Minot’s State of the City event Tuesday
Mayor to speak, present Citizen of Year award
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Minot's annual State of the City event will have a different look this year, with a virtual format and a new Citizen of the Year award.
Mayor Shaun Sipma will deliver the State of the City address Tuesday, starting immediately after the planning commission meeting on the Minot's YouTube and Facebook platforms. A link also will be available on the city's website at minotnd.org. Efforts are being made to possibly broadcast the event on public access Channel 19. The event is expected to run less than an hour and will be recorded for future viewing on the social platforms.
The State of the City address traditionally has been a reflection on the past year and the hope for the new year. Sipma said he will be acknowledging both the city's successes despite the COVID-19 pandemic and the sacrifices undertaken by organizations and industries during the unusual past year.
The theme of his message will be on overcoming challenges and marching forward, Sipma said.
"It's always good to look in the rearview mirror, but when you are driving down the road, most of your attention needs to be on the windshield. That's what we are trying to drive home in the State of the City as well. We need to be looking ahead and planning ahead because without that, it's reactionary," he said.
"2021 is 'brighter days ahead," he added. "There's a lot of milestones ahead in 2021 that aren't necessarily tied to COVID."
The presentation also will be more visual, utilizing the technology advantages of a virtual format to add video and other elements to the address.
Following his address, Sipma will present the four finalists for the Citizen of the Year award. Nominees created videos that will be aired.
Sipma said the announcement of the award will be a surprise to the recipient. Since nominees won't be present, the city will be following up with the winner to find out which charity that person has selected for the $1,000 prize. The nominee also will be awarded a prize. Both prizes are funded by community sponsors.
Nominees for Citizen of the Year are:
- Elizabeth Larsen, interim YWCA director who was instrumental in the founding of the Diaper Pantry in 2020.
- Michael Sian, martial arts instructor who gives back to the community through his work with wounded warriors.
- Vickie Phippins, community volunteer, particularly with soup kitchens and the Lord's Cupboard Food Pantry.
- All front-line healthcare workers who provided service during the COVID-19 pandemic.