Stay Informed: Your Source For Crookston MN News And Local Updates

Prof. Lonny Smitham 02 Aug 2025

Keeping up with what's happening in your community, especially in a place like Crookston, Minnesota, is that important. It helps you stay connected and aware of the changes and events that shape daily life here. You, like your neighbors, probably want to know about everything from local happenings to important public safety announcements, so this is for you.

This area, which is a bit of a hub, offers a lot to talk about, so it's almost always got something newsworthy going on. Whether it's a building changing its look downtown, or updates on public safety, there's quite a bit to catch up on. We’re going to talk about some of the more recent stories that have been making headlines, giving you a better sense of the local pulse.

From the closing of a long-standing newspaper to serious incidents involving law enforcement, the community has seen its share of significant moments. This article aims to bring you up to speed on these important topics, helping you understand the latest developments in Crookston, MN news, so you can feel more connected to what's going on around you.

Downtown Developments and Local Landmarks
Significant Public Safety Incidents
- Officer-Involved Shootings and Investigations
- Other Notable Crime and Safety Reports
Community Life and Happenings
Local News Coverage and Its Future
Frequently Asked Questions About Crookston MN News

Downtown Developments and Local Landmarks

There's a building right in the heart of downtown Crookston that, you know, is undergoing a pretty big change. This spot, once known as the Crookston Times building, has been a familiar sight for many years. It’s located at 124 South Main Street, and it’s getting a fresh look, which is actually quite exciting for the area.

This transformation is a good sign, showing that the downtown area is, in a way, still evolving. It points to new beginnings for a place that has a lot of history tied to it. The corner building has always been a key part of the local scenery, so its new purpose is something many people are watching with interest.

The changes happening there could, in some respects, bring a new kind of energy to the downtown. It’s a physical sign of progress and, you know, a different chapter for that particular piece of the city. People are curious about what it will become and how it will serve the community next.

Significant Public Safety Incidents

Crookston has seen a few significant public safety events recently, which, you know, are always a big part of local news. These situations often involve the police department and other emergency services, and they naturally draw a lot of community attention. It's important for residents to be aware of these happenings, so they can stay informed about what’s going on in their neighborhoods.

These incidents range from serious investigations to ongoing community concerns. The way these stories unfold, you know, often involves multiple agencies working together to get to the bottom of things. It shows the dedication of our local law enforcement and first responders, who are always there to help, basically.

For example, there have been situations requiring careful investigation by state agencies, which, you know, means a thorough review of what happened. These events, honestly, highlight the complex nature of maintaining safety and order in any community, and how crucial clear communication is for everyone involved.

Officer-Involved Shootings and Investigations

On May 16th, Crookston officers, you know, had a very serious encounter where they had to open fire. This incident resulted in the death of a man who was advancing towards them with a hatchet. This kind of situation is, obviously, incredibly difficult for everyone involved, including the officers and the community.

Another incident, on June 30th, also involved an officer with the Crookston Police Department at a homeless shelter. The Crow Wing County Attorney’s Office, which handled the case at the request of Polk County, later announced that Officer Nick Fladland was, in fact, justified in that shooting. This finding came after an investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which is the state agency that looks into these kinds of events.

Officer Nick Fladland, it turns out, has been cleared a second time regarding the shooting death of a homeless man last summer. The Crookston Police Department said the man was, you know, being combative toward officers and wasn't following their verbal commands before the officer fatally shot him. These are, essentially, very intense situations that officers face.

There was also a pursuit that happened south of Crookston, involving the Minnesota BCA investigating another officer-involved shooting. This pursuit involved a man who was, apparently, wanted for illegally crossing the border. Charges say police began pursuing the man after he tried to cross from North Dakota into Canada with at least one handgun. During this pursuit, a deputy, you know, shot a driver on County Road 9, west of the intersection of 350th Avenue Southwest, near Crookston. The Polk County Sheriff's Office reported this happened just after 10 a.m. on a Monday morning. The driver is being checked for injuries, and the Minnesota State Patrol is on scene, assisting with the investigation. This is, you know, an active investigation, and no further information has been released at this time.

The Crookston Police Department, assisted by Crookston Area Ambulance, Crookston Fire Department, and Minnesota State Patrol, is, basically, investigating the cause of that accident. These investigations are, you know, thorough and take time to complete, ensuring all details are carefully reviewed.

