The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
By: Christy Kienast, The Quill
After 30 years of service, La Harpe Water Superintendent Tim Graves gave his two weeks notice on February 26, 2016.
The notice comes after almost a year of turbulent times in La Harpe, exploding in December with the controversial firing of city water employee Daniel Carpenter. r.
So, what's next for La Harpe?
La Harpe Mayor Ryan Kienast said, I was surprised and saddened by Tim's letter, I wish him well in the future. Moving forward, city employee Wayne Humphrey has his sewer license and is willing to help our other city employee David Little with the water.
"David has been filling in for water and sewer when Tim has had days off. ff.
"At one time in his career, Wayne had his water license. We will have to work with a contract worker with a license until we get a licensed worker.
"It is very important for us to have two Class A water license. We will keep La Harpe's water going as usual, said Mayor Kienast.
City employee Wayne Humphrey said, I have made a decision to not take part in this argument that is dividing our city. It costs too much!
"Chief Joseph (an admirable indian chief who fought for his tribe in the late 1800s) was quoted as saying, 'From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more, forever.' 9;
Humphrey went on to say, "I have dear friends on both sides of the council.
"Ryan (Kienast) was in my daughter's class. I have known him his whole life. I remember when Josiah (Neff) was born.
"Ken (Foster) and his sister stayed at my home at times so his parents could have a date.
"I have known Marcia 35+ years.
"I baled hay with David's (Mershon) dad.
"Darrell (Kraft) worked at my brother's gas station I have heard all of his stories more than once and want to hear all of them again.
"Psalm 131:1 says: Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. The opposite is also true,
"Mark 3:24 says: If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.
"Please, no more we/they. No more us/them. We only have one city. What has happened cannot be changed. But we can decide starting now to speak respectfully to one another and never discuss this for entertainment. ent.
"I understand the concern about keeping the city supplied with water. There is no way David and I can replace Tim and Dan& we have no intention of trying.
"But I believe we can keep the tower full of water. Neither of us has ever balked at working long hours and we both intend to do whatever is necessary to keep the city supplied with water.
"Finally, Jesus said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' That's what I want to be. I have worked for the city for 39 years and I want to be here when this is over to help all of us to learn to be friends again. Jeremiah 29:7 says: "seek the peace of the city". And pray to the Lord for it, Humphrey concluded.
David Little said, I have ran both plants one weekend a month and through the week as needed for the last 5 ½ years. I will do the best I can and keep the water on.
La Harpe Alderman and Water Committe member Ken Foster said, I just want to wish our water superintendent Tim Graves best wishes with his new job. As you all know, Tim had served our community for many years running our water plant making sure there was good drinking water for the town and he will be missed.
"I would also like to add that we have a licensed contractor who is going to operate the plant along the side of Dave Little and Wayne Humphrey in order to keep everything running smooth so that there are no interruptions with our water or sewer. ewer.
"This contractor is temporary until we find permanent replacement(s). Lay to rest any rumors you may have heard about the water not being available. This is simply not so, Foster said.