New Russell Public Works Director selected

Richard Krause will begin his duties as Russell Public Works Director in December. (Photo courtesy City of Russell)

City of Russell

With impending retirement of current Public Works Director Arlyn Unrein on December 18, 2015, it was important to the city and the community that we find the best person to lead the Public Works Department in the future, so the city conducted both an internal and state-wide search. The city was pleased with the quantity and the quality of the applications received.

Russell's longtime Public Works Director Arlyn Unrein will retire Dec. 18, 2015. — Russell’s longtime Public Works Director Arlyn Unrein will retire Dec. 18, 2015.

After an extensive selection process, Richard Krause has been selected to fill the Public Works Director’s position beginning in December. Richard has worked for the City of Russell since 1980, where he has served
in the Water Department in various positions including Lead Worker. In 1996, Richard was promoted to Parks Superintendent and Cemetery Sexton.

Richard Krause and his wife Tammy are life-long Russell residents where they raised their two sons, Nathan and Ryan. Richard has broad municipal experience and received certification in municipal utility management from the Salina Area Vocational-Technical School.

Krause is involved within the community and currently serves as the financial secretary for the Knights of Columbus, is a volunteer with the Russell Regional Hospital Auxiliary and has coached many youth sports in the community.