Faces of Rural Water

Faces of

Wendy Lewis – Wendy is the LaBelle city clerk, serving in that position for six years. She noted the city strives hard to gradually increase rates with equipment upgrades focused on improving efficiency and savings for the community. Wendy enjoys the outdoors, specifically bass and crappie fishing. She is family-orientated and enjoys her grandchildren. Wendy displays her Beta fish at city hall where her outgoing personality welcomes visitors.

Dan Downey – Dan’s career at Chariton & Linn County PWSD #3 began March 1986. He is the general manager, holding the position for ten years. Dan noted improvements during his career at the district included pumping facilities, distribution transmission upgrades, the SCADA system, and variable speed drives. He maintains DW-A and DS-3 certifications and is captain of the fire department holding Firefighter 1 and 2 certifications, plus HAZMAT operations certification. Dan enjoys hunting, fishing, cooking, and traveling. His restaurant, “Captain Dan’s Steakhouse Barbeque Bar and Grill” is in Brookfield. He is a certified barbeque judge. On a personal note – the food is amazing.

Allan Schneider – Allan is the chief treatment specialist at the Brookfield water plant. He has DW-A and WW-D certifications, in addition to twenty-one years of experience at the facility. Allan was raised in New York’s Hudson Valley, growing up in historic Hyde Park. He was previously employed as an industrial coating salesperson. His interests include boating, hunting, fishing, gardening, and landscaping. Allan stated that regulatory updates are driving change in the water industry. He notes that water consumers are better off today, but the stricter rules create problems for smaller systems.

Rural Water

John Myers – John has provided over 17 years of dedicated service to the city of Freeman. He holds a DS-2 certification. His responsibilities include streets, water, wastewater, and other city operational issues. John’s colleagues note his dedication and abilities. He is a devoted family-oriented person and highly respected for his church ministry endeavors. John enjoys working on cars with his grandson. He shares his handyman skills and knowledge, helping family and others in need. He enjoys coin collecting. John represents the dedicated, hard workers in the water industry.

Linda Shoup - Linda has served as the office manager for seven of her ten years at Clark County Consolidated PWSD #1. She began as a clerk for the district, progressing to her current status as the office manager. Linda notes that technology has improved water industry productivity by replacing paper records with electronic data, specifically noting digital meters. Linda is an avid Chiefs fan, enjoying their recent success. She enjoys camping and family time.

Mark Morey – Mark is the city of Gallatin Public Works director. With 21 years in the industry he holds DW-A, WWC, and DS-3 certifications. He notes industry improvements associated with technology, listing SCADA systems and Automated Meter Infrastructure. Mark observed that job stability and the variety of tasks make this an interesting career for younger staff in the water field. He enjoys the cows and dogs on his hobby farm. Mark is an example of a young person progressing upward in the water industry.