For Immediate Release

Date: 4/12/07
Contact Person: Laura Vidal

Phone: 317-789-4200

Local Men Win Awards

The City of Linton was recently honored by three members of the community winning awards from the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water during their Spring Conference held in Bloomington, IN on March 20^th.

Jeff Lehman, Gas & Water Superintendent for Linton Municipal Utilities, was awarded "Water Operator of the Year" for his exemplary performance throughout the year. Jeff was nominated by the General Manager of Utilities, Brent Slover. Jeff is responsible for the day to day operation of both the Water and the Natural Gas Utility. He has been highly involved in the utility's water and wastewater plant improvements and has been very active with the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water’s grass roots efforts to continue funding from EPA.

Brent Slover, General Manager of Utilities for the Linton Municipal Utilities was presented with the “Bud Dale” award. This award is presented to an individual for their contributions to the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water. Brent is a past President and Board Member of the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water and has been involved with the Alliance’s grass roots efforts. Brent is a member of American Public Gas Association, American Public Power Association, Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, Indiana Municipal Electric Association and serves as a commissioner of the Indiana Municipal Power Agency.

The City of Linton's Mayor, Tom Jones, was the recipient of the "John Reeves" award. This award is given to a Mayor, Council Member, Board Member or elected official for their time and devotion to the water/wastewater industry. Mayor Tom Jones has lobbied on behalf of cities and towns across the entire state on issues affecting the utility industry as well as civil city affairs. He has served on numerous committees including several with the Indiana Association of Cities & Towns, the task force for the Community Planning Guide for the Office of Rural Affairs High Speed Communication Division of the State of Indiana, and has recently been appointed by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman to serve on the states Cities & Towns Committee.

The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is one of the primary providers of training for water system and wastewater system Operators, as well as support for City Officials, Office Personnel and Managers. The organization supplies up-to-date, accurate information on system requirements from IDEM and EPA for water and wastewater systems, providing a valuable meeting ground for system operators and regulatory agencies. The Alliance also provides on-site technical assistance and training to the water and wastewater systems of Indiana on a daily basis.