Repeat performance for Magoffin County at annual KYTC District 10 Equipment Roadeo
Chuck Ward from Magoffin defends his overall individual championship
JACKSON, KY – The crew from the Magoffin County state Department of Highways maintenance garage successfully defended its championship in the annual District 10 Equipment Roadeo on Wednesday, June 10, winning for the sixth time in the event’s 10-year history. Chuck Ward, an equipment operator from the Magoffin County crew, also successfully defended his individual championship, making it a good day for the team from Salyersville.
Individual event winners hailed from Estill and Magoffin counties, with one of last year’s individual winners successfully defending his championship.
The annual Roadeo brings equipment operators from the district’s county garages together for a day of friendly competition and fellowship. The event allows equipment operators from the district’s crews to show their skills in operating the equipment they use to maintain state highways in the district. The obstacle courses simulate actual situations equipment operators may encounter in the performance of their duties.
Individual event winners were:
· Backhoe: Greg Arvin, Estill County, first place; Pat Graham, Powell County, second place. This is the third consecutive year they have finished one-two in the backhoe competition.
· Snowplow obstacle course: Chuck Ward, Magoffin County, first place; Josh Howard, Magoffin County, second place.
· Tractor with mower: Algin Moreland, Estill County, first place; Matt Allen, Magoffin County, second place.
· Grader: Stan Howard, Magoffin County, first place; Darrell Rogers, Menifee County, second place.
The individual equipment operating contest winners and runners-up will advance to a statewide competition against participants from the other 11 highway districts across Kentucky, to be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in July.
“This winter was one of the most challenging ones we’ve experienced in recent years in terms of keeping highways open and passable. The expertise of our equipment operators was on full display and was much needed during our snowstorms and floods,” said Corbett Caudill, chief district engineer. “Operating the equipment necessary to maintain our highways year-round, and to keep them clear of snow and ice in the winter, takes a lot of skill and knowledge. The Roadeo gives our employees a chance to show off their abilities. It also gives our employees from our county garages, who don’t get to have much interaction with other crews on a regular basis, a chance to know that they are all part of one team and that we appreciate all of them for their effort and hard work."
District 10 encompasses the counties of Breathitt, Estill, Lee, Magoffin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Powell and Wolfe in east-central and southeastern Kentucky.
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Chuck Ward from Magoffin County, overall individual winner, with Corbett Caudill, chief district engineer. Presenting the trophy is Jeremy Carty, manager of the Engineering Support Branch.
Magoffin County's crew won the overall county championship.
