For Immediate Release – February 14, 2023

Hermantown and NorthStar Ford To Announce Arena Naming Partnership

Hermantown, Minn. – The City of Hermantown and NorthStar Ford are set to announce their naming partnership Tuesday as another significant step forward in the Community Recreation Initiative.

All three components of Hermantown’s Community Recreation Initiative – an additional sheet of indoor ice, a reimagined Fichtner Park, and the completion of the city-wide trail system – were passed by significant margins in the November 2022 election. The Community Recreation Initiative is primarily funded by a half-percent increase in sales tax in Hermantown, which will go into effect on April 1, 2023.

“Creating a top-notch facility opens up so many more opportunities for community connection, as well as aiding in the growth and development of our young Hermantown residents,” said John Mulder, Hermantown’s City Administrator. “A facility of this nature requires significant private support from the community along with the voter-approved sales tax – and the generosity of NorthStar Ford is truly making what was once a dream become a reality.”

Construction on the new arena is slated to begin in 2024. It will also feature upgrades to Hermantown’s current arena, greater accessibility overall at the entire site, and positive changes to the several outdoor rinks.

“Many community members have put in long hours over the years getting to this point, and the voters made the need for additional access clear last November,” said Mulder. “So, it is truly exciting and important to be able to say that NorthStar Ford Arena is coming soon.”

A pre-game ceremony and celebration will be held Tuesday evening as the Hermantown Hawks host Grand Rapids in a key varsity boys hockey contest set for 7 p.m.

The City is also coordinating efforts with the state legislature to secure additional bonding to support the new and upgraded portions of the site. Additionally, groups such as the Hermantown Amateur Hockey Association are also working on other fundraising opportunities to maximize the impact of the new opportunity.

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For more information, contact: Joe Wicklund, Communications Director, City of Hermantown at [email protected] or 218.729.3614.

For Immediate Release – February 6, 2023

Hermantown Swears in Fifth City Councilor

Ellie Jones fills the seat left vacant with Grant Hauschild’s departure.

Hermantown, Minn. – Ellie Jones was sworn in as the newest member of the Hermantown City Council Monday. Jones joins as the fifth and final member of Hermantown’s City Council following an application and interview process necessitated by Grant Hauschild’s election as a Minnesota State Senator in November of 2022.

Hermantown’s City Council gained two new members in that same election, as Brian LeBlanc and Andy Hjelle garnered the most votes in a four-candidate race. The duo replaced Gloria Nelson, who chose not to run in 2022, and Natalie Peterson, who resigned in late 2022 as she moved out of Hermantown.

“We are excited not only to have a full council now but also to have a strong mix of experienced elected officials and newcomers,” said John Mulder, Hermantown City Administrator. “We have had strong leadership on our council for many years, no matter who filled those seats, and I am certain we will feel the same way about Ellie.”

Jones earned selection from a six-candidate process involving applications to the position and an interview with the current city council.

“It is an exciting time in our community. We’ve had continued growth as families and businesses choose to make Hermantown their hometown, and we received resounding support from voters for the Community Recreation Initiative and its projects,” said Mayor Wayne Boucher. “Ellie, with her background in business and as a Hermantown parent, will be a key addition to our council as we move forward.”

Along with Boucher, Jones, LeBlanc, and Hjelle, John Geissler rounds out the Hermantown City Council. Boucher and Geissler have served in an elected capacity in Hermantown for more than a dozen years.

Jones will complete the remainder of Hauschild’s term, which runs through the end of 2024.

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For more information, contact: Joe Wicklund, Communications & Community Engagement Director, City of Hermantown, at [email protected] or 218.729.3614.