no bars. Deer! - Nebraska Public Power District

May / June 2009
Volume 2 Issue 3
Current news about Nebraska Public Power District

2
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Energy Insight is published by
the Nebraska Public Power District
Corporate Communications Department
as a service for employees, customers
and friends of NPPD. Its purpose
is to communicate NPPD news
and information and to recognize
achievements of employees, retirees
and their families.
Board of Directors
Dennis Rasmussen, Chairman
Larry Linstrom, First Vice Chairman
Ron Larsen, Second Vice Chairman
Mary Harding, Secretary
Wayne Boyd
Jerry Chlopek
Virg Froehlich
Ken Kunze
Darrell Nelson
Ed Schrock
Gary Thompson
Senior Manager, Government and
Public Relations
Beth Boesch
Executive Editor
Brenda Sanne
Managing Editor
Jill Novicki, jrnovic@nppd.com
Photography
Gary Pelster
Contributors
Mark Becker
Evelyn Chittenden
Mark Miller
Graphic Design
Bill Haack
Dan Zastera
Reporters
Marjorie Allen, Chadron
Darla Wait, Chadron
Kathy Fadschild, Columbus
Glenn Troester, Cooper Nuclear Station
Kathy Nelson, Doniphan Control Center
Lynn Phagan, Gerald Gentleman Station
Lisa Willson, Kearney
Bobbie Morford, Lincoln
Kathy Eaton, McCook
Helen Hinz, McCook
Barb Keating, Norfolk
Mindy Leaverton, Norfolk
Connie Knapp, Ogallala
Eileen Osborne, O’Neill
Lottie Kellison, Plattsmouth
Colleen Mathewson, Scottsbluff
Cindy Holsing, Sheldon Station
Kris Cross, South Sioux City
Cindy Klein, York
3 H1N1 Pandemic
The World Health Organization
declared a global H1N1 flu
pandemic in June. Learn what
you can do to help stay healthy.
4 President’s Message
President and CEO Ron Asche
shares the good news and the
not so good news in regard to
the District’s energy future.
6 Can You Hear Me
Now?
NPPD and the State of
Nebraska team up to build a
statewide radio system.
8 40 Year and Counting
Five long-term employees share
some of their more memorable
experiences with the District.
14 Meet the Graduates
Find out who received
diplomas this year.
20 News Briefs
NPPD is making headlines with
wind technology, community
activities, energy efficiency
tips, and more.
26 News From Around
The State
Read about recent
accomplishments of employees
and their children.
32 Retiree news
Check out the retiree meeting
schedule and be sure to attend
the next meeting.
About the Cover:
A barn-raising business.
This Gambrel-roof barn
is just one style available
from Sand Creek Post &
Beam, Inc., of Wayne. To
date, the business has
shipped barn kits to 43
states. Read about the
company and its owners
on pages 12-13.
courtesy photo

World Health Organization declares... H1N1 pandemic
A new strain of human influenza, H1N1, is making
headlines. It’s talked about on the television, in
the newspaper, on the Internet, at work, at church,
seemingly everywhere.
On June 11, the World Health Organization
(WHO) raised the worldwide pandemic alert level
to the highest level—Phase 6—in response to the
ongoing global spread of the novel virus. A Phase
6 designation indicates that a global pandemic is
underway. The WHO designation of a pandemic alert
Phase 6 reflects the fact that there are now ongoing
community level outbreaks in multiple parts of world,
so it is a reflection of the spread of the virus, not the
severity of illness caused by the virus.
The WHO considers the overall severity of the
influenza pandemic to be moderate. According to
the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than
70 countries are reporting cases of human infection
with H1N1 virus. This number has been steadily
increasing, but many of the cases reportedly had
links to travel or were localized outbreaks without
community spread.
Because novel H1N1 is a new virus, many people
may have little or no immunity against it. Currently
there is no vaccine to protect against the virus.
NPPD’s actions
NPPD has a pandemic team that began monitoring
the outbreak in April. “The District has a corporate
pandemic flu plan that focuses on continuing to
provide low-cost, reliable electric service to our
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 3
customers while keeping our employees safe in the
event of an outbreak,” stated Corporate Security
Manager Kim Walden, who heads up the pandemic
team. Facilities across the District have implemented
some actions from the corporate plan, such as posting
signs asking those who have been exposed to the flu
or who are experiencing flu-like symptoms to not
enter the building. Managers and supervisors are also
tracking employee absences in relation to the flu with
numbers available to be rolled up to state officials, if
necessary.
What you can do to stay healthy
National levels of severe illness appear similar
to levels seen during local seasonal influenza
periods, and most people recover without
medical care, reports the CDC. Consider the
following actions from the CDC website to
help keep you healthy:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue
when you cough or sneeze, or cough into
your sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash
after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and
water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also
effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs spread that way.
• Stay home if you are sick. CDC
recommends that you stay home and limit
contact with others to keep from infecting
them.
The CDC also recommends developing a family
emergency plan as a precaution. This should
include storing a supply of food, medicines,
facemasks, alcohol-based hand rubs and other
essential supplies.

4
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Preparing
The good news
for the
NPPD is well-positioned with existing generation
resources to meet the growing electricity needs of
our customers in the future. In May, we added 161
megawatts of baseload generation to our portfolio
through a power purchase agreement with Omaha
Public Power District’s Nebraska City Station Unit 2.
The plant was built with the best available emission
control technology which limits emissions and still
provides low-cost energy using coal as its fuel source.
Additionally, between 2010 and 2014, NPPD has
the potential to recapture a total of 565 megawatts of
baseload resources after expiration of several power
sales contracts with other utilities. Baseload resources
Future
There are signs the economy is stabilizing, but experts say it will take time, perhaps two to
three years, to make a full recovery. Nationwide, electricity demand is down
from the
PRESIDENT & CEO
RON ASCHE
5 percent. Like most businesses, NPPD is affected by the poor economy. So far this year,
energy sales to our wholesale customers are down roughly 3.5 percent from budget and our
off-system sales revenue is less than budget due to lower than expected market prices.
are those which are expected to be on-line most of
the time, providing the bulk of our customers’ energy
needs. These contracts are for a portion of the output
from our Cooper Nuclear Station power plant and
our Gerald Gentleman Station coal-fired power plant.
Regaining the power output from these resources
after the sales contracts end positions NPPD to have
surplus capacity for the foreseeable future.
The not so good news
In 2008, NPPD’s energy requirements were
produced with 60 percent carbon-emitting resources.
The proposed federal American Clean Energy and

