MEDORA – The North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame has announced nominees for its 2026 class of inductees.

The categories, nominees and the county each nominee is from are as follows:

– Ranches: Oak Coulee Ranch, Morton County; and Patterson Land Company, Burleigh County.

– Pre-1940s Ranching: Charles “Charlie” Bahm, Morton County; and Elwood O’Cain, Mountrail County.

– Modern-era Ranching: Jorgen Haugen, Ransom County; and James P. Langley, Benson County.

– Pre-1970s Rodeo: Buddine Fredericks, McLean County; and Leland Tibke, Grant County.

– Modern-era Rodeo: Jeff Gorell, McKenzie County; Dwight Hansen, Dunn County; Jeff Kvamme, Foster County; and Gary Tescher, McKenzie County.

– Rodeo Arena: Howard Bubel, Oliver County; and Marvin Klein, Burleigh County.

– Rodeo Livestock: Smooth Operator, Morton County; and Virgil, Stark County.

– Cowboy Long Rider: Donald Stearns, Bowman County; and Wayne Halvorson, Mountrail County.

– Leaders of Ranch & Rodeo: Fred Berger, Morton County; and Frederick “Fred” Bieri, Mountrail County.

– Special Achievement: Richardton Saddle Club, Dunn County; and Towner Rodeo, McHenry County.

The NDCHF nominating committee screens all nominations for historical accuracy and submits eligible nominees to the Board of Directors, according to NDCHF information.

Testimonials for all nominees will be presented at the NDCHF annual meeting on Saturday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. at the Eagles Club in Valley City. The annual meeting is scheduled for Feb. 20-21. Featured entertainment Friday will be The Norsky Brothers and Saturday will be comedian John DeBoer. Registration can be made at the NDCHF website.

An initial vote by the Board of Directors determines the final ballot, which is delivered by mail to each NDCHF trustee for a final vote.

Inductees will be announced at a date determined by the NDCHF board of directors and will be formally inducted during the annual induction ceremony in Medora.