BROKEN BOW, Neb. – While cowboys at rodeos sometimes have performances that are described as electric, the Nebraska Lineworkers’ Rodeo features the real thing.
Lineworkers at the utility line rodeo are tested on tasks, such as rescue, to make sure they have the top skills needed to work around energized wires. And just like the rodeos that most Nebraskans and rural people have attended, utility line rodeos have competitions for both professionals and college students.
This year’s Nebraska Lineworkers’ Rodeo took place in Broken Bow at the Custer County Fairgrounds recently, with Northeast Community College instructors helping to judge some of the events. They included Kyle Voecks and Cleve Stolpe.
The event featured apprentice workers up to those with 25 years or more of experience.
Northeast also participates in the college utility line rodeo, which it has hosted a few times in the past. Colleges take turns hosting it, moving it around the country. Northeast last hosted it in 2018.
Utility Line Rodeo
Northeast Community College instructors Kyle Voecks and Cleve Stolpe helped to judge during the Nebraska Lineworkers Rodeo this year in Broken Bow. (Northeast Community College)
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