Reba Buchholz, of Bismarck - who officially started her reign Jan. 1 as Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2007 - has resigned, says Nancy Jo Bateman, president of the Miss Rodeo North Dakota Pageant Association.

Bateman said the several issues that the association directors considered before accepting Buchholz's resignation had to do with requirements not upheld by Buchholz in the agreement she signed after winning the title. That agreement includes rules ranging from dress code requirements to conduct expectations, required appearances and the prohibition of alcohol and drugs.

"Obviously, it's been a really uncomfortable situation for Reba and the directors," Bateman said.

She said Buchholz and pageant officials have agreed the details that led to the resignation will remain among them, "and that's where they need to stay."

Bateman said Buchholz has had to return the saddle she won, as well as other prizes. She said the board received Buchholz's resignation letter at the end of March.

"I guess I really don't want to talk about it,"Buchholz said Tuesday about the situation.

"Reba Buchholz is a talented young lady, and the association wishes her the best in her future endeavors," Bateman said in a news release.

The board offered the title to the runner-up, Jessinta Hammer, of Kathryn. But Hammer, now a foreign exchange student in Mexico, has decided not to accept the title.

Bateman said the board respects Hammer's decision to put her education in front of the title at this time in her life.

Bateman said there were five contestants, but the other three won't be asked. She said it has nothing to do with their qualifications. She said the board considers it a great honor to win the title and doesn't want to just ask people one after another down the line to accept it. So, North Dakota won't have a rodeo queen candidate competing in the upcoming national Miss Rodeo America competition in Las Vegas.

"This will make the remainder of this year a unique time for our board, as we will not have a state rodeo queen,"Bateman stated in a press release.

"But we remain committed to helping prepare other young ladies to be promoters of the sport of rodeo and the western heritage."

The next queen will be picked in Minot this fall at the Minot Y's Men's Rodeo.

(Reach reporter Virginia Grantier at 250-8254 or at virginia.grantier@;bismarcktribune.com.)