Security Act of 2009 calls for a cap and trade program
aimed to limit greenhouse gas emissions and create
a market for buying and selling carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions allowances. Sources subject to the
cap would need to have one emission allowance for
every one ton of CO2 emitted. The bill’s intent is
to ration allowances between industry sectors. This
would place a cap on the amount of emissions NPPD
is allowed. That cap, under the current proposed
legislation, will be considerably less than our
historical emissions levels. In 2008, we emitted about
11.9 million metric tons of CO2. In 2012, NPPD is
projecting a total of 12.5 million metric tons of CO2
will be emitted. Based on preliminary analysis of this
proposed legislation, our share of the 2012 emissions
would need to be reduced by around 50 percent, or
we would need to buy the additional allowances on
the open market. Reducing CO2 emissions from our
coal plants means that we would have to increase
our generation from lower emitting generation such
as natural gas and non-emitting resources, such
as nuclear and renewables, and through energy
efficiency. By 2030, free allowances would no longer
be provided to the electric utility industry under the
provisions of this proposed bill.
The cost of the proposed cap and
trade legislation could be dramatic
for NPPD’s customers for two main
reasons.
1. Changing how we operate our generation units
(i.e. using higher cost fuels rather than burning
low-cost coal) would increase our production
costs, and,
2. Depending on the allowance cap and cost per
allowance, our retail costs could increase between
15 and 45 percent in 2012.
What are we doing?
Last year, NPPD submitted a request for a license
extension at Cooper Nuclear Station, which, if
approved, would allow us to operate the facility to
2034. We are also studying the feasibility of a power
uprate at the plant that would increase its output by
approximately 120 megawatts.
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 5
Additionally, our Board has set a goal of 10 percent
renewable energy by 2020. To meet this goal we
will need to install approximately 500 megawatts of
new renewable resources. Our plan is to install 80
megawatts every other year between now and 2020,
and we are currently reviewing the proposals received
for wind installations planned for 2010. It is possible
we would install more than 80 megawatts in one year
depending on the quality of proposals we receive.
The District also continues to promote energy
efficiency and conservation programs by encouraging
customers to use high-efficiency heat pumps, compact
fluorescent lighting and low-flow shower heads for
example. Our most recent load forecast shows that by
2013 these cumulative conservation efforts will shave
13 megawatts off our summer peak and 73 gigawatt
hours from our annual energy usage.
While currently we are well positioned for the
immediate future with respect to available resources,
we must also continue to investigate our options for
the next baseload and peaking resources. In these
uncertain times, we are looking into all available
technologies to ensure that we continue to provide low
cost, reliable service to our customers. Our current
projections show that we will need a new baseload
resource in approximately 2022; however, that time
frame may change due to a number of variables, such
as economic conditions and rate of load growth. Due
to the addition of variable generation such as wind,
we are also studying the need for additional peaking
resources that can come on-line quickly and follow
our load if wind-powered generation output is reduced
due to lack of wind.
Finally, we are also working with our federal
congressional representatives and electric utility
industry groups to try to help shape the federal
legislation. The current proposed legislation is
expected to have a significant cost impact on utilities
that have large amounts of coal-fired generation
resources. These costs will have to be passed on to
customers. This is a major concern for NPPD and
other utilities. In addition, there is no commercially
available technology to capture and store CO2.
The need to balance environmental goals and cost
impacts on electric rates are key messages we are
communicating to our Congressional representatives.

6
ENERGY INSIGHT • • MARCH MAY / JuNE / APRIl 2009 2009
Picture this: A car drives down a
quiet, out-of-the way road. How the
crash happens is not important. In
this instance, let’s say, sleepy driver,
cell phone – no bars. Deer! The car
swerves and then careens out of
control into a ditch and strikes a hard,
sideways blow to a power pole.
“Can You Hear
Me Now?”
New Radio System
to Meet Needs of
NPPD, State, Others
The pole cracks and tilts. Wires stretch and
one breaks, falling into a second wire.
Sparks crackle. The car pinwheels away and
finally skids to a stop.
The accident sets off a chain reaction of responses.
The first to know of the incident, actually, is the
local power company when their system announces
the interruption of electric power flowing down the
line. Other drivers come across the accident. Several
attempt to help the driver of the crashed car. One goes
to a nearby farmhouse and uses an old-fashioned land
line telephone to call emergency personnel. The state
patrol and local law enforcement respond, as does the
area volunteer fire department because dry grass in
the roadway ditch is smoldering and the threat of fire
looms.
It isn’t until all responders are involved that
something becomes clear. The various entities cannot
communicate with each other. There is no radio
reception in the area, and even if there were, each
of the various respondents has its own system. In
other words, the state patrol cannot talk to the fire
department. The fire department cannot talk to the
medical responders, and no one can talk to the electric
utility. A potential for chaos exists.
Communications and electricity have one major
thing in common: You really miss them when they’re
not available.
NPPD and the State of Nebraska are about to do
something to help address this “no coverage” problem
and bring a new level of commonality to the state’s
communications system. Together, they are going
to build (and share) a statewide land mobile radio

