Carlee Weinberger (left), Stevie Kurle (center) and Brendle Mott, all of North Dakota, take a break from competition at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., to explore downtown shopping. The young competitors said meeting new people, building friendships and experiencing the rodeo community have been highlights of their week at the national event. Photo by Guthrie News Leader.
Contestants, families and their horses gather inside the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, Okla., during an overnight severe weather evacuation at the National Junior High Finals Rodeo. Arena officials opened the facility as a shelter while participants moved livestock to safety and waited out the heavy winds Tuesday morning. The emergency response drew praise from competitors, parents and local emergency management officials. Photo courtesy of the Lazy E Arena.
For three young North Dakota r…