City of Monticello, MN

09/07/2026

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, City Hall, Public Works, the DMV, and the Monticello Community Center will be closed on Monday, September 7. Hi-Way Liquors will be open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The garbage and recycling collection schedule will be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

09/04/2026

Did you miss the latest City Council meeting? Here are the highlights:

🚧 New Public Works Facility Update: Residents will see two key processes moving forward this fall for bond financing and construction bidding. The project is anticipated to begin next spring. Learn more about the project: MonticelloMN.gov/636.

🌳Tree Replacements: The City selected a tree wholesaler to provide a variety of replacement trees for ash trees removed in this year’s DNR ReLeaf grant program area. The grant fully covers the cost, with a mix of species to support a more resilient urban canopy. For grant program information and project updates: MonticelloMN.gov/544.

⚽ Bertram Athletic Park: Planning is underway for a new maintenance facility at the Athletic Park to support the park’s ongoing operations and maintenance needs. The facility’s construction will coincide with the broader park’s development so that it is operational as new fields, concessions and public amenities come online. Read about the Athletic Park: MonticelloMN.gov/500.

Want more information?
• City Council Highlights: https://monticellomn.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/636
• Stream online: https://monticello.viebit.com/player.php?hash=bLaPBn2Wp5FY27Z1
• Watch it on cable: MonticelloMN.gov/301
• Read the agenda: MonticelloMN.gov/AgendaCenter

09/03/2026

The Wright County Sheriff's Office has issued a media release regarding recent law enforcement activity in response to an incident in our community. As the lead agency, the Sheriff's Office is responsible for the investigation and the release of information.

Please refer to the update below for the latest verified information. Our thoughts are with those affected.

On 09/03/2026 just before 7:30am, the Wright County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 phone call indicating that a 57-year-old male was found deceased inside his home in the 800 block of 9127 State Highway 25 NE (The Meadows). Deputies arrived moments later and located the deceased male with an apparent stab wound. Information was quickly gathered and a person of interest was identified. The information obtained indicated that the suspect may be on his way to another home in Cass County to harm another individual. With the assistance of Flock Safety automated license plate camera’s, the person of interest was quickly located and taken into custody approximately 10 miles away from the Cass County residence. A shotgun was found in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. The individual at the Cass County residence was located unharmed.

This incident remains under active investigation by the Wright County Sheriff’s Office.

09/03/2026

Market day is here! 🧺☀ Starting this week, the Monticello Farmers Market is shifting to its September hours. Stop by the Monticello Public Library parking lot to stock up on your favorite fresh finds before the market wraps up at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday markets will continue with the earlier closing time through the final outdoor market on September 24.

09/02/2026

Close out the summer season with live music, community, and a night along the river!

The last Music on the Mississippi of the year will take place on Wednesday, September 16. Head to West Bridge Park to catch In the Fields playing toe-tapping tunes! Concessions will be available from 6-8 p.m., with live music from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

09/01/2026

The most important thing you can do in an emergency is prepare before it even happens. Every September, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) observes National Preparedness Month to encourage Americans to prepare themselves and their loved ones for emergencies.

Staying informed of any potential emergency situations is key to a successful response. For those living in the City of Monticello, Monticello Township or Silver Creek Township, Wright County provides a Citizen Alert system powered by Smart911. By opting into the system and providing current contact information, residents allow the county to contact them in seconds with information relating to disasters or emergencies. Sign up for Citizens Alert today: https://www.smart911.com/smart911/login.action?lpse=1

Here are four tips to help prepare for any disaster you might face:

• Know your risk. Knowing what could happen where you and your family live help you understand what steps need to be taken to stay safe.

• Make a family emergency plan. Planning ahead not only reduces stress but can help save time and money should a disaster take place.

• Build an emergency supply kit. Having enough food, water and supplies can help you stay safe and comfortable until help arrives.

• Get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies. Take a first aid, emergency management or CPR class so you can lead others to safety in a disaster.

Monticello Emergency Management Resources: MonticelloMN.gov/327.

National Preparedness Month webpage: Ready.gov/September

08/31/2026

It’s time to dust off the backpacks and get back into the swing of the school year! As students return to classrooms and families settle into routines, keep the following safety tips in mind to make the return to school safe for students, families and drivers.

• Slow down when driving in school zones, obey crossing guards, avoid distractions, watch for buses, and follow the speed limit.

• Stop when a bus’s red lights are flashing. Drivers must be at least 20 feet away.

• Look both ways near crosswalks and yield to pedestrians.

• Review safety protocols with your children, including how to cross the street, the importance of crosswalks, bus stop safety, and being aware of their surroundings.

• For students that bike to school, remind them to wear their safety gear and practice road safety.

• If you drive your children to school, be aware of designated drop-off areas and ensure they exit the vehicle curbside, away from traffic.

• Double-check that emergency contact information is up to date with the school and that your children know how to reach you in an emergency.

We wish students, families, teachers, and staff a wonderful school year. Go Magic!

08/28/2026

Head to YMCA Camp Manitou this weekend and next for Summer Swim before the season ends on September 6!

Just two weekends are left to make a splash at Summer Swim!

Thanks to a partnership between the YMCA and Monticello Community Center, members enjoy free access to the outdoor pool and splash pad at YMCA Camp Manitou, located at the beautiful Bertram Chain of Lakes.

Summer Swim is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, through September 6. Get outside and soak up the last few summer rays of sunshine before the season wraps up!

Learn more about Summer Swim at MonticelloMN.gov/563.

📍 YMCA Camp Manitou, 9910 Briarwood Ave NE, Monticello, MN 55362

08/27/2026

Thank you to everyone who attended last night’s Downtown Reconnected Open House and provided feedback on the future of Downtown.

Attendees visited four stations based on the key themes of Downtown Reconnected: a balanced Downtown, a united Bridge Park, the “loop” pathway system and catalytic projects. Feedback was collected at each station.

Some of the general ideas we heard included a desire for continued traffic-calming improvements, expanded connections for multi-modal transportation and ongoing investment in community spaces that support connection, events and activities, and a mix of businesses so that Downtown can serve everyone.

Combined with the 136 responses to the Downtown Reconnected survey, this input will help shape the next chapter of the Downtown Small Area Plan.

To stay informed:
• Sign up for Downtown Reconnected email updates: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/lFKkvBm
• Visit the Downtown Small Area Plan webpage: MonticelloMN.gov/278.

08/25/2026

Reminder: Join us tomorrow for the Downtown Reconnected Open House! 💬

Drop in any time to learn about the planning process, see what has been identified so far, ask questions, and share your thoughts on the future of Downtown.

🕕 6:30-8 p.m., Wednesday, August 26

📍Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center

Since the Downtown Small Area Plan was adopted in 2017, significant steps have been taken toward the plan’s goals. Now, we’re taking a look at what’s next with an update to the plan—Downtown Reconnected. The update will focus on strengthening the connection between the east and west sides of Downtown while highlighting the places and spaces we already enjoy.

Learn more about Downtown Reconnected at MonticelloMN.gov/278.