system. Building such a system was pretty much
a no-brainer, said Dave Webb, information and
telecommunications technology manager.
NPPD has a radio system in place that does not
currently meet all our needs, Webb explains. “We need
a new system,” he said. But the price tag to replace or
upgrade the system, initially estimated at $40 million
to $60 million to provide service where we need it,
made NPPD’s building a new system
on our own, in all likelihood, dead on
arrival. “We need coverage at some
time or another across the whole state,”
Webb said. “But statewide coverage is
the most expensive part of the system.
What we care about most is doing our
daily work in the field and providing
a reliable way to communicate with
dispatch.”
Even that need, though, could not
justify the expense.
When, however, it became common
knowledge that the state was searching
for an affordable way to build such a
new radio system, too, collaborative
ideas flowed. “We (NPPD and the state)
both need the same system,” Webb
said. “We knew that if we didn’t find a way to move
forward, the people of the state would be paying
double.”
Following many meetings and a lot of work and
negotiations, “We agreed that the system we would
install would be one system that could be built with
the capacity to meet all users’ needs. (Basically) for
half the price of the total, we could share one system,”
said Webb.
“The logic driving the process is that both NPPD
and the state need statewide coverage, and we could
share equally the infrastructure cost. NPPD will
actually own half the system,” Webb said. “The state
will own half. This system will serve all our needs,
and it will improve all cross-agency communications
in an emergency event,” he stated.
Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman lauded the new
radio system as “a major step forward … providing
… an essential element for ensuring a coordinated
emergency response.” He termed the plan a
“partnership between the state and NPPD (that would)
create a true statewide network for interoperable
communications.”
“We saved
the citizens
of Nebraska
$20 million
to $30
million.”
Dave Webb –
Information &
Telecommunications
Technology Manager
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 7
At first, those using the new statewide radio system
will be kept to a minimum, Webb indicates. The short
list includes the Nebraska Highway Patrol, NPPD,
the Nebraska Game and Parks Department and the
Nebraska State Fire Marshal. Webb used the Nebraska
State Patrol as an illustration of how the new system
would work. “If a highway patrol (officer) in the
northeast area of Nebraska needed to speak with a
person in the southwest area of Nebraska,
he could use the new radio system,” Webb
said.
In addition, the radio system would
be part of NPPD’s dispatch emergency
response plan. “One thing revealed
during the (last) ice storm was the
difficulty of communicating with (and
among) people in the field,” Webb said.
Webb cautioned that the new radio
system is a work in progress, and not
all issues have been worked out at this
time. A potential does exist to coordinate
communications with shared entities and
to expand the system at a later date, if
necessary. Discussions are underway on
the possibility of offering the system’s
services to subscribers at a price that has
yet to be determined.
Still, equipment has been shipped, and NPPD plans
to begin using the new radio system during the third
quarter of 2010. Implementation will begin in the west,
with September the target date for having the entire
system up and running. “It will begin (in earnest) for
NPPD when we put radios in trucks,” Webb said.
By working together with the state, “we saved the
citizens of Nebraska $20 million to $30 million,”
Webb said. NPPD’s total cost will be in the $13
million range instead of the initially estimated $40-
$60 million. “Another advantage of the partnership
– a design choice we made – each of us can operate
the system independently.” In addition to giving the
system flexibility, the independent operability also adds
redundancy, with one system control center (the state’s)
in Lincoln and a second (NPPD’s) in Kearney. “Ours
will be the backup system, but it can be self-operating if
we choose,” Webb said.
So, if you happen to see that TV commercial, the one
that asks: “Can you hear me now?” Think Nebraska
and NPPD, their partnership and the new shared land
mobile radio system. Think “Yes, we can!”

8
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
40 years
and counting…
The year was 1969. Richard Nixon was sworn in as our
37th president; Neil Armstrong walked on the moon;
the first draft lottery for the Vietnam War was held and
the Chevy Camaro was the car to own.
For 10 current employees, it was also
the year they began their careers with
NPPD. They’ve served under seven
CEOs and have logged more than
14,600 days on the job.
Five of the 40-year employees shared
their memories for us to enjoy.
Ardith Behlen
Economic Data Coordinator /
Columbus
My high school
teacher suggested
I apply for work at
Consumers Public
Power District. I met
the job requirements
with a high school diploma, and was so
excited about getting the job—paying
$200 a month.
On Monday, my first day at work, I was met with
four belts of dictation and an executive typewriter

with proportional spacing—a kind I had never
heard of before that used five spaces for an “m,”
two spaces for an “I,” and three spaces for the
rest of the alphabet. I always did fairly well in
typing but this typewriter was something else. We
had liquid paper for corrections, but the mistakes
showed through on the carbon paper. I went home
on Tuesday evening and cried. I didn’t think I
would be able to keep my job because I still didn’t
have any of the letters sent out. Finally, by Friday
I was able to mail them all. Later, I appreciated the
rocky start because it made me a better employee.
One of the best changes I’ve seen through the
years is the implementation of flex time. What a
great benefit for young parents. I know I would
have really appreciated it when my children were
young.
One of the funniest times I experienced was
when two colleagues and I attended a conference
in Texhoma, Okla. We flew to Dallas and rented
a car. It soon became apparent we were driving
in circles. After asking for directions, travel to
Texhoma went well. The conference was mainly
for economic developers from Oklahoma, and our
group from Nebraska was almost “shunned” as
the conference took place during a time when the
Cornhuskers were beating the Sooners.
On the way back, our plane in Dallas was
delayed for more than an hour because of bad
weather in St. Louis. Upon arrival, our plane was
held for landing so another plane could take off.
It turned out the plane leaving was
our connecting flight home
and we were left behind. We
stayed the night in a motel
where two of us were bitten by
bed bugs. Storms again the next
morning prevented us from taking
off for Omaha and we ended up
renting a car and driving home. We
sentimentally call it “our trip from
hell.”
The best part of working is the people
you work with on a regular basis and
the new people you meet. We work
with many customers in Economic
Development and meet so many nice
people.
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 9
Moose Bernt
Preventive Maintenance
Asset Planning Supervisor /
York Operations Center
My tenure started
with NPPS in the fall
of 1966. I had worked
for Bill Olk Plumbing
all through high
school and had visions of becoming a
plumber. However, the new home building market
all but came to a stop; I needed to find full-time
employment elsewhere.
On the recommendation of a friend who worked
there at the time, I applied for a job at NPPS. There
were no formal interviews conducted and shortly
after filling out the application for the job I was
told to report for work. I was hired as a temporary
groundman on the Transmission Line Crew in
Columbus. I was hired full-time by the substation
department in August of 1967.
My job involved statewide travel as we were
responsible for all the transmission lines and
substations throughout the NPPS system for five years
until our merger with Consumers Public Power. When
the merger took place, the state was split into four
areas and the York Operations Center. There were
around 22 employees in the substation maintenance
and test crews back then, and we were each asked
to choose our preference of area for relocation. The
Eastern Area, headquartered in Lincoln, was my third
choice. However the first question I was asked by the
area superintendent conducting the interview was,
“What is wrong with Lincoln?” I said nothing was
wrong with Lincoln, and I began working for Lincoln
Area Supervisor Neal Schoening in 1972.
I have personally been involved with Cooper
Nuclear Station and its substations since they
dug the hole for the reactor and the plant itself.
When the plant came on-line in 1972, our
crew was responsible for the maintenance and
repairs of the generator step-up transformers,
auxiliary transformers and associated
equipment outside the plant. Back then, there
were 88 full time people at the plant and
you were cleared to do work upon arrival.
We would be met at the security gate by

