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Residents thank Crookston emergency responders and press council on safety, budget
Summary
Two Crookston residents praised emergency responders for a rapid Dec. 31 response and asked the council about local preparedness and a recent budget increase during public comment on Jan. 20, 2026.
Two Crookston City residents used the public comment period at the Jan. 20, 2026, City Council meeting to thank emergency responders and press the council for clearer plans on community safety and the budget.
Tiffany Olsen of 338 Chrome Street described a Dec. 31 accident at her parents' shop and credited Crookston emergency medical technicians and police officers with fast, compassionate care that steadied her family. "The professionalism and genuine concern you showed did not go unnoticed and meant more to our family than you'll ever know," Olsen said, naming responders she said had helped her father.
Bishop Moronus Jensen, who identified himself as a Crookston resident and local business owner, raised two separate concerns: the council's recent budget decision and local preparedness for civil unrest or regional threats. "To the public's understanding, the budget was addressed on a 4 to 8% increase. It landed on a hard eight," Jensen said, urging the council to better account for public input in future budget discussions. He also asked, "what is the city and local authorities doing to help us protect ourselves and our assets?" and urged the council to develop clear criteria and notice procedures for residents in a crisis.
The council did not take formal action in response to the public comments. The remarks appear to have been accepted as part of the meeting's open forum and were followed by routine agenda items.
