E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSSJeremy Minnier was elected mayor of Aredale, Iowa, beating the town's 76-year-old incumbent. NBC's Kevin Tibbles reports.
By Kevin Tibbles
NBC News
He's a high school senior whose studies include everything from discussions on water management to agriculture. He plays sax in the school band. He tends a flock of sheep and a few head of cattle on a small family farm. And, oh yes, at the ripe old age of 18, Jeremy Minnier is the mayor.
"This is my hometown. Born and raised here. Proud of it all the way,” Minnier told “Nightly News.” “I wouldn't wanna be anywhere else."
That hometown is teeny tiny (the townsfolk would agree) Aredale, Iowa: population 74.
Aredale has a few issues facing it: the loss of the post office, a dwindling population, and water and sewage problems. It's a tall order for a kid who still lives at home with mom and dad.
But this town is hoping Jeremy Minnier, a wiry young man who’s both quiet and confident, can help them turn the corner.
"I want to spruce Aredale up," Minnier said. "Make it a better place. Make it so people want to come and see."
The new mayor didn't need a million dollar Super Pac to get elected. In fact, he was a write-in candidate who won by a whopping 24 votes to 8, beating 76-year-old incumbent Virgil Homer.
"We have a little hope for the future," said resident and town councilor Deb DeBerg. "Some fresh blood may see things differently."
And the new mayor says he's willing to do whatever it takes to get Aredale working.
“One of the main things right now is our septic systems in our homes as they're not up to state codes,” he said.
He'll even roll up his sleeves to help sweep and weed the town’s Main Street.
“We'd like to do some more landscaping in front of the City Hall, possibly add a flagpole, and purchase some new signs as ours are all rotted and chipped and faded,” he said. “Being the mayor doesn't mean that you just sit back and tell other people what to do. You gotta be there helping. I'm gonna be sweeping the streets out there with a broom and shovel just like they are.”
Back at Hampton-Dumont High School, the young mayor's got a lot of fans.
"I'm hoping he inspires a lot of our kids to step up when they see something that they think they might be able to do," Principal Steve Madson said.
A fellow senior at Minnier's high school, Tanner Brolsma, said, "He's a pretty low-key guy, but it's a pretty cool thing to have going on at our school."
So when will Mayor Minnier find the time to run his town? Well after his chores and homework of course.
“It's not a job when you wake up every morning and just love what you do," he said.
Leave a Comment:
No doubt the parents of Jeremy Minnier are proud of him all the way. Great story! As grandparents, my
husband and I feel that way about Kyle who will be 18 December 25.
I would pick this kid to run for presidency over the current Teapub jackasses...he seems like somebody who can get things done...
Only problem is, ya cant be doing homework at the white house son...
Doc-The dumbocrats are the jackasses.After all,you guys chose the donkey to be your symbolic animal.
As for this brilliant young man,I know he has a big future in store for him.
It took a lot of republican votes to get Obama into office as well, or did you not notice the landslide
victory over McCain, Mr Random.
not a story--most high school student body presidents have more constituents.
53% of the vote is not a landslide victory.
I love when ignorant folk try to be smart*sses and fail because they haven't a clue about which they are speaking of. The first use of the donkey was in 1837, when during the typical election mudslinging, Andrew Jackson was called a jackass. After which a cartoon was published showing him riding a donkey. In 1870 it was brought out again, again by cartoonists who also then gave the repubs their elephant.
I tell ya what...this kid has a work ethic that can only be taught in the country....city kids have way too many distractions.
Personally...if I lived in there I would tell him kudos...and as long as you get the job done..you'll be mayor
74 people. Septic issues. Rotted signs. Simply sounds like lack of upkeep "or" money. I have no doubt this boy is excited to fix up this town, but this really sounds like that they just need some grants and raise some money to improve the broken crap.
Either way if this town isn't a colt formed union, then way to go kid. Knock one out of the park for your 28 voters!
@k2000k, you may want to check your math. He had 75% of the vote (24 to 8). 100*24/(24+8) = 75%. The voting turnout was 100*(24+8)/74 = 43%.
