing Home. Edna was very proud of her Norwegian heritage and often spoke in Norwegian. She loved sipping her coffee from a mug that read Jeg elsker deg (I love you). Phrases like Uff Da (No way), Nå men (Well now), and Gud bevare meg (God save me) were commonly heard from Edna, always adding a bit of humor to any situation. Edna’s legacy lives on through her son, Scott (Kay) Waller of Crookston; and daughter, Lori (Peter) Jensen of Breckenridge; her grandchildren, Jodi (Tony) Ramberg, Becky (Red) Smith, and Marcie (Shawn) Haugen, all of Crookston, Kelsey Olson (fiancé Matt LaCoursiere) of Grand Forks, Hunter (Rebeccah) Jensen of Illinois, and Tanner (Jennifer) Jensen of Horace, ND; her great-grandchildren, Jace and Jaden Ramberg, Payden (Jaqala), AnnaBelle, Carson, Kyla, and Treyven Smith, Adama Herrin, Aurelia Jensen, and Spencer and Kara Jensen; and her great-great-grandson, Enzo. She is also remembered by her sister-in-law, Harriet Underdahl; as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families. She was united in eternal peace with her husband of 50 years, Harvey; her parents; and her siblings, Lennie, Obert, Ollie, Cora, Aggie, and Arnie. She was also reunited with her favorite Mito Warriors, Lars and Tina; and many other cherished family members and friends. A celebration of Edna’s life will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, February 15, 2025. A light lunch and visitation will take place from noon until 2 p.m. with a Celebration of Life at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery followed by a gathering at the Eagles Lodge to celebrate her love of gathering with family and friends. Arrangements are by Stenshoel-Houske Funeral & Cremation Service in Crookston. The online guestbook can be found at: www.stenshoelhouske.com. A00003B2025FB08C ]]> ]]> Carol Bjornrud, 83 https://trftimes.com/obituaries/25737/carol-bjornrud-83 2025-02-06T10:08:09Z Thief River Falls - Carol Bjornrud, 83, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. Burial will be held at Bethania Church Cemetery, rural Newfolden. Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. with a 6 p.m. prayer service on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday. ]]> ]]> Gordon Peterson https://trftimes.com/obituaries/25736/gordon-peterson 2025-02-06T10:02:58Z Thief River Falls - Gordon J. Peterson, 93, of Thief River Falls, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Arrangements are pending. ]]> ]]> School district expenditures on schedule https://trftimes.com/news/25731/school-district-expenditures-on-schedule 2025-02-05T08:32:12Z by David Hill Editor The mid-year budget review shows expenditures in School District 564 keeping pace with expenditures from last year at this time, but definitely ahead of expenditures for 2022 and 2021. The mid-year budget review is an opportunity for the district to take a look at overall spending, and ensure dollars are being spent according to plans. To date, expenditures are sitting at 36.1% as compared to 35.4% the previous year. At this time in 2022 and 2021, expenditures were at 30.8% and 23.4% respectively. Superintendent Dr. Chris Mills said after reviewing the numbers the fund balance is estimated to be at 12.7% of total annual expenditures at June 30, 2025. That’s below the targets set for the District. There was some good news, revenues were estimated to be higher by $300,000 than originally budgeted. This number was impacted by higher student activity fees, lower general education aid due to an enrollment decline of 40 students, new literacy revenue, additional federal revenue and state special ed revenue, and an increase in other state revenues. Mills noted that the numbers show expenditures being higher than originally budgeted due to the planned purchase of 1:1 devices. Every three years, the District replaces all 1:1 devices (computers) for students. The impact on the budget is not significant this year as the District sets aside money every year for this planned purchase. Mills said they are discussing options in preparation for replacing 1:1 devices in the future, specifically seven years from now. John Syvertson, school board representative on the Finance Committee, said the mid-year budget looks to be as planned and with no major deviations. He said the committee met to discuss the mid-year budget and a number of other items, including reductions for the 2025-26 school year. The $300,000 in proposed reductions are in response to declines in enrollment. The largest decline in enrollment has taken place at Challenger Elementary School. Syvertson said the committee also discussed cost savings of iPads instead of Macbooks. Syvertson said the city approached the district for funding for half of a School Resource Officer position. It was discussed in committee, he