Aug. 3, 2026

As of Jul. 1, newly elected officials began their terms in office. The City of Mandan has a new commissioner after Dennis Rohr decided not to seek another term. Resident Heidi Belohlavek was elected to a four-year term as City Commissioner. Commissioner Ryan Heinsohn was re-elected for his second term, his first full term after filling an unexpired term in July 2024.

There were four people running for two seats for City Commission, Belohlavek and Heinsohn beat out James Carroll and Kenan Bullinger.

Mandan Public Schools. Ashley Jacobchick, Jill Miller and incumbent Darren Haugen will serve on the Mandan Public School Board for three-year terms. There were three other individuals who put their names in the hat. 

Mandan Park District. Incumbents Miles Mehlhoff, Layn Mudder and Stan Scott were elected to serve another four-year term on the Mandan Park Board. One other individual ran for election to serve on the Park District, but came up 26 votes shy. 

County Commission. Incumbents Jackie Buckley and Andrew (Andy) Zachmeier will move on to the Nov. 3 General Election ballot. There are two positions up for election for the Morton County Commission. Other Morton County positions moving to the General Election (all running unopposed) include:

• Auditor Dawn Rhone
• State’s Attorney Chase Lingle
• Recorder Nancy Seefeldt (Kihne)
• Treasurer Kari Hatzenbuhler
• Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier
• Also on the ballot is the Morton County official Newspaper: The Morton County & Mandan News or Morton County News Journal.

All measures on the ballot passed during the June 11 election:

• Constitutional Measure No. 1 relating to constitutional amendments being comprised of a single subject.
• 0.75% sales and use tax to fund Fire Station 3 construction including equipment and vehicles; Fire Station 1 equipment, vehicles, improvement and maintenance; Fire Station 2 equipment, vehicles, improvement and maintenance; and land purchase for a future Fire Station 4.

Approximately 3,955 Mandan residents voted during the Jun. 9 election. 

Mandan Fire Department thanks residents for their support of the Jun. 9 ballot measure approving the reallocation of a 0.75% sales tax to strengthen the community's fire and emergency services. The outcome reflects the community's continued commitment to public safety and ensuring firefighters have the resources necessary to serve a growing city.

"We are incredibly grateful for the trust and confidence the citizens of Mandan have placed in us," said Chief Mitch Bitz. "This vote is not just about buildings and equipment. It's about protecting lives, improving emergency response, and ensuring we can continue providing the level of service our community expects and deserves."

These projects are designed to improve response capabilities, maintain service reliability, and position the department to meet the needs of Mandan's future growth.

The department will work closely with city leadership to develop implementation timelines and ensure all funds are managed responsibly and transparently.

Stay tuned to cityofmandan.com for updates as they become available. 

On Jul. 7, the City Commission approved a preliminary engineering service agreement with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC (AE2S) for the Wastewater Treatment Facility improvement project. This action is the next step in implementing recommendations from the 2023 Wastewater Treatment Facility Master Plan.

The scope of the Wastewater Treatment Facility improvement project includes:

• Increasing wastewater treatment capacity to accommodate current needs and support future community growth.
• Replacing aging infrastructure to reduce maintenance issues and improve overall systems performance.
• Improving operational reliability, ensuring the wastewater treatment facility can function more efficiently and consistently.
• Addressing biosolids management for long-term handling and disposal needs in addition to odor concerns associated with treatment operations.
• Preparing for future regulatory requirements positioning the facility to meet changing environmental standards.

In short, the project is intended to update the Wastewater Treatment Facility, improve reliability and environmental performance, and ensure the system can serve the city’s growth well in the future.

Why is the project needed?

• The Wastewater Treatment Facility is currently at capacity during peak rain event flows. In 2028, the facility will exceed its biological treatment capacity. This doesn’t mean it will overflow, but it will be harder to treat.
• Older equipment in the facility does not allow for routine maintenance due to lack of redundancy and is also at the end of its useful life.
• Odor issues with the current solids treatment.

After decades of dedicated public service, Commissioner Dennis Rohr concluded an impactful career with the City of Mandan on Jun. 30. Rohr chose not to seek another term in office this year, bringing to a close 16 years of leadership as a commissioner and a total of over three decades serving the Mandan community.

Before entering elected office, Rohr built a distinguished 43-year career in law enforcement. He served as Chief of Police in Concordia, Kansas, before coming to Mandan in 1986, where he led the police department for 21 years, retiring in March 2007.

Rohr believed in being present in the community by building relationships, earning trust, and strengthening the connection between citizens and law enforcement.

