Bismarck State College Rodeo Champion

Killdeer native wins Bismarck State College’s first national rodeo title
Bismarck State College student and Killdeer resident Jordan Thompson claimed the institution’s first national rodeo championship on Friday, according to a statement from the college’s athletic department. Thompson, a sophomore in agricultural business, won the bareback riding event at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Rodeo Championships in Pocatello, Idaho, defeating 12 other competitors from across the country.

The victory marks a milestone for Bismarck State College, which has participated in collegiate rodeo competitions since 2018 but had not previously secured a national title. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our student-athletes and the support of our community,” said college president Dr. Linda Harms in a press release. “Jordan’s success brings pride to our institution and sets a high standard for future teams.”

Thompson, 20, grew up on a family farm near Killdeer and began rodeo training at age 12. Competitors described his performance as “unstoppable” during the final round, where he scored 84 points on a 90-point scale. The win earned him a $5,000 prize and automatic qualification for the 2027 National Rodeo Association (NRA) ProRodeo circuit.

Local media outlets in Ward County, where Killdeer is located, highlighted Thompson’s accomplishment as a community milestone. “This isn’t just about one person—it’s about the entire region,” said Ward County Commissioner Mark Reynolds, who praised the “grassroots support for rodeo athletes.”

Bismarck State College’s rodeo team, which competes in the NJCAA’s Region 5, has grown significantly in recent years. The program now includes 45 student-athletes and partners with local ranches for training facilities. Thompson’s victory comes amid a broader trend of increased investment in collegiate rodeo, with the NJCAA reporting a 22% rise in member institutions since 2020.

Details about Thompson’s next competition are pending. A spokesperson for the college said he plans to compete in the 2027 NCAA Rodeo Championships, though eligibility rules for transfer students remain under review.

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Ward County fatal head-on crash under investigation
A fatal head-on collision occurred near Ward County Road 12 on Thursday evening, according to the Ward County Sheriff’s Office. The crash involved two vehicles—a 2018 Ford F-150 and a 2007 Chevrolet Malibu—resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to a third, per a press statement from the sheriff’s office.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene at 7:43 p.m. and transported the injured to Bismarck Health System. The victims, whose identities have not been released, were pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff’s office is investigating the cause of the crash, with preliminary reports suggesting excessive speed and possible impaired driving as contributing factors.

“Road safety remains a critical concern, especially during peak travel times,” said Sheriff Michael Granger in a statement. “We urge drivers to exercise caution, particularly on rural roads with limited visibility.”

The crash occurred approximately 15 miles east of Bismarck, near a stretch of road known for high-speed accidents. State Department of Transportation data shows Ward County had 14 fatal crashes in 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year.

Authorities have not yet released information about the vehicles’ occupants or the circumstances leading to the collision. A press conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. CT on Saturday to provide updates.

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Crossroads Tavern opens outdoor space in Bismarck
Bismarck’s Crossroads Tavern celebrated the grand opening of its new outdoor seating area on Friday, according to a press release from the establishment. The 200-seat patio, located at 123 Main Street, features a covered bar, fire pits, and live music performances on weekends.

Owner Sarah Lin said the expansion aims to meet growing demand for outdoor dining. “We’ve seen a 40% increase in customers since 2024, and this space allows us to serve more people comfortably,” she said. The tavern also announced plans to introduce a seasonal craft beer menu in July.

The opening coincided with a local arts festival, drawing crowds to the downtown area. Bismarck Chamber of Commerce officials called the development “a positive step for downtown revitalization.”

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Ward County residents urged to prepare for severe weather
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Ward