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Reflecting on the Minot I believe in, and looking ahead

I want to take this opportunity to wish every Minot resident a happy new year. It’s been a challenging year, to be sure, but it’s also been a year full of successes for our community as a whole.

As 2022 unfolds, we’re planning to take some time to reflect on those success stories and to share with the community our vision for the upcoming year. As we have done for the past few years, we are planning the annual State of the City event. While there are many details yet to be worked out, the event is scheduled for Feb. 18. After holding an online video mayor’s address in 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, we’re pleased to be planning an in-person event in 2022. Preliminary plans call for holding the State of the City during a noon luncheon. We’ll provide more information when the time, location, and other details are finalized.

While the State of the City offers an opportunity to focus on the past year and look ahead to what awaits our community in 2022, the dawn of a new year is also a perfect time to remember some things that make Minot such a unique community.

Yes, it’s been a trying year in Minot, in North Dakota, in our nation, and around the world because of ongoing issues related to COVID-19. Some of those issues have shed light on a seemingly growing divide among us whether it be real, perceived or otherwise. Too often that puts the focus on areas of disagreement. That is unfortunate, because in times of need, we should strive to focus on what’s best for our community, our country, and our well-being. That’s what I believe makes Minot different.

I believe in the overall goodness of the residents of Minot. No amount of negativity will convince me otherwise. Sure, there are moments of impatience or frustration that lead to unkind words or deeds, but I refuse to believe that those moments define us as members of this community. I’ve seen and continue to see the goodness that flourishes in the Magic City.

I choose to continue my long-held belief that Minot is truly a unique place to live, and that Minot is a city where a palpable community spirit not only exists, but thrives. I see it every day, and I know you do, too. All you have to do is simply take a moment to recognize the great things that make up our community.

Sometimes, small gestures can have great impacts. When you make a contribution to a local charity like Backpack Buddies, Meals on Wheels, Companions for Children or countless others, you are making a positive difference for your co-workers, your neighbors, your friends, and maybe even your own family. There are many charities in our area that help provide for the physical and spiritual well-being of our residents who rely on the generosity of our community. They are rarely if ever disappointed. When a local agency or group puts out a notice that it’s in need of a particular item, whether it’s diapers, food, clothing or otherwise, there’s almost always an immediate positive response and the need is quickly filled. That’s the Minot I continue to believe in.

2021 revealed endless examples of this resilient and generous spirit in Minot, even outside the formal structure of charities and agencies. Various groups of people collected and distributed hundreds of holiday meals to families in need. A local man donated funds to purchase a new book for every student and teacher at Washington Elementary. Just this week, how many examples have we seen of strangers shoveling someone’s driveway or helping a driver who became stuck in a snowbank? That’s the Minot I continue to believe in.

These are simply a few examples of what’s happening in our community every day. There are so many more thoughtful and meaningful gestures that make life better for one person or for many people. Many of these acts of kindness aren’t publicized, yet they reflect the true character of Minot. These everyday actions also further cultivate the welcoming atmosphere of Minot on a personal level, imprinting the community ideal on each one of us.

Municipal government plays a role in the physical and social growth of a community, and Minot is no different. At our State of the City event, we’ll explore these issues in more depth, reflect on the positive aspects of 2021, and share the City of Minot’s vision for 2022 and beyond. We’ll provide more details when they are finalized, but please use this as a notice to save the date. I look forward to seeing you at the State of the City. Happy New Year.

Sincerely, City Hall

You can find more about what’s happening at the City of Minot at minotnd.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter. We’d also encourage you to sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter on our website.

Editor’s note: Mayor Sipma has announced he is running for re-election. Any other announced candidates will be afforded equal space.

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