Iola’s water rated best in state (again!)

For the 14th time in the past 20 years, Iola water plant employees topped all comers in a quiz bowl-style competition to rate their knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes. In addition, the city's water was rated as the best-tasting water in the state, for the fourth time in the past 11 years.
Iola Water Plant Superintendent Lyndon Kern, from left, stands with plant workers Alec Sager, Brandon Thomas and Joseph Froggatte after Iola was recognized this week for having the state’s best-tasting water. Photo by Richard Luken / Iola Register
by Richard Luken
Published: September 11, 2026
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For the 14th time in the past 20 years, Iola water plant employees topped all comers in a quiz bowl-style competition to rate their knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes. In addition, the city’s water was rated as the best-tasting water in the state, for the fourth time in the past 11 years.

Iolans can once again boast of having the best tasting water in the state — and having the most knowledgeable water plant employees.

The city’s water plant operators Brandon Thomas, Joseph Froggatte and Alec Sager continued what has become an annual tradition by taking the top honors Wednesday at the Kansas Water Environment Association and American Waterworks Association competition in Wichita.

The trio earned the trophy for best tasting water, and also took first place in a quiz bowl-style competition in which teams are tested on various water and wastewater treatment processes.

Richard Luken

Richard has been a part of the Register family since 1994. Richard covers general news and, on occasion, sports. A native of Moran, Richard came to the paper while still a student at Allen Community College. With mentors former publisher Emerson Lynn Jr. and former veteran reporter Bob Johnson at the ready, Richard learned how to be a star reporter. Over the span of his 28 years his news beats have included school board meetings for Districts 257 and 258, as well as Allen Community College trustee meetings. He’s also routinely covered city council meetings for Iola, Humboldt, LaHarpe and Moran. He’s covered floods, wrecks, true crime — everything from heart-warming to heart-breaking stories. For his work, Richard has consistently won top awards in statewide competitions year after year. Outside the office, he enjoys sports, reading and keeping up with the kids and grandkids.

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