KRWA Conference 2000

President David Mueller and Awards Committee Chairman Darrell Schlabach are on stage, describing the winner. Suspense builds. Is it possible? Could it be me? Then the name. The long walk from your seat to the stage.

Spotlights. Applause from 700 people in the audience. That beautiful plaque. The photographer taking your picture. Finally making it back to your seat, finally reading every word. Holding the plaque very carefully.

Being recognized as "The best of the best" is the thrill of a career. In 2000, nine awards were made by Kansas Rural Water Association and one by Rural Development. The recipients have gone the extra mile, day after day. Because of their commitment, their communities can be sure of safe, healthy water 365 days a year.

These winners exemplify the 2000 conference theme, "Plans + Service = The Future." They are a role model for others, showing that you reap what you sow. Heartfelt congratulations to the 2000 award winners, "The best of the best."

Larry Smith, Sedgwick County RWD 3, is held in high regard by his community. He's known for doing things right the first time, after careful research and observation. That's one reason that this district can handle almost any emergency in-house. That's also why it shines, from pump house to the tank interiors.

You'd think that operating and managing a growing district that maintains its own construction equipment would be enough. But Smith is much more than "just" an employee. He is a member of the district's long range planning committee. He has passion for his work. He works with integrity and fairness, even when someone cuts a pipeline or smashes a valve box. Congratulations to Larry Smith for his outstanding contributions.

In 1999 when Consolidated RWD No. 1, Leavenworth County won the "Most Improved water system" award, it was accepted by Business Manager Lois Fulkerson. In 2000, Fulkerson won an award for her own contributions.

Hired as a part-time bookkeeper, she got board members' attention by attending their meetings. She asked questions and challenged some long-standing policies. Soon this part-time bookkeeper was promoted to manager, but she didn't rest on her achievements.

The district was growing fast with requests for hundreds of potential connections. An early task was overhauling internal policies and procedures. She administered a construction improvement program that included a new 750,000 gallon storage tower, a new office and shop, larger pipelines and a total changeout to radio-read meters. Today she drives down the road at 60 miles an hour, her laptop and software catching meter readings for the more than 1000 customers. Looking ahead, she has helped plan the district's future and implement that plan. Continued improvements are due in large measure due to her leadership and business savvy. KRWA salutes Lois Fulkerson for service far above and beyond the call of duty.

Dennis Ashcraft, City of Holton, has served his city for 16 years in the water and wastewater treatment arena. A Class IV certified operator in both water and wastewater, he received an Associates of Science in Agriculture and in Environmental Technology. His community improvement projects related to water and wastewater include the planning and development of a new surface water treatment plant. As if that weren't enough, Ashcraft is on the steering committee of a large regional wholesale water supply district.

Active in church, civic and community organizations, he works to improve the quality of life in his community. He does whatever it takes to get the job done right, whether during working hours or afterwards. Many congratulations to Dennis Ashcraft for devoting time and service to his fellow citizens.

Dalene Hill, Pottawatomie County RWD 1, has many achievements. An exceptional one: No accounts are over 30 days' delinquent. That's due to Hill's proficiency with computers and modern office equipment. Working with the manager/operator, she has designed numerous forms and created a variety of databases to keep track of anything and everything.

Customers appreciate her business approach. She is a skilled communicator in complex matters such as billing and transfers. The board appreciates her serving as secretary, bookkeeper and office manager. They clearly have Superwoman on the payroll. Many congratulations to Dalene Hill for her top quality work on behalf of her community and water district.

Paula Holle's achievements have been recognized in many ways -- Kansas Municipal Clerk of the Year 1991; Past President of the City Clerks Municipal Finance Officers Association; Kansas/IIMC Certification Institute Advanced Academy; Certified General Administrators Program With Supplemental Housing Certification from the Kansas Dept. of Housing & Commerce and more.

The City of Marysville is fortunate to have such a versatile, proven employee. Holle knows and understands the municipal business well. She works with the planning commission; she is the zoning administrator. Professionalism is her hallmark. When an employee has a problem, she does not take it personally but instead works to find solutions. Congratulations go to a true professional, Paula Holle, City of Marysville.