said, but the committee decided to revisit it again next year. Mills said residents may see the District in good financial shape in the coming years, and may ask why the School Board is planning $300,000 in cuts. Mills said these cuts will be based on enrollment. Enrollment as of Jan. 6, 2025 was 1,697 K-12. Band Trip Lorrisa Skalsky, band teacher in the District, requested permission to take 16 students - eight boys and eight girls from the junior and senior class - on a short trip in May to the Twin Cities. Skalsky explained that the band generally travels every other year, and normally this would be a travel year to such locations as Disney World. However, it was decided to wait one year due to the referendum and a lot of other concerns. Many of the 16 students who would go on this trip would miss that trip and opportunity. The trip to the Twin Cities would include master classes, a performance at Valley Fair and a visit to Chanhassen Dinner Theatre. Although she would only have 16 students, Skalsky said instrumentation was the least of her concerns. She said the students balance well, and perform well together. Educational Services Gov. Tim Walz declared the week of Jan. 20-26 as Paraprofessional Recognition Week. Cassey Farrell, learner support services coordinator, in School District 564, praised the efforts of paras and their efforts to assist students. Paras are non-licensed support staff who are educational assistants and perform essential duties. Paras fall under the umbrella of learner support services in the District. Farrell said currently there are 385 students in the District receiving special education services. Among the services provided in the District are speech and occupational therapy. (Occupational therapy helps youth participate in school activities and be more successful.) Farrell said that the District is entering a new era of virtual services. Both services are now being provided virtually. She also said the department has been focusing on maximizing reimbursements for services provided. School districts in Minnesota can request reimbursement for special education services from health insurers and other programs. Mills said the District is making progress toward maximizing reimbursement, and going forward there are opportunities to improve on that. Farrell also discussed growing demands for mental health services, and work on the District’s compliance with Section 504. (School districts comply with Section 504 by providing equal access to education for students with disabilities.) Farrell said she had met with School Nurse Nicole Wienen. She noted a lot of sickness is sweeping through the schools at this time. The District’s Multicultural Support Services program has received a Native Language Revitalization grant to build on native culture through language. Farrell said they don’t know how much the grant will be. She said Amber Neadeau, Native American Education liaison, has earned the qualifications to become a cultural teacher but needs approval from the Red Lake Council. Farrell briefly discussed some of the other programs and initiatives taking place in Multicultural Support Services, including a partnership with Rosetta Stone to create a language learning platform. ]]> ]]> Prowlers hold off Chargers’ rally for 56-38 win https://trftimes.com/sports/25729/prowlers-hold-off-chargers-rally-for-56-38-win 2025-02-05T08:27:03Z
Landon Wikert takes the ball up the court on a first-half fast break for the Prowlers. Thief River Falls defeated Goodridge/Grygla 56-38 in the Third Annual Community Strong boys basketball game.
by Scott DCamp Sports Editor Thief River Falls sprinted to a 32-15 first half lead and held off a second-half rally by visiting Goodridge/Grygla to claim a 56-38 win Thursday night at the Lincoln High School Brickhouse. Thief River Falls Head Coach Jon Hams credited a pair of reserves for much-needed energy for the Prowlers. “I thought Landon and Jett both gave nice sparks off the bench in the game by scoring in some key moments along with providing good D,” Hams said. Thursday night’s game was the Third Annual Community Strong boys basketball game between the Prowlers and Chargers. Thief River Falls defeated Goodridge/Grygla in each of the first two meetings – 88-65 at the Brickhouse in 2023 and 84-70 at Goodridge High School in 2024. “The Community Strong night is a great night that brings both communities together,” Hams said. “It is definitely something that needs to continue moving forward.” The Chargers may have fallen to 0-3 against the Prowlers in the Community Strong series, but Goodridge/Grygla Head Coach Andrew Sundberg felt his team showed improvement in the second half. “I felt we took a step forward against the Prowlers,” Sundberg said. “We struggled to score in the first half against