Public Works Crews Participate in Mid-America Equipment Expo & Roadeo
Published on October 17, 2025
The Unified Government Public Works Department joined more than 200 public works professionals from 22 cities for the 2025 Mid-America Equipment Expo & Roadeo, held October 8 to 10. Hosted by the American Public Works Association (APWA) Mid-America Chapter, the annual event featured a range of training sessions, educational opportunities, and hands-on competitions that promote safety, professional development, and operational excellence.
Public Works employees participated in several events, including the Skid Steer, Mini Excavator, Small Snowplow Truck, Large Snowplow Truck, Loader, and Mechanics competitions. Each event tests participants’ technical skill, precision, and problem-solving under real-world conditions. The Expo also offered flagger certification and soft-skill training facilitated by Johnson County Community College, helping strengthen communication, teamwork, and leadership across all public works disciplines.
Participants from the Environmental Services Division included Jack Baska, Daniel Botello, Emilio De La Rosa, Trevor Hand, Cory Kraft, and Alex Taylor. The Fleet Services Division was represented by John Chamberlin, Jayson Dunn, Sebastian Mejia, Jorge Moreno-Muñoz, and Josh Strumillo. The Street Maintenance Division participants included Gene McCombs, James Petty, Matthew Stark, Chris Traffis, and Micheal Tarwater.
Several participants from Public Works placed in the Top 10 in their respective events. Those high-ranking finishers included Jack Baska (3rd Place, Mini Excavator Challenge), John Chamberlin (6th Place, Mechanics), Matthew Stark (10th Place, Mini Excavator Challenge), and Alex Taylor (6th Place, Skid Steer Challenge).
“Congratulations to our crews for representing our community with professionalism and pride,” said Public Works Director Troy Shaw. “Events like the Mid-America Equipment Expo and Roadeo are valuable because they combine hands-on learning with peer exchange. The experience strengthens our workforce, supports safety and innovation, and reinforces the professionalism that defines public works.”
The Mid-America Equipment Expo & Roadeo provides valuable opportunities for public works professionals to learn from peers across the region while enhancing their technical knowledge and safety practices. These events highlight the profession's collaborative spirit and the importance of continuous improvement in serving communities effectively.
Public Works congratulates all participants for their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to excellence in representing the Unified Government at this year’s event. Interested in a career in Public Works? Check out available careers online.