The Nebraska Association of Transportation Providers held its Annual Statewide Roadeo at the Nebraska Safety Center in Kearney on September 15. The theme was “Rodeo”. It was also the 30th year of hosting the Roadeo.

Thank you to:

• all the drivers, volunteers and staff who participated in the event.
• the Nebraska Safety Center who donated the use of the driving range, a bus, and tents for the event.
• Cedar County Public Transit, CRANE Public Transit, Florence Home, Midlands Public Transit, and York Public Transit for the use of your vehicles for the event.

The Roadeo competition consists of a written test, pre-trip inspection, wheelchair securement, and a driving skills course, with 10 obstacles.

Following the Roadeo competition, all attendees gathered for an awards luncheon. Drivers were introduced and presented with certificates for their participation. There were 11 drivers from nine different transit agencies in the minivan division and seven drivers from five different agencies in the small bus division.

The first-place winner took home a $250 check and an engraved clock. The second-place winner received a $150 check along with an engraved key ring. The third-place winner was presented with a $100 check.

The first and second place drivers and their managers are eligible to attend and compete in the CTAA National Roadeo in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, May 20-21, 2023.

Minivan Division Winners

• Mindy Manning, Florence Home, first place
• Ramona Daniels, Saline County Area Transit, second place
• David Heckman, Alliance Public Transit, third place

Small Bus Division Winners

• Colby Risseeuw, Kimball County Transit Services, first place
• Ashley Arnburg, North Fork Public Transit, second place
• Mike Towery, McCook Public Transit, third place

The first-place winners took home the traveling trophy to be displayed at their agency until next year’s Roadeo.

The Driver of the Year Award went to Mindy Manning, Florence Home, who had the highest score of the day. Mindy received a $50 gift card as a prize.

A spirit award for the best Rodeo theme was given to Gwen Maxwell with Avera Creighton Public Transit.

Thank you to everyone who participated.