
2 minute read
Faces of Rural Water
Faces of

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Curtis Bennett is the Ashland Water Utility Superintendent. His career in the water industry spans 32 years. Mr. Bennett maintains DS-II and WW-D certifications. He notes growth as the biggest challenge facing the city’s utilities. Ashland is among the fastest growing communities in the state with additional companies moving to the community - fueling additional growth. Ashland’s water utilities are in good hands under Curtis Bennett’s guidance. Curtis enjoys fishing, woodworking, and landscaping in his spare time.
Lawrence Henson works for Alliance Water at Bowling Green. He began in the street department progressing to his current position, Chief Water Plant Operator. Mr. Henson has nearly 30 years of experience, with an extensive background in maintenance, construction, and the water industry. Lawrence holds DW-A, DS-III, and WW-B certifications. His hobbies include vacationing at Gulf Shores AL, attending the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant IA, and gardening. Lawrence believes regulations are the biggest challenge facing the water industry.
Tina Redding has many responsibilities at the city of Calhoun. She serves as the office professional and as the Chief Water System Operator. She has served in the water industry since 2001, holding a DS-II certification. Tina previously worked in the healthcare and education fields. She lists small communities’ financial abilities to address rules and regulations as an industry challenge. Tina exemplifies people dedicating themselves to their hometown. Tina enjoys hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. Her friend group is named the “Calhoun Mud Dobbers”. Tina was recently honored as MRWA’s 2022 Office Professional of the Year.
Rural Water
Jim Tickle has 25 years of experience in the water industry. Mr. Tickle began his career an entry-level employee progressing to the Grundy County PWSD #1 Superintendent. He maintains a DS-III certification. Jim notes his favorite part of the job is being outdoors. He considers meeting regulations on a limited budget as the biggest work challenge. Jim enjoys outdoor activities including gardening, hunting, fishing, and camping. My personal thank you to Jim for his suggestion concerning MRWA training class scheduling. Great advice!
Sharon Cornelius serves as the manager of Andrew County PWSD #2. Sharon has an accounting background with previous experience in the healthcare industry and at a non-profit organization. During her brief tenure the district has implemented several major waterline projects and a meter replacement plan. Sharon sees developing future professionals, aging infrastructure, and future regulations as industry challenges. She emphasizes our industry has a bright future as we are a tenacious group that will dig deep to meet those challenges. Sharon enjoys reading, walking, hiking, and mentoring young people.


Steve Reid is the Chief Water Plant Operator at Trenton. Steve has an extensive background in the water industry spanning 43 years. Steve is a retired Navy veteran, with 21 years of military service. Mr. Reid retains DW-A and DS-III certifications. He noted that replacing the aging workforce and loss of institutional knowledge as a current and future challenge for the water industry. Steve’s hobbies include fishing and shooting sports.