Nearly 20 years ago, no one guessed that Steve Leiker, City of Hays, would become plant superintendent. Starting out as a trainee, he has been regularly promoted up through the ranks due to his outstanding performance and positive attitude.

Leiker's achievements have been recognized by other organizations. In 1997, US EPA awarded his plant the Operations & Maintenance Excellence Award; the award is special because it represents an entire organization. Presently he represents Kansas on a national organization board. Proficient, intuitive, caring, personable -- all describe this award winner. And he is loyal, as exemplified by his devotion to the Dallas Cowboys through thick and thin. KRWA salutes Steve Leiker, City of Hays, for his achievements.

Nobody would accuse Marion County RWD No. 4 of making decisions too fast. But this district sure knows how to move once it has decided what to do. As a result, no longer do customers have little water because of inadequate system capacity. Guided by a caring board of directors, attentive office staff and efficient field operator, it can now meet demands for growth and from existing users.

Marion County RWD No. 4 has built an additional 500,000 gallon storage tank and new lines to over 100 new users. The project was funded with a loan through the KDHE Public Water Supply Loan. This system is looking ahead, taking actions carefully. Congratulations to the most improved water system in the state, Marion County RWD No. 4.

This award is made for outstanding service over many years. The 2000 winner, Maurice Meirowsky, is President of the Kansas Rural Water Finance Authority (KRWFA). Kansas Rural Water's Board of Directors chose this winner because it's past time to give credit where credit is due. He volunteers time and mileage for many trips, often on very short notice, but never requested or received a cent of expense reimbursement. That's the kind of diligence that has helped gain respect for the organization he heads.

Meirowsky works hard to help people solve problems, whether on a statewide or local basis. Chairman of his own water district board, he has devoted more than a dozen years to guide a statewide organization that assists water utilities with financing and helps them understand their financing options.

Since its founding in 1988, the KRWFA has issued over $61 million in bonds. In 1997, the State of Kansas entered into agreement with the KRWFA to have it provide additional help and financial oversight to the rural water districts in the new Public Water Supply Loan fund. This oversight has helped allow the Kansas program to have the highest leveraged program nationally. It's due to the leadership, time and effort of Maurice Meirowsky that KRWFA has provided those services to communities across the state. KRWA salutes him as President of the Kansas Rural Water Finance Authority.

Since 1975, the Rural Development Agency has presented the Silver Faucet Award to a utility in recognition of outstanding performance in providing water to rural Kansas. In 2000, the award was presented by William Kirk, State Director of Rural Development, and Gary Smith, Chief of Community and Business Programs. The winner was Morris County RWD No. 1.

In presenting the award, Gary Smith noted that this water system exemplified leadership and diligence in serving rural communities, business and homes. "Last year I mentioned the USDA Water 2000 Initiative founded several years," Smith stated. "Its mission is to bring safe, dependable as soon as possible into the many rural American homes that lack it ... at least two million rural residents still have critical drinking water availability, quality and dependability problems." While the job is not yet done, USDA Rural Development (RD) is committed to carrying out that mission.

Organized in the early 1980s, Morris County RWD No. 1 was deemed ineligible for grant assistance a few years later. Many people were very disappointed. However, that hurdle was subsequently overcome along with concerns concerning the Neosho madtom, an endangered species fish; the need for an archeological survey; and an adequate number and density of users to assure a feasible project.

In 1991, USDA approved loans and grants totalling $5.4 million to provide service to 350 rural users and two cities. Later RD loans and grants during the 1990s totaled over $631,000. The result today? Service to nearly 450 users and three wholesale purchasers in its four-county service area.

Despite setbacks, the district did not give up. It has "continued and will continue to bring rural water to those in need," Smith stated. Many congratulations to Morris County RWD No. 1 for winning the USDA Rural Development Silver Faucet Award for 2000.

For William M. "Bill" Kirk, "rural development" is much more than the name of his agency. It's the goal he strives for out in the state's communities. As State Director, Rural Development, he has shown leadership, dedication and selfless service. Aiding the state's water and wastewater utilities requires effective plans and ongoing implementation. It means working with operators and city administrators, engineers and contractors. It takes money. Kirk has provided the leadership that brought all those elements onto the same team.

