A Legacy of A Man and His Car, Now Statue Of Pride & Memorial “We Are Trying To Display & Preserve” “If you're going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can't be erased.” Born on May 13th, 1928, a man by the name of James R “Jim” Hartmann was born, where he lived a full life of 91 years. Jim was married twice and the father of six children. Jim was a man of many strengths and abilities and spent his lifetime career serving a town that is trying to destroy his final existance. Jim and family worked hard to harvest, cut, and deliver ice from Lake Koronis over 100 years ago, to serve the City of Paynesville and traveled countryside to assure every icebox was packed full. Jim went on to provide masonry work, farm work, and maintained the city streets for 50 years, that we all currently use and enjoy today. But this was not enough, Jim had to serve the city more, Jim gave his time and efforts to serve as a volunteer firefighter in the Paynesville Fire Department, where he served the community for 27 years. Jim partook in building the structure that is currently occupied by the Fire Department today. Jim was involved in the first large fire truck purchased to serve this city he took pride in, Paynesville. Jim Hartmann was a selfless man who wanted nothing more than to serve his city and it’s citizens, all while being a husband and father. During this journey, when Jim was not busy working, hunting, shaking dice, or spending quality time with his family, Jim was racing. “Spinning her wheels,” and spinning them fast! 8Ball would be seen flying down the dirt track at a high rate of speed. As has been said, “Jim and that 8Ball car were fast!” Jim spent the late 50’s, early 60’s as a dirt track race car driver, that many came to cheer on. Not only did 8Ball symbolize the speed demon of a car, tearing up the track, but 8Ball was a symbolization of Jim Hartmann. His kids and family would load up on race day and away they went! It was definitely a highlight of their week to be in those seats, cheering on the man known as, “Gentleman Jim”. What an honor it had to be to say “my dad is a race car driver!”. Toward the end of Jim’s beautiful life journey, surrounded by his large loving family, Jim battled the rapid onset of Alzhiemers. This was a long slow goodbye of 10 years as it took place. As Jim struggled to hold on to his memories, and slowly losing the ability to reminiscence, 8Ball was placed outside of his home on the farm, by his son, to remind him of his pride, his happiness was with that 8Ball “the ol’ girl.” As he always referred to her as. She was placed specifically outside a certain window for viewing by her once partner in crime! Jim could peer out his window and sit in his chair and many a race and memories jog his mind. They saw many a race and “every mile a memory” as they would say. She definitely brought back a place in time where Jim remembered who he was. After Jim was moved to assisted living, his granddaughter knew with all her heart that 8Ball had to come closer to Jim’s new place of living. 8Ball was then placed on the corner of Spruce and Stearns in Paynesville, where his granddaughter, Chelsea Hartmann, took pride in keeping 8Ball on display. Chelsea would pick up her grandpa Jim and drive him around town, and before finishing the ride, she would bring him past his ol’ girl. “There she is!” Jim spoke out loud as he came up to see his 8Ball, reminding him of the speed that he once knew. Another race raced his mind that was slowly leaving him. Though he was losing all he knew, he still knew his 8Ball. Toward the end, 8Ball was always there to remind Jim of Jim. He was a great man! Truly a hero to many who knew him & definitely a jokester! In Chelsea’s eyes and the eyes of her now three boys, Jim is a legend. A story of a man that followed his heart and created what was once a dream in every young man’s mind, he made a reality and built it all himself with his own two hands. After Jim passed, 8Ball remained on the corner of his granddaughter’s residence on the corner of Spruce and Stearns right under her Giant maple tree. There, 8Ball became a memorial piece of her beloved grandfather and his legacy “definition” (Giving something that will be valued and treasured by those who survive after your death.) Throughout the following years, Chelsea had decorated and used 8Ball to celebrate every holiday and bring cheer to the neighborhood and community. You could even find Santa Claus in what was once Jim’s captain seat! People came from miles around to view the displays on the corner of Spruce & Stearns and see the pride that lived on that lot as it lit up the town! Many saw 8Ball and if only they could know just what a memory and a legacy it truly has in Chelsea’s heart and the man it represents! Chelsea’s three boys, Xandan, Xane, and Lyman grew up with 8Ball, knowing the importance and value of the piece of art that represented their great grandfather. Helping mom decorate and upkeep 8Ball, it became a shock when the last memory of a man is now being torn down by the same city he helped build and gave his pride, blood, sweat, and tears to. It came to attention three years ago that the city would start to attempt to remove 8Ball from it’s location. The chief of police started to make regular visits, informing that there have been multiple “anonymous” complaints pertaining to 8Ball. The visits started off as friendly and supportive, but eventually became pushy and threatening. During this time, suggestions from the chief on how to keep 8Ball were given, such as a see through enclosure of a sort, but knowing it would never work. With many attempts to discuss the situation with