Limited Hours at City Hall

 Due to a new hire resignation and some PTO at the office, City Hall Will have limited hours for the next week

Happy Thanksgiving

Giving Thanks to those that gave

This week we gather family together and celebrate one of our nations' oldest traditions, "Thanksgiving Day". We all know the story we were told in school about the help the initial settlers received and how Gov. William Bradford (yes distant relative) struggled even with the Native Americans help. While the help the Native Americans gave the settlers was crucial, the story we know stops short and misses some key details. Important take-aways from the missing details include:

1. Forty members on the Mayflower first escaped to Holland to avoid religious persecution.
2. The Mayflower had some Dutch sponsors who required all economic output go to a central bank.
3. The central bank held all property and financial resources.
4. William Bradford was charged with enforcing the "Mayflower Compact".
5. Gov. Bradford declared their "collectivism a dismal failure after more than half died that first year.
6. Gov. Bradford rewrote the rules of the commune and gave each person a share of land to "own".
7. The new rules allowed for free enterprise and capitalism.
8. After the new rules' success made it back to Europe, many peoples of faith choose to come to the new world to make their fortune and prosper in this free society.
9. Overall message here: America experimented with socialism day one and it was a total failure, lethal actually, only free enterprise and capitalism saved the colonies, and America, from disaster.

Rush does a better job of telling the story than I ever could and here is a link to his detailed story of Thanksgiving. Rush's Pilgrim Story

This Thanksgiving, lets remember the sacrifices made day one for our nation, the ongoing sacrifices made every day by our military personnel and those that keep us safe on a daily basis including our fire-fighters and law enforcement personnel.

Thank you all for those that have served our country in any capacity to keep our nation safe, free and righteous. Bless you all!

Winter Wounderland

With Summer (and the election) finally behind us, the best season of the year has finally returned to Mantorville. Last night we were embraced by the wonderfully beautiful embrace of a frosty glaze to the dull colors of fall. The fresh crisp white blanket added to our landscape has come just in time for our holiday celebrations, and with it my customary "Ode to Winter" so here we go......

The season has brought us smoked turkey, rack of lamb, honey glazed ham, apple spice, pumpkins, pecan pie, skiing, snow boarding, ice skating, ice fishing, building snowmen and snowmobiling. Rejoice for finally the hum-drum days of summer have finally been put to rest. The time of year has come once again for us to all join in with the Dr. Seuss classic “The Grinch” and celebrate winter as the Who's did with a rendition of dah who dor-aze! And remember to “Welcome Christmas while we stand, Heart to Heart and Hand in Hand”.  Lets get out there and enjoy the season, embrace the snow and once again remind ourselves of the beautiful environment in which we have chosen to live. dah who dor aze everyone,dah who dor aze!

Band Shell and More in the News

 KIMT's Emma Esteb did a fantastic job or presenting Mantorville and our new band shell. Emma spoke with both Jeff and myself about the smooth peaceful transition of power as well and the addition of the new band shell in Mantorville. Here is the link to Emma's story.KIMT's Mantorville Story

 

Time to turn over the reigns

 

City of Mantorville Press Release

August 13, 2024

Mantorville's Mayor, Chuck Bradford, stepping down

For immediate release

The City of Mantorville
21 5th Street East
Mantorville, MN 55955

Re: Mayor Bradford

After serving in the capacity of Mayor for the City of Mantorville since 2012, Chuck Bradford has chosen to not seek reelection this year. Mayor Bradford was on the City Council from 2008 to 2012 and had worked with the EDA, Planning and Zoning and the Dodge County Trails Board prior to 2008. The Mayor told staff that “This was a difficult decision for me, but I feel I need to focus my energies on my family for the near future”. The Mayor also indicated he would still be involved with the city and take an active role in our city celebrations.

When asked to reflect on his tenure as Mayor, Chuck said that he was most proud of the infrastructure projects like 9th street, 5th street the new sidewalk on 5th street and highway 57. He also spoke about the city's focus on reducing tax burden from 100% of the allowed levy to 50% and the successful grant of over a million dollars for the waste water treatment plant. Mayor Bradford also spoke about the beautification of the city with new lighting for highway 57 and a complete new branding effort.