Other Notable Crime and Safety Reports

Over the holidays, Crookston experienced a string of vandalism, which, you know, was a bit disheartening for residents. This damage came in the form of paint being sprayed or splattered on vehicles in various neighborhoods. It’s the kind of thing that, honestly, leaves people feeling frustrated and wondering why someone would do such a thing.

In a different but related note, a person named Stingley, who is now living in Crookston, Minnesota, is facing six felony counts. These charges are related to a number of incidents that, apparently, happened while he was living in Duluth. This kind of news, you know, shows that legal matters can sometimes stretch across different parts of the state, with individuals having past issues come to light in new locations.

These reports, you know, highlight the ongoing efforts of the Crookston Police Department to maintain safety and address various types of incidents within the community. They are always working to keep the area secure for everyone. It's, basically, a constant effort to respond to and investigate different situations that come up.

Community Life and Happenings

Life in Crookston isn't just about serious news; there are also important community updates that affect daily routines and local enjoyment. For example, the spa and pool at the Crookston Inn and Convention Center, which is a popular spot, has been closed. This is, you know, a bit of a disappointment for those who enjoyed using those facilities, and it affects leisure options in the area.

In another development, the Downtown Crookston Development Partnership, you know, made the decision to cancel this summer's Fiesta de Crookston. They cited fears for attendees' safety due to ongoing political discussions. This cancellation, obviously, means a missed opportunity for a community gathering that many people look forward to each year, and it reflects broader concerns.

There was also a very serious incident where a school rallied behind a girl battling for her life. She was, you know, riding her bike in Crookston when a semi-trailer went onto the sidewalk and struck her, dragging her. This kind of event really brings the community together, showing support for those in need, and it’s a very sad thing to hear about.

On a slightly different note, the Minnesota River is, apparently, beginning to recede in Shakopee, which is good news for that area, and it's something that often gets mentioned alongside Crookston news, even if it's not directly in town. This just goes to show how interconnected various news items can be, even across different parts of Minnesota.

For those interested in the broader scope of what Crookston, MN news covers, you can typically find updates on a wide range of topics. This includes local news, trending stories, crime maps, events, weather, traffic and transit, sports, lifestyle, education, municipal affairs, business, food and drink, arts and culture, health, local life, and real estate. It's, basically, a comprehensive look at everything that makes the community tick. You can learn more about community engagement on our site, and link to this page Crookston's official city website.

Local News Coverage and Its Future

The Crookston Times, a newspaper that has been a fixture in its Minnesota community since 1885, is, you know, set to close its doors on February 7. This decision was made due to staffing shortages, which is a challenge many local news outlets are facing these days. Interim editor Jeff Gulley and CherryRoad Media’s CEO Jeremy Gulban, basically, confirmed this news.

This closure is a significant event for the community, as the Crookston Times has served as a primary source for news, sports, opinion, and features for a very long time. It’s a bit sad to see a long-standing institution like this go, as it leaves a gap in local reporting. The corner building, once known as the Crookston Times, is now, as mentioned, being transformed, which is a different kind of change for that spot.

For many years, the paper was the go-to place for today's obituaries and death notices from Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Crookston, and around North Dakota and Minnesota. People relied on it for important personal announcements, and you can still read full obituaries from Grand Forks Herald, for example. The loss of such a dedicated local news source means that residents will need to find other ways to stay current with all the latest and breaking news about Crookston, and to compare headlines and perspectives between news sources on stories happening today. In total, 10 stories have been published about Crookston which, you know, gives you a sense of the activity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crookston MN News

What's happening with the Crookston Times building downtown?

The building, which was once home to the Crookston Times, is, you know, undergoing a transformation in downtown Crookston. It’s located at 124 South Main Street and is being redeveloped for a new purpose. This change is, essentially, part of the ongoing evolution of the downtown area.

Are there recent updates on police incidents in Crookston?

Yes, there have been a few significant police incidents recently. This includes officer-involved shootings, such as the one on May 16th where an officer shot a man with a hatchet, and another on June 30th at a homeless shelter where Officer Nick Fladland was, in fact, cleared. There was also a pursuit involving a deputy shooting a driver near Crookston. These are, basically, ongoing situations with investigations by the Minnesota BCA.

What's the latest on community events and closures in Crookston?

The spa and pool at the Crookston Inn and Convention Center has, you know, been closed. Also, the Fiesta de Crookston, a popular community event, was canceled this summer due to safety concerns. These are, you know, some of the recent community happenings that have affected local life and gatherings.

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Stay Informed: Your Source For Crookston MN News And Local Updates

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