He has served on a variety of economic development committees and boards and chambers of commerce; he's been the director of a local bank, he operated a large diversified crop and livestock farm. Kirk knows small towns because he comes from one.

Today he leads an agency that continues to help many communities. From projects involving housing, community development, water and waste and infrastructure, he has been responsible for an agency-wide restructuring that has made it truly a rural development organization.

Since Kirk became State Director in May 1993, Rural Development has approved funding for over 100 water and sewer projects totaling slightly over $90 million in loans and grants. These projects represented a total cost of over $102 million, with the remaining $12 million coming from other sources such as CDBG, bonds and applicant contribution. RD's own funding has increased also over the years, from $9,180,000 in 1993 to $12,238,000 in FY99. KRWA salutes William M. Kirk, State Director, Rural Development.

In 1999, the first Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) were sent out to in accordance with the 1996 amendments of the Safe Drinking Water Act. KRWA used its template to prepare the reports for nearly 300 utilities. But some systems created their own CCRs.

KRWA established the nation's first-ever CCR contest for those water utilities who prepared their own reports. Eighteen systems entered the contest.

Each of the first place awards received $100; second place received $75; and third and fourth places received $50. Judges were David Mueller, KRWA President; Darrel Plummer, KDHE; and Ellen Miller, Ellen Miller Group. All winners met or exceeded required language and information.

1. Rural water districts and for-profit utilities -- First place, Jackson RWD 1; second place, Harvey RWD 1; third place, Suburban Water Company, Basehor.

3. Municipalities serving over 3,000 population First place, Board of Public Utilities, Kansas City; second place, City of Winfield; third place, City of Garden City; fourth place, City of Topeka.

Congratulations to these winners! All of these reports were located in the poster exhibits during the conference. Their reader-friendly design, readability, useful information and visuals invited customers to