JBAbbott-- k2000k was responding to hangon1minute with respect to the presidential election of 2008-- NOT the mayor's election. But thanks for the (misguided) math lesson.
He's going to get a lot of 'likes' on his facebook status about being mayor.
He's like Ben on Parks and Recreation
I wonder when Iowa's Ice Town is going in.
Sounds like a great little town with lots of spirit. Wish I lived there.
Nothing's stopping you from moving there buddy!
Good luck mayor! This story made my day. If that tells you anything about my life. (sigh)
Congratulations and best of luck!
Mayor Minnier. It's got a ring to it !!
Haha, the mayor of my town wouldn't be caught dead doing honest work like weeding public property. Good for this kid
The mayor of my town walks around downtown smirking in a tux all day, you never hear about him actually solving any problems or doing anything to improve the city.
Our mayor goes around town with his private bodyguard if that tells you anything about our town. It's getting to where there's shootings & murder everyday.
you two need to do a better job voting
lol, I have never voted for this guy. And never will...he ran for governor and lost, imagine that
Well, I am the mayor of Stoopidity, population one. And I'm about to raise taxes big time! Ha Ha Ha Ha!
I am the 100%!
Not restoring comments from Casey-2933004, trollish.
lol mayor of 74 people.. yeah no big accomplishment.. that just means its a tiny hick town full of 74 rednecks..
Y u so jealous, Casey? :p
Casey, I think you are the redneck
Why is it that people like you have to run down, and hate? All I have to say is good for him, and I hope he can improve that little town!!! This kid has probably achieved more in his short life then you ever will. Up to and including graduating high school.
Casey has the mind of a stereotypical liberal.Always thinking anyone from a town that's small is automatically a redneck.
random-you and docholliday started this discussion off on the wrong foot by ripping on the politcal parties you oppose. Hangonaminute drug repubs voted for Obama into it. K200k had to dis the amount the kid won by. Stoopid was well..being just that, stoopid.
Thumbs up for-Gary fields,Linda,mike s.,Algus, schoolyard,Richard,JbBBJ,stonepipe,Richard, and phyllis and those who have good to say for this kid from this post on!!!!!
Casey-Your 15 minutes are up, go get into your hotwheels car and drive off to your 350,000 dollar house with all your car trophies and keep on dreaming. Just make sure your up in time for school tomorrow. You hear now!!!
Casey-2933004
you are 1 and no accomplishment
whats there to turn around in a town of 74 people.. theres like what 10 houses? its not like therse a huge plaza and a wal mart and stuff lol..
NO WAL-MART!!!!
Then the town is worthless!!!!
In which parking lot would Casey's wife turn tricks?
only way someone with no gov. experince would ever become a mayor is if its in a town with less then at least 200 people... once you get to like 500-1500 little towns no one will vote you.. since its 74 people i mean everyones nosy in each others business he probably is friends with half of them lol how lame.. shame on msn for posting stupid news story's that are irrevelant to the world... in other news i had a classic car at age 16 why isnt this on the news? dip@!$%#s
Sorry dude Muskogee Ok, pop35,000 Elected 18 year old high school grad John Tyler Hammons in 2008,
My daughter was his classmate and fellow graduate.
Shame on you Casey
This young man will do well given his drive and honorable intentions. Thanks to msn for posting this.
Casey, you are a little man who I wouldn't elect to the office of any kind!
Congratulations Mr. Mayor, please prove these idiots wrong!
So i had a classic car at age 15 big deal who cares about that but an accomplishment is something different from having a car this kid is gonna do something you're NOT doing its called "Making a difference" and it doesnt matter how big or small the town is.
Don't bother with Casey, jealousy turns people into @!$%#s.
Casey more than likely dropped out of high school, impregnated the town whore, and now sits at home living off of welfare meant to feed his 6 kids and 13 grandchildren.........
Casey's life sucks and he feels that anyone that succeeds is wrong and needs to be at his level of stupidity and hatred.
WRONG!!!! Just take a look at your USA president!!
