March 18, 2025 – A selection committee reviewed qualified entries in Mandan’s fourth annual photo contest and selected finalists. The contest drew 60 entries from 21 talented photographers. Judges with expertise in photography and marketing are now reviewing top photos to select winners in five categories of achievement, community, fun, opportunity and county.

Photographers of all ages and experience levels could enter by submitting special images of the community and surrounding areas in Morton County.

New to the contest this year was the addition of a best in show category. Judges will select from finalist entries the photo that most meets the spirit of the contest.

Vote for People's Choice Award.
Members of the public may view finalist photos, plus vote for their favorite image to receive a people’s choice award at: surveymonkey.com/r/PeoplesChoicePhoto.

The deadline to vote is 11:45 p.m. CST, March 28. Finalist photos may also be viewed on “Made in Mandan” community marketing social media pages.

Judging criteria includes applicability to community marketing, originality, subject matter interest, visual appeal, and consistency with category themes.

Selection committee members were Rena Mehlhoff, Layn Mudder and Mandan Progress Organization Executive Director Matt Schanandore. Contest winners will be announced in early April.

Finalists. Photographers with entries selected as finalists are: Kayla Weiss, Paulette Bullinger, Alex Bush, Cindy Levi, Kristie Stroh, Ben Buchmiller, Amy Bohl, Andrew Kjonaas, Jamie Wetsch, and Jacey Wanner.

Sponsors
Each category winner will receive $100 in Mandan Bucks gift certificates sponsored by businesses as follows:

Best in Show (Presenting Sponsor) – First International Bank & Trust
Achievement — Beyond the Blooms
Community — Capital Credit Union
Fun — Vision Source Mandan
Opportunity — NAPA Auto Parts Store
County — Comfort Inn & Suites
People’s Choice — Copper Dog Café

LPT Images sponsored the youth category, however there were no youth entries submitted this year.

Additional perks for photographers include:

Exhibition of winning photographs for at least a year at Mandan City Hall or other public facility plus provided to each category sponsor for show.
Consideration for inclusion in other public art displays.
Publication in print and online for purposes of tourism promotion and community marketing with credit given to the photographer whenever possible.
 
The contest is a joint project of the Mandan Progress Organization and City of Mandan Business Development and Communications Department.