Nov. 1, 2025

Crews continue to make steady progress along Memorial Highway. The intersection at 46th Avenue SE reopened to traffic on September 30, and 40th Avenue is expected to open by the end of October following completion of underground utility work,

curbs, gutters, lighting, and traffic signals.

Eastbound lanes have been paved, including curb and gutter installation and asphalt widening to the north, with property access now available. Work also continues on storm sewer, sanitary, and water line improvements on the south side of the corridor.

To maintain the schedule, Reede Construction added an extra underground crew in October. The project remains on track to have five lanes of hard surfacing completed by November 23, weather permitting. Upcoming work includes roadway grading, additional underground utility installation, and concrete paving on the south side of the project. Drivers can expect shifting lane configurations as crews progress. All businesses along Memorial Highway remain open during construction—please watch for signage and drive with caution.

To support businesses along the corridor, the Memorial Highway Gift Card Program

offers shoppers a 25% bonus when purchasing digital gift cards at VisitMandan.com.

For weekly updates, maps, and timelines, visit cityofmandan.com/mhp.

The City of Mandan has announced the 2025

Beautification Recognition Program winners!

Winners:

• Seasonal/Holiday Display: 3rd Ave NW

• Landscape Maintenance: 3rd Ave NW

• Commercial Property: Buckin’ Bean Coffee, 601 1st St NE

Winners were chosen through public voting from 10 nominations by the Community Beautification Committee. They will be recognized at an upcoming City Commission meeting and featured on the City’s website and social media.

Learn more at cityofmandan.com/recognitionprogram.

ProntoChore took top honors in Mandan’s 2025 Business Pitch Challenge. Created by Vaughn Deinhart, Michael Storick, Arnie Strebe, Hank Barry, and Malakhi Stevenson, the platform connects small businesses and homeowners with local “ProntoPros” to get chores done efficiently. The app launched in July and the team is eligible for up to a $10,000 forgivable loan.

Soda Drop LLC, by Kimberly and Darren Hertz, earned second place and the People’s Choice Award for its customizable dirty sodas, lemonades, and energy drinks. The business is eligible for up to a $3,000 forgivable loan.

Learning Loft Childcare, planned by Tauni and Cameron Causey, placed third and is eligible for up to a $2,000 forgivable loan. Dakota Sodas, by Samantha Roth, was recognized as the fourth-place finalist. Judges included Mayor James Froelich, Dr. Kimberly Bloms, Tess Schmidt, Tom Gerhardt, and Dedra Hilman.

Thank you to the prize sponsors including Starion Bank, First International Bank & Trust, Townsquare Media, Security First Bank, Innovation Barn, Gate City Bank, Haga Kommer, and the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. A special thank you from the organizers to the Mandan Growth Fund Committee and our gracious host Central Station.

Read more at cityofmandan.com/businesspitch.

City Pursues Grants for Upcoming Road Projects

In late August, the Mandan City Commission authorized the Engineering Department to apply for North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Flex Fund grants for two upcoming projects: Riverwood Avenue SE Reconstruction and Mandan Proper NW Street Improvements.

Riverwood Avenue SE :

The project includes replacing a sanitary force main and lift station, installing storm sewer, and reconstructing the roadway. Portions will be completed alongside the ongoing Memorial Highway project, with the remaining work planned for 2027. The total estimated cost is $2.1 million, with the City seeking about $1 million in Flex Fund support and funding the remainder through special assessments, municipal, and utility funds.

Mandan Proper NW :

Located east of Sunset Drive and south of Division Street, this project is part of a 4-phase infrastructure overhaul of the historic Mandan Proper area. Work will include replacing water and sanitary systems, storm sewer upgrades, electrical improvements, ADA enhancements, and roadway reconstruction. The project is planned for 2027, with an estimated cost of $11.4 million. The City is requesting $3.5 million from the Flex Fund and pursuing additional cost-share grants. Remaining costs may be special assessed.

Updates will be shared at cityofmandan.com.