	KRWA Conference 2000 Award Winners

	President David Mueller and Awards Committee Chairman Darrell Schlabach are on stage, describing the winner. Suspense builds. Is it possible? Could it be me? Then the name. The long walk from your seat to the stage. Spotlights. Applause from 700 people in the audience. That beautiful plaque. The photographer taking your picture. Finally making it back to your seat, finally reading every word. Holding the plaque very carefully. Being recognized as "The best of the best" is the thrill of a career. In 2000, nine awards were made by Kansas Rural Water Association and one by Rural Development. The recipients have gone the extra mile, day after day. Because of their commitment, their communities can be sure of safe, healthy water 365 days a year. These winners exemplify the 2000 conference theme, "Plans + Service = The Future." They are a role model for others, showing that you reap what you sow. Heartfelt congratulations to the 2000 award winners, "The best of the best." Rural Water Operator Larry Smith, Sedgwick County RWD 3, is held in high regard by his community. He's known for doing things right the first time, after careful research and observation. That's one reason that this district can handle almost any emergency in-house. That's also why it shines, from pump house to the tank interiors. You'd think that operating and managing a growing district that maintains its own construction equipment would be enough. But Smith is much more than "just" an employee. He is a member of the district's long range planning committee. He has passion for his work. He works with integrity and fairness, even when someone cuts a pipeline or smashes a valve box. Congratulations to Larry Smith for his outstanding contributions. Rural Water Business Manager In 1999 when Consolidated RWD No. 1, Leavenworth County won the "Most Improved water system" award, it was accepted by Business Manager Lois Fulkerson. In 2000, Fulkerson won an award for her own contributions. Hired as a part-time bookkeeper, she got board members' attention by attending their meetings. She asked questions and challenged some long-standing policies. Soon this part-time bookkeeper was promoted to manager, but she didn't rest on her achievements. The district was growing fast with requests for hundreds of potential connections. An early task was overhauling internal policies and procedures. She administered a construction improvement program that included a new 750,000 gallon storage tower, a new office and shop, larger pipelines and a total changeout to radio-read meters. Today she drives down the road at 60 miles an hour, her laptop and software catching meter readings for the more than 1000 customers. Looking ahead, she has helped plan the district's future and implement that plan. Continued improvements are due in large measure due to her leadership and business savvy. KRWA salutes Lois Fulkerson for service far above and beyond the call of duty. Municipal Operator Dennis Ashcraft, City of Holton, has served his city for 16 years in the water and wastewater treatment arena. A Class IV certified operator in both water and wastewater, he received an Associates of Science in Agriculture and in Environmental Technology. His community improvement projects related to water and wastewater include the planning and development of a new surface water treatment plant. As if that weren't enough, Ashcraft is on the steering committee of a large regional wholesale water supply district. Active in church, civic and community organizations, he works to improve the quality of life in his community. He does whatever it takes to get the job done right, whether during working hours or afterwards. Many congratulations to Dennis Ashcraft for devoting time and service to his fellow citizens. Rural Water Bookkeeper Dalene Hill, Pottawatomie County RWD 1, has many achievements. An exceptional one: No accounts are over 30 days' delinquent. That's due to Hill's proficiency with computers and modern office equipment. Working with the manager/operator, she has designed numerous forms and created a variety of databases to keep track of anything and everything. Customers appreciate her business approach. She is a skilled communicator in complex matters such as billing and transfers. The board appreciates her serving as secretary, bookkeeper and office manager. They clearly have Superwoman on the payroll. Many congratulations to Dalene Hill for her top quality work on behalf of her community and water district. Municipal Business Manager Paula Holle's achievements have been recognized in many ways -- Kansas Municipal Clerk of the Year 1991; Past President of the City Clerks Municipal Finance Officers Association; Kansas/IIMC Certification Institute Advanced Academy; Certified General Administrators Program With Supplemental Housing Certification from the Kansas Dept. of Housing & Commerce and more. The City of Marysville is fortunate to have such a versatile, proven employee. Holle knows and understands the municipal business well. She works with the planning commission; she is the zoning administrator. Professionalism is her hallmark. When an employee has a problem, she does not take it personally but instead works to find solutions. Congratulations go to a true professional, Paula Holle, City of Marysville. Municipal Wastewater Operator Nearly 20 years ago, no one guessed that Steve Leiker, City of Hays, would become plant superintendent. Starting out as a trainee, he has been regularly promoted up through the ranks due to his outstanding performance and positive attitude. Leiker's achievements have been recognized by other organizations. In 1997, US EPA awarded his plant the Operations & Maintenance Excellence Award; the award is special because it represents an entire organization. Presently he represents Kansas on a national organization board. Proficient, intuitive, caring, personable -- all describe this award winner. And he is loyal, as exemplified by his devotion to the Dallas Cowboys through thick and thin. KRWA salutes Steve Leiker, City of Hays, for his achievements. Most Improved Water System Nobody would accuse Marion County RWD No. 4 of making decisions too fast. But this district sure knows how to move once it has decided what to do. As a result, no longer do customers have little water because of inadequate system capacity. Guided by a caring board of directors, attentive office staff and efficient field operator, it can now meet demands for growth and from existing users. Marion County RWD No. 4 has built an additional 500,000 gallon storage tank and new lines to over 