CITY NAMES LESTER ENGINEER

Mark Lester recently was named city engineer, selected from 21 applicants after a nationwide search.

Lester, who joined the engineering department in 1990, was working as interim city engineer. Kensey Russell held the position for 20 years before joining a private firm in Chillicothe.

Lester will be working on transportation improvements, separation of combined sewer pipes, water distribution design, recreational hiking and biking trails and the elevation of South Sprigg and LaCruz streets.

He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering management from University of Missouri-Rolla and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia. Lester is married and has two sons.