Mayor Bradford has worked with Jeff Ingalls for several years now and he has served as the current Mayor's “Deputy Mayor” for the last four years. Mayor Bradford said that he has full confidence in Mr Ingalls ability and he has his full support and endorsement.

Mayor Bradford and Mr Ingalls will work closely to ensure a smooth and seamless transition of power to ensure the citizens of Mantorville continue to receive top quality leadership. Mayor Bradford said “I'm excited about this new leadership and I am very much looking forward to see Mantorville continue to grow.”

Contact Chuck Bradford for more details
MantorvilleMayor@Gmail.Com
507 381 - 7774

Fall Festival a success

 Another successful year for the Fall Festival. There was a fun pet costume contest, hay rides and a few vendors selling goods and produce. The weather was perfect for the last fun fall outdoor activity for Mantorville.

Band Shell nearing completion

 Our new band shell is taking form and looks to be nearing completion. I am very happy that we as a community have this new great resource to use for our residents and neighbors and will add one more fantastic resource to the many reason to vising Mantorville.

The week after Marigold Days the Foundation forms were set.

The next week the foundation and floor were poured and allowed to set up with the new textured an d colored cement.

After given plenty of time to full cure, the structure has been started and the new banshell can finally been seen in a near complete formation.

The band shell will be a resource for the whole community and may be reserved like any other park resource though City Hall.

Dennison Park Donation

 The City of Mantorville was once again in the news today as a grant was awarded to the city to help with the cities investment in our park system. The new article can be viewed online at

kaaltv.com Dennison article

The grant of $10,000 from Minnesota Energy Resources will be utilized to help add ADA access to the playground that was newly added to the Dennison park softball field.

The City is extremely grateful to have partners like Minnesota Energy Resources that are willing to invest in out communities.

Bridge Mantaince work

 MNDOT was in town making sure our bridge is still in good condition after the major road reconstruction of Hwy 57

Footings Poured and floor has been installed

 The forms have been removed after the footing have set and the floor has been poured.

Footings for Bandshell are in

 The massive footing for our band-shell went in as soon as Marigold Days was over. The forms will be used to pour a deep foundation for the band-shell to rest on.

 

Vicious Terrorist Attacks remembered

 In 2001 terrorist flew two planes into the world trade tower. A third jet was crashed into the pentagon. Onboard a fourth jet everyday heros took matters into their own hands and stopped that jet from hitting it's target possibly the White House. Because of those action we live in a different world today, but they have not taken our freedoms away. We must always remember the men, women and children that lost their lives on that day. We must also honor those brave men and women that have keep us safe from similar acts ever since. We can honor all of these people by committing ourselves to never forgetting the acts of Sept 11, 2001. If you know a police officer, a TSA worker and member of our armed services or anyone involved in our intelligence community make sure to let them know how much we all appropriate their hard work, dedication and perseverance. On behave of the City of Mantorville, thank you one and all! 

 

Current GEM Will Lambert

 Will Lambert was selected by the EDA as the current GEM for 2024. Will has been a long time volunteer, served on the council and true "got to" go for getting things done. Congratulations Will!

59th Marigold Days a Huge Success

 

The car show for the 59th Marigold Days celebration was a HUGE success! We saw a record number of cars register for this event and we even had to utilize the center of the street for the extra vehicles. 

Thank you for everyone that waxed and polished their vehicles for us this weekend.

This Weekends Events

MARIGOLD DAYS EVENTS 2024 

Wednesday
1:30 - Hwy 57 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Hwy 57 Mantorville
2:00 - Hanson Foundation Check presentation

Thursday
Vendor setup and move in

Friday
4pm-7pm Vendor Reception Welcome Center on Main Street
4pm–9pm Flower Show Registration Greek Revival House
5pm-7pm  BBQ & Mexican Supper StoneBridge Church 515 Walnut St
5pm-8pm Beer Tent Greek Revival House

