Im not a stranger to starting something from scratch or expanding on something that already stands.
I am excited to take on the well-loved and well-respected ropers sports news.
Allow me to say hello, Im Dee Yates and I absolutely love the culture, the family and friends within the Roping and Rodeo life. Its in my heart through and through.
I first saw Ropers Sports News when I started working as a clerk at Robinson’s Feed Store in Lodi, California in the afternoons after I got out of school each day. There I would see Bob pop in and drop off a stack of papers by the cash register. I was 13 years old and I remember thumbing through it every month. I had no idea how the publication would impact me as the years to come.
I have spent most of my life working for myself and I started as a teenager in my own photography studio that would morph into magazine editorial work and then into writing, then into publishing and editing. I was publisher and Editor-in-Chief of a women’s magazine that I cut my teeth on. Selling it a couple of years ago, when I heard the Ropers Sports News was going to come to an end, I reached out to bob for a meeting and the rest is history.
Im filled with excitement and nerves. It is some mighty shoes to fill following behind Bob and Steph and I don’t ever expect to compare-ever! I just hope to keep you all informed, entertained, and inspired by this culture we love so much!
I want to hear from you if you have story ideas, events and products and services you want our long time loyal and faithful readers to know about; we are open for business and we need all of the support we can get! This is a grass roots publication with deep roots and long branches and it takes our entire community to keep it alive. I call out to everyone to support and I will in return get this publication and your message as far and as wide as possible!
I have had the most amazing people call me and give me contacts and information as I am getting started and I am forever grateful to them and I am forever grateful to all of our customers that have taken a chance on me in this issue and decided to stand behind the brand. Thank you!
As I continue to move down this road and create a great magazine for you, I know I wont be perfect, but I will be consistent and Im led with God in my heart and my family at my side. I want nothing more than Ropers Sports News to continue for another 56 years!
If you are reading this, Thank you! I appreciate each of you so much!
Tell your friends and subscribe!
With a warm heart,
Dee Yates
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### Welcome to Ropers Sports News: A Note from Dee Yates
Blow the Dust off!
Im no stranger to taking the road less traveled and it has made me tough along the way. This right turn is no exception; Im Dee Yates, the new steward of Ropers Sports News, and it is with a humble heart that I greet each of you. Taking the reins of such a well-loved and well-respected publication fills me with a deep sense of responsibility and gratitude.
My journey with Ropers Sports News began unexpectedly when I was a young clerk at Robinson’s Feed Store in Lodi, California. Each month, Bob would pop in with a stack of new issues of RSN and drop them by the cash register I was 13 years old, flipping through the pages after school, I had no idea that these moments would later connect me in such a different way.
My professional life has been largely self-directed, starting as a teenager venturing into photography, evolving into magazine editorial work, and eventually writing, publishing, and editing. Then landing into the publisher and Editor-in-Chief position of a women’s magazine where I cut my teeth in publishing—an experience that proved invaluable. When the opportunity arose to guide Ropers Sports News into its next chapter, I couldn’t let it pass. A conversation with Bob, set this new course in to motion.
I step into this role fully aware of the legacy left by Bob and Steph. It’s a significant undertaking, and while I may never fill their shoes completely, my goal is to continue the tradition of keeping you informed, entertained, and connected to the culture we all cherish. This publication isn’t just about news; it’s about the people, the events, and the spirit of the roping and rodeo world.
This is a grassroots publication with deep roots and long branches, and it thrives on community support. I invite each of you to contribute—whether through story ideas, events, or products and services. We are open for business, and we need your involvement to keep this legacy vibrant.
I am profoundly thankful for the warm welcomes and guidance many of you have extended as I navigate these early days. To our loyal readers and advertisers who have decided to stand behind the brand in this new era, your faith in us is not taken lightly. Thank you!
As we continue this journey together, know that I am committed to maintaining the integrity and heart of Ropers Sports News. I can’t guarantee perfection but I promise consistency and dedication, with God in my heart and my family at my side.
If you’re reading this, know how much I appreciate you. Your support means everything. Tell your friends, subscribe, and let’s keep the spirit of Ropers Sports News alive for many more years.
With gratitude,
Dee Yates