their strong defense and trailed by 17 at halftime. With how things have been going lately, the team could have given in, but we competed very hard in the second half. At one point, we got the lead down to seven points, but just couldn't make enough shots to get any closer than that.” Shay Jacobson led the Chargers in scoring with 15 points and he added five rebounds, four assists and six steals. Trustin Wiseth finished a point and a board short of a double-double with nine of each in Friday’s game. “Shay and Trustin had very good games,” Sundberg said. “Shay was very active defensively and Trustin rebounded very well. Thief River Falls junior Bridger Wilcox led all scorers with 20 points and he added 10 rebounds and six assists for a double-double. Senior Everett Nelson added seven points and recorded an impressive 15 rebounds. Scoring 1 2 T Goodridge/Grgyla 15 23 38 Thief River Falls 32 24 56 Goodridge/Grygla - Hank Jones 1, Shay Jacobson 15, Owen Larson 4, Brody Sourdiff 3, Evan Rubischko 2, Trustin Wiseth 9, Gavin Aune 4. Thief River Falls - Bridger Wilcox 20, Wyatt Nelson 4, Everett Nelson 7, Landon Wikert 3, Gannon Zutz 7, Lucas Rantanen 2, Dylan Osowski 2, Caden Rose 4, Jett Cornelius 4, Kale Farbo 3. Section 8AA Boys Basketball Overall QRF W L East Grand Forks 12 4 100.5 DGF 15 3 93.3 Pelican Rapids 15 3 92.2 Warroad 17 1 84.4 Barnesville 13 5 81.2 Perham 10 6 76.8 Park Rapids Area 7 8 62.5 Thief River Falls 8 6 59.4 Roseau 8 10 42.1 Wadena-Deer Creek 6 10 39.6 Hawley 3 14 35.8 Crookston 3 12 34.7 Menahga 1 17 24.8 ]]>
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Pennington County Board – Official Proceedings (Jan 7) https://trftimes.com/legals/25713/pennington-county-board-official-proceedings-jan-7 2025-02-05T08:00:51Z ]]> Notice to Transportation Providers https://trftimes.com/legals/25714/notice-to-transportation-providers 2025-02-05T08:00:45Z ]]> City of TRF Enterprise Funds 2025 Adopted Budge https://trftimes.com/legals/25718/city-of-trf-enterprise-funds-2025-adopted-budge 2025-02-05T08:00:21Z 2025 ENTERPRISE PUBLISH BUDGET ]]> ]]> City of TRF 2025 Summary Budget Statement https://trftimes.com/legals/25716/city-of-trf-2025-summary-budget-statement 2025-02-05T08:00:10Z 2025 GOVERNMENTAL BUDGET PUBLISH ]]> ]]> Notice of Hearing TRF City Code Towers https://trftimes.com/legals/25715/notice-of-hearing-trf-city-code-towers 2025-02-05T08:00:04Z ]]> February 5, 2025 https://trftimes.com/e-edition/25725/february-5-2025 2025-02-04T12:00:18Z ]]> ]]> Wastewater Plant Operator https://trftimes.com/jobs/25723/wastewater-plant-operator 2025-02-04T11:42:51Z ]]> ]]> William Olson Jr., 88 https://trftimes.com/obituaries/25721/william-olson-jr-88 2025-02-04T09:16:44Z
Canon Inc
Newfolden - William “Junior” Olson Jr., 88, of Newfolden, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND, with his loving family by his side. William Olson Jr., born on January 12, 1937, in Marsh Grove Township, Marshall County, rural Newfolden, passed away surrounded by love and gratitude for a life well-lived. He was the twelfth of thirteen children born to William and Mabel (Haugen) Olson and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Newfolden. Junior began his lifelong dedication to hard work at the young age of 12, helping his mother on the family farm. He attended Marsh Grove and Newfolden Schools before embarking on a life filled with farming and various occupations. After marrying Janice Darlene Nelson on February 23, 1957, at the home of Rev. Thorvald Myhrer, Junior purchased his own farm and cultivated many acres while also working as a truck driver in various capacities, including gravel hauling, turkey and potato transport, and mail delivery routes. Known for his sharp mind, sense of humor, and willingness to lend a helping hand, Junior was a beloved figure in his community. He cherished his wife Janice, their children Russell and Kristie, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His joy was evident in every visit with family and friends. Junior found happiness in life on the farm, tending livestock in his younger years, attending auction sales, and enjoying John Deere tractors. He loved dancing with Janice, playing cards with friends at the Newfolden Café, and sharing laughter through his playful jokes. His gratitude for life’s blessings shone brightly to all who knew him. May Junior’s memory bring comfort to those who loved him and inspiration to all who admired his hardworking spirit and kind heart. Survivors include his loving wife of 67 years, Janice; son, Russell (Shelly) Olson; daughter, Kristie (David) Jenson; grandchildren, Riley (Courtney) Olson, Tyler Olson, Hailey (special friend, James) Olson, Tristan (special friend Emily) Jenson; great-grandchildren, Ronan and Rhett; brothers and sisters-in-law, Joan