10 ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
“Queenie” the resident guard dog. I used
to take my hunting dog, Duke, along
with me so they could play while
we were working.
The most significant event
of my career happened
in May 1971 when I was
changing out 34.5 kV
pin and cap insulators
on the 34.5 kV bus at the
Beatrice Substation. I came
in contact with an energized
section of the bus, causing
the fault current to flow through
my right leg and exit to the steel
support structure out of my left leg. I fell
approximately 12 to 15 feet and became wedged in
the brace at the base of the switch mounting structure.
I was very fortunate not to be electrocuted or to have
lost the use of my legs. This experience is a great
example of why job briefs and the safety checklist are
so critical today.
The greatest area of change that I have been a part
of in the past 42 years is the evolution of electronics
as it relates to system operations, protection,
communications and the ability to enter data for
records. I personally believe that SAP is a great tool
and if its functionality were understood and used to its
full potential, it would be an even greater benefit.
Larry Budler
Engineer / Columbus
I began working for
Consumers in June
1968. It was the
height of the Vietnam
War and I had just
graduated from UNL.
As were many young men,
I was concerned about my future. Part of the reason I
applied at Consumers was the possibility that because
of the criticality of the industry, utility engineers
would be eligible for a draft deferment.
Two months after I started work for Consumers as
a field engineer in Norfolk, I was notified that my
application to USAF Officer Training School had
been accepted. Four years later, I returned to a new
company called NPPD.
The transition from the academic world and the
military world to Consumers was very interesting.
When I got out of school, the use of a slide rule was
the norm in the engineering world. Each office had
one mechanical calculator that would chunk away at
even the simplest problems. When I returned from the
Air Force, the HP 35 calculator had just come on the
market. The few engineers who had sprung $400 for
the calculator were envied by all.
As is true for most people, my career was filled with
ups and downs. I received some advice from a fellow
employee that has served me well over the years. He
said, “If you don’t like your current situation, just wait
a while, it will change.” I can point to numerous times
in my career where I did just that.
My most interesting project was when I was chosen
as the team coordinator for NPPD’s first irrigation
load management project in Ogallala. It gave me the
opportunity to work with many others, including our
rate department and end-use farmers.
For the past 40 years, NPPD has provided a stable
income for my family and has allowed me to work
with great employees who are part of a proud team.
Bev Kudron
ITT Access Control System
Administrator / Columbus
I was working at St.
Mary’s hospital as a
pharmacy technician
when I received a
call from a friend
asking if I would be
interested in being a data entry clerk
at Consumers. At that time, Tom Liddy was
the manager of the computer department, which was
located in the basement of what is now the Columbus
Public Library. I met with him in his office for the
interview and was hired on the spot. Tom was a firm
believer in on-the-job-training and had the motto “sink
or swim.” Tom did not have a college degree, but he
was an intelligent, self-educated man. He is definitely
my role model and one of the biggest influences on
my career.

When I began working, women were not allowed to
wear slacks, but in the mid 1970s the ban was lifted
and women could wear pant suits; however, denim
was not permitted to be worn by men or women.
Linda Hillen and I were the first women to use the
Maternity Leave Policy, which was implemented in
1972. Ironically, we both gave birth to our children
on the same day, Oct. 6, which was also the same
birthday as D.W. Hill, our CEO at that time. Prior
to implementation of the policy, women had to quit
their jobs when leaving to give birth and were not
guaranteed a job if they wanted to return.
Some highlights of my career were the construction
of Cooper Nuclear Station and the General Office.
While CNS was being built, part of my job was to
key in huge amounts of data used for the design and
inventory control. And, the General Office is special
to me because it is built on the property that was
previously home to St. Mary’s Hospital. I guess I
didn’t travel far from my previous job.
I have been in the computer department since
my career began and have experienced many ups
and downs. I consider myself very lucky to work at
NPPD and look forward to successfully meeting new
challenges. I have been fortunate to work with a great
variety of coworkers who have helped me succeed.
Charlie Magnussen
Local Manager / Ainsworth
I applied for a job
with Consumers in
June of 1969 because
the foreman’s son was
my best friend from
high school. This fact
might have helped
me get a job as a truck driver on the
Norfolk Construction Crew. Good jobs were
hard to come by and to get on with Consumers was
even harder. My starting wage was $2.19 per hour and
I couldn’t wait for my first $100 pay check! I think it
took a lot of years.
Back then, the job requirements were a good work
ethic, a strong back and a good sense of teamwork.
And for good measure, throw in a sense of humor
while going to the school of hard knocks. We learned
“hands on” from our foreman and linemen.
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 11
When I started with Consumers, there was only one
bucket truck in the whole state. Before bucket trucks,
we did all the line work out of hooks. Communication,
dispatching and modern safety equipment have
brought about the most changes in the electrical
industry. The days of banjos, spoons and molly busters
are long gone along with A-frame booms and diggers.
My most memorable event was when I was told
to get my hooks on and get up that pole – I wasn’t a
truck driver anymore!
An unexpected event that I will never forget
happened when I was climbing an H-structure in
western Nebraska. When I got up to the cross arm,
there was a big bull snake hissing right in my face. I
won’t go into what happened next.
Looking back at all the line work, storm jobs and
outages that I’ve been a part of and feeling a sense of
pride for the jobs well done and done safely makes me
happy and proud I work for NPPD. The best part of
working outages is meeting new people from all over
the state with a common goal of getting the lights on.

12
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
When Len Dickinson and Jule Goeller
moved from Lincoln to an acreage near
Wisner, Neb. in 2002, the couple was
solely focused on country living. “When
the home my grandmother was born in
became vacant, we decided to make the
move,” explained Goeller. “Our son was
grown and Len always wanted to live in
the country. When I asked Len what we
would do for a living, he assured me we’d
think of something.”
Dickinson’s work background included real
estate sales and management and various
other business ventures, while Goeller
had been a tax accountant for nearly 25
years. Starting a new business interested them, but the
couple was unsure on a direction.
“We knew we wanted to market a product we could
both be passionate about, that would not depend on
the local farm economy and had the potential to be
sold nationwide,” explained Goeller.
The idea of manufacturing and selling old-style
post and beam, wooden barn kits evolved over time.
“Partly from Len’s love of timber framing, and partly
from the two of us discussing how sad it was that
metal buildings were beginning to replace old barns
along the countryside, we came to the realization that
there may be new uses for barns for people moving
out to the country,” Goeller said.
On March 1, 2004, the pair founded Sand Creek
Post & Beam, Inc. “For over a year we worked on
developing the concept and plan and researching the

