April 1, 2025  — Judges have rated and ranked images in Mandan’s fourth annual photo contest. Photographers of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit photos of features that attract residents, businesses and visitors to the community and Morton County.

Judges with expertise in photography and marketing reviewed finalist photos across five categories. Winners are: 
•    Achievement: Let’s Read, Paulette Bullinger, Bismarck
•    Community: Mandan Dog Park, Ben Buchmiller, Mandan
•    County: 140 Year Old Sims Church, Paulette Bullinger, Bismarck
•    Fun: Kayaking the Heart, Ben Buchmiller, Mandan
•    Opportunity: Mandan City, Ben Buchmiller, Mandan

Best in Show. New to the contest this year was the addition of a best in show category determined by contest judges. The Best in Show winner is 140 Year Old Sims Church by Paulette Bullinger. 

People’s Choice. The people’s choice award winner as determined by the public through online voting is Frosty Morning by Andrew Kjonaas of Mandan, receiving 60 of 192 votes cast. View winning entries at cityofmandan.com/photocontest.

Each category winner receives $100 in Mandan Bucks gift certificates. Sponsors are First International Bank & Trust, Beyond the Blooms, Capital Credit Union, Vision Source of Mandan, NAPA Auto Parts, Comfort Inn & Suites and Copper Dog Café. LPT Images sponsored the youth category, however there were no youth entries submitted this year. Sponsors will receive a print of winning photos in the categories sponsored.
The contest drew 60 entries from 21 talented photographers. Other finalists were: Kayla Weiss, Alex Bush, Cindy Levi, Kristie Stroh, Amy Bohl, Andrew Kjonaas, Jamie Wetsch and Jacey Wanner. 

Images were evaluated on applicability to community marketing, originality, subject matter interest, visual appeal, and consistency with category themes. Judges were John Kary, NDAREC; Rebecca Pelkey, Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC; and Connor Levorsen, First International Bank & Trust. 

Winning photos will soon be displayed at Mandan City Hall in the Ed “Bosh” Froehlich meeting room. Photo entries will also be featured in community marketing materials.

The contest is a joint activity of the City of Mandan Business Development and Communications Department and Mandan Progress Organization.