News Flash

The City of Crookston received a large amount of heavy, wet snow today. Due to the weight and volume of this snowfall, plowing operations are progressing slower than usual.

Public Works crews are continuing to work throughout the evening to clear all streets and alleyways. In a few areas, operations were temporarily delayed due to equipment breakdowns and mechanical issues; however, those locations will be revisited and fully cleared as soon as possible.

Residents are strongly encouraged to park vehicles off the street whenever possible. This allows our large equipment to safely and effectively clear and widen roadways without obstruction. Fully clearing the roadway is essential to reducing pooling water and ensuring proper drainage to storm catch basins.

Crews will return tomorrow to widen streets and break down larger snow piles to improve visibility and overall road conditions.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to keep Crookston streets safe and passable.

Crookston Housing & Economic Development Authority is seeking a Project Coordinator to help grow and strengthen our local business community. This role works directly with residents, businesses, developers, and funding partners to support economic development projects, grants, and financing opportunities.If you’re organized, community-focused, and passionate about making a local impact, we’d love to hear from you!Apply today and help shape Crookston’s future.

Click Here To View Job Description

Public Works has identified a water main break on Summit Avenue. 

Water service will be temporarily shut off for residents located between the valves at the intersections of Alexander Street & Summit Avenue and Riverside Street & Summit Avenue.

Our crews are actively working on the repair, and the goal is to have service restored today (2/17) before the incoming storm arrives.

Questions? Please contact Chuck Getsman at (218) 281-1232 or cgetsman@crookston.mn.us.

Crookston Economic Development Authority has been informed of a time-sensitive funding opportunity for small businesses in our region that have experienced recent operational disruptions. While this opportunity prioritizes immigrant-owned businesses, it is not exclusive to them and may support other businesses significantly affected by the recent federal enforcement surge.

The Minneapolis Foundation has opened a one-time Economic Response Fund offering grants of up to $10,000 for eligible Minnesota small businesses experiencing sudden economic disruption.

Key details:

• Focus is on businesses experiencing sudden economic disruption (temporary closures, major revenue loss, workforce impacts, safety/security concerns).
• Funding is unrestricted emergency support (not intended for seasonal downturns).
• Businesses with a maximum of 40 employees are eligible to apply.
• Funding is available for businesses that are currently operating as well as those that are temporarily or permanently closed due to disruptions.
• Applications are first-come, first-served and are already open.
• This funding opportunity is not open to nonprofit organizations, local governments, or individual employees applying on their own behalf.

All businesses must apply directly through the Minneapolis Foundation Website. In addition, Northwest Minnesota Foundation can assist with the application.

For any additional questions, please reach out to:

Taylor Wyum | Community Development Director

• (218) 280-6368
• twyum@crookston.mn.us

Kristin Anderson | Program Officer

• (218) 558-5331
• kristina@nwmf.org

The City of Crookston is issuing a citywide reminder to all residents and business owners regarding sidewalk snow and ice removal.

Due to the high number of snow-covered and icy sidewalks throughout the community, property owners are reminded that City Ordinance 94.18(A) requires all snow and ice to be removed from public sidewalks within 48 hours after snowfall ceases.

With warmer temperatures in the forecast, now is a great time to clear sidewalks to ensure safe walking conditions for everyone.

If sidewalks are not cleared as required:

• Authorized City personnel may remove the snow and ice
• Removal costs plus an administrative fee will be assessed to the property

Please note:

• This applies only to public sidewalks along boulevards
• It does not include your driveway or private walkway to your door
• Property owners remain responsible even if out of town or unable to perform the work themselves — please make arrangements as needed

City staff will be monitoring and addressing non-compliant properties February 17–20, 2026.

Thank you for helping keep Crookston safe and accessible for pedestrians this winter.

NOTICE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES SELLING LOWER-POTENCY HEMP PRODUCTS

The City of Crookston is providing notice to all local businesses that currently sell, or intend to sell, lower-potency hemp products, including lower-potency hemp edibles and beverages.

All businesses selling these products are required to comply with Minnesota Statutes, chapter 342, and applicable Minnesota Rules, chapter 9810, as administered by the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).

Key requirements include, but are not limited to:

• Obtaining the appropriate state license from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (LPHE-R, LPHE-M, or LPHE-W, as applicable);
• Securing any required endorsements associated with retail sales, delivery, or on-site consumption;
• Compliance with product potency limits, packaging and labeling requirements;
• Restricting sales to individuals 21 years of age or older;
• Obtaining any required local retail registration prior to conducting retail sales within the City of Crookston.

Businesses that are not properly licensed or registered, or that fail to comply with state and local requirements, may be subject to enforcement action.

Businesses are strongly encouraged to review the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management’s guide, Hemp Businesses in Minnesota: A Guide for Lower-Potency Hemp Edible License Applicants, and to ensure full compliance prior to continuing or initiating sales.

Questions regarding local requirements may be directed to the City of Crookston. Questions regarding state licensing and compliance should be directed to the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management.

City of Crookston

Ashley Rystad City Clerk

124 N Broadway 

Crookston, MN 56716

218-281-4503

Hemp Business in Minnesota Guide - Click Here

Crookston Cannabis Retail Registration Application - Click Here

The City of Crookston is excited to announce that Gowan Construction is scheduled to begin dirt work on the Colburn Industrial Park Railroad Spur the week of October 6, 2025. Utility work by Ottertail Power is planned to follow, beginning the week of October 13, 2025.   

The goal is to complete the dirt work prior to winter freeze-up. If winter conditions allow, we will proceed with track construction later this year. Otherwise, rail construction will begin in spring 2026 at the earliest possible opportunity.  

The Railroad Spur project taking place at the Crookston Industrial Park is funded by the Minnesota Rail Service Improvement (MRSI) grant which provides grants for freight rail service improvement projects that support economic development in accordance with Minnesota Statute. The City of Crookston is excited about the economic impact and utilization that it will bring to our area, an example being soybean providers who will experience cost savings by minimizing trips before export.  

While the State of Minnesota didn’t fund the MSRI Grant for anybody in 2025, the Crookston Economic Development Authority are exploring other opportunities to complete the second phase of construction once this first phase is completed. The second phase of construction will make the Colburn Industrial Park easier to access to the public. This will include an area of the industrial park set aside for a rail yard so trucks can easily enter and exit. There have been questions about the accessibility of the south front street, and Minnesota Northern has been working to make sure that businesses on south front street will continue to have access. 

Initial planning of the industrial park, located on HWY 75, will include lots for industrial businesses with estimated 3 acres as well as larger 10 acre lots. These lots are open to expand or decrease lot size. For any additional follow up on the railroad spur construction and the industrial park, please reach out to the following. 

Jason Bierwerth – Minnesota Northern 

• (701) 741-6086 
• mnnjb@kbninc.net 

Karie Kirschbaum  

• (218) 280-3049 
• kkirschbaum@crookston.mn.us