Former WaterWorks board recognized by mayor for their service

Members of the former Newton WaterWorks Board of Trustees were honored by the mayor for their volunteer services on Jan. 16 before city council convened for their bi-weekly meeting. Newton Mayor Mike Hansen presented Maureen Lockwood and Brett Doerring with plaques commemorating their service.

Brian Buch also served on the board of trustees but was not present during the city council meeting.

“I want to recognize some folks that have served this community in a capacity that no longer exists,” he said. “Their recommendation was that we do something different with our WaterWorks division, and the voters of this community agreed with them. So this evening I want to bring up the former board of trustees.”

Newton WaterWorks is now managed by the city council after a successful vote of the people in September 2022. The public measure was recommended by the board of trustees, which was impressed by the city’s handling of the department during an interim basis following the death of Lloyd Dale “LD” Palmer.

With the city finally taking over WaterWorks, the utility has become its own division under public works. Former public works director Jody Rhone is now serving as the utilities director for the city and is overseeing WaterWorks. Taking over as public works director is Joe Grife.