feasibility and profitability of such a venture,” Goeller
explained. “Our company was named after the creek
that runs through our property, as well as the creek
that runs through the north side of Wahoo where Len
used to play as a child—both called ‘Sand Creek.’ We
placed some test ads in a couple of targeted magazines
and received 70-80 requests for catalogs. That’s when
we knew we were on the right track.”
At Sand Creek Post & Beam, workers use primarily
Ponderosa Pine from the Black Hills to assemble
the post-and-beam barns on the plant floor. They
then disassemble them, pack the pieces onto flatbed
semitrailers and ship them to buyers around the
country. “You can currently find our barns in 43
states,” remarked Goeller. “We’ve shipped kits as
far away as Hawaii and to such diverse places as
Whidbey Island, Wash. and Long Island, N.Y. We
have an order in now for Alberta, Canada.”
“Our customers are building a variety of structures
from our kits; everything from a small barn or garage,
horse barn, business office, and hunting lodge, to a
complete home,” said Dickinson. “Post and beam
construction is very versatile and the beauty of the
wood is highlighted in these buildings.
The business has 13 employees in its Wayne
office, eight in its Wayne plant and five in a Georgia
plant. The business also employs four in-house sales
representatives, as well as one each in Texas, Georgia,
Montana and Iowa.
A Growing Business
Business is so good, the Wayne facility is
expanding. The $1 million project includes an addition
to the existing plant, the purchase and renovation
of an old office building in downtown Wayne, and
adding a second manufacturing facility.
Sand Creek Post & Beam recently introduced oldfashioned
wind tower windmills to its product line.
“Len began toying with the idea about a year ago,”
said Goeller. “As wind power has become more and
more popular, the time seemed right this spring to
re-introduce the Aermotor windmill with a Sand
Creek Post & Beam wood tower.” The first windmill
order came completely unsolicited from a man in
Indiana who had seen a brochure. “He simply wrote
up an order on a piece of tablet paper and mailed it
to our office along with a check,” said Goeller. To
accommodate those who want to generate a little
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 13
power with their own windmill, the company hopes to
introduce a small generator to go with the windmills
within the next few months.
2008 Large Business of the Year
Sand Creek Post & Beam received the “2008 Large
Business of the Year” award from the Wayne Area
Economic Development, Inc. The award is based on
nominations from the community. “We were honored
to receive this award,” said Dickinson. The city of
Wayne is an NPPD wholesale customer.
In late May, an open house showcased the newly remodeled
Sand Creek Post & Beam office in Wayne. People steadily
filter into the building and marvel at the woodwork. “The interior
includes a mock barn in the center that houses four offices,”
explained Jule Goeller, co-owner of the facility. “We have liberally
used various species of wood, posts, beams, windows and doors
made by Sand Creek Post & Beam throughout to give our visitors
a sense of being inside one of our barns.”
The wood tower windmills
feature Aermotor pump
systems and are fully
functional. “We’re very
pleased to bring these
landmarks back to our
rural landscape,” says
Len Dickinson, co-owner
of Sand Creek Post &
Beam. “Not only are
they historic but they
are very functional as
well. The historic beauty
of our rural landscape has
slowly slipped from us;
our dream is to restore
the rustic beauty of our
heritage.”

14
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Brittany Bailey
Hastings H.S.
Dau. of
Doniphan Syst.
Operator
Brad Bailey
Ashley
Brahmsteadt
Centennial H.S.
Dau. of
York CSDR
Wendy Rathjen
Martina Courtney
Lynch H.S.
Dau. of
Spencer
Hydro Oper.
Marty Courtney
Katie Balerud
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
SCM Supv.
Carol Balerud
Chance Brueggemann
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS Licensing
Spec. Brenda &
Rad Prot. Tech.
Dennis Kirkpatrick
Ethan Covington
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS
Reactor Eng.
Lorne Covington
Elizabeth Bartels
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus Econ.
Dev. Process
Coord.
Jeanne Bartels
Bryce Buhr
McCook H.S.
Son of
McCook/Ogallala
Oper. & Maint.
Superintendent
Brian Buhr
Garrett Daly
Hershey H.S.
Son of
GGS
Store Keeper
Dave Daly
Katlyn Beiermann
Scotus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus Energy
Eff. Coord. Kelly &
Land Mgmt. Mgr.
Alan Beiermann
Michelle Carpenter
Columbus H.S.
Stepdau. of
Columbus
Env. Compl. Spec.
Larry Linder
Donald Dea
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS OPS
Simulator Spec.
Don Dea
Brooke Able
Auburn H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Instr. &
Control Eng.
Alan Able
Brandon Belgum
Isle, Minn. H.S.
Son of
Lincoln Inventory
Control Mgr.
Bill Belgum
Corey
Cavanaugh
Norfolk H.S.
Son of
Norfolk CSDR
Judy Cavanaugh
Logan DeBower
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus Real
Estate Coord.
Ross DeBower
Dillion Aksamit
Wilbur-Clatonia
H.S.
Son of
Sheldon Station
Mechanic
Duane Aksamit
Jessica Bender
G.I. Central
Catholic H.S.
Dau. of
Doniphan Sr.
Systems Analyst
Ron Bender
Jessica Clark
Savannah, Mo.
H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Assist.
Oper. Supv.
David Clark
Epiphany DeLaTour
Nebraska City H.S.
Custodial
Granddaughter of
CNS Sr. Perf.
Analyst
Robin Jacobs
Laura Andersen
Nebraska City
H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Station
Operator
Lenny Tietz
Michael Blatchford
Columbus H.S.
Stepson of
Columbus Project
Support Spec.
Brenda & Son
of Prop. & Liab.
Insurance Admin.
Doug Blatchford
Kiefer Coatney
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS
Custodian
Penny Smith
Alexis DuBois
Nebraska City H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Sr. Quality
Assur. Auditor
Laurence DuBois
Maggie Arlt
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus GIS
Tech.
John Arlt
Austin Boggs
Sutherland H.S.
Son of
GGS
Shift Leader
Duane Boggs
Kendall Comstock
Johnson-Brock H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Human Perf.
Coordinator
Chuck Comstock
Caleb Dutton
Doniphan-Trumbull
H.S. Son of
Doniphan Lead
Telecomm. Tech.
James Dutton

