Mission Valley cowgirls, cowboys compete at NRA Finals
BERL TISKUS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 1 week AGO
The best 10 saddle bronc riders from the Northern Rodeo Association competed at the NRA Finals Oct. 30-Nov. 1 in Kalispell. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
Reporter Berl Tiskus joined the Lake County Leader team in early March 2023, and covers Ronan City Council, schools, ag and business. Berl grew up on a ranch in Wyoming and earned a degree in English education from MSU-Billings and a degree in elementary education from the University of Montana. Since moving to Polson three decades ago, she’s worked as a substitute teacher, a reporter for the Valley Journal and a secretary for Lake County Extension. Contact her at [email protected] or 406-883-4343. | November 12, 2025 11:00 PM
The Northern Rodeo Association held its finals for 2025 Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at the Majestic Valley Arena in Kalispell. The 50-year anniversary rodeo featured the top 10 finishers in each event competing to determine the 2025 year-end champions.
Several Mission Valley cowgirls and cowboys made the finals, with Trevor McAllister of Ronan named 2025 Bareback Bronc champion and his brother, Trapper, placing second. Trevor also won the average with 253 points on three rides. Younger brother Koy won the average in saddle bronc riding with 249 points on three broncs.
Abby Knight, Charlo, was sitting fifth in the standings coming into the finals. Local tie-down ropers Kyle and Craig Bagnell rode into the Majestic sitting third and sixth in the season standings. Polson bull rider Caden Fitzpatrick was sitting second in the bull riding by about $500 in winnings.
In addition to McAllister taking the bareback crown, other 2025 champions are:
Celie Rogers, Choteau, All Around Cowgirl for the fifth year
Kelly Murnion, Jordan, All Around Cowboy
Barrel Racing, Lisa Warfield, Helena
Saddle broncs, Colton Haase, East Helena
Tie-Down Roping, Quinn McQueary, Belgrade
Team Roping, Shawn Bird, Cutbank, header, and Chris Wright, heeler
Break-Away Roping, Molly Salmond, Choteau
Steer Wrestling, Justus Peterson, Dillon
Bull Riding, Kelly Murnion, Jordan
ARTICLES BY BERL TISKUS
Middler-schoolers share gingerbread creations with Cherry Valley kids
Polson Middle School teacher Tammy Morrison’s students made gingerbread houses to share with the kindergarten and first grade students at Cherry Valley Elementary last week.
Ronan Parade of Lights brightens cold night
Coming into Ronan on Round Butte at about 5:45 p.m. on Dec. 19, a line of lights sparkled behind St. Luke Hospital as floats lined up for Ronan’s Parade of Lights. Although the thermometer said 36, it seemed much colder, but hardy Ronanians gathered to watch friends and neighbors brighten up the dark night.
New Extension agent plans to listen and learn
There’s a new face in the Lake County MSU Extension office in Ronan, and it belongs to new Agricultural/4-H agent Clare Corley. Her first day of work was Nov. 3.