Lee's Summit crews already preparing for winter with 'Snow Rodeo'

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — There may still be a few days of summer left, but crews in Lee's Summit, Missouri, are already preparing for (it hurts to say it) winter.

Every year, the city's public works department gets ready for the cold season with a little friendly competition, called the "Snow Rodeo."

"We're definitely always ready and every year we do this. We set this course up, everything's marked, it's painted, it's ready to go," equipment operator Brian Tuckfield siad. "We all have to participate that drive the plow, and we have other departments from the city that come down and they join in with us, driving a one-ton."

Competitors score points based on their time and skill in navigating the course

Deputy Director of Public Works Bob Hartnett said the course mimics situations drivers might encounter in the real world.

"We have a couple of cul-de-sac examples set up, tight turn and trying to stay off of people's front yards and stay on the street," Hartnett said. "We've got simulations of narrow streets where you might have cars parked along both sides, and just the areas. We have tight spaces you have to get in and get out. Occasionally, you have to back out of a tight space."

41 Action News meteorologist Lindsey Anderson got behind the wheel to give the course a run for its money, with Hartnett in the passenger seat to help.

It went pretty smoothly, with the exception of a close call with a golf cart.

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