Nowthen, Minn., makes it official

[July 02, 2008]  NOWTHEN, Minn. (AP) -- Residents of Nowthen know it's a funny name, but they're proud to officially become a city.

The community north of the Twin Cities changed its name Monday from Burnsville Township to Nowthen, which was the name the first local post office was given by mistake.

During the 1890s, a community leader created a list of possible names for the post office and wrote, "Nowthen, one of these ought to do."

Historians say the post office came to be known as Nowthen.

Voters took the final step in the process by electing a mayor and four-member council.

The first council meeting will be July 8, and Nowthen plans a city incorporation celebration in September.

[Associated Press]

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