July 1, 2024

Newly elected officials begin their terms in office today, Monday, July 1. The City of Mandan has a new mayor, commissioner and municipal court judge. Mayor James “Jim” Froelich, Municipal Court Judge Thomas Jackson, and City Commissioner Craig Sjoberg are all new faces joining the City of Mandan elected leaders. Commissioner Mike Braun was also reelected for a fourth term.

Mandan Public Schools. Jake Schmidt was elected for the unexpired one-year term with Mandan School Board. Amy Schanandore and incumbent Rick Horn won the race for the three-year terms, and incumbent Sheldon Wolf ran unopposed for a rural three-year term.

Mandan Park District. Incumbents Jennifer Froehlich and Wade Meschke ran unopposed for another four-year term on the Mandan Park Board.

County Commission. Incumbents Nathan Boehm and Raymond Morrell will move on to the Nov. 5 General Election ballot. Paul Tokach was a successful write-in candidate and will also appear on the November ballot.

As of late June, the phone number to make secure utility bill payments has changed. The bill you receive this month will reflect the change. Credit and debit card or checking and savings account payments may be made by calling 1-855-939-3764. Voice prompts will assist callers. Customers will only need their utility account number and payment information. 

Construction of a multi-purpose trail along Highway 6 from 19^th Street SW to the Heart River Bridge will begin this summer. This trail is the final piece of a series of trails constructed along this corridor, which will connect a system of trails with the Mandan Municipal Golf Course. Mandan Park District received a North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Transportation Alternative grant for $470,288. The grant is an 80/20 split with the Park District being responsible for 20% of the project costs.

The project consists of grading, culvert installation, ADA compliance, signage and an asphalt trail. Work will take place this summer and will need to meet all NDDOT inspection and documentation standards.

Doosan Bobcat volunteers recently completed an improvement project at the Mandan Dog Park as part of a company day of service.

Bobcat employee and Community Beautification Committee member Brian Dehnert worked with Mandan Park District Park Operations Manager Dustin Fleck on organizing the project.

Volunteers stained tables and benches, filled and seeded low spots, relocated pea gravel to the obstacle course area and spread 225 tons of black dirt among other things.

The Dog Park was shut down for one day in early June while the project was completed. 

Bobcat has been involved with volunteer projects in Mandan for several years now. These volunteer opportunities allow Bobcat employees to use the equipment they work on while doing something good for the community. City staff and leaders extend a heart-felt thank you to Doosan Bobcat for their continued volunteer efforts in Mandan! 

Mandan Public School District is hosting an open house on July 5 from 8 a.m. to noon for the public to tour the existing Mandan High School building one last time. Guided tours can be arranged upon request. If you prefer a guided tour, please contact the high school at 701-751-6501 before July 4. 

Morton Mandan Public Library (MMPL) Outreach Service Driver Bel Neibel is set to retire in August after 10 years. Neibel has been driving the bookmobile, also known as “Morti” for many of those years.

On June 18, Library Director Sandstrom presented Neibel with a plaque commemorating her years of service.

“We are grateful for everything you have done to make Morti come alive with materials, activities, laughter and spunk especially during traveling times of winter and wind,” says Sandstrom, “By helping bridge the gap between the bookmobile and the library building, you have touched lives and made a difference.”

Thank you Bel for your service to Mandan and Morton County! 

Municipal Judge DeNae Kautzmann retired June 30 after 20 years with the City of Mandan. Kautzmann was first elected in 2004 and served consecutive terms since. She heard many criminal and non-criminal violations of Mandan City Ordinance during her tenure and will be missed.

On June 18, the City Commission recognized Kautzmann for her time in office. 

After deciding not to pursue another term, Mayor Tim Helbling’s last day in office was June 30. Helbling has served as mayor since 2016 and also from 2008-2012. Prior to being mayor, he served as a City Commissioner from 1998-2008, and before that as a member of the Mandan Park Board for eight years.

A synopsis of some of the projects Helbling has been involved with over the years is available at cityofmandan.com/news. Thank you Mayor Helbling for your dedication and many years of service to Mandan! 

During the June 18 Mandan City Commission Meeting, Commissioner Brad Olson announced his resignation from the Board of City Commissioners effective immediately. Olson shared he is needed in Nebraska where his family is located and isn’t able to finish out his term.

Next steps. City Attorney Amy Oster advised on how the commission could fill the unexpired term during the meeting. The board may choose to call a special election, citizens can petition for a special election, or the board may appoint a person to fill the unexpired term through 2026, if no petition is filed.

Citizens have the option to petition for a special election. A petition for special election will need signatures from more than 5% of the qualified voters in the last election. A petition will need to be filed with the City Administrator’s office by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3.

If a special election is not called for, the Commission may appoint a person to fill the remainder of the term after July 5.

Mandan will be abuzz with activity through July 4 for the annual celebration of our nation’s independence. Guidance about traffic and parking restrictions to accommodate Art in the Park, Mandan Rodeo Days including an approved fireworks display, and the Independence Day Parade is available at cityofmandan.com/news.

Fireworks permitted July 3 & 4 only

Typically, the possession, use, discharge and explosion of fireworks is only permitted from noon to 11:59 p.m. on July 3 and 4. In the past, dry conditions have led to fireworks bans. Conditions will be evaluated as the July 4 holiday approaches, and updates will be posted at cityofmandan.com/news.

No sky lanterns, bottle rockets. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale and use of sky lanterns and bottle rockets is prohibited within city limits.

Fireworks off limits in parks. Fireworks are prohibited at all city parks, with the exception of Mandan Rodeo Days’ annual display at Dacotah Centennial Park.



It’s important to note that this reflects a 2020 ordinance change and is different from previous years. The fee for violations is $150.

Discover Exoplanets at the library this summer

Morton Mandan Public Library (MMPL) was selected as one of nine libraries across the nation to display Discover Exoplanets! MMPL is the host site through Aug. 31.

The national traveling exhibit explores space and astronomy, while hitting on topics such as how NASA scientists are investigating the possibility of other habitable worlds beyond Earth. This exhibit features hands-on, multimedia activities for visitors to interact with as they gain insight into the most recent NASA discoveries.

For more information contact MMPL at 701-667-5365.

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