Once again, Johnson County’s Public Works team earned the top award during competitive events held during the 2025 American Public Works Association’s Mid-America Equipment Expo. During the competition, 254 contestants representing 22 agencies competed in six events: skid steer, mini excavator, small plow truck, large plow truck, wheel loader and mechanic competitions.

This was the second consecutive year Johnson County Public Works earned the Team Trophy.

“I am so proud of our Public Works team members who had such a strong showing at this event,” said Tami Lorenzen, interim director of Johnson County’s Public Works department. “This was an opportunity to showcase their exceptional skills and dedication with some friendly competition among their peers, but our community members are the true winners thanks to the work our crews perform every day.”

In addition to earning the Team Trophy, several of the county’s Public Works team members earned awards for top performance:

• Jeff Swartz – 1st place, skid steer
• Jeremey Biles – 1st place, large plow truck
• Clint Atkin – 3rd place, small plow truck
• Joshuah Drake – 4th place, mini excavator
• Joshuah Drake – 4th place, wheel loader

Along with competitive events, the Expo featured training sessions and educational opportunities for those in the public works field. Learn about our Public Works department and see how the crews train for the winter season of clearing roads in the unincorporated portions of the county.