Jordan Eckholt
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Records Analyst
Connie Eckholt
Myles Freborg
Rock Port, Mo.
H.S.
Son of
CNS Mech. Eng.
Supv.
Scott Freborg
Shelby Hill
Loup City H.S.
Dau. of
Loup City
Local Mgr.
Mike Hill
Kristina Jackson
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus Pricing
& Rates Supv.
Scott Jackson
Justin Eckholt
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Records Analyst
Connie Eckholt
Lexi George
Hastings H.S.
Dau. of
Doniphan Tech.
Analyst
Tammi George
Josh Holmes
Sutherland
H.S.
Son of
GGS Electrician
Brian Holmes
Derrick Jacobs
Lexington H.S.
Son of
Canaday Station
Plant Tech.
Craig Howard
Breanna Engler
York H.S.
Dau. of
YOC Work
Mgmt. Supv.
Kevin Engler
Hope Glathar
Southeast Cons.
H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Eng. Tech.
Kim Glathar
Emily Horn
Southeast Cons.
H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Design Eng.
Mech. Supv.
Jerry Horn
Jordan Jenniges
Kearney H.S.
Dau. of
Kearney
Env. Spec.
Jim Jenniges
Deanna Estrada
Auburn H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
Corrective Action
& Assessment
Mgr.
Roman Estrada
Carter Graham
Kearney H.S.
Son of
Kearney Journey
Line Tech.
Chet Graham
Nichole Hornyak
Sutherland H.S.
Dau. of
GGS Station
Operator
Ron Hornyak
Cadie Jochum
Hershey H.S.
Dau. of
Sutherland Civil
Maint. Tech.
Bob Jochum
Hannah Fadschild
Lakeview H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Adm. Asst.
Kathy Fadschild
Brett Grieb
York H.S.
Son of
YOC Acct.
Mgmt. Coord.
Sheila Grieb
Nathan Hotovy
Scotus H.S.
Son of Columbus
HR Info. Syst. Spec.
Terri and Trans.
Serv. Consult.
Jim Hotovy
Courtney Johnson
Hastings H.S.
Dau. of
Doniphan Trans.
Syst. Cont. Anal.
Chris Johnson
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 15
Sarah Feagin
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus Sr.
Systems Analyst
Derek Feagin
Chris Gruber
York H.S.
Son of
YOC
Admin. Asst.
Jnel Gruber
Andrew Howard
Lexington H.S.
Son of
Canaday Station
Plant Tech.
Craig Howard
Dezirae Johnson
Gordon/Rushville
H.S.
Dau. of
Gordon
Local Mgr.
Doug Johnson, Jr.
Lori Fehr
Scotus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Team Leader
Jim Fehr
Tyler Hamik
Norfolk Catholic
H.S.
Son of
Norfolk Meter
Reader
Mary Jo Hamik
John L. Humphrey
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus Oper.
Program Mgr.
John M. Humphrey
Mikayla Karel
Scotus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Env. Spec.
Keith Karel
Audrey Frary
Sutherland H.S.
Dau. of
GGS Water Quality
Tech.
Jack Frary
Michael Hefti
Scotus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Accountant
Ralph Hefti
Katie Irby
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Retired Columbus
Tech. Solutions
Spec.
Bob Irby
Alison Kathol
Hartington Cedar
Catholic H.S.
Dau. of
Norfolk Planner/
Scheduler
Cathy Kathol

16
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Blake Kendall-
Harrington
Excelsior Springs,
Mo. H.S.
Son of
CNS Plant Oper.
Walt Harrington
Darcy Lunzmann
Auburn H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Inventory
Control Spec.
Deb & Nuclear
Instructor
Mark Knopik
Brittany Mueller
Auburn H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Control
Room Supv.
Tim Mueller
Devon Perry
Rock Port, Mo.
H.S.
Son of
CNS Proc. Spec.
Kim Perry
Brian Klein
York H.S.
Son of
YOC
CSDR
Cindy Klein
Paige Madron
Tarkio, Mo. H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Master Data
Tech. Kelley &
Access Auth./FFD
Analyst Derrick
Madron
Marla Munsen
Hershey H.S.
Dau. of
GGS
I&C Planner
Mike Munsen
Brock Persson
Kearney H.S.
Son of
Kearney
Planner/Scheduler
Dan Persson
Katie Klozenbucher
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Doniphan
Energy Supply
Operator
Kim Schoepf
Katelyn Matteson
Lakeview H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Accounting
Analyst
Michele Matteson
Jonas Neil
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus Inform.
Tech. Consult.
Mark Neil
Beth Plettner
Norfolk H.S.
Dau. of
Norfolk Econ.
Dev. Conslt. Mary
& Columbus Env.
Spec. Rocky
Plettner
Shelby Kuehn
Dodge H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Planner/Scheduler
Bill Kuehn
Kelly McCarthy
North Platte St.
Patrick H.S.
Son of
North Platte
Eng. Spec.
Robert McCarthy
Courtney Nelsen
Minden H.S.
Dau. of
Kearney Econ.
Dev. Consultant
Rick Nelsen
John Plettner
Norfolk H.S.
Columbus Temp.
Custodian & Son of
Norfolk Econ. Dev.
Conslt. Mary &
Columbus Env.
Spec. Rocky Plettner
Macie Kuker
Falls City Sacred
Heart H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Electrician
Mike Kuker
Brady Mills
York H.S.
Son of
YOC Sr.
Substation Tech.
Rod Mills
Kevin Nosbisch
Nebraska City H.S.
Son of
CNS Work
Control Supv.
Kenneth Nosbisch
Dylan Recek
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Cash & Billing
Analyst
Brenda Recek
Mitchell Kwapnioski
Scotus H.S.
Columbus Temp.
Custodian &
Son of
Columbus
Adm. Asst.
Mary Kwapnioski
Ethan Mohrman
Lakeview H.S.
Son of
Columbus ITT
Contract Admin.
Spec.
Deb Mohrman
Dustin Nutsch
Beatrice H.S.
Son of
Sheldon Station
E&I Tech.
Greg Nutsch
Heather Reimers
Adams Central H.S.
Dau. of
Doniphan Lead
HVAC/Elec. Bldg.
Main. Tech.
Darrin Daly
Cody Larsen
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Records Analyst
Stephanie Larsen
Logan Morris
Twin River H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Systems Analyst
Kelli Morris
Katelyn Olson
Rising City H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus ITT
Business Analyst
Doug Olson
Casey Rose
Nebraska
Christian H.S.
Son of
YOC Energy
Efficiency Conslt.
Ron Rose
Wesley Luedtke
Lakeview H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Records Analyst
Cheri Luedtke
Kendra Mostrom
York H.S.
Dau. of
YOC Journey
Substation Tech.
Ken Mostrom
Hannah Om
Auburn H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
Sr. Engineer
Chu Om
Brandon Rush
Ponca H.S.
Son of
S. Sioux City
Lead Line Tech.
Brian Rush

