Central ND News

Judges have concluded the evaluation of submissions for Mandan’s fourth annual photo contest, open to photographers regardless of age and experience, focused on highlighting the allure of the community and Morton County.

According to contest organizers, judges drew upon their expertise in photography and marketing to assess photos submitted across five categories. This year's introduction of a "Best in Show" category led to Paulette Bullinger receiving this top honor for her photo "140 Year Old Sims Church."

The "People’s Choice" award, decided by public online voting, was won by Andrew Kjonaas of Mandan for his entry "Frosty Morning," garnering 60 out of 192 votes. Winning photos are available for viewing on the website cityofmandan.com/photocontest.

Winners in each category were awarded $100 in Mandan Bucks gift certificates. Contest sponsors, which included First International Bank & Trust, Beyond the Blooms, Capital Credit Union, Vision Source of Mandan, NAPA Auto Parts, Comfort Inn & Suites, and Copper Dog Café, will receive a print of the victorious photos. It is noted that while LPT Images sponsored a youth category, no entries were received in this division this year.

The contest received 60 entries from 21 photographers, with finalists including Kayla Weiss, Alex Bush, Cindy Levi, Kristie Stroh, Amy Bohl, Andrew Kjonaas, Jamie Wetsch, and Jacey Wanner. Evaluation criteria comprised community marketing relevance, originality, subject interest, visual allure, and theme consistency, with judges being John Kary (NDAREC), Rebecca Pelkey (Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC), and Connor Levorsen (First International Bank & Trust).

Winning photographs will soon be exhibited at Mandan City Hall, within the Ed "Bosh" Froehlich meeting room. Additionally, photo entries are set to feature in broader community marketing endeavors.

This event is jointly organized by the City of Mandan Business Development and Communications Department and Mandan Progress Organization.