Picturing Polk County: 2021 Photo of the Year

Jenna Roberts’ photo of the old steel bridge that crosses Lindley Creek, north of Polk, shows there’s value in taking the road less traveled.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JENNA ROBERTS

Tim Erickson captured this photo of a rainbow shining brightly on his Polk County farm following a fall storm.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/TIM ERICKSON

Mike Kootz captured this moment between a cow and her calf — a true sign of spring.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/MIKE KOOTZ

Maria Kallenbach’s photo shows patriotism was on full display at the Polk County Courthouse this Fourth of July.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/MARIA KALLENBACH

Marcus Fenix shared this photograph of the Simon Bolivar statue overlooking Bolivar’s Neuhart Park on South Springfield Avenue as the Venezuela flag blows in the wind.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/MARCUS FENIX

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The BH-FP is excited to announce the winner of our 2021 Picturing Polk County photo of the year contest, Lisa Hickman. Congratulations, Lisa!

Lisa shared this closeup photo of a growing grapevine on a picturesque Polk County summer evening.

The picture, which was featured as June’s photo of the month, received nearly 46% of the total votes to become our top photo of the year. 

The following pictures rounded out this year’s Top 5 photos of the month, based on reader votes.

In second place, November’s photo of the month by Jenna Roberts received 20.8% of the overall votes. 

Third place was secured by October’s winner Tim Erickson with 7.2% of the overall year-end votes. 

Mike Kootz came in fourth place with 6.4% of the overall votes going to his March photo of the month. 

Finally, Maria Kallenbach, photographer for July’s photo of the month, and Marcus Fenix, photographer for December’s photo of the month, tied for fifth place with each photo earning 5.6% of the overall year-end votes.  

Thanks to everyone who joined in this year’s contest! We’ve enjoyed seeing our county from your point-of-view!