Sept. 1, 2023

The Mandan City Commission preliminarily approved a 2024 budget proposal during its Aug. 1 meeting. The proposed budget maintains the current city mill rate. However, expenses for all funds combined are $2.5 million higher than the 2023 budget. Rising costs of providing the same, basic City services is visible throughout the budget, including in the form of employee salaries and benefits, operations and maintenance, machinery, equipment and projects.  

Mandan’s average residential property valuation increase was 9.4% in 2023. This coupled with the mill rate, equates to an $81 increase per $300,000 of true and full value for a residential property. This excludes any special assessments.

Jarek Wigness was recently promoted to City Engineer. Wigness joined the City of Mandan in November 2022 as Assistant City Engineer. He previously worked in engineering roles and as the Assistant City Engineer in Williston.

Wigness attended the University of North Dakota and attained a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering.

Since November, Wigness has worked on many projects, most notably the Memorial Highway reconstruction project, Waste Water Treatment Plant long range planning and Water Treatment Plant replacement reservoir and optimization projects.

$2.35M awarded for downtown street improvement phase I

The City Commission recently accepted a North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Urban Grant Program award of $2.35 million for a project that will improve the avenues and First Street NW in the core downtown area.

The Urban Grant Program provides funding of up to 80%, which would be about $3.2 million for each phase. In the past, the maximum amount granted to any one project through the program was $2.63 million. In February, the City Engineering Department applied for $2.6 million for each phase I and II of the project, to be completed in subsequent years. The awarded amount was around $300,000 less than requested for phase I only.   

Campers, trailers, boats must be removed from streets beginning Sept. 16

Prior to snowfall, please remove campers, trailers and boats from streets and sidewalks to accommodate for snow removal. As stated in sections 24-7-17 and 24-7-18 of the Mandan Code of Ordinances, no boat, motor home, bus, camper or trailer may be parked on a public street between Sept. 16 and May 14. Violations are punishable by a $50 fine and towing at the owner’s expense.

Mandan Public School District (MPS) recently launched a refresh of the Mandan Braves logos, symbolizing the district's dedication to its significant history with Native American culture. This logo refresh reflects the school district's ongoing commitment to Native American heritage and proudly represents the long-standing Mandan Braves nickname.

“The Mandan Public School District acknowledges that our community is located on the traditional lands of the Cheyenne, Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, and Lakota nations,” said Travis Albers, MPS Title VI Coordinator. “We also recognize and respect the Indigenous people as the original keepers of this land and the everlasting connection with their traditional territory. Indigenous nations and their history are not just things of the past. They are, and have been, essential components of the history and future of our community. The updated MPS logo emphasizes the struggles and achievements that represents the rich and culturally diverse make up of our great community, but more importantly, it represents the continuing collaboration to create a better society for all.”

The design process began with sketches by Native American artist, Kolan Snider, and brought to digital life by Sean Thorenson, a local graphic designer. “I feel very honored to have been asked to be part of the Braves logo update,” said Thorenson. “As a Mandan grad, we were all familiar with the current mascot, but what many probably don’t know is that it was done by Mandan High’s art teacher at the time — the late, great Diane Boschee. Ms. Boschee was one of several mentors that encouraged me to pursue art as a career so it’s especially humbling to know that this new graphic will now represent the Mandan Braves. I wanted the update to reflect the tradition, power and spirit of the original. The new right-facing direction is symbolically forward-moving and the expression more focused and determined – qualities that I believe represent Mandan well.”

"Our logo refresh represents an exciting chapter in our school district's journey," said

Superintendent Dr. Mike Bitz. “The design process took place over several months as our top priority was creating something that represented our schools and community and maintained our long history as the Mandan Braves. We wanted our new logo to reflect the history of Mandan. Our community has significant history with Indigenous people that we want to honor and carry forward.”

The logo refresh is being implemented across all communication channels, including the district's official website, social media platforms, stationery and signage. As MPS opens a new high school in 2024, this unified visual identity will enhance the district's presence, instill a sense of pride among students, teachers, and staff, and strengthen its connection with parents, alumni, and the broader community.

Neighborhood Revitalization program deadline Oct. 31

Mandan's Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative offers low-interest loans to homeowners for improving properties in specific neighborhoods. The program, in partnership with Gate City Bank, aims to enhance housing and revitalize core areas. Eligible homeowners can apply for loans from $10,000 to $100,000 at a 3.1% interest rate, with applications due by Oct. 31.

The criteria include property location, zoning, floodplain status and assessed value. For a list of eligible improvement types and the application, visit cityofmandan.com/neighborhoodrevitalization. Please contact City Planner Andrew Stromme with questions. 

Selection committee members are in the process of reviewing qualified entries in Mandan's third annual photo contest. Finalists will be announced Sept. 7 at the Mandan Progress Organization's Annual Dinner and voting for the people's choice award will open that evening too. Voting will remain open until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 8. Information on how to vote will be shared via City of Mandan social media pages and at cityofmandan.com/photocontest.

The contest drew 55 entries from 24 talented photographers. Judges with expertise in photography and marketing will review finalist photos to select winners in five categories of achievement, community, fun, opportunity, and county. Contest winners will be announced mid-October.  

The Mandan Park District is partnering with the City of Mandan and Morton County to bring the first public boat ramp to Mandan. The proposed boat ramp will be located along the Missouri River Natural Area also known as Car Bodies. The boat ramp will be accessible to patrons in Mandan, Bismarck and surrounding areas. The project is contingent on proper permits and grant funding.

• Phase 1 of the project includes determining site design, permitting, public outreach and bid preparation.
• Phase 2 includes construction, permitting and site survey.

The Mandan Park District plans to host a public hearing on Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Mandan City Hall at the regularly scheduled Mandan Park Board meeting. The goal of the public hearing is to gather project feedback from the community.

Mandan Park District worked with AE2S to create a Mandan Missouri River Boat Ramp Feasibility Study.

The annual Morton County & Mandan calendar will be mailed in December to approximately 16,100 addresses in Morton County.

Businesses and organizations interested in reaching residents, businesses and visitors are invited to participate. There’s an opportunity for a premier sponsorship and 24 business card size ads.

Please contact Mandan Progress Organization Sales & Development Director Arlyn Van Beek via email or call 701-751-2983 to claim your ad or ask questions.

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