8:30pm–12:30pm Street Dance Mantorville Saloon

Saturday
6am-10:30am Pancake Breakfast Fire Hall
     Free will donation.  Gluten free option available.
8am-5pm   Flea Market Riverside Park
8:00am Registration Kids’ Fishing Contest Goat Island
8:30am–10:30am Kid’s Fishing Contest Goat Island
9:00am-11am Antique Appraisals Opera House
9:00am–5:00pm Flower Show Greek Revival House
10:00am–6:00pm Big Iron Classic Truck Show Kasson Fairgrounds
11:00am Bean Bag Tournament  Sign-Up 10am Mantorville Saloon
11:00am-2:00pm Family Bingo Behind Greek Revival House  Clay St
11:00am-3:00pm  Rookie the Clown  Greek Revival House Lawn
11:00am-5:00pm  Pie & Ice Cream Social Senior Center 601 Clay St
12n-8:00pm  Beer Garden Fire Hall 5th Street East
12n-4:00pm Restoration & Log House Tours North Main Street
1:00pm Field of Flags Dedication 7th St & Highway 57 Near Gold Star Family Memorial
3:00pm Big Iron Truck Parade From North Hwy 57 to Kasson
4:00pm-7:00pm Designer Purse Bingo Behind the Greek Revival House
6:00pm Big Iron Truck Pull Kasson Fairgrounds
6:45 - 7:00pm - GEM of Mantorville recognition, Music Stage
7:00pm Miss Mantorville Crowning & Awards Music Stage
8:30pm Fireworks Goat Island (Rain date: Sunday)
8:00pm–12:30am  Fire & Rescue Dept Dance   Fire Hall
​
Sunday
8:00am-4:00pm Flea Market Riverside Park
8:00-9:30am Car Show Registration
9:30am-12n Jack Ruport Memorial Car Show 5th & Clay Streets
9:00am StoneBridge Church Worship Service  Music Stage
10:00am-4:00pm Flower Show Greek Revival House
             Your floral entries can be picked up at 4pm.
11:00am-3:00pm  Rookie the Clown  Greek Revival House & Parade
11:00am-4:00pm Pie & Ice Cream Social  Senior Center
12n-4:00pm Restoration & Log House Tours North Main Street
12n  Catch the Viking's Opening Game Mantorville Saloon
1 :30pm Grande Parade
3:00ish - Firemen's Water Fight 5th & Main Street  After the Parade
7:00pm Duck Raffle  Riverside Park near the dam

Visit the events web site at : https://www.marigolddays.com/events-information
or on Facebook at : https://www.facebook.com/MarigoldDaysMantorville/

Large Band-Shell Check donation to the MRA

 The Hanson Foundation made a donation to the MRA for the City's new band shell. The donation covers the majority of the cost for the site prep fill and planning, a separate donation is planned for the build materials in the near future.

The City and the MRA are extremely thankful for this generous donation that helps us achieve a big project that has been on the strategic plan for years now. Thanks go out to the MRA, MBT Bank, WHKS and the Hanson foundation who have all played a huge part of making this project a reality. Thank you again!

Ribbon Cutting in the News

 We celebrated the completion of the Hwy 57 project in Mantorville today with a ceremonial Ribbon Cutting. The Event was well covered by the press, and I wanted to add the links to the TV stations that covered our event.

KIMT 3 - News at Ten article

ABC 6 - News at Six article

KTTC - News at Five article

The DCI was also present at the event and has not posted their article as of this posting

MN Announcement of Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

 

