Utilities Department Welcomes Three New Employees

During the last eight months, the Wilmore Utilities Department has hired three new plant operators. These gentlemen will be responsible for all levels of operations at both the water and wastewater treatment plants.

In July of 1996, Vernon Goss resigned his full-time position as a plant operator to accept a position with the Nicholasville Fire Dept., the culmination of his lifelong dream. Vernon's position was filled in November by Jon Oepping, a 1996 graduate of Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Jon received an Associate degree in Water Environmental Technology and was a certified water and wastewater plant operator in Iowa. Jon attended Tates Creek High School in Lexington where he was on the football and wrestling teams and he still leads a very active life and can be found boating, fishing, or lifting weights in his spare time.

In June of 1997, James Zweifel replaced another operator, Jeff Lee, who accepted a position with the Kentucky Rural Water Association in December.

James is a 1983 graduate of Asbury College, earning a BS in Education. Following graduation, James and his family went to California while he worked and pursued graduate studies at Sonoma State University. In 1987, they returned to Lexington where James began teaching and continued his studies at UK. Prior to accepting the position with Wilmore, he was teaching science and coaching at Grace Christian Academy.

James has very strong Wilmore connections in that he was born and raised in Wilmore and graduated from Jessamine Co. High. His parents are the renowned Cecil & Johnetta Zweifel, and his in-laws are the esteemed Lt. Col. James L. (Ret.) and Mrs. Lynne Neyman. James married Jody Neyman and Jody's brother is Sergeant Andy Neyman of the Wilmore Police Dept. James and Jody have three wonderful children; Tyler (8), Austin (4), and newly arrived Madison (7 weeks).

James and Jody home school their children and they are very active at Grace Fellowship of Lexington where James is a leader on the Praise and Worship Team.

Because of Wilmore's growth and our need to create a second shift for operations at the water treatment plant, we had the privilege of offering a position to Jonathan Wilbur in July of this year.

Jonathan spent many years in Oklahoma but now also has very strong ties to Wilmore. He is a 1996 graduate of Asbury College with a Bachelors degree in Biology. Jonathan's illustrious parents are Frank, who is a Professor of Biology at Asbury College, and Wendy, who is a nurse at the Asbury College clinic. Jonathan's wife, Laura, is a student at the Seminary working on a Masters degree in Missions and Evangelism. Jonathan and Laura are also proud new parents of a daughter, Trinity Faith (4 mos.).

Prior to working for Wilmore, Jonathan was a lab technician for McCoy & McCoy Laboratories in Lexington, and the kitchen manager at Darryl's. Jonathan enjoys weight lifting, racquetball, hiking, rock climbing, reading, and being active at the Church of the Savior in Lexington where he and Laura are members.

These three excellent employees bring tremendous skills and abilities to the team who sees to all the water and wastewater treatment needs of our wonderful community. Together, We Build!

Dave Carlstedt
Utilities Director