Mayor Jackson Purfeerst

10/05/2026

Alden, without you, our Community Center complex wouldn’t be where it is today. Your vision, dedication, and leadership have helped make it a true gathering place and a draw for our entire community.

It takes a special person to see a vision, rally a community around it, and remain committed to making that vision even better years after the initial accomplishment. Thank you, Alden, for pouring so much of your selfless time, infectious energy, and burning passion into Crosslake. Your impact will be felt for years to come!

And just so you know, you’re officially in charge of organizing the tree planting forever!

Alden Hardwick's story is the story of the Crosslake Community Center.

10/05/2026

Much to be proud of!

10/02/2026

I’m grateful for the quick response to a situation that could have been much worse. We are praying for the man who was hit for a speedy recovery and for everyone involved!

We understand the need for trails and the very real safety concerns. We’re working hard to expand our trail system, but as the old saying goes, it’s roughly “$1 million a mile.”

We are actively working with the County and our partners to bring a trail from East Shore Drive to this intersection and continue it toward West Shore Drive.

Just last week I was in a meeting with our City Engineer, City Administrator, Parks Director, and Public Works Commission Chair talking about trails.

If money were no object, we would have built these trails yesterday. Unfortunately, there is a lot more that goes on behind the scenes than simply laying asphalt, from funding and engineering to right-of-way, permitting, and coordination.

We hear the concerns, we understand the need, and we’re actively working on it as fast as possible to try and get people off the road!

10/02/2026

This morning I met with CRMC CEO Amy Hart and Director of Ambulance Tyler Ostman today to discuss ambulance service in our area, a big focus of mine, focusing on continuity of 24/7 care, patient access, and long-term sustainability. 🚑

It was a great educational process and conversation of what happens at the hospital service level!

What happens with our community partners affects us all, and we are stronger and more successful when we work together!

10/01/2026

🚨PSA: MOVE OVER!

Now that fall is here, you’ll be seeing more of our city crews and contractors out working along the roads. Tree trimming, ditch work, and other pre-winter projects are all on the schedule.

GIVE THEM SPACE! Slow down, pay attention, and move over!

Last week, we had a very close call that could have been fatal. Thank God no one was hurt, but it serves as a serious reminder that we all need to pay attention when approaching work crews.

A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference in making sure everyone, even you, gets home safely.

Slow down. Move over. Give them room to work. 🚧

10/01/2026

Even though we’re transitioning into fall here in Crosslake and the boats are coming out of the water, you still have to take advantage of the few warm, sunny days we have left!

The water, on the other hand, is definitely getting to that “refreshing” temperature!

09/28/2026

The City of Crosslake has just set our preliminary 2027 levy increase at 4.12%!

We’ve worked hard to bring that number down from nearly 16% with the initial budget requests , and we’re not done quite yet.

Our objective is to bring it down even further before the final levy is set if possible!

Every dollar matters because it’s your money!

Sadly, everything is getting more and more expensive. Healthcare costs are out of control, the cost of goods and services continues to rise, and there is less and less room in the budget to work with.

At the end of the day, we still have a city to operate and essential services to provide, while watching out for YOUR pocketbook.

09/26/2026

It’ll be a phenomenal Crosslake Days! Thanks to all those participating in any capacity! Our businesses are ready to serve you!

09/25/2026

It’ll be a great weekend! See you out there! 😎🫡

🌶️ This isn’t your average Chili Cookoff.

On Saturday of Crosslake Days 2026, all of Crosslake gets in on the fun. 32 businesses throughout town will be serving up their own chili, and you’re invited to spend the afternoon tasting your way from stop to stop.

Grab your family. Bring your friends. Pick up some chili, explore Crosslake, compare favorites and cast your vote for the People’s Choice winner. There’s really nothing else quite like it. 🍂

It’s one of those fall traditions that brings the whole town to life and one you’ll want to experience for yourself.

🌶️ Chili Cookoff (Crosslake Days 2026)
📅 Saturday, September 26
⏰ Tasting starts at noon
🗳️ Voting closes at 3 PM in the Crosslake App

09/24/2026

FLAGPOLE PROJECT UPDATE: Agreement not reached 👎🏻

After multiple meetings with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers here in Crosslake, several calls with higher-level Army Corps staff, and another meeting this week with two Corps representatives from around the state, I’m disappointed to say that we have not been able to reach an agreement on the proposed location.

I will always be thankful for the Corps and its longstanding partnership with the City of Crosslake. They bring tremendous value to our community and have for many years. That said, I am highly disappointed that they do not see the significance of this project the same way so many in our community do.

From a roadway standpoint, the proposed flagpole location had been cleared by the county engineer and highway department from a safety perspective because it would sit approximately 30 feet off the curb. However, the Corps has continued to cite safety concerns with the location that, in my opinion, are unfounded, despite that engineering clearance and the fact that an existing flagpole sits roughly the same distance from the roadway directly across the street.

We have also explored other options.

The reason we cannot simply place the flagpole in the roundabout comes down to the classification of the roundabout, setback requirements, and the fact that the Corps owns the property.

In our initial conversations with the Corps, we offered a concession: if we were granted approval for the new flagpole at Andy’s corner, we would pay to remove the existing flagpole at the Chamber of Commerce building, which is also located on Corps property. With the Chamber eventually moving, we felt this was a reasonable compromise that would consolidate the flagpole locations while still allowing us to accomplish the sight lines and vision for the downtown project.

The Corps did offer an alternative proposal: that I become a partner and use my influence and the fundraising momentum behind this project to raise money for the Corps. They would then want me to donate those funds to the Corps to be used toward improvements to the Corps of Engineers site where their existing flags are located. I appreciate them offering a creative and quite interesting alternative, but that is not—and will not be—part of the scope or purpose of this project.

Remember, the entire purpose of this project is LOCATION. We want this American flag to be one of the first things people see as they cross the bridge into downtown Crosslake and something that can be seen from County Road 3 or County Road 66.

It is extremely disappointing that an agreement could not be reached for a project that has received tremendous support.

But I AM NOT GIVING UP!

I have already met with additional people and potential sponsors, and I am excited to begin exploring Plan E—one that can still accomplish the sight lines, visibility, and impact we have wanted from the very beginning. Option E looks to be better for all parties involved, especially for city control!

Once again, while I disagree with the Corps on this specific issue, I am thankful for our continued partnership and the value we bring to the community through the work we do together.

We’re going to keep working, and I’ll report more when I can.

Thank you.