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Iola Today
By the People, for the People
Iola Water Plant Gets New Superintendent
Lyndon Kern takes over as Iola's water plant superintendent, facing aging equipment and infrastructure upgrades.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 7:20pm
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A gleaming water valve symbolizes the critical infrastructure upgrades underway at Iola's aging water treatment plant.Iola TodayLyndon Kern has taken over as the new water plant superintendent in Iola, Kansas, replacing the retiring Toby Ross. In his first week on the job, Kern encountered his first challenge with a chemical feed line shutting down unexpectedly, highlighting the need to closely monitor the plant's aging equipment and infrastructure. Kern plans to prioritize upgrading the plant's 20-year-old programmable logic controllers, which are no longer supported by the manufacturer.
Why it matters
The Iola water plant is a critical piece of the city's infrastructure, providing clean drinking water to residents. Ensuring the plant's continued reliable operation is essential, especially as much of the equipment and technology is reaching the end of its lifespan. Kern's leadership will be crucial in navigating these upgrades and maintaining service during the transition.
The details
Kern started in his new role as water plant superintendent on March 23, replacing the retiring Toby Ross. In his first week on the job, Kern encountered an issue with one of the plant's chemical feed lines shutting down overnight without warning. While Kern was able to quickly resolve the problem, it highlighted the need for closer monitoring as the plant's equipment continues to age. The water plant was built in 2005, about two years before Kern was hired as an employee in 2007. After a decade of relatively smooth operations, Kern now faces the challenge of replacing 20-year-old equipment, including the plant's programmable logic controllers (PLCs), which are no longer supported by the manufacturer. The city has budgeted $500,000 to upgrade the PLCs by the end of 2026.
- Lyndon Kern started as Iola's new water plant superintendent on March 23, 2026.
- The Iola water plant was built in 2005, about two years before Kern was hired as an employee in 2007.
The players
Lyndon Kern
The new water plant superintendent in Iola, Kansas, who replaced the retiring Toby Ross.
Toby Ross
The previous water plant superintendent in Iola, Kansas, who retired and was replaced by Lyndon Kern.
What they’re saying
“'It was a new thing for us. We know what happened, but we don't know what caused it.'”
— Lyndon Kern, Water Plant Superintendent
What’s next
Kern plans to prioritize upgrading the water plant's 20-year-old programmable logic controllers (PLCs) by the end of 2026, using the $500,000 budgeted by the city for the project.
The takeaway
Kern's leadership will be crucial in ensuring the Iola water plant continues to reliably provide clean drinking water to residents as the facility's aging equipment and infrastructure require significant upgrades in the coming years.