the Mayor, the Chief, and many in the community, it was clear that the intention was to REMOVE 8BALL AT ALL COSTS!!! It was even said that the property is the top three most complained about yards, “full of junk,” in town. Over the course of the years and continued visits, the attacks from certain “anonymous” members of the community continued. Hateful, anonymous written letters attacking Chelsea, calling her names and informing her that they are watching her, and what a “pig” she is. Which were ignored by the Police Department, but the pursuit of “anonymous complaints” were of high priority. Five false facebook accounts were created to harass and anonymously say hurtful things to her about her yard and 8Ball, all falling on police deaf ears. Police showed up to check all licensing and registration of every vehicle on the property (all registered and licensed). Complaints of a trailer being used as a storage unit, though was used for moving purposes. Was licensed and insured by a huge business in town and rented, but had to be moved or else! Meanwhile, another property next door had a storage container, used for storage. Noise complaints on Halloween night, while hosting haunting entertainment, but breaking no violations, but still had cops at the door. The Mayor in town, who once named the house the “best Halloween house in town” (pictured right next to 8Ball,) later goes on to tell Chelsea two years later that they make little kids cry, and Christmas lights keep people up at night. Though asked by the Chamber to help create a competition for the first adopted annual “light fight”, people know “WHO” decorated for every holiday, every year the corner of Spruce & Stearns is always on the map! Even included in other town’s light scavenger hunts! Other properties in town, in comparison, and that of “junk” that truly have “junk” with no value and many of which still remain all while beloved 8Ball be forced to go or be abated. 8Ball has had countless offers to be purchased as she sits. She is not junk at all! Not to mention the heartfelt heirloom she is to Chelsea’s heart and the hearts of her kids, and Chelsea’s dad, Jim’s son, who dug 8Ball from the weeds many years ago! One of Jim’s children, Scott, had passed away on a summer day, just down the block from where his father’s 8Ball sat. While being wheeled out, as Chelsea rushed over to her now deceased uncle and prayed over him and said her last goodbyes, the Chief decided that was the correct time to discuss 8Ball and the continuance of the “anonymous complaints”. Honestly super bad timing! Soon, the letter came for 8Ball to be removed to avoid a fine and misdemeanor. Backed into a corner, 8Ball had to be moved and removed. Paynesville Chief said it had to be removed by “4pm. November 6th 2023.” 8Ball specifically had to be removed that day or else!!! Chief had a citation written and ready to be delivered by the end of his shift that day. He even drove by as the tow truck came. Chief “cowardly” even coming to the stop sign on the corner of Spruce & Stearns seeing the tears and sadness, turning his head as he drove right on by. Making zero attempt to show any heart before badge. Before all of this, there had been lengths discussed between Chelsea, Zach, and him about this topic. He knows what 8 Ball means to this family! This was all before a big election, that next day!” Upon taking to social media and causing quite an uproar, this same chief had to take to two facebook sites “Positive Paynesville” & “Life In Paynesville” to give in great lengths his side of the story. Both sites Chelsea is banned from speaking of 8 Ball or posting any truth to what is actually happening. Admins have blocked her and this discussion or topic. Why!?! It’s truth! Cancel couture rules the world! What happened to freedom of speech!?! 8Ball was later placed on a registered trailer and moved back for Christmas, to be lit up with the spirit of Jim, alongside a projector screen, showing the video of Jim Hartmann and his beloved 8Ball tearing up the dirt track! Chelsea knew Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without 8Ball back in her yard under the giant maple tree! The boys rushed to help decorate her yet again! This time leaving the captain seat empty worth the spirit of Jim present! Chelsea found herself 3 years to the exact date of her grandpa Jim’s passing in a city meeting before council defending yet again the memorial and statue 8Ball now represents within her yard. Starting the meeting off with a clip of her grandpa’s voice saying, “There She Is” as he passed by his beloved 8Ball for the last time that time. The city was reminded of Jim’s very existence and the reason the “pride of 8Ball” stands within the yard on the corner of Spruce & Stearns today! 8Ball became the center of attention at the City of Paynesville meetings. Following up a plea to leave 8Ball alone and see the sentimental value and art behind it. Just like a wagon wheel was once an implement, now a piece of art and decor off the wagon in someone’s yard…. 