If I had to guess, Casey, it sounds as though you're either jealous of this young man's success so early in life, or you're very unhappy with yourself and your own situation. Whatever the case, this young man deserves your and everyone else's respect for being willing and able to step-up to the plate and get involved. Rather than just sitting back, letting others do what they can to manage and (hopefully) improve their towns and cities, and then complaining when things don't go just the way they believe they should. It's much like politics on the national and state level: many complain about the job their local, state and national political leaders are doing, but refuse to get involved and "put their money where their mouth is."
Until you're ready, willing and able to help your fellow citizen(s) in any way that is even remotely similar, and similarly beneficial to others moreso than to yourself, just keep your ridiculous rants to yourself.
lol @ his grandparents on here
I was born in a small town... probably die in that same small town... wow casey a Wal mart! Oh I wish I were you! So does the box your car came in say "Hot Wheels"?
and wow 24 people voted for him omg thats like amazing.. even though theres 307,905,034 people in america.. thats exactly 0.000000000000001% of the entire population lol... and thats news? stuipd msn the 24 people that voted him were his parents, sisters, and his billy goat in the backyard lol and the farmers with pitchforks down the street how easy, i probably would have had more votes in my school senior class for president and i wouldnt even run and id have more votes then a mayoral vote.. sad
Maybe it's the fact that hes mayor, he's only 18, and that he actually wants to do what he can to make a difference in his town that got people's attention. Mayors get elected all the time... do you think a mayor is just randomly chosen to be brought to attention for no other reason than being a mayor? LOL wow. You must be trolling or your opinion in this case is just terrible. I do hope you know that.
lol hot wheel? no i drive it around lol im not bull@!$%#ting here its a 1962 ford maybe your hot wheel collection could race it.. well ill be waiting at the finish line
Casey, like AL Bundy, still drives his piece of @!$%# "hot rod" from high school as his fat ass town slut wife turns tricks at the local Wal-Mart......
How about MSN do an article the day YOU get your GED, and quit welfare......
Now that would be news!!!!!
Casey-We don't care about your car, trophys etc.. and nobody is impressed by you. Maybe that's what your problem is. Nobody in your life is impressed by you??? You would like the recognition this kid is getting and your not so you slam him and the commenters that speak well of him.
Heres' the secret to getting the attention that he's got. VAlue yourself, your town. your neighbors, family, friends, show you have great concern about your community and take pride in it, Work for your community even when you'd rather be doing something else. Do it because it's the right thing to do. Have ambitions that will help others as well as yourself rather than being selfish.Be proud of every thing you accomplish but not to the point of being self-centered. I'm sure this has more than passed your attenton span so I'll say good and good luck to you Casey. You need it.
lol a town of 74 people with a wal mart would mean like 2 people are in it at an entire time.. its a joke chill... lol and its funny when everyone thinks differntly when my 1962 classic ford racer is in my garage in excellent condition and your a kid driving a little gm metro 2.99 box lol as for hotwheels i have over 500 dollars in hotwheels and collectibles and im young too lol.. my hot wheels themselves are worth more then your gm lol
Casey,
Your 15 minutes are up!
CASEY what are jabbering about, sounds like you may be the joke sheeeesh....
500 DOLLARS! WOW you are rich!
The more we learn about Casey the sorrier I begin to feel for him, then the bigot opens up his mouth again, and it all goes away......
$500, LMFAO! I spend that going out to dinner! HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
enjoy living on welfare and food stamps in your redneck town while i live in a 350,000 house with a classic car and you think im just trolling and making it up lol makes me laugh more when the car is sitting behind me in the garage in all its splendor and i have won car tropheys at award shows this young lol...so keep thinking what you want kiddo for " hotwheels box " make way for a rich young kid here
So, how many tropheys have you won at the spelling bee? Good night casey.
Whats the point your trying to make?
quit feeding the troll he is baiting you all into replying just ignore him.
350 grand and you think your special? Around here you would be living in a soap box.
Tropheys, really?
I bet your "classic" looks good next to you TRAILER HOUSE you jackass!
Are your trophEys on the same shelf as your $500 HOT WHEEL collection?
