MEDORA – The North Dakota State Fair in Minot and several Minot and area rodeo cowboys, ranchers, livestock and rodeo producers/promoters are among the nominees for the 2020 North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame.

The nominees now are on the organization’s ballot as candidates for induction into the Hall of Honorees. This will be the N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame’s 25th class of nominees.

Each year, nominees are chosen from a field of candidates submitted by the general public. Twenty-two finalists in 10 categories have been recommended for consideration this year for their contribution to North Dakota’s history and western culture.

The 2020 nominees being considered for induction to the N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame are:

— Cowboy Long Rider: Donald Stearns of Bowman and Dorvan Solberg, Williston.

— Leaders of Ranch & Rodeo: Robert Luger of Fort Yates and Virgil Hertz of New Leipzig.

— Special Achievement: North Dakota Stockmen’s Association based in Bismarck and North Dakota State Fair in Minot.

— Pre-1940s Ranching: James Uhlman of Williston and Martin Hovde of Williston.

— Modern Era Ranching: Philip Baker of Fort Berthold Reservation and Steve Brooks of Bowman.

— Ranches: Black Leg Ranch of McKenzie and Hermanson Horse Ranch of Mandan.

— Pre-1970s Rodeo: Dale Carlson of Sawyer and Carroll Johnston of Watford City.

— Modern Era Rodeo: Rockie Kukla of Killdeer, Harvey Billadeau of Parshall, Donald Neidhardt of Richardton and Phil Haugen of Williston.

— Rodeo Arena: James Cook of Beach and Mary Carlson of Sawyer.

— Rodeo Livestock: Why Not Minot (bull) of Flasher and 44 Magnum (horse) of Bottineau.

The final group of inductees will be determined by North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame trustees through a ballot process. Voting will begin after the N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame annual meeting taking place Feb. 14-15 at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, west of New Town. Inductees will be honored June 19-20, with a dinner and ceremony at the N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame and Tjaden Terrace in Medora.

The N.D. Cowboy Hall of Fame is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

“We are proud of our role, honoring important figures in North Dakota’s ranch, rodeo and Native American history, an1d our members and supports are second to none,” said Rick Thompson, executive director.