8Ball was once a car, not just any car though. A well known car to a speed demon that helped build this very town! It has no motor and is just the shell. It is now a statue and a memorial piece to be the center of Chelsea’s yard on the corner of Spruce & Stearns. It is art and it is to be left alone! Let a family be! Remember, this is all anonymous stress to this family! The city appointed a member of the council to rewrite the language of ordinance and have it be brought to present times. Per a letter sent to Chelsea by the mayor. Many comments have been made that the ordinance has too many loose ends and needs to be adjusted and would be presented for approval, only to be told later that the ordinance would never change. Another lie by the city appointed administrative members and Mayor. The member appointed, who has had recent run-ins with the law, discussed agreement of change,and mentioned other members of the council dancing around all attempts to correct their complaint. That the council was set on civilly abating the property, with no “formal complaints” according to the Chief of Police as heard in the Paynesville City meeting on 3/13/2023. This member trash talked Chelsea and her family to others calling her very derogatory names. All while he was supposed to be of help. He lied. Nothing was ever taken care of and was lied about that too within meetings criminalizing their family and lying about our end of things and meetings. On March 13th, 2023 a video of the meeting shows the council discussing the property and the abatement process. The member appointed to us made comments that the property owners would not cooperate and would not meet with the member, which is untrue. He is lying and Chelsea has in her procession messages proving all these lies on his behalf. Also the city administrator is said to be driving by taking pictures and “scoping” their property. It is later said by police upon calling to report this, that this property is under investigation. For what!?!? Why aren’t police then taking the pictures and investigating!?!? We don’t know this administrator from a different country. We have no clue his background…. Why is he taking pictures of our yard!? Again, how is this such a topic of discussion!?! Why are we being criminalized publicly!?!? Named in meetings!?!? Why!?!? There are drug dealers and sex offenders needing more attention by this city than our beloved 8Ball statue! This appointed council member can be seen in the meeting telling the council to stop kicking the can and move forward with the abatement process. This same member told Chelsea he saw nothing wrong with 8 Ball on a licensed trailer and would inform Chelsea when it would become the hot topic of city meetings. Another lie! The discussion ended with the council making jokes, laughing, and talks of bringing popcorn. How sinister is this? Another council member says she drives by it every day admitting she is in dislike of it. All while the chief admits there are “no formal complainers.” They are “scared of the property owner” oh my gosh!!! Scared!?!? Of harassment done to us!?!?! Another member followed up after finding out the first member had lied about the lack of cooperation and untrue statements. It ended up just being a publicity stunt to appear she was giving us ears and a fair voice. This member had no intentions of making it right, it was all just to appear to look good on her behalf. In the last recorded conversation she herself stated, “the abatement process was going to happen regardless and that the ordinance was NEVER PLANNED to be changed.” So what was the purpose of the original letter from the mayor? A lie? A publicity statement to simmer down the large number of people upset and speaking up & out 8 Ball being left alone & staying!? It was also said by the member “gentleman” before her that “she wanted to see it through” stating, “there wouldn’t be money to fight it” like, as though we as a family are “trailer trash” without means to fight it. This was only to make it feel that the city cared about working with the citizens. It was in efforts to make herself look good and appear to be doing her job and giving us a fair conversation leading to NO WHERE! After the two phone calls she has now left it to abatement but none of these members of administration: mayor, city administrator, chief of police, city council, can even look at the Hartmann family in the eye. Not a single “hello” while out and about in the small town of Paynesville. The Hartmann’s take their business outside of town as to not have rude greetings from the local Liquor Store where the certain council member works. Cold shoulder is the new theme by these people! Mind you, none of this was ask for by the Hartmann’s this is was all caused by a city administration criminalizing a family trying to preserve a family heirloom and fighting for what is not harming ANYONE!!! Nothing has been done to these people “administrative leaders” and now, Hartmann’s greeted poorly and like the criminal outcasts of the town. All over this discrimination against 8Ball and a deceased man’s legacy. In the meantime, Chelsea has gotten nearly 1000 signatures on change.org and a lot of people stepped up saying 8Ball stays and isn’t junk. There is no hurt to anyone by displaying a family heirloom and piece of art and historical beauty. The broken poorly written outdated ordinance needs change. Chelsea’s positive motto is “Change = Cheer.” These people want to see change. Many have called City Hall and have spoken up and out! They signed their name on Chelsea’s petition. They aren’t anonymous. Many living within the town of Paynesville. Also many on outskirts and even other states that see Chelsea’s displays on Facebook! 