THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS-GAZETTE STORY BY JENNIFER BAILEY
ABOVE: Jakob Weder will be participating in the 2026 International Lineman’s Rodeo this week in Kansas. Weder practiced climbing a pole behind the Ameren Illinois Danville Operating Center on Georgetown Road last fall for the 2025 event. After the competitor reaches the top of the pole, they place an egg in their mouth. On the way back down the pole, the competitor has to showcase they are a smooth climber or the egg will break – costing the competitor a major point deduction. (
TILTON — Ameren lineworkers, apprentices and competition officials, including from the Danville Operating Center in Tilton, will be participating in the 42nd International Lineman’s Rodeo on Friday and Saturday in Overland Park, Kan.
This is one of the utility industry’s most prestigious competitions. Often referred to as the “Lineman Olympics,” the event brings together lineworkers from around the world to demonstrate the technical skills, teamwork and safety practices required to perform their jobs every day, according to Ameren Illinois.
Ameren Illinois will have five journeyman teams representing its regional divisions, along with four apprentices and six competition officials and committee members.
They include apprentice Thomas Gettings (Decatur Operating Center) and journeyman teams including Braden Weder (Tuscola office) and Jakob Weder (Danville Operating Center), Brian Courtright (Decatur Operating Center), Blake Mette and Austin Weber (both Mattoon Operating Center).
The event also provides coworkers’ families the opportunity to see their skills firsthand.
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