Cassie Sabins-
Hegstrom
Tarkio, Mo. H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Radwaste
Operations Spec.
Duane Sabins
Samantha Spenner
Scotus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Planner/Scheduler
Lori &
Sr. Systems Analyst
Allan Spenner
Nathan Walz
York H.S.
Son of
YOC Trans. Line
Superintendent
Scott Walz
Katie Schoening
York H.S.
Dau. of
YOC Substation
Supv.
Dale Schoening
Cassandra Spulak
Scotus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus Adm.
Asst. Susie &
Eng. Spec.
Darrell Spulak
Brett Weaklim
Estes Park, Colo.
H.S.
Son of
Retired Columbus
Career Dev.
Consult.
George Weaklim
Kasey Schroeder
North Platte H.S.
Dau. of
GGS
Fossil Fuels Mgr.
Thomas Schroeder
Alyssa Sutton
Homeschool
Dau. of
CNS
Nuclear Eng. Mgr.
Kent Sutton
Jody Wendt
Leigh H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus Sr.
Systems Analyst
Jean Wendt
Callen Schwank
Scotus H.S.
Son of
Columbus Benefits
Coordinator
Nancy Schwank
Danielle Swanson
Hastings St.
Cecilia H.S.
Dau. of
Doniphan
Gen. Strat. Mgr.
John Swanson
Christine Wenzl
Auburn H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
Sr. Project Mgr.
Russ Wenzl
Sydney Schwarting
Falls City H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Security
Services Supv.
Jeff Schwarting
Kyler Toben
Tarkio Mo. H.S.
Son of CNS
Security Shift
Supv.
Joshua Toben
David Wheeler
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS
Shift Tech. Eng.
Steve Wheeler
Jordan Adamson
Wayne State
College
Dau. of Norfolk
Planning Analyst
Brad Adamson
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 17
Cora Seaman
Cozad H.S.
Dau. of
Dawson Canal
Irrigation Tech.
Eric Seaman
Jacob Torson
Ponca H.S.
Son of
S. Sioux City
Planner Scheduler
Tom Torson
Danielle
Wieberdink
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus Sr.
Systems Analyst
Darrel Wieberdink
Jennifer Arlt
Hastings College
Dau. of
Doniphan System
Control Mgr.
Tim Arlt
Katie Shelly
Auburn H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
System Engineer
Jeff Ehlers
Jenna Tweedy
Pierce H.S.
Stepdau. of
Norfolk
HR Rep.
Robyn Tweedy
Jenna Wiese
Lincoln Southwest
H.S.
Dau. of
Lincoln Corp.
Projects Mgr.
Art Wiese
Mike Awtry
Master’s College
Santa Clarita,
Calif.
Son of Columbus
Business Analyst
Phil Awtry
Grant Snyder
Fillmore Central
H.S. Son of
Geneva
Local Manager
Mike Snyder
Paden Unruh
Flatwater Academy
H.S.
Son of CNS
Project Mgr.
Mark Unruh
Jace Wissler
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS Nuclear
Support Spec.
Jennifer Wissler
Darren Betz
UN-Lincoln
Son of Columbus
Tech. Support
Spec.
Randy Betz

18
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Alex Cass
UN-Omaha
Son of
CNS
Engineer
Joe Cass
Anthony Heiting
UN-Lincoln
Son of
Chadron CSDR
Marlene Heiting
Angela Kwapnioski
Creighton U.
Dau. of
Columbus
Adm. Asst.
Mary Kwapnioski
Jami Schroeder
UN-Kearney
Dau. of
North Platte
Fossil Fuels Mgr.
Thomas Schroeder
Nicholas Cox
SECC-Lincoln
Son of GGS
Control Room
Operator
Keith Cox
Joe Hopwood
NECC-Norfolk
Son of
Columbus
Records Analyst
Kathy Hopwood
Samuel
Montgomery
Truman State U.
Son of
CNS Quality
Assurance Assess.
Leader
David Montgomery
Lisa Schuettler
Concordia U.
Columbus
Tech. Analyst
Kelsy Czarnick
Fort Hayes State
Dau. of
North Platte
Team Leader
Tim Czarnick
Megan Irby
Wayne State
College
Dau. of
Retired Columbus
Tech. Solutions
Spec.
Bob Irby
Mark Pillen
UN-Lincoln
Stepson of
Columbus Deputy
Asst. Treasurer
Christine Pillen
Ty Shrader
Peru State College
Son of CNS
Fire Safety Lead
John Shrader
Tony Fadschild
NECC-Norfolk
Son of
Columbus
Adm. Asst.
Kathy Fadschild
Amber Jackson
Chadron State
Dau. of
North Platte
Planner/Scheduler
Rick Jackson
Morgan Pillen
UN-Kearney
Dau. of Columbus
Sr. Project
Coordinator
Tom Pillen
Jake Sjuts
UN-Omaha
Son of Columbus
Contract Admin.
Spec. Lynn and
Oper. Contract
Coord. Robert
Sjuts
Annette Forden
U. of Wyoming
Dau. of
GGS
Services Leader
Jeanie Forden
Dacia Kent
Wayne State
College
Dau. of
Norfolk CSDR
Georgia Wyatt
Brittany Reiman
UN-Kearney
Dau. of
YOC
Planning Analyst
Bev Reiman
Jamie Slade
UN-Kearney
Dau. of
Columbus Project
Coordinator
Gail Slade
Kyle Groteluschen
UN-Lincoln
Son of
Columbus
Eng. Tech.
Dwayne Groteluschen
Wyatt Kent
UN-Lincoln
Son of
Columbus Trans. &
Distr. Mgr.
Tom Kent
Tanner Rousselle
UN-Lincoln
GGS
Engineer
Heather Speicher
CCC-Columbus
Dau. of
Columbus Billing
& Tech. Support
Asst. Genny
Thomas
Andrew Hadland
UN-Lincoln
Son of
Columbus
Sr. Staff Attorney
Harold Hadland
Jordan Klug
Metro College
Son of
S. Sioux City
Dist. Superintendent
Doug Klug
Drake Sauer
UN-Kearney
Son of
Ogallala
CSDR
Judie Sauer
Renee Talmon
UN-Kearney
Dau. of
CNS
Planner
Larry Talmon
Spencer
Hampton
Mid-Plains CC
Son of
GGS
Training Spec.
Tom Hampton
Adam Krause
Wayne State
College
Son of
CNS Sr. Eng.
Ralph Krause
Amanda Schnell
UN-Lincoln
Dau. of
YOC
Telecommunications
Supv.
Matt Schnell
Melissa Tinkham
Concordia U.
Dau. of
Kearney
Eng. Spec.
Mike Tinkham