Roppe, Marian Peterson, Vernon (Sheila) Nelson, Gary (Karen) Nelson, Patty Nelson, Larry Landreville; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Mabel Olson; father- and mother-in-law, Nels and Bertina Nelson; 12 brothers and sisters; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Wallace Roppe, Arnold Peterson, Jerome Nelson, Marvin (Avis) Nelson, and Deloris (Albin) Holten. Visitation was held from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. with a 5 p.m. prayer service on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation began at 1 p.m. with the funeral service to celebrate William’s life at 2 p.m. on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Westaker Free Lutheran Church in Newfolden. Rev. Kevin Hall officiated. Burial was held at Oak Grove Cemetery in Newfolden. Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com. A00003B2025FB05 ]]>
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February 1, 2025 https://trftimes.com/northern-watch/25704/february-1-2025 2025-01-31T06:00:40Z ]]> ]]> February 1, 2025 – Crookston https://trftimes.com/northern-watch/25707/february-1-2025-crookston 2025-01-31T06:00:30Z ]]> ]]> Benitez-Estremera waives jury trial in murder case https://trftimes.com/news/25711/benitez-estremera-waives-jury-trial-in-murder-case 2025-01-30T04:17:41Z
Jorge Benitez-Estremera
by April Scheinoha Reporter A Thief River Falls man accused of murder waived his right to a jury trial Tuesday, Jan. 28 in Pennington County District Court. Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera, 34, is accused of intentionally killing Steven Opdahl outside of DigiKey on May 9, 2023. Benitez-Estremera faces felony charges of first degree murder – premeditated and second degree murder – intent. During Tuesday’s court hearing, Benitez-Estremera indicated his desire to have a trial before Judge Tamara Yon instead of a jury. Through an interpreter, he also said he desired to have a stipulated evidence trial. In that instance, no witnesses would testify. Instead, Yon would review evidence agreed upon by both sides to determine Benitez-Estremera’s guilt or innocence. Benitez-Estremera’s attorneys, Steve Bergeson and Eric Gudmundson from the state and local Public Defender’s Offices, plan to rely on a defense of mental illness or deficiency. Two mental health/cognitive impairment evaluations have been completed on Benitez-Estremera. One was privately obtained by the defense while the other was privately obtained by the state, which is represented by Assistant Minnesota Attorney General John Gross and Interim Pennington County Attorney Nathan Haase. The trial will be bifurcated into two phases due to the results of the two psychological reports. As a result, if Yon finds Benitez-Estremera guilty of any of the charges, she will then rule on whether he knew the difference between right and wrong. Benitez-Estremera is next expected to appear in court Wednesday, Feb. 26. According to the criminal complaint, Opdahl suffered severe trauma to the left portion of his head. Next to his body was a parking pole with a sign. Blood was also visible in various areas near his body, and bloody clothing was found in a nearby garbage can. Opdahl was assaulted while on a smoke break outside of his place of employment. Besides allegedly assaulting Opdahl with the parking pole sign, Benitez-Estremera punched him 17 times with most of the punches hitting him on the head. The two men didn’t know each other. The three-minute attack was captured on surveillance video. The complaint indicated that Opdahl displayed no aggression to Benitez-Estremera. He walked around near Benitez-Estremera’s car and smoked his cigarette, ultimately standing in front of and facing Benitez-Estremera’s car. There were no witnesses. Benitez-Estremera was there to pick up his girlfriend who worked at DigiKey. He was located hours later at a Thief River Falls apartment complex. According to the complaint, Benitez-Estremera allegedly told his girlfriend that he felt a negative force from Opdahl. In an interview with law enforcement, he said Opdahl was contaminated and needed to be taken out of the system. Benitez-Estremera’s attorneys had sought to suppress statements that he had made in custody as part of the murder investigation. In August, Judge Tamara Yon found that Benitez-Estremera validly waived his Miranda rights. According to documents filed in court, Benitez-Estremera is a native of Puerto Rico. He lived in Florida and Puerto Rico before moving to Thief River Falls about five years ago. He worked at Arctic Cat until December 2022. ]]>
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Northland Community & Technical College Vacancies https://trftimes.com/jobs/25702/northland-community-technical-college-vacancies 2025-01-30T10:22:03Z ]]> ]]>