Lake super job is dream come true for Hudson
Staff reporter
It's kind of like going on vacation — every day.
That's how Steve Hudson, Marion County Lake Superintendent, sometimes sees his job.
The job is demanding with a lot of responsibility but Hudson enjoys being outdoors, meeting people, and talking about camping and fishing with visitors.
Fond childhood memories of camping and fishing trips prepared Hudson for his new role as the lake manager.
Only being on the job a little more than a week, Hudson likes the vacation atmosphere at the lake.
It's also a delicate balance of working with lake visitors, lake residents, state and county officials, and organizations interested in the lake.
The former road foreman for the county road and bridge department knows his previous job wasn't always dealing with happy constituents.
"It's neat to watch people come through the doors," Hudson said, referring to people being in a "fun" state of mind. "It's been very pleasurable."
These first few months, Hudson basically is maintaining the status quo. No major changes will be made until he has had a chance to evaluate the process.
It's a learn-as-he-goes experience with various reports coming due with the usual budget planning for 2008.
Currently the lake house for the superintendent is being refurbished with new floor covering and paint. Hudson still remains on the site, sleeping on a cot. His wife, Jill, and son Brady will move to the lake when the work is completed. The family's home in Marion will be sold.
"It's important for me to be at the lake at all times," Hudson said. "It wouldn't work for me to be in town overnight."
His days are long this time of year, putting in 10-12 hours, but Hudson knew it would be like that when he signed on.
His number one priority in this position is enforcing safety practices.
"Whether it's sounding the tornado alarm, monitoring the swimming area, or enforcing boating safety, what I do is for the safety of our visitors," he said.
It's also important for visitors to have a good time and by consistently enforcing park rules, that will be accomplished.
"I won't have two sets of rules, some for one person and different ones for someone else," Hudson said. "I intent to patrol the area to make sure things are kept in order."
He also knows people respond to how they're treated.
"It's how you approach people," Hudson said. "I'll visit with the person for a little bit before telling them of their violation or concern."
And, for Hudson, it's all about visitors having fun but being safe.
Born and raised in Idaho Springs, Colo., Hudson made his way to Kansas when he attended McPherson College and played football.
After two years of successful course work and time on the football field, Hudson decided he wanted to go out in the world.
He spent some time in Alaska but eventually found his way back home and to his college girlfriend who eventually became his wife.
So, what brought Hudson and his family to Marion?
"Jill and Deanna Thierolf grew up together in Iowa," he said.
Jill came to Marion to visit the Thierolfs and liked what she saw.
The Hudsons wanted to experience the small-town lifestyle, knew Marion had good schools, and housing certainly was affordable.
With a construction background and experience driving a snow plow, Hudson was hired in April 2004, by the county road and bridge department as an equipment operator. When road and bridge superintendent Gerald Kelsey became ill and eventually resigned, and road foreman Jim Herzet was promoted to Kelsey's position, Hudson was promoted to road foreman.
When lake superintendent Dale Snelling retired, Hudson knew the timing wasn't right for him to change positions. When the position was advertised for a second round, Hudson decided he needed to apply.
"This is something I've always wanted to do," he said, and didn't want to miss what could be the opportunity of a lifetime.
As a child, Hudson and his father had talked about owning and operating a marina.
With a smile on his face, Hudson said this wasn't exactly the same thing but it's close.
Hudson will obtain training in CPR, first aid, weather watch, and other fields as needed.
This fall and winter, he plans to organize the supply storage shed, shop, and heated dock.
He knows the job will take time away from his family but knows his family will adjust.
When asked if Jill will assist him, Hudson said she probably won't and he wanted her to continue working at Prairie View, which she enjoys. Jill also coaches girls' basketball and track at Marion High School.
The Hudsons have three children, Kassie, a senior at a college in Texas, Megan, a sophomore at Hutchinson Community College, and Brady, a sophomore at Marion High School.
Currently, Hudson has five part-time employees he can utilize as needed. Applications currently are being accepted for the assistant lake superintendent position which hopefully will be filled in the coming weeks, Hudson said.
When Snelling retired, wife Tootsie Snelling who was the assistant, retired with him.
With his 12-year-old dog, Tess, by his side Hudson wants to be visible by patrolling the lake and making himself available to provide assistance whenever needed.
Don't look for the new guy to be a pushover. Hudson plans to do everything by the book.
"If Dale didn't allow it then I probably won't either," he said.
