NEWTON — Newton’s Stetson Bierman delivered one of the top performances of the night, capturing the Bareback Riding championship during Wednesday’s Jasper County Fair Rodeo.
Bierman posted an 80-point ride to claim the event title and a $498 payday, standing as the lone qualified ride in the competition.
Two other Newton contestants also represented their hometown at the annual rodeo. Claire Woods competed in Breakaway Roping against a talented field but did not record a qualifying time. Kylie Higgs took part in the Barrel Racing competition, posting a time of 18.679 seconds after a five-second penalty in one of the evening’s largest classes.
Several other contestants earned championship honors throughout the night.
Jaedyn James claimed the Saddle Bronc Riding title with a 67-point ride to earn $596.
Faith Stedelin won the Breakaway Roping championship with a lightning-fast time of 2.50 seconds. Karley Jones finished second in 2.60 seconds, while Lauren Myers placed third in 3.10 seconds.
Kodee Ross captured the Tie-Down Roping title with a time of 17.50 seconds, and Quentin Vickers claimed first place in Steer Wrestling with an 8.00-second run.
Barrel Racing featured a competitive field of more than 20 contestants. Macenzie Shonk topped the standings with a winning time of 13.246 seconds, followed by Shellane Piatt (13.305), Tracy Kirkland (13.389), Remi Adams (13.599), and Jaylee Hunt (13.713).
In Team Roping, Clint Fly and Garrett Smith teamed up for the winning run of 6.70 seconds to split the first-place payout. Kyle and Abby Cavender finished second with a time of 15.20 seconds, while Spencer Davied and Scott Jones placed third in 16.20 seconds. Zak Bierman and Daythan Summers finished fourth with a 16.70-second run.
No qualified rides were recorded in the Bull Riding competition.
The Jasper County Fair Rodeo once again brought together cowboys and cowgirls from across the region, providing an exciting evening of rodeo action as part of the 2026 Jasper County Fair festivities.