D6 - Hwy 57 in Mantorville: 2024 construction Hwy 57 Mantorville ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off Marigold Days Sept. 4 1:30 p.m. just south of 5th Street You're invited to a ceremonial ribbon cutting event Sept. 4 in Mantorville to celebrate the completion of the Highway 57 reconstruction project and kick off Marigold Days, the community’s annual festival. The event will take place downtown at 1:30 p.m., Sept. 4 along the sidewalk area on the west side of Highway 57, just south of the County Seat café. Brief speeches and a ribbon cutting will take place with community leaders. “Road construction can be tough on a community, but we’re proud of the improvement,” said Mantorville Mayor Chuck Bradford. “This is a chance to celebrate and remind people that Mantorville is open for business, and our community’s Marigold Days is a great time to visit and see the improvements.” Project information Construction work on Highway 57 was recently completed. Crews reconstructed the road from the South Branch Middle Fork Zumbro bridge north to Ninth Street. Improvements included the reconstructed road base, driving surface, replacement of the local utilities and improvements to sidewalks and bicycle lanes. Elcor Construction of Rochester was the prime contractor on the $3.16 million project. Stay connected, informed Check out all of the MnDOT construction projects in the southeast Minnesota at MnDOT’s website. Sign up to receive text message and/or email alerts during significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota. Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group for news, information and events in the region. Follow us on MnDOT Southeast on X for updates, information and initiatives. Find road updates in Minnesota on the 511mn.org website or get a free smartphone app at Google Play or the App Store. If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or documents in an alternative format please contact Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 (711 or 1-800-627-3529 for MN Relay). If you need any other reasonable accommodation to participate, please email your request to ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us.

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Marogold Days #59 This year

59th Marigold Days Celebration

Next year is the big Six Oh but for 2024 we are celebrating the 59th Marogold days and my last Marigold Days as your Mayor.

A brief high lite is below. For more details see https://www.marigolddays.com/

Wednesday

1:30 - Hwy 57 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Hwy 57 Mantorville

Friday

4pm-7pm Vendor Reception Welcome Center on Main Street  
4pm–9pm Flower Show Registration Greek Revival House
5pm-7pm  BBQ & Mexican Supper StoneBridge Church 515 West St
5pm-8pm Beer Tent Greek Revival House
8:30pm–12:30pm Street Dance Mantorville Saloon 

Saturday

6am-10:30am Pancake Breakfast Fire Hall
                       Free will donation.  Gluten free option available.
8am-5pm   Flea Market Riverside Park
8am Registration Kids’ Fishing Contest Goat Island
8:30am–10:30am Kid’s Fishing Contest Goat Island
9am-11am Antique Appraisals Opera House
9am–5pm Flower Show Greek Revival House  
10am–6pm Big Iron Classic Truck Show Kasson Fairgrounds
11am Bean Bag Tournament  Sign-Up 10am Mantorville Saloon   
11am-2pm Family Bingo Behind Greek Revival House  Clay St  
11am-3pm  Rookie the Clown  Greek Revival House Lawn
11am-5pm  Pie & Ice Cream Social Senior Center 601 Clay St
12n-8pm  Beer Garden Fire Hall 5th Street East
12n-4pm Restoration & Log House Tours North Main Street
1pm Field of Flags Dedication 8th St & Highway 57
3pm Big Iron Truck Parade From North Hwy 57 to Kasson
4pm-7pm Designer Purse Bingo Behind the Greek Revival House
6pm Big Iron Truck Pull Kasson Fairgrounds
7pm Miss Mantorville Crowning & Awards Music Stage
8:30pm Fireworks Goat Island (Rain date: Sunday)
8pm–12:30am  Fire & Rescue Dept Dance   Fire Hall

SUNDAY

8am-4pm Flea Market Riverside Park
8-9:30am Car Show Registration
9:30am-12n Jack Ruport Memorial Car Show 5th & Clay Streets
9am StoneBridge Church Worship Service  Music Stage
10am-4pm Flower Show Greek Revival House
             Your floral entries can be picked up at 4pm.
11am-3pm  Rookie the Clown  Greek Revival House & Parade
11am-4pm Pie & Ice Cream Social  Senior Center
12n-4pm Restoration & Log House Tours North Main Street
12n  Catch the Viking's Opening Game Mantorville Saloon
1 :30pm Grande Parade
Firemen's Water Fight 5th & Main Street  After the Parade
7pm Duck Raffle  Riverside Park near the dam

No seroiusly, the last MN DOT update (or is it?)