In late May, the Mandan Progress Organization launched a Memorial Highway Gift Card Program, where individuals can purchase digital gift cards from local participating businesses directly at VisitMandan.com. Each card is delivered as a digital wallet file that appears on your phone just like a regular credit card. You can use the card to shop online or pay in person. As part of the program, the City of Mandan is contributing a 25% match that is automatically issued as a separate bonus card at no additional cost.

Mandan Art Alley - Phase One Complete!

The first phase of the Mandan Art Alley is officially complete! This exciting public art initiative brings vibrant murals and community stories to downtown Mandan, located between 1st and 2nd Avenue NW, from Main Street to 1st Street NW.

Phase One features 16 murals created by 14 talented artists, five of whom are Mandan residents or have studios in the city. Mural themes include Indigenous heritage, immigration journeys, ties to land and water, shared histories, and ideas focused on youth and innovation. All mural sites were secured with signed permission from local property owners.

The project was made possible through the vision, leadership, and dedication of Molly McLain, Aaron Barth, and Andrew Stromme, along with generous support from the community, including funding partners:

• Northern Plains Heritage Foundation – $35,000

• Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation – $5,000

• North Dakota Council on the Arts – $2,000

• Bismarck Professional Women Public Art Fund via Dakota West Arts Council – $2,500

• The City of Mandan via the Mandan Visitors Fund Committee – $35,000

Artists featured in the alley include:

• Melissa Gordon – “Great Trains of the Great Plains”

• Linda Roesch – “Mandan Meadowlark”

• Jessica Wachter – “Coloring Outside the Lines”

• Crystal Tretbar – “Dakota Dawn”

• Shawna Romero Fricke & Aprill Perkins – “Endless Circle”

• Elizabeth Fuehrer – “Shadow and Light on HWY 6”

• Elizabeth White – “Threads of Heritage: A Braid of Landscapes and Stories”

• Emily Murphy – “Prairie Education”

• Lynae Hanson & Madelyn Monzelowsky – “Dakota Bound: The Rails That Carried Us”

• Andrea Ficek Falcon – “Prairie Flora”

• Paul Noot – “Shared Sacred Ground”

• Richard Loewen – “Propinquity”

• Nicole Gagner, Community Mural – “Prairie Threads”

• Victoria Lyubchenko – “Portraits of Unspoken Truth”

The Mandan Art Alley is a space for the community to gather, explore, and enjoy art inspired by our shared histories and creativity. Phase One is just the beginning. Stay tuned for future developments as the alley continues to grow!

Read more at cityofmandan.com/artalley.

Never miss a local event, city update, or important alert again.

The new Mandan app brings our community closer—whether you’re

checking the calendar, reporting a concern, or supporting a local

fundraiser.

Download it today and explore what’s happening around you! Search

“City of Mandan” in the App Store or Google Play.

Snow Removal Reminders

City crews clean emergency routes first, followed by school zones, downtown areas, and residential streets. Please help by not parking on streets, keeping bins off roadways, and clearing sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfalls. Avoid pushing snow into streets.

Learn more at cityofmandan.com/snowremoval.

Holiday Lights on Main Returns Soon!

Get excited to experience the magic of the season as Holiday Lights on Main returns to downtown Mandan. This annual display transforms Main Street into a festive wonderland with thousands of lights, illuminated features, and holiday cheer for all ages.

The community-wide celebration runs November 30 through January 7, with the lighting ceremony set for Saturday, November 30, at Dykshoorn Park. Visitors can enjoy light tunnels, animated displays, and photo opportunities.

Businesses and organizations are invited to help light up Mandan by sponsoring or decorating displays along Main Street.

For full details, including sponsorship opportunities and event updates, go to visitmandan.com/holiday-lights.

Residents can sign up to receive news and announcements via text message from the City of Mandan!

Messages may include information on garbage and recycling collection schedule changes, volunteer opportunities, office closures, etc.

Users may receive up to three messages per month and have the ability to opt-out at any time.