Water Utilities News

Snow Rodeo & APWA Mid-America Roadeo & Equipment Expo

On September 13, Water Utilities employees competed in the annual Snow Rodeo competition held by Lee’s Summit Public Works. Drivers competed in the One Ton and Dump Truck events. Three drivers from Water Utilities placed in the top 10 in the One Ton event and four drivers placed in the top 10 in the Dump Truck event.

Lee’s Summit Water Utilities places an emphasis on training and development of each employee and requires certifications in skid steer and backhoe operation. As a component to training and certification, the department held an internal equipment operation competition with employees on September 3 at our training facility. Participants competed in the skid steer and excavator obstacle courses. The top qualifying participants were selected to compete in the annual APWA Mid-America Equipment Expo, held on September 24 and 25 in Independence, Mo.

The American Public Works Association (APWA) invites utilities from around the metropolitan area to compete against one another in various events. Kansas City, Olathe, Roeland Park, Independence, Grain Valley, Gardner, Leawood and Lee’s Summit were just a few of the participating cities. Lee’s Summit Water Utilities competed in Skid Steer Loader, Snow Plow and Track Excavator events. Six employees competed in the Skid Steer Loader, four competed in the Track Excavator and two competed in the Snow Plow. Competitors were evaluated on time, navigation and course difficulty with score based off the total number of points recorded. After two full days of competition, results were announced at the APWA awards ceremony. Congratulations to Lee's Summit Water Utilities for proudly representing the City of Lee’s Summit!

Snow Rodeo from left to right: Terry Reynolds, Zack Bagby, CJ Hoover

APWA from left to right; Front: Pat Torello, Larry Webber, Jimmy Johnson, Clint Webb

Back: CJ Hoover, Matt Wansing, John Thomas, Ryan Ratcliff