Thiele reigns over 2025 Clearwatater Rodeo

The 2025 Miss Clearwater Rodeo knows her way around the arena - and a saddle.

Kaylee Thiele, of Clearwater, grew up horseback, riding alongside her dad, Curt Thiele. Working cattle with him taught her a valuable rodeo rule: when the ride gets rough, adjust your grip.

She put that lesson to the test Friday night in the Gene Snodgrass Arena, during the crowning ceremony.

"My horse was acting up. I was trying to listen and not focus on him," the 16-year-old said.

Then the crowd let out a roar.

"It brought tears to my face to hear the excitement of people for me. It meant so much."

Thiele edged ou...