Mandan weekend snapshot: hoops, winter fun, and civic updates

It is a busy winter Saturday around Mandan, with sports results rolling in, family events on the calendar, and a few city items carrying over from earlier in the week.

Braves basketball battles Bismarck Century

Mandan’s boys and girls basketball teams both faced off against Bismarck Century in West Dakota Conference play Friday night. The boys fell in a tough road game, while the girls dropped a competitive contest, with both matchups adding pressure to the late-season conference race.

The results keep Mandan in the mix but leave little margin for error as tournament seeding takes shape over the next few weeks.

Swim meet and regional sports on tap

Mandan swimmers are also in action as part of a larger meet hosted in Bismarck, bringing together West Region programs and a few teams from the eastern part of the state. With the regular season winding down, these meets are a final chance to tune up before championship season.

Vinterfest and library events fill Saturday

Families have several options close to home today. The Morton Mandan Public Library is hosting story time and crafts for young children, along with a Valentine themed workshop and other hands on activities as part of winter programming.

Elsewhere, Vinterfest events and local businesses are offering Valentine shopping and social gatherings, keeping downtown spaces active despite the gray skies.

Golden Shovel voting still open

The city’s Golden Shovel contest continues through next week, inviting residents to recognize businesses that keep sidewalks cleared of snow and ice. Community members can cast votes through February 13, and the winning business will receive a traveling trophy and recognition at a city commission meeting.

The contest is paired with the Winter Decorating Award program, which earlier this week honored Cappuccino on Collins for festive storefront displays.

Update on January fuel tank explosion

City officials recently released findings from the Mandan Fire Department’s investigation into the January 10 fuel tank explosion at the Gray Oil facility. Investigators determined the blast was accidental and linked to hot work taking place near one tank in a larger system.

The incident damaged several nearby buildings but remained confined to a single tank. The facility owner and regulators are now responsible for any follow up repairs and safety changes.

Weather and civic calendar

Skies over Mandan remain mostly overcast today with temperatures sitting in the upper 20s and 30s, typical for early February. Roads around town are generally in winter driving condition, and residents should give themselves extra time if they are heading across the river or out on the highways.

On the political side, regional party conventions in nearby Bismarck are scheduled this afternoon, where delegates and legislative candidates connected to the Bismarck Mandan area will gather to prepare for the 2026 election cycle.

Sources

• https://www.cityofmandan.com/
• https://www.cityofmandan.com/index.asp?DE=0AD473A0-1711-42D4-8967-05F83E650023&SEC=2D86B9D1-D9CE-4F5E-A296-215D569359DA
• https://www.cityofmandan.com/index.asp?DE=F05D446E-FD15-4675-BE58-F64C80313C39&SEC=2D86B9D1-D9CE-4F5E-A296-215D569359DA
• https://www.cityofmandan.com/index.asp?DE=7AA11BD2-4106-4F37-B530-F17A89EFE6D1&SEC=2D86B9D1-D9CE-4F5E-A296-215D569359DA
• https://mortonmandan.librarycalendar.com/events/month
• https://www.timeanddate.com/weather/%405690366/hourly
• https://www.newstimes.com/sports/article/friday-s-scores-21339088.php
• https://demnpl.com/?action=view&data=WzIxOCwiNzFmZmJhMDkzOTllIiwwLDAsMjAwLDFd