Audra Whisler
Northwest
Missouri State
Stepdau. of
CNS Plant
Chemist
Ken Fike
Jenny Whisler
UN-Omaha
Stepdau. of
CNS Plant
Chemist
Ken Fike
Darci Bantz
UN-Lincoln
Ph.D. Audiology
Dau. of
CNS Mech. Maint.
Supv.
Dennis Bantz
Angie Rinne
Augustana College
M.A. Education
Dau. of Columbus
Subtrans. Planning
Analyst Sue &
Contracts Mgr.
Rod Rinne
Sarah DeFreece-
Harris
Peru State College
M.S. Education
Curriculum &
Instruction
Dau. of Pawnee
City Local Mgr.
Johnnie DeFreece
Chastity Wickizer
Northeastern Jr.
College
Dau. of GGS
Prod. Info. Spec.
Cynthia Wickizer
Dale Schoening
Doane College
M.A.
Management
YOC
Substation Supv.
Tony Durr
Ohio State U.
Ph.D Philosophy &
M.A. Education
Son of
GGS Material
Handler
Jeff Durr
Fontane Wickizer
Axia College/U.
of Phoenix
Dau. of GGS
Prod. Info. Spec.
Cynthia Wickizer
Katie Schroeder
South Dakota
State U.
Doctor of Pharmacy
Dau. of North Platte
Fossil Fuels Mgr.
Thomas Schroeder
Christie
Hasenkamp
UN-Omaha
M.S.Structural
Engineering
Dau. of Columbus
Project Mgr.
Mike Hasenkamp
Glen Sherman
UN-Lincoln
MBA
CNS
Nuclear Instructor
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 19
Andrea Kramer
Univ. of Illinois
Ph.D. Biological
Science
Dau. of YOC Sr.
Substation Tech.
Alan Tietmeyer
Alison Waples
Iowa State U.
Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine
Dau. of GGS
I&C Tech.
Howard Waples
Paula Murphy
Bellevue U.
MBA-Finance
CNS
Financial Analyst
Jaime Wendt
U. of Arizona
M.S. Speech Lang.
Pathology
Dau. of Scottsbluff
Sr. Line Tech.
Doug Wendt
Amber Reiman
Iowa State U.
Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine
Dau. of YOC
Planning Analyst
Bev Reiman

20
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Wind. Lasers. Stress. What
exactly do they have in common?
For NPPD it’s a recipe that is being mixed together
to begin a pilot project at the Ainsworth Wind Energy
Facility that anticipates reducing maintenance costs on
turbines for the 36-unit wind farm.
NPPD is teaming up with Catch the Wind, Ltd.,
for a pilot project that will use a laser unit, known as
the Vindicator TM , to use forward measurement of wind
speed and direction to optimally align wind turbines
with the approaching wind and reduce the stress loads
on turbines. Cost for the trial model will be $93,000,
and if successful, NPPD will begin using a production
model of the same unit.
“NPPD is looking forward to seeing the results of
this pilot project,” said Water System and Renewable
Energy Manager Chuck Troia. “We believe that by
reducing harmful stress loading on our turbines, we
will extend turbine component lifetime, resulting in
decreased maintenance costs and ultimately, providing
better value to our customers.”
Change in wind direction, wind shear, turbulence,
and high wind speeds can impact the life of a turbine
and its blades due to sudden changes in the conditions.
Using concepts of Doppler radar, with light as the
medium of detection, the system senses air particle
movement. The system processor analyzes the air
particle
movement
producing
speed and
direction data
for wind field
determination,
using a fiber
optic laser
wind sensing
system that will
go out about 300
meters
The system works by
integrating with a wind turbine
control system or electronic brain. The system’s fiber
optic lasers sense the wind that is approaching the
wind turbine at a range of 300 meters and reports
this information to the control system in enough
time to adjust and orient the turbine. Using control
algorithms, the control system will decide how to
best exploit the wind that is approaching the turbine
and command internal systems to either change blade
pitch and/or re-orient the entire nacelle in effort to
maintain efficiency, reduce the effects of wind shear
and gusts, or maintain a constant blade speed.
It is expected that by using the new system that
turbine efficiency can increase as much as 10 percent.
The unit is expected to be in place in mid-July.
© 2009 Catch the Wind, Inc.

A
Tree-rific
On April 22, fourth grade students from
Aurora Elementary traded in their
classrooms for a grassy
berm at Mitchell Ball Field
for an afternoon of Arbor
Day fun.
Resource Planning &
Risk Manager and Master of
Ceremonies Jon Sunneberg
kept everyone laughing with his
witty introductions of guests
which included Vice President
of Customer Service Ed
Wagner, Aurora Mayor Marlin
Seeman, Elementary Principal
Mark Standage and Chip
Murrow from the Nebraska
Forest Service.
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 21
event
The students, which included Jon’s daughter,
Blaike, and Ben Johnson, son of Community
Relations/Education Specialist Chad Johnson, read
poems and sang songs about
Arbor Day. The afternoon
concluded with everyone
taking a turn at planting four
trees at the south end of the
ball field.
The event was a cooperative
effort between the city of
Aurora and NPPD to replace
the dying evergreen trees that
form a rim around the outfield
perimeter.
“Mitchell Field was a good
choice for the tree planting,”
said Wagner. “A 34.5 kV line
runs along the south corner
of the field and we were able
to show how trees and power
lines can exist in harmony.”

22
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Nice turnout for Norfolk Operations Center groundbreaking
On a
picture
perfect Saturday
morning, more
than 90 people
attended a
groundbreaking
for the new
Norfolk
Operations
Center on May 2. The groundbreaking
featured brief comments by President and
CEO Ron Asche, Director Virg Froehlich,
Corporate Nuclear Business Manager Alan
Dostal, Norfolk Mayor Sue Fuchtman
and Speaker of the Nebraska Unicameral
Legislature Sen. Mike Flood. Visit the
NOC website on nppd.com to view a short
video of the event and other pertinent
information about the NOC, including LEED
certification and the building educational
component.
Asche thanked all of the Norfolk colleagues
for their hard work and dedication toward serving
customers and said the NOC will be a “great new
home.” He commented that the new NOC can
best be summarized as providing “the three E’s”:
Efficient operation, Effective service and Educational
opportunities.
President and CEO Ron Asche mingles with guests at the Norfolk
Operations Center groundbreaking on May 2.
NPPD earns Tree line uSA status for fourth year
successfully completed
NPPD requirements to earn status
as a Tree