LOVINGTON – Tibba Smith was all smiles Friday night. And why wouldn’t she be? Smith began the day with a 2.2 score aboard her borrowed horse Jellybean in the first round of the Lea County Rodeo’s Ladies Breakaway, qualifying her to compete again that night. And did Smith ever compete after the sun went down Friday. She lassoed her way …

On July 7-12 the International Finals Youth Rodeo will commence at Shawnee, Oklahoma and Lea County with be represented by senior Maddy Rice of Lovington. Rice is coming off the Best of the Best High School rodeo event in Gallup before heading to Shawnee. She will be participating in her third IFYR in the breakaway roping and goat tying events. …