Shelbyville, IN – The City of Shelbyville is proud to celebrate the outstanding performance and professionalism of its Wastewater Recovery Facility team following their impressive showing at the 2025 IWEA Wastewater Challenge, held May 19–20 in Marion, Indiana.
Sponsored by the Southern Indiana Operator Association (SIOA), Shelbyville’s team—affectionately known as the “AWW-POO-RAIDERS”—competed in a field of top operators from across the state. The team, consisting of Shelly Higdon, Gary Karnes, Eddie Williams, and Rolland Scudder, placed 3rd in the Pretreatment Competition, one of the most technical and demanding events in the statewide contest.
In addition to their strong technical performance, the team was honored with the Spirit Award, recognizing their camaraderie, dedication, and positive contributions to the overall environment of the event. The IWEA Wastewater Challenge, hosted by the Indiana Water Environment Association, tests teams through seven hands-on events, including lab procedures, safety, pretreatment, and overall knowledge of wastewater systems.
“These individuals not only represented Shelbyville with skill but with heart,” said Mayor Scott Furgeson. “Their teamwork and technical ability are a direct reflection of the pride they take in maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient wastewater system for our community.”
The celebration doesn’t stop there. Two additional team members reached exciting professional milestones:
Jeff Mahley successfully completed his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) course through C1 Trucking in Indianapolis and is now Shelbyville Wastewater’s newest certified driver.
Craig Richardson passed the CS-1 Exam and is now officially a Certified Wastewater Collection System Operator, a designation awarded through the Indiana Water Environment Association.
“These achievements are a testament to the high standards we hold for our wastewater recovery team,” said Wastewater Superintendent Shelly Higdon. “We are investing in continued education, technical excellence, and personal growth—and it’s showing in every corner of our operations.”
The City of Shelbyville thanks the Southern Indiana Operator Association (SIOA) for their sponsorship and continued support in growing the next generation of wastewater professionals. Their partnership made this competition experience possible and reinforces the strength of collaboration among Indiana municipalities and utilities.
For more information about the IWEA Wastewater Challenge, visit https://indianawea.org/event/wastewater-challenge-2025.
To learn more about SIOA, visit https://www.sioaonline.org.
Media Contact:
Jenna Martin
Director of Public Relations
City of Shelbyville
jmartin@cityofshelbyvillein.com