June 1, 2026

The following candidates are running for office in the Tuesday, June 9 election:

City Commission. Two seats are up for election.

• Heidi Belohlavek
• Ryan Heinsohn (incumbent)
• James Carroll
• Kenan Bullinger

Park Board. Three seats are up for election.

• Stan Scott (incumbent)
• Miles Mehlhoff (incumbent)
• JR Carter
• Layn Mudder (incumbent)

School Board. Three seats are up for election.

• Justin Bailey
• Julie Skaret
• Ashley Jacobchick
• Darren Haugen (incumbent)
• Dusty Simmons
• Jill Miller

Mandan City Measure No. 1 asks voters to approve a 0.75% city sales and use tax to fund fire department facilities, equipment, and long‑term improvements. The tax would replace the existing 0.75% sales and use tax for the Starion Sports Complex (which is expected to expire in 2028) and would begin July 1, 2028. Funds would be used to build Fire Station 3, improve and maintain Fire Stations 1 and 2, purchase land for a future Fire Station 4, and buy necessary vehicles and equipment. The tax could be used to repay bonds issued for these projects and would last up to 20 years or until any bonds are paid. Total project costs are not expected to exceed $14 million and are part of the Fire Department’s 10‑year strategic plan.

County Commissioner. Two seats are up for election. Candidates for county seats will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

• Andrew (Andy) Zachmeier (incumbent)
• Jackie Buckley (incumbent)

Other Morton County positions (all running unopposed):

• Auditor – Dawn R. Rhone (incumbent)
• States Attorney – Chase Lingle
• Recorder – Nancy Seefeldt (Kihne) (incumbent)
• Treasurer – Kari Hatzenbuhler (incumbent)
• Sheriff – Kyle L Kirchmeier (incumbent)
• Director, Southwest Water Authority – Bruce Engelhardt (incumbent)
• Director, Southwest Water Authority Mandan – Larry R Froelich
• County Official Newspaper

o  Morton County News Journal

o  The Morton County & Mandan News

The League of Women Voters held debates with candidates in contested races (City Commission, Park Board, and School Board). The debates will be replayed on Government Access cable channels 2 and 602 HD and can be viewed on dakotamediaaccess.org leading up to the election.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on the June 9 election, visit cityofmandan.com/elections.

Mandan Fire Department is hosting one more informational session on the sales tax initiative appearing on the June 9 ballot:



June 1 at Fire Station 1, 110 Collins Ave, at 6 p.m.

Montana-Dakota Utilities is continuing a project replacing existing natural gas main pipelines and service lines in a portion of Mandan over the next several months. The replacement project is an on-going integrity management process to ensure the safety and reliability of the natural gas system. Through an evaluation, Montana-Dakota identifies sections of pipe for replacement based on physical and operation & maintenance components.

The Mandan project began May 4 and will last through the summer, however weather conditions or any other unanticipated delays may impact the construction schedule. The work this year will be scaled back in comparison to work done in 2025. Work will mainly be in the area of town known as "Midtown East" (Main Street to Fifth Street NE from First Ave NE to Mandan Ave). There will also be some work done in the area of Sunset Drive from I-94 to Eighth Street NW. 

If work requires an interruption of natural gas service for customers, a company representative will contact affected customers to schedule a brief shut off and then relight of appliances.

Please refer to Montana-Dakota’s website for a map that outlines the area where the replacement work will occur.

Over 140 volunteers picked up litter from ditches along 17 routes in Mandan throughout the month of May. Businesses, youth groups, civic organizations, family and friends joined together to keep Mandan beautiful leading in to summer. This was the city’s 13^th year heading up the effort. 

Volunteers were provided with supplies, shirts, and the opportunity to be eligible for door prizes from local businesses.

Thank you to all the volunteers, businesses who donated door prizes, Keep North Dakota Clean, Inc., Keep Mandan Beautiful, Mandan’s Grounds Maintenance Division of Public Works, Mandan Community Beautification Committee and Bearscat Bakehouse for supporting this annual community volunteer event. 

Memorial Highway construction continues

Construction on the Memorial Highway project continues into early summer, with steady progress across both the east and west segments of the corridor. 

Phase 1 | East (32nd Ave SE to 46th Ave SE). Concrete paving is underway at both ends of the corridor alongside utility installation and roadway improvements. Work also includes building a shared-use path on the south side and starting sidewalk construction on the north side between 46th Ave SE and 40th Ave SE, while storm sewer and watermain installation continues near 40th Ave SE. Utility testing and service connections are ongoing throughout the project area.

The intersection of 43rd Ave SE and Memorial Highway is expected to be closed until early June to finish utility work and pouring concrete back in the intersection, though timing may vary depending on construction progress. Residents are encouraged to watch for any remaining traffic impacts or updates in the area.

Phase 2 | West (East Main St to 32nd Ave SE). Construction moves forward on the north side of the Main Street and Memorial Highway/Mandan Ave intersection and at the railroad underpass, with work expected to be completed by late June. Crews have finished sidewalk improvements in the western work zone and have shifted traffic to accommodate raised median construction, which will enhance safety. Additional work includes concrete removal and excavation in preparation for new roadway paving, as well as upgrades to the railroad underpass barrier wall to improve structural integrity. 

Traffic impacts remain in place near the project area, with eastbound Memorial Highway reduced to one lane at the railroad underpass and the pedestrian path closed. Mandan Ave is limited to one lane in each direction north of the intersection, and westbound Main Street is reduced to one lane east of the intersection. In addition, the northbound left turn from Mandan Ave into Burger King is temporarily closed, with drivers advised to access the Burger King parking lot via 13th Ave NE off Main Street.

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

Survey Updates. Earlier this year, residents and business owners were invited to share input on construction communication needs along Memorial Highway through two separate surveys. Feedback from both groups highlighted challenges related to business access, visibility, and signage during construction. In response, contractors have added more clearly visible signage to guide customers to business entrances and increased the presence of crews and flaggers to improve safety and traffic flow near access points.

Feedback on the Memorial Highway Gift Card Program indicated that while businesses appreciated the intent, concerns remained about fees and public awareness. To address this, the Mandan Progress Organization has allocated funding to cover eDelivery fees for purchasers and expand marketing and outreach efforts to help improve program visibility. Thank you to residents and business owners for your input as we continue working to improve the corridor.

Questions? Call 701-667-1033 or fill out the contact form at https://www.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.

The annual reports for Mandan Police and Mandan Fire departments are available on each entity's website. Visit mandanpd.com and cityofmandan.com/fire to view the reports.

Buggies N Blues is June 12-14

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. 

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