The Kansas Cowboy Poetry Contest was last weekend. For the past two years, out-of-staters claimed the trophy buckle, but this year Kansans reclaimed their glory.

The competitors were those whom finished in the top three at tone of the three regional qualifiers. The state finals were held at the Flint Hills Discovery Center of Manhattan.

Jerry Jones of Salina and Carl Stueve of Olpe claimed the top prizes in serious and humorous poem categories.

The final results in the Serious poem category:

• 1st:  Jerry Jones, Salina
• 2nd:  Dana Moodie, Neodesha
• 3rd:  Betty Burlingham, Manhattan

The final results in the Humorous poem category:

• 1st: Carl Stueve, Olpe
• 2nd:  Danny McCurry, Springfield, MO
• 3rd: Dwight Burgess, Wamego

The Kansas state champions, Jones and Stueve, received the coveted Governor’s Buckle, the Saddlejack Bradrick Award, discounts and gift certificates from leading western wear stores, two tickets to the Symphony in the Flint Hills, and the opportunity to present their poems at the story circle following the symphony.

The state winners will compete at the National Cowboy Poetry Rodeo in Abilene.