ROTFLMFAO!!!!!!!!!
You must be a major dumb ass for all your comments to be "collapsed by the community" whatever that means.
im sure you'd wish you were me too with all the money and stuff i have lol ( just cause someones saying something you dont beleive doenst make it false) some peoples parents are rich and wealthy and i just happen to be from one of those rare rich families kid lol so bite my classicc cars twin v8 duel cherry poppers in the back part of my set up im running off my engine and headers with mustang engine lol
"just cause someones saying something you dont beleive doenst make it false)"
No, but facts and reason can. You have presented none. You are trolling and/or an idiot. Plain and simple.
"i just happen to be from one of those rare rich families kid lol"
Well if you weren't ignorant you'd know that isn't anything that assumes honor. You're most likely spoiled which is most likely why you can't recognize something honorable or inspirational. Oh... that explains... your posts... would you like to grow up now?
Money and stuff. I bet all your money and stuff doesn't make you happy, thus the reason you feel the need to post about it on here where an 18-year-old boy who is helping his little community has way more in his life than you'll ever have if you lived for eternity. All your money and stuff will ever get you is a cheater wife who blows every penny you have, then divorces you to date the next rich guy. Or you'll disappear and she's the grieving widow who then blows the insurance on dance clubs and drugs. As it stands, being from a wealthy, rich family, as compared to just a wealthy one or a rich one, you're actually part of a very large percentage of America's population. It's not rare at all and is actually kind of a disgrace to wealthy families who earn their own wealth instead of get it handed to them from Mommy and Daddy. As for not believing you have the money you claim, wealthy people don't generally troll on news articles that show something good in the country because they're jealous that they have no attention. I imagine you're twelve or so, with a Hot Wheels collection tossed all over your bedroom floor, with negligent parents who don't deserve children. Because only children believe they're rich, and part of a rare rich family, when they're parents are paying on two cars and a two bedroom house in the 'burbs.
The lug nuts on my truck require more tourque than what your car puts out!
Congratulations Mr. Mayor!! Please try and ignore all the haters comments.
Comment # 20 deleted, don't death wish please Jason Johnson, even if you don't like the comments.
Good for him. It is nice to see teenagers transition into such roles.
Casey is probably a 15 year old pizza faced fat kid whose entire life revolves around being a troll and wishing he could actually get a human female in Mommy and Daddy's basement so he could find out why girls have bumps under their blouses.
@Casey..... If you do something good for others instead of talk crap to people you could be in the news, but the way your going we will hear of you being locked up first.
Good for him. Hope he fixes the town.
That's how Michael Moore started. Keep up the good work.
But please be more productive than that hypocritical waste of flesh Michael Moore!!!!!!!!!
Make millions UTILIZING CAPITALISM by making a fakeumentory about how bad Capitalism is......
Michael Moore=Useless idiot
Good for him, but what does this say about the town when the person deemed most qualified to run it is a kid with no real-world experience?
1. they did have a previous mayor they decided not to vote for again for some reason thats most likely mentioned in the article
2. Out of 74 people that you know, how many are trying to run for mayor?
For those reasons I would say what they did makes sense, seeing as it doesn't really seem like they have a retired former law-maker/politician living in town.
Well, unlike some young people (and I can say this as a 22 year old college student), as well as older people, he seems to have brains that a lot of people lack.
Not only that but it seems he's actually willing to do manual labor for his town. And by that I don't mean just planting a tree to look good, but on an actual routine basis to help fix his town. That's more that can be said for many if not most mayors alone.
The previous mayor was 76 and probably wasn't real interested in continuing. A town this small generally doesn't even require a full time mayor. Maybe the community thought the kid showed interest and they thought it would be a good idea to support him in a very good learning experience. Having spent all my summers as a kid with my grandma in a small town I know that if he has any trouble at all there are plenty that will help him learn and get it right. Thats kind of the way it goes in a small town where everybody knows everybody. If their rednecks, so freakin' what?? IF they're proud of themselves and their communty I'm sure they don't give a hoot about any anonymous posters opinion on some website they probably don't even look at anyway!!!!