 

D6 - Hwy 57 in Mantorville: 2024 construction Hwy 57 reopens to traffic in Mantorville as construction ends Traffic began traveling on Highway 57 in Mantorville this afternoon, Monday, Aug. 19 as the reconstruction work wraps up. During the four-month project, construction crews: reconstructed the road replaced the water, sanitary and stormwater pipes improved the walking and biking areas through town. There may be workers still in the area doing final work or cleaning up. Motorists should remain attentive and observe speed limits through town. Celebration planned A ceremonial ribbon cutting event is planned Sept. 4 to celebrate the completion of the project and kickoff Mantorville’s Marigold Days celebration, which runs through the weekend after Labor Day, Sept. 6-8. More details will be announced regarding the event. Stay connected, informed Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates. Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group and follow us on MnDOT Southeast on X. Sign up to receive text message and/or email alerts during significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota. Find road updates in Minnesota on  511mn.org or get a free app at Google Playor the App Store. Interested in a job with MnDOT? Career information for the State of Minnesota can be found at the Minnesota Management and Budget website. Come join us. MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all people in their programs, services and activities.   If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or documents in an alternative format (such as braille, large print or in a different language) at no cost, please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720. Relay service: 711. If you need any other reasonable accommodation to participate (such as seating modification or auxiliary aids), please email your request to Accessibility.DOT@state.mn.us or call 1-833-400-8432. Relay service: 711.

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Partially done with Painting Lines

 The stripping of the road marking has partially been completed.

 

Last MNDot Update. +1

 

D6 - Hwy 57 in Mantorville: 2024 construction Hwy 57 Mantorville remains closed to traffic for final work Be aware that new striping can be fresh paint Thank you for your patience. Rainy weather on Friday has slowed the final opening for Highway 57 in Mantorville and we ask that you continue to stay off the road. Crews are trying to finish the final road markings, some of which have a longer curing time than traditional striping paint. Because of that, we are unable to open the road until that work is done. When? It's likely to open in the next few days, and we will announce it on this email list to ensure you have accurate information. A number of motorists were observed driving around barricades and down the road.  Remember that this can be fresh paint and by not observing the barricades, you risk getting fresh paint on your vehicle.  More importantly, if crews are on the road, you put them at risk. Ensure that this project ends as a safe project. Stay off the road until the barricades are removed. Thank you again for choosing to stay informed. Stay connected, informed Check out other MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for construction updates. Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook groupand follow us on MnDOT Southeast on X. Sign up to receive text message and/or email alertsduring significant road closures or winter weather events that affect state highways in southeast Minnesota. Find road updates in Minnesota on  org or get a free app at Google Play or the App Store. Interested in a job with MnDOT? Career information for the State of Minnesota can be found at the Minnesota Management and Budget website. Come join us. If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or documents in an alternative format please contact Janet Miller at 651-366-4720 (711 or 1-800-627-3529 for MN Relay). If you need any other reasonable accommodation to participate, please email your request to ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us.

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Last Hwy 57 Update

 

D6 - Hwy 57 in Mantorville: 2024 construction Hwy 57 Mantorville public meetings have ended Thank you for attending the weekly contractor meetings about the Highway 57 project in Mantorville. As the project gets set to open up and reach completion, we are discontinuing the meetings. There will not be a meeting today or any further Wednesdays. If you do have questions, you can contact Dave Kelly with Elcor Construction with questions about access to properties: 612-357-2588. Thank you again. And watch soon for an announcement about a ceremonial ribbon cutting event. Stay connected, informed Check out MnDOT southeast Minnesota construction projects and sign up for updates. Know before you go. Get real-time information about traffic and road conditions at 511mn.org or download the free 511mn app at Google Play or the App Store. Join the MnDOT Southeast Minnesota Facebook group and follow us at MnDOT Southeast on X/Twitter. Want to stay updated on winter driving events and closures? Sign up for our text message and email updates. Interested in a job with MnDOT? Career information for the State of Minnesota can be found at the Minnesota Management and Budget website. Come join us. MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all people in their programs, services and activities.   If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or documents in an alternative format (such as braille, large print or in a different language) at no cost, please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720. Relay service: 711. If you need any other reasonable accommodation to participate (such as seating modification or auxiliary aids), please email your request to Accessibility.DOT@state.mn.us or call 1-833-400-8432. Relay service: 711.

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