Driver Of The Year Award Goes To Creighton Man

Larry Vortherms of Avera Creighton Hospital recently earned the Driver of the Year Award at the Nebraska Association of Transportation Providers Annual Statewide Roadeo held in Kearney on Sept. 27.
 
Vortherms is the Transportation Coordinator at Avera Creighton Hospital.
 
A total of fifteen drivers competed in the small bus and mini-van divisions. Thirty volunteers, made up of transit managers and staff, Nebraska Safety Center staff, Kearney Convention and Visitors Bureau staff, and others served as judges for the event. Jeff Baker of Seward County Public Transit and Cindy Sanders of Guide Rock Public Transit were once again co-chairs of the Roadeo.
 
The Roadeo competition consists of a written test, pre-trip inspection, wheelchair securement, and a driving skills course.
 
Because Nebraska is celebrating its Sesquicentennial this year, the theme of the event was “Celebrating Nebraska.” The first-place drivers from each division and their managers are eligible to attend and compete in the CTAA National Roadeo in Pittsburgh, Penn., in June 2018.
 
First place winners of both divisions won $250 and an engraved clock. The second place winners received a $150 check along with an engraved key ring that features the state seal, and the third place winners received a $100 check.
 
Winners of the small bus division were Carol Graham, Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging, first place; David Fowler, Ogallala Public Transit, second place; and Marvin Baden, Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging, third place.
 
Mini-van division winners included Larry Vortherms, Avera Creighton Hospital, first place; Mindy Manning, Florence Home, second place; and Ramona Daniels of Saline County Area Transit, third place.  
 
The Driver of the Year Award went to Larry Vortherms, who had the highest score of the day. He earned 876 out of a possible 1000 points. Larry received a $50 gift card as a prize and took home the traveling trophy for winning the mini-van division. 

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