As Chief of Police, he took great pride in fiscal responsibility. Rohr prepared conservative, needs-based budgets and was known, often with a smile, to remind others that he never exceeded his budget.

After retiring as Chief, he continued his service as a Mandan City Commissioner, first elected in 2010. When first elected, he held the Public Works portfolio, bringing a practical, hands-on approach to the City’s infrastructure and operations, and for most of his term as City Commissioner held the Police and Fire portfolios.

Over the years, he participated in well over 1,000 meetings related to city business—an extraordinary level of commitment to public service.

Beyond city government, Rohr also served as a Deacon at Christ the King, reflecting his deep personal commitment to faith and service to others.

He also brought his energy and personality to the community in ways beyond public service. As a member of the Fabulous Flippers and several other bands, he could be found behind the drum set, baseball cap on, white sunglasses, and fully engaged, often adding a signature drumstick twirl. For those who saw him perform, it was a reminder that Rohr didn’t just serve his community, he enjoyed it.

Rohr and his wife Vesta were integral members of the Art in the Park committee, contributing their time and energy to one of the community’s signature events.

He is also known for his independent thinking, occasionally casting the lone dissenting vote on an issue, reminding colleagues that it is healthy for public bodies not to agree on everything all the time.

Rohr once said, “Mandan has been very good to me. I want to do what I can to give back.”

Over his decades of service, he has done exactly that and more.

His legacy is found not only in the roles he held, but in the relationships he built and the community he helped shape.

The community is grateful for former Commissioner Rohr’s many years of service and wishes him all the best in his well-earned breakaway from local leadership.

Memorial Highway construction continues

Construction on the Memorial Highway project continues this summer with both ends of the project making excellent progress.  

Phase 1 | East (32^nd Ave SE to 46^th Ave SE). Phase 1 of the Memorial Highway project is nearly complete between 32^nd Ave SE and 46^th Ave SE. Final touches include sign installation, pavement markings and landscaping.

Phase 2 | West (East Main Street to 32^nd Ave SE). Construction is underway on the south side of the Main Street, Memorial Highway, and Mandan Ave intersection, where traffic control measures remain in place to support ongoing improvements. Current work includes replacing aging water and storm sewer infrastructure, removing and reconstructing concrete roadway sections, and installing a new traffic signal. Crews are also preparing the area south of the intersection for utility work and new paving, while pavement removal continues along eastbound Memorial Highway between Riverwood RV and Faulkner's Market. Construction along Memorial Highway between Main Street and Titan Machinery will continue through 2026 and include roadway, drainage, lighting, traffic signal, and bicycle and pedestrian facility upgrades. Construction activity along Third Street west of McDonald’s is expected to pick up with storm sewer installation to the Heart River. The installation of sanitary lift stations near the Third Street and 32^nd Ave SE intersections continue with dewatering activities to support the deep excavations.

What is Dewatering? Dewatering is the process of removing groundwater or accumulated water from a construction site to create safe and stable working conditions for excavation and construction activities. This practice is necessary to prevent flooding, maintain soil stability, and allow work to proceed safely and efficiently. Once collected, the water is typically discharged through approved drainage systems in accordance with applicable environmental requirements. 

Traffic & Staying Informed. Motorists should anticipate delays, follow posted signage, and allow extra time for travel through the construction area. Please note that weather conditions and ongoing construction activity may cause project schedule changes.

Residents are encouraged to support local businesses along the corridor and to visit the City of Mandan’s website and social media channels for the most up‑to‑date construction and traffic information.

Questions? Call 701-667-1033 or fill out the contact form at forms.nd.gov/250843522363858.

Purchase digital gift cards from local participating businesses at VisitMandan.com. Each card is delivered as a digital wallet file that appears on your phone just like a regular credit card. You can use the card to shop online or pay in person. As part of the program, the City of Mandan is contributing a 25% match that is automatically issued as a separate bonus card at no additional cost.

Grass, noxious weeds, and overgrown vegetation must be kept under 6 inches. If not maintained, the City will cut or spray the property and charge the cost to the property owner’s special assessments.

Planning to spray instead of cut? Call Code Enforcement ahead of time at 701-667-3264 to avoid charges. Report violations at cityofmandan.com/concern. 

Get your student ready for the new school year at Western Plains Public Health's Back to School Walk-In Immunization Clinics.



• Every Monday in August: Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
• Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
• Location: 403 Burlington St. SE, Mandan

Students can get up to date on required school immunizations, enjoy snacks and activities, and take home free school supplies.

Walk-ins are welcome. To preregister or for questions, call 701-667-3370.

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