8Ball has made it onto “Quirky Minnesota Places” and a few other decoration pages on Facebook! These people see 8Ball for what it “she” is and see the good Chelsea and her family are trying to do with her. The city administrative people don’t want to give these people “who signed their name” a listen or a thought to change it. It was said by the first appointed lying council member that the two people able to change the language of the ordinance on the board are the chief and mayor. Both of which are against us and both don’t even politically get along and can’t work well together. The city administrator in fact would rather spend his time scoping and driving by our property taking photos and bringing them to a meeting. “Behind closed doors” that we are never invited to. He’s from another country and we don’t know this guy and our kids play outside! Nothing against anyone but we were brought to this place by all the anonymous harassment. Our leaders and and administrators should see the good we bring to this town! The art! Not degrade us for all we do! Upon calling Paynesville police to report harassment and scoping, only told that Chelsea & her home are “under investigation.” Then why aren’t the police the one’s taking the pictures and investigating!? And wait a minute… what did we ever do that is criminal!?!? Where is our safety within this town? We know who NOT to call for help! Our 8Ball was ripped from our yard once by threats. She isn’t going anywhere again! The ol’ girl needs to stay right where she is! Where she belongs under the giant maple tree on the corner of Spruce and Stearns. As we and she continue to be the talk of the city meetings, mind you two meetings ago we took up 22 minutes of their time. Mind you we aren’t ever invited in to speak on our behalf or come to any of the meetings where we are being talked about and out of the 15 properties on the so called list, our specific address gets brought up over and over by certain members of council. It’s bullying and disgusting discrimination. The fact Chelsea & Zach’s property is in specific mentioning, and the rest aren’t specifically mentioned, is truly degrading and the feelings and safety of us as citizens of Paynesville aren’t cared about. The council spoke in meeting on 5-8-2023, speaking of property owners taking pride in their yard and spending large amounts of money to keep their yard how they want. The discussion was about dandelions and how some neighbors choose to mow and others do not and how land owners have the option to do so “without the city saying we’re not going to let you do it” - The Mayor. Followed by another member speaking of a section stating “keeping neighbors happy” and followed up with statement “some neighbors can’t be kept happy.” She goes on discussing how “pride” is such a subjective term, because somebody can have a meadow in their backyard and take great pride in it, just because it isn’t a square turf that doesn’t look pristine”, finishing with “there is always a line with individual properties and not being hard on your neighbors”. The concept is similar to our situation and our 8Ball. Who is to judge our pride!?! Discussing chickens, the mayor speaks “the rules are made by those who show up, if those who show up and voice their opposition, then that’s what’s going to happen.” When Hartmann’s used their voices and nobody showed to oppose, they were shut down by the council. It seems we have a double standard happening currently. It seems like harassment by whom?! It seems like someone is discriminating against a family doing nothing wrong. Could be an administration? It seems as though the council chooses when the rules apply and when they don’t, though similar concepts. Wagon wheels are ok off the implement. But once a car, now a shell can’t be labeled art or a statue? A memorial? It seems things are being changed to fit a certain narrative. Look for 8Ball to Grace the streets of Paynesville this parade on Thursday! It will be remembered the hero and legacy of a man who maybe some don’t know, but need a little lesson on what he and his family brought to this town! Setting a goal and achieving a dream making it a reality is exactly what heroes and legends do. Jim Hartmann did just that! We will recognize the old dirt track racers that once tore up that ol’ track! The positive emotions and energies will be with “the ol’ girl” that 8Ball as she races many old timers memories as she makes her way down the streets of Paynesville! She deserves to be recognized and applauded! She will not be an eye sore as she has been called by certain members of council. She will shine and her legacy will reside on the corner of Spruce & Stearns in a memorial garden that is set to be built in the meantime. She will be a statue in the yard and will not be messed with but will shine her positive legacy about a man and his dreams! She is a timeless piece and a beautiful piece of art that many will come to see and enjoy and know the story about a man that dreamt of one day being a race car driver! It is that simple! No more stress and only a beautiful ending to a story that deserves to be positively put to rest. 8Ball will continue to pop up and many a race jog a person’s mind. She will never die. That will be that! Let’s never forget from 1956 to 1960, the Paynesville SpeedBowl was the highlight of the Paynesville community, bringing in up to 800 Fans every week. For the pure enjoyment of engines roaring and metal flying around by true racers such as “Gentleman Jim Hartmann, Hot Rod Harry Fangmeier, and Willie Scheel!” Some say, if you were to walk through the woods, off the road where the quarter mile oval track once laid, you can still find outlines of the track and parts of the embankment, where you can close your eyes, take a deep breath, and hear those engines roaring and the crowd cheering… as “Gentleman Jim Hartmann” made one more lap around that track in the legendary 8 Ball, spinning her wheels, catching the checkered flag, in his final race to heaven. May you rest in peace Jim, and may your legacy live on, through family and good ol’ 8 Ball. We all love and miss you so! Thank you for leaving your little piece of heaven here with us! The “ol girl” is here to stay!