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SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024 2024 NLD BUFFALO BILL RODEO THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH COMMITTEE SPOTLIGHT
A glimpse into the people who are the heart and soul of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo committee
RUTH NICOLAUS For The North Platte Telegraph JERRY “DOC” THOMPSON
Jerry “Doc” Thompson has made animals his lifelong work, and helps with them at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, too. A veterinarian, he grew up on a farm near Sutherland, and when he helped his dad pull a calf as the mother cow had difficulties in delivery, he decided he wanted to be a vet. After veterinary school at Iowa State, he started his own practice: Stockmen’s Vet Clinic in 1965, and has worked there his entire career. He began helping with veterinary duties at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in the mid 1990s, and became a committee member in 2004. “I help with fencing, cleaning, whatever needs done,” Thompson said. “I’m just another committee member. I’m just a regular old trooper when it comes to getting things done.” Jack Morris, former committee chair, noted that Thompson keeps the committee abreast of equine viruses that may be on the horizon, and takes care of health papers for cowboys’ and cowgirls’ horses. Thompson works alongside Jerry Woodruff, also a veterinarian. The two trade off duties and coordinate supplies, making sure vaccines and other medicines needed are on-site in case of an emergency. Thompson loves the rodeo atmosphere. “I’ve always loved the business,” he said. “And I enjoy the cowboy end of it. It’s quite competitive, but cooperative. There’s a lot of cooperation between competitors and I enjoy that.” At 82 years young, Thompson has sold his practice but is a working partner, working three days a week and on call as needed. He is married to Cindy; he has three children and seven grandchildren. HANK KNISLEY Hank Knisley has been involved with the Buffalo Bill Rodeo since 2000. The Illinois native moved to Nebraska
courtesy photo
courtesy photo
courtesy photo
JERRY “DOC” THOMPSON
HANK KNISLEY
JEFF WHITE
He is married to Karen; their combined family includes six children and ten grandchildren. JEFF WHITE Jeff White was a bareback rider, bull rider and team roper before he became a Buffalo Bill Rodeo committee member. The Hershey native grew up competing in the Neb. State Rodeo Association. In the mid 1980s, he switched from the roughstock events to the team roping. He became a rodeo committee member in 2005, and helps mainly with grooming the arena, making sure the conditions are safe for animals and contestants. He is in
charge of equipment on the grounds and is responsible for repairs, making sure gates swing correctly, and if something needs repaired, he fixes it. Jeff secures the team roping and breakaway cattle, and seldom misses a work night, according to Shelli Arensdorf. Jeff has a vested interest in rodeo; his sons are professional team ropers. “The TV never changes from the Cowboy Channel at my house,” he said. “It is constantly on. I am a huge rodeo fan, and as long as I can help with a rodeo, I’m game.” He is an auctioneer and owner of White’s Auction Service.
in 1985 and to North Platte in 1999, and four years later, was asked to be on the NLD board. He served a term from 2003- 2006 and then was asked to join the Buffalo Bill Rodeo committee. As a rodeo committee man, Hank can be found hanging posters around town, keeping the grounds free of weeds, and, his biggest job, helping with hospitality. He makes sure food and beverages are ordered and delivered, starts the coffee in the morning for slack, and keeps the hospitality area clean. “He likes to be behind the scenes,” said Shelli Arensdorf, also a committee person. “No matter what is asked of him, he jumps in and does it.” He volunteers in other ways throughout the community, including at North Platte St. Patrick High School, where he served as a board member and board president. He likes being part of the rodeo. “I enjoy working with the people. They’re fun and everybody gets along.” Volunteering is important to him. “It’s first and foremost about giving your time,” he said. “At the end of the day, the Book tells us we’re supposed to help, and that’s really what it’s all about, serving people.”
MEET RODEO ROYALTY Kick off Nebraskaland Days with a special autograph signing event featuring Miss Rodeo Nebraska and other rodeo queens and contestants. The meet and greet is from 10-11 a.m. June 11 at the Westfield Branch location in the Westfield Shopping Center, 1801 West A St. Miss Rodeo Nebraska JoSee Saults and Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska Maci Cox will be in attendance, along with other rodeo queens from nine different states across the country, including Miss Rodeo America Emma Cameron. Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska will be crowned at 1:30 p.m. June 12 at MPCC’s South Campus and Miss Rodeo Nebraska will be crowned at 8 p.m. during the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in the Wild West Arena. Gates for the event will open at 6 p.m.
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