State of North Dakota

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 North Dakota Governor's Photo Contest! Gov. Kelly Armstrong, along with Commerce Tourism and Marketing Director Sara Otte Coleman and Council on the Arts Public Information Officer Rhea Beto, recently celebrated the winners of the 21st annual contest in Minot. This year's contest received 732 stunning submissions from 136 photographers, all capturing the unique beauty and experiences across North Dakota's four seasons. Marshall Lipp won the Best in Show award for his photo “Storm Passing in a July Morning Sunrise," which captures Sweet Briar Lake in rural Morton County as the sun breaks through the clouds after a summer storm passes. View all the amazing winning photos: https://lnkd.in/gKVzsfwh

Join #TeamND as a Park Manager at Lake Sakakawea State Park! This position will lead a diverse team from office to field work, engage with community, and manage park resources with a mission of connecting people to North Dakota's great outdoors. This position is located in the beautiful Lake Sakakawea State Park, near Pick City, and it closes on May 20, 2025. Read more and apply today: https://lnkd.in/gfSEWC6X

North Dakota's Legislature adjourned in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 3, to close out the 69th Legislative Assembly. Lawmakers used 74 of 80 available legislative days and introduced 1,089 bills and resolutions, the highest number since 2009. Check out photos and more information from the end of session: https://lnkd.in/gY_CSrh4

The North Dakota Department of Commerce has released the new North Dakota state icon! North Dakota citizens were invited to vote between two choices of icons earlier this year, and the poll garnered over 10,000 responses. The final version of the winning icon includes green plains, brown badlands, a yellow sun and a blue sky inside the stylized abbreviation "ND." The new icon is designed to reflect the beauty, strength and spirit of our great state. It will be used in conjunction with the current "Be Legendary" brand. Learn more about the icon: https://lnkd.in/g3e9mTEt

Next week is Severe Summer Weather Awareness Week! In North Dakota, it’s as important to prepare for summer weather as it is to prepare for winter weather. Extreme heat, summer storms, and other summer-related weather events all carry a degree of risk, but everyone can mitigate those risks. The North Dakota Department of Emergency Services, along with the National Weather Service, is hosting a coloring contest to have fun while raising awareness. The contest runs April 28 through May 2. Entries can be mailed, emailed, or dropped off by May 2. Winners will be chosen and announced May 12. Coloring sheets, instructions, and additional learning resources are provided at https://lnkd.in/d8AtD8Yu.

North Dakota has a new troubadour and official state waltz! A bill was recently passed almost unanimously by both legislative chambers and signed by Gov. Kelly Armstrong to make Chuck Suchy North Dakota's first official troubadour and his song “Dancing Dakota” the state's official waltz. Facilitated by the NORTH DAKOTA COUNCIL ON THE ARTS, Suchy will serve a term of five years, offering public performances and teaching opportunities across the state. At the end of Suchy's term, the Chair of NDCA will name the next troubadour.

Happy National North Dakota Day! Today we celebrate the amazing people, beautiful landscapes, and unique experiences found in the Peace Garden State. North Dakota has been home to many legendary figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, who proclaimed, "I have always said I would not have been President had it not been for my experience in North Dakota." Learn more about our state's rich history at https://lnkd.in/euAnnxTF. By the way, did you know the National Day Calendar, which founded national state days and many other daily holidays, has its headquarters in Mandan, North Dakota? Join them in celebrating every day!

On the evening of Friday, April 18, the Liberty Memorial Building at the North Dakota Capitol grounds will shine with two symbolic lights in recognition of the #TwoLightsForTomorrow nationwide initiative. States will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s legendary ride warning patriots of a British advance on Concord. This event is part of the countdown to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Inspired by the lanterns hung in Boston’s Old North Church in 1775, “Two Lights for Tomorrow” invites government offices, households, and businesses across the country to display two lights in windows throughout the night of April 18.

Mark your calendars for the 17th annual Earth Day Festival on Tuesday, April 29, at the Bismarck Event Center! This is a FREE family event with hands on learning activities for all ages. The event will have earth-friendly giveaways and door prizes, and concessions will be available for purchase.

Team ND is committed to offering a variety of strong and competitive benefits. One of the newer benefits offered for qualifying state team members is the Working Parents Child Care Relief (WPCCR) program. It could mean $600 per month toward your child care.   The WPCCR program has recently increased the qualifying child age threshold to 60 months! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gUEuSC3B