ORD – Winning photographs have been chosen in the Lower Loup NRD’s 2025 Photo Contest, which ran from December 2024 to May 15, 2025. Images depicting wildlife, landscapes, weather phenomena, wildflowers, recreation, architecture, and agriculture were submitted by 24 photographers from the Lower Loup NRD area and across Nebraska.
Lawrence Burman of Rockville won first place for his image of a deep blue, cloud-streaked sky reflected in the tranquil waters of the Middle Loup River in Sherman County. He also won third place for his photo of a bee hovering over a poppy.
Brent Tinkham of Ord won second place for his landscape image of a prairie scene taken at sunset northeast of Sargent.
Burman’s first place image will be printed, framed, and displayed at the LLNRD headquarters in Ord, replacing the 2024 winning print by Cheryl Albright of Ravenna. After the winning 2026 photo replaces it, Burman will be presented with his winning print.
Both Burman and Tinkham will receive a prize package of Lower Loup NRD logo items.
“From the Sandhills in the western part of the District, and across farmland and pasture to farms in the east – and with 514 miles of rivers and streams in between – there are tremendous photo opportunities in the Lower Loup NRD,” said LLNRD Information and Education Coordinator Alan Bartels. “We hope people will continue exploring the Lower Loup NRD. We look forward to seeing their stunning images when the next photo contest opens later this year.”
