The Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA) recently honored MMU IT and Broadband Director Jim Widel and Board of Public Works member Ken Bryant with awards for their service.

Widel received the Paul Jensen Individual Achievement Award, recognizes an employee of an MPUA member who has been an active participant in the Alliance for at least 5 years, and who has accomplished special achievements for their utility. Bryant was the recipient of the Public Official Award, which recognizes personal service to MPUA by elected and appointed officials at the state or local level.

Widel began working at MMU as a Computer Programmer/ Operator in 1994 and became Director of the IT & Broadband Department in 2019. Bryant joined the Board in 2011 and has since contributed to the success of a water treatment plant project to reduce disinfection byproducts, significant upgrades at Marshall’s wastewater treatment plant, construction of a 161 kV emergency tie, demolition of the utility’s steam plant and the expansion of the city’s municipal broadband service.

The annual Alliance Awards are made in recognition of achievement and distinction among MPUA member hometown utilities.

Photos courtesy of MMU