100 new users. The project was funded with a loan through the KDHE Public Water Supply Loan. This system is looking ahead, taking actions carefully. Congratulations to the most improved water system in the state, Marion County RWD No. 4. Special Recognition Award This award is made for outstanding service over many years. The 2000 winner, Maurice Meirowsky, is President of the Kansas Rural Water Finance Authority (KRWFA). Kansas Rural Water's Board of Directors chose this winner because it's past time to give credit where credit is due. He volunteers time and mileage for many trips, often on very short notice, but never requested or received a cent of expense reimbursement. That's the kind of diligence that has helped gain respect for the organization he heads. Meirowsky works hard to help people solve problems, whether on a statewide or local basis. Chairman of his own water district board, he has devoted more than a dozen years to guide a statewide organization that assists water utilities with financing and helps them understand their financing options. Since its founding in 1988, the KRWFA has issued over $61 million in bonds. In 1997, the State of Kansas entered into agreement with the KRWFA to have it provide additional help and financial oversight to the rural water districts in the new Public Water Supply Loan fund. This oversight has helped allow the Kansas program to have the highest leveraged program nationally. It's due to the leadership, time and effort of Maurice Meirowsky that KRWFA has provided those services to communities across the state. KRWA salutes him as President of the Kansas Rural Water Finance Authority. Silver Faucet Award Since 1975, the Rural Development Agency has presented the Silver Faucet Award to a utility in recognition of outstanding performance in providing water to rural Kansas. In 2000, the award was presented by William Kirk, State Director of Rural Development, and Gary Smith, Chief of Community and Business Programs. The winner was Morris County RWD No. 1. In presenting the award, Gary Smith noted that this water system exemplified leadership and diligence in serving rural communities, business and homes. "Last year I mentioned the USDA Water 2000 Initiative founded several years," Smith stated. "Its mission is to bring safe, dependable as soon as possible into the many rural American homes that lack it ... at least two million rural residents still have critical drinking water availability, quality and dependability problems." While the job is not yet done, USDA Rural Development (RD) is committed to carrying out that mission. Organized in the early 1980s, Morris County RWD No. 1 was deemed ineligible for grant assistance a few years later. Many people were very disappointed. However, that hurdle was subsequently overcome along with concerns concerning the Neosho madtom, an endangered species fish; the need for an archeological survey; and an adequate number and density of users to assure a feasible project. In 1991, USDA approved loans and grants totalling $5.4 million to provide service to 350 rural users and two cities. Later RD loans and grants during the 1990s totaled over $631,000. The result today? Service to nearly 450 users and three wholesale purchasers in its four-county service area. Despite setbacks, the district did not give up. It has "continued and will continue to bring rural water to those in need," Smith stated. Many congratulations to Morris County RWD No. 1 for winning the USDA Rural Development Silver Faucet Award for 2000. Friend of Rural Water For William M. "Bill" Kirk, "rural development" is much more than the name of his agency. It's the goal he strives for out in the state's communities. As State Director, Rural Development, he has shown leadership, dedication and selfless service. Aiding the state's water and wastewater utilities requires effective plans and ongoing implementation. It means working with operators and city administrators, engineers and contractors. It takes money. Kirk has provided the leadership that brought all those elements onto the same team. He has served on a variety of economic development committees and boards and chambers of commerce; he's been the director of a local bank, he operated a large diversified crop and livestock farm. Kirk knows small towns because he comes from one. Today he leads an agency that continues to help many communities. From projects involving housing, community development, water and waste and infrastructure, he has been responsible for an agency-wide restructuring that has made it truly a rural development organization. Since Kirk became State Director in May 1993, Rural Development has approved funding for over 100 water and sewer projects totaling slightly over $90 million in loans and grants. These projects represented a total cost of over $102 million, with the remaining $12 million coming from other sources such as CDBG, bonds and applicant contribution. RD's own funding has increased also over the years, from $9,180,000 in 1993 to $12,238,000 in FY99. KRWA salutes William M. Kirk, State Director, Rural Development. Consumer Confidence Reports In 1999, the first Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) were sent out to in accordance with the 1996 amendments of the Safe Drinking Water Act. KRWA used its template to prepare the reports for nearly 300 utilities. But some systems created their own CCRs. KRWA established the nation's first-ever CCR contest for those water utilities who prepared their own reports. Eighteen systems entered the contest. Each of the first place awards received $100; second place received $75; and third and fourth places received $50. Judges were David Mueller, KRWA President; Darrel Plummer, KDHE; and Ellen Miller, Ellen Miller Group. All winners met or exceeded required language and information. The three categories and winners were: 1. Rural water districts and for-profit utilities -- First place, Jackson RWD 1; second place, Harvey RWD 1; third place, Suburban Water Company, Basehor. 2. Municipalities serving under 3,000 population First place, City of Osage City; second place, City of Longton; third place, City of Marion. 3. Municipalities serving over 3,000 population First place, Board of Public Utilities, Kansas City; second place, City of Winfield; third place, City of Garden City; fourth place, City of Topeka. Congratulations to these winners! All of these reports were located in the poster exhibits during the conference. Their reader-friendly design, readability, useful information and visuals invited customers to



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