Mayor Tom Ross presented his first State of the City on Feb. 9, the first since being elected mayor in June 2022.

Through a theme of “Together, we are one community,” Ross highlighted the successes of 2022, including continued work on flood control and the Northwest Area Water Supply project, as well as facing the challenges of the future.

“As I look back on 2022, one thing stands out in my mind: Look what we’ve accomplished together,” Ross said. “As we look ahead to 2023, the same thought stands out in my mind: Together, there are great things ahead of us. As community leaders, we must not shy away from our responsibility to act in the best interest all Minot residents while ensuring our community is growing, prospering, and becoming a more welcoming city to all who call Minot home.”

Ross said he plans to create a Magic City Hall of Fame in 2023 that would recognize past and present community members who have served Minot with selfless sacrifices and dedication. He said he will work with his fellow City Council members to create an ad hoc committee tasked with making the hall of fame a reality.

The mayor also announced his desire to create a Mayor’s Council on Cyberbullying to help school officials combat the problems associated with misuse of social media.

“I believe this is a perfect opportunity to work towards a solution,” Ross said. “The physical safety and mental health of our children is at risk.”

Ross highlighted several community organizations that are helping create a sense of togetherness in Minot, including Minot State University’s Native American Cultural Awareness Club and Center and The Pursuit Church. He also thanked City of Minot employees for their work in making Minot a great city to live, singling out Sanitation Department employee Harold Marten, who received thanks from a resident who said Marten helps her with her sanitation service and checks on her when he stops by her home.

“Thank you, Harold, for reminding us that the greatest human kindness sometimes comes through the simplest acts,” Ross said.

This year’s event was held at The Depot in downtown Minot, with a lunch provided and served by local soup kitchen.

“Today’s meal is one of approximately 20,000 meals provided to an underserved population in Minot,” Ross said. “This is not a special request; this is what families would receive for a meal. I thought it was important for us all to know the quality and hard work put into this service by so many volunteers.”