MEDORA, N.D. – This years inductees to the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame (NDCHF) include two ranchers, a ranch, three saddle bronc riders, a saddle bronc horse, a rodeo producer, a rodeo announcer, and a couple of retired teachers.
Recognized nominees at the recently held inductee ceremonies in Medora, are individuals and groups noted for their character and uniqueness who have made significant contributions to North Dakota’s western heritage and lifestyle through their participation in, or development and promotion of, the livestock industry, ranching, rodeo, the arts, and entertainment.
The 2024 North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees join the more than 120 ranchers, bronc riders, personalities, events and rodeo animals inducted over the past 12 years.
They include: Leaders of Ranching & Rodeo: Bonita (Bohnsack) Laske, Pre-1940s Ranching: Lawrence Hopkins, Modern Era Ranching: Arnold Bendish, Ranches: Froelich Ranch, Pre-1970s Rodeo: Ken Neuens, Modern Era Rodeo: Shaun Stroh, Modern Era Rodeo: Stuart Ternes, Rodeo Livestock: Why Not Minot (Bucking Bull) and Rodeo Arena: Jim Thompson.
After graduating from Sturgis Brown High School, Sturgis, S.D., in 1965. Joining the U.S. Army, Thompson broadcast in radio and TV on the Armed Forces Korea Network. After his return, he continued in a successful broadcast career.
Always a rodeo fan, Thompson was approached by both Jim Korkow of Korkow Rodeos and Jim Sutton of Sutton Rodeo to announce rodeos – something he would go on to do for almost 50 years before retiring.
Especially fond of collegiate competition, Thompson was a favorite announcer in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, announcing 80 consecutive Great Plains Region college rodeos while announcing in other regions, including the finals, over 20 years.
He has been selected to announce every major rodeo finals in the country: PRCA National Finals, Circuit Finals, Indian National Finals, National College Rodeo Finals, High School National Finals and Senior Pro.
As a lifetime member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, he announced 45-50 weekends a year before hanging up the microphone.
He has been inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame, the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo Hall of Fame.
In addition, Fred Sorenson was honored posthumously with a Legacy Award. Given at the discretion of the NDCHF Board of Directors. Sorenson was recognized for his generous contributions of time, talent, and financial support to not only the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame, but to the western community at large.
Two men will be newest members of the NDCHF. Shaun Stroh and Stuart Ternes are entering the Modern Era Rodeo category. Ternes said he’s honored to receive this recognition three decades after competing in the rodeo arena. Meanwhile, Ken Neuens is the newest member in the pre-1970’s Rodeo category.
