LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Workers from Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 put their driving skills to the test during the agency’s annual Roadeo competition.
More than 100 ODOT employees from the nine counties that make up District 1 participated in the event, which began about 35 years ago. The top three finishers will advance to compete against winners from other districts in the statewide Roadeo competition.
Snowplow and loader operators navigated a series of obstacle courses designed to simulate situations they could encounter while working on roadways.
Snowplow and loader operators navigated a series of obstacle courses designed to simulate situations they could encounter while working on roadways.
“And they're all mirroring things that they could encounter out on the road. So you know, if we have to maneuver around parked cars, or if we have mailbox that we're trying to get around, everything that we're doing here today mirrors something that they could actually expect to see out on the roadway. Yeah, it really gives our drivers an opportunity to show off their skill set, and it's a lot of friendly competition,” said Rod Nuveman, District 1 highway management administrator.
Also displayed at the Allen County garage was an attenuator trailer that was struck May 6 in Paulding County. An ODOT crew was working along U.S. 24 when a semi-truck crashed into the trailer, which was directing traffic to move over.
No injuries were reported, but workers said the damaged trailer serves as a reminder for motorists to slow down and move over for roadside crews.
“It's to provide awareness, let them know, like, slow down, move over for us, give some time. We're not trying to cause inconvenience to anybody. We're trying to make the road better, safer for everybody, and then make a home to see loved ones and family,” said Jeremy Johnson, an ODOT worker involved in the Paulding County crash.
Workers also participated in voting for the Paint the Plow competition. Twenty-four schools from District 1 designed snowplow artwork for the contest, with many entries inspired by America’s upcoming 250th celebration.
Media Release from ODOT District 1
LIMA, Ohio (Tuesday, May 12, 2026) -The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) District 1 hosted its annual truck and loader roadeo in Lima today, putting their operator's skill, precision, and knowledge to the test. Fifty-four employees from across the nine-county district — Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, Hardin, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Wyandot — took part in a variety of skill-based challenges that tested their expertise in heavy equipment operation and commercial driving.
"This friendly competition is a great opportunity for our teams to connect while demonstrating their abilities in heavy equipment operation, precision driving, pre-trip inspections, and CDL regulations," said ODOT District 1 Highway Maintenance Administrator Rodney Nuveman. "We're proud to highlight their achievements and commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement."
Held annually since 1988, the roadeo is a statewide ODOT tradition. In August, the top performers from each of the 12 ODOT districts will go on to represent their district at the ODOT Director's Cup in Columbus.
Roadeo Results
Top spots in the truck and loader categories are as follows:
Truck competition
- First place - Jan Ardner, facilities, with a score of 1,695 out of a possible 2,400.
- Second place – Chris Lobsiger, Van Wert County garage.
- Third place – A tie between Kyleigh Krupp, Hancock County garage, and Michael Kroeger, Van Wert County garage.
Loader competition
First place – Bryce Hoffman, Putnam County garage, with a score of 1,900 out of a possible 2,300.
Second place – Kolby Taylor, Wyandot County garage.
Third place – Kevin LaBrun, Mercer County garage.
The top two winners in each category will represent District 1 at the Director's Cup Truck and Loader Roadeo. Ardner and Lobsiger will compete in the truck competition, while Hoffman and Taylor will participate in the loader competition. Krupp, Kroeger, and LaBrun earned spots as alternates.
The Mercer County maintenance garage was named team champion, taking home the traveling trophy (top two truck scores and top two loader scores) with a total score of 6,740.
Mentoring Future Operators
Last week, the local high school construction equipment technology students from Apollo Career Center, Lima, and Vantage Career Center, Van Wert, had the opportunity to operate ODOT equipment and navigate the roadeo course, gaining hands-on experience and insight into the skills required for a career in heavy equipment operation.
Paint-the-Plow Contest
In conjunction with the roadeo, 23 plows painted by local schools were on display. ODOT employees voted for their favorite entries, and the public can also participate in voting for a people's choice award on ODOT District 1's social media account. On Wednesday, May 13, a photo of each painted plow will be posted on Facebook: Facebook.com/ODOTDistrict1
Each reaction, comment, and share on the photo will count as a vote. Voting runs through May 20 until 3 p.m. Winners will be announced by the end of May.
