Baxter city council members share praises of Night to Unite

BAXTER — Baxter officials praised city staff for the hard work on the city’s annual Night to Unite event.

The Baxter City Council met on Wednesday, Aug. 3, in a quick meeting. Usually the council meets on Tuesdays, but this week was pushed to Wednesday following Tuesday’s annual Night to Unite event at Oscar Kristofferson Park.

Only three of the five members were present for the meeting, with Zach Tabatt and Mark Cross absent. Still, all three of the present council members shared kind words about Night to Unite during their council comments.

Night to Unite is a national event that takes place every first Tuesday of August. The event has multiple names, but ultimately one goal in mind: bringing the community together to interact with each other.

Baxter’s Night to Unite is put on by the Baxter Police Department and offers several activities for children and adults.

“I was at the park last night for the Night to Unite,” said Connie Lyscio, one of the city council members. “It was hot, it was sticky, so appreciative of all the people that were there supporting Baxter and honestly, I don't think the park has ever looked better.”

She noted that even the trash receptacles were shiny and thanked the park’s crew for all of their hard work.

“So I was with the rest of the council last night at National Night Out,” said council member John Ward. “There were lots and lots of happy, smiling, fun kids and adults. It was a little hot but it was really, really nice to support everyone that was involved.”

Night to Unite usually competes with the opening night of the Crow Wing County Fair, but members of the community still gathered despite the other events and intense humidity.

“I was just going to thank the police department,” said Mayor Darrel Olson. “They put a lot of work into that night. (Thanks to) the merchants. The drawings at 7:15 just go on and on and on, but the gifts that were given from our community were very, very generous. And then like I said the stations, too, with the little kids at all those picnic tables putting things together. The Lions Club, who is a big partner with that night with the root beer floats and provided some food. And of course the residents, it’s nothing without them showing up so I appreciate that.”

After the council comments, the meeting transitioned into a closed meeting that began at 7:08 p.m. to discuss an ongoing litigation case. The closed meeting was adjourned at 7:22 p.m. with no action taken.

In other business:

Lakes Area Habitat for Humanity is planning a Nov. 2 event at Jack Pine Brewery and gambling activities will occur. The nonprofit organization applied for the necessary permits and the Baxter City Council approved it.

SARA GUYMON, Brainerd Dispatch, staff writer, may be reached at 218-855-5851 or sara.guymon@brainerddispatch.com .