May 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 recently 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 two informational sessions on the sales tax initiative appearing on the June 9 ballot:

• May 18 at Fort Lincoln Elementary School, 2007 8th Ave SE, at 6 p.m.



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

Road project updates provided frequently at City Commission meetings

City Engineer Jarek Wigness provides updates frequently to the City Commission during its regularly scheduled meetings, on road and infrastructure projects happening in the city. These updates take place at the beginning of the meeting, under announcements. Catch the meeting replays at: https://reflect-dakotamediaaccess.cablecast.tv/internetchannel/gallery/7?site=2

Businesses, civic organizations, and youth groups are invited to take part in our community-wide litter clean-up throughout the month of May. The City of Mandan, in partnership with Keep North Dakota Clean, will provide supplies, route guidance and more. Volunteers who participate in May will also have a chance to win prizes!

Now in its 13^th year, this initiative focuses on cleaning up ditches along major routes in Mandan. 

Additional details:

• There are 17 designated routes for this volunteer effort. 3 routes remain to be claimed!
• Routes are best suited for groups of 8-10 people, but individuals are welcome to sign up. City staff will assist in connecting solo volunteers with a group.
• Returning volunteers are encouraged to reuse their previous bright yellow or orange volunteer shirts when cleaning their route. New volunteers should submit shirt sizes when registering. Shirts will be provided as available.
• Group leaders will be asked to pick up supplies in late April.
• View available routes and sign up at cityofmandan.com/littercleanup

Everyday cleanup option. As the weather warms up, residents are encouraged to pick up litter while out walking. Please bag any trash and avoid sharp objects. Report large items such as animal carcasses or discarded tires to Public Works at 701-667-3240 or email publicworks@cityofmandan.com.

The City’s grounds maintenance staff works diligently to keep Mandan Union Cemetery looking nice, but would like to share some reminders for residents:

• Floral items may be placed on graves no earlier than seven days prior to the following holidays: Independence Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Memorial Day. Staff will dispose of remaining items within 14 days after the holiday.
• Please note: Mother's Day and Father's Day are not designated decorating times.
• Floral and commemorative items are welcome when attached to headstones in a manner that allows for mowing and trimming. Items placed on the ground are not allowed. To maintain the appearance of the grounds, items will be removed once they become faded or unsightly.
• Fresh flowers may be placed on gravesites at any time, but no wrapping, plastic or glass containers are allowed.
• Ground level planting of annuals is permitted on the east side of headstones. The maximum planting area is the length of the headstone and no wider than 8 inches.  
• Borders or rocks are not permitted.
• Planting of trees, shrubs or any permanent plantings is not permitted on gravesites.

Permanent plantings not allowed. Permanent plantings are not permitted on gravesites because memorials become compromised or damaged as plantings grow. Those who have planted trees or shrubs in the cemetery are asked to remove them. For removal questions, please contact the Grounds Maintenance Department at 701-667-3240.

Mandan Union Cemetery graciously accepts trees for donation, however the donated tree planting must be coordinated with staff to ensure proper placement. In addition, the Mandan Union Memorial Fund, created to accept donations in memory of loved ones, uses monetary donations for beautification and upkeep of the cemetery. To donate, please contact Jodi Jangula at 701-667-3240. 

Memorial Highway construction continues

Construction on the Memorial Highway project continues this spring as crews make progress across both the east and west segments of the corridor. Underground utility crews are installing the new watermain and portions of new sanitary sewer on both ends of the project as work progresses toward 40th Avenue SE, the center of the project. Concrete paving will continue to follow the underground utility installation.

Phase 1 | East (32nd Avenue SE to 46th Avenue SE). Activity in the Action Drive area that began in April will continue into May. Work will focus on installing sanitary sewer, watermain, and stormwater infrastructure, followed by concrete paving at the intersection. Traffic will use a temporary detour on the east side of Action Drive, with periodic shifts between the detour and original roadway as construction progresses. 

Phase 2 | West (East Main St to 32nd Avenue SE). Construction remains underway at the Main Street and Memorial Highway/Mandan Avenue intersection. Crews will focus on reconstructing the north side of the intersection, including installing new pavement, curb and gutter, medians, and a sidewalk. Lane reductions and shifting traffic patterns remain active; however, all directions are expected to remain open, and access to nearby businesses will be maintained.

In addition, installation of a single-slope barrier wall along the railroad underpass is ongoing. This work will require lane reductions and a temporary closure of the shared‑use path.

Work at both locations began in April and is expected to continue through May, with completion anticipated by late June.

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. Thank you to everyone who shared feedback earlier this year about construction communication needs along Memorial Highway. City staff have been reviewing this input to better understand how it can be applied throughout the remainder of the 2026 construction season. Common themes, such as the need for consistent updates and clear access information, help guide ongoing coordination, and the City will continue to keep residents and business owners informed as conditions and needs evolve. 

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.

This year marks the City of Mandan’s 50^th Year as a “Tree City USA”. An email from the Arbor Day Foundation reads:

“In 1976, Tree City USA began a movement to inspire communities to prioritize planting and caring for trees, strengthening the health and wellbeing of people and places. From the 42 communities in 16 states recognized that first year, the program has expanded to every state across the nation.

Mandan, North Dakota stands out as one of only 16 communities that has achieved Tree City USA recognition for all 50 years of the program. Mandan’s dedication to community improvement through trees is an amazing accomplishment! Congratulations and thank you for all the hard work and commitment. We hope to continue recognizing Mandan’s achievements over the next 50 years!”

Certain criteria must be met to qualify for the Tree City USA designation each year: 

• adequate budget allocation for city forestry;
• a city tree ordinance;
• and a formal Arbor Day celebration each year.

Arbor Day. On May 1, the City of Mandan recognized Arbor Day in Dykshoorn Park by planting two trees with two fifth-grade classes from Fort Lincoln Elementary School. Arbor Day in Mandan is typically held the first Friday in May. The tradition is to go to a local grade school and plant a tree with the students. A formal ceremony is held in conjunction with this planting, with city and state officials participating.

Boulevard Tree Planting Program. Since 2017, the City has seen 534 trees planted through its boulevard tree planting program. A program providing reimbursement for approved trees planted in the boulevard. Mandan residents or property owners should work with staff to apply for the program. Once the approved tree has been planted, and City staff has inspected the site, the resident or property-owner may be reimbursed for the partial cost of each tree. Reimbursement to the purchaser will be up to half the price of the tree, up to $75 per tree. The limit is $300 per property for 2026, as funding permits. 

With this being the 50^th year as a Tree City USA, the City set a goal of at least 50 trees planted. As of the end of April, 29 have been planted. Learn more about the program at cityofmandan.com/trees.

Tree Inventory Project. In 2025, the City Commission approved a tree inventory project. With assistance from Moore Engineering, trees 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) and larger were surveyed. Based on the survey, the City currently has 5,084 trees on City property or within the right-of-way. This information helps the City assess potential hazardous trees for removal, locate diseased trees or pests, and plan for future tree plantings and development. It also allows staff to be competitive with tree planting grant applications.

City staff will continue surveying trees 6 inches and smaller using planting program data and commercial requirements, updating the tree inventory along the way. The same process will apply for any tree removals.

The Mandan Forestry Division consists of the grounds maintenance superintendent and one full-time employee. Citizens may call the grounds maintenance superintendent for advice on trees problems at 701-667-3240 or visit cityofmandan.com/forestry.

Touch a Truck is May 16 on Main Street

Join Mandan Public Works in celebrating National Public Works Week May 17-23. As part of the festivities, the community is invited to an open house on Thursday, May 21, from 3-6 p.m.

This open house offers guests a unique opportunity to explore the Public Works facility located at 411 Sixth Ave SW. Discover the intricate workings of the department, meet our dedicated crews and esteemed partners, gaining insight into the collaborative efforts that keep our community thriving. For the little ones, there will be free rides on Public Works equipment! A light meal will also be provided.

This year's theme “Rooted in Service, Powered by Community” acknowledges that the roots of service run deep in public works. Together, the efforts of public works form the foundation of thriving communities, reminding us that every project, seen or unseen, powers the connection between service and the people it supports.

Stay connected with the City of Mandan on Facebook during National Public Works Week to hear from some of the team!

Never miss a local event, city update, or important alert again.

The new Mandan app brings our community closer—whether you’re

checking the calendar, reporting a concern, or supporting a local fundraiser.

Download it today and explore what’s happening around you! Search

“City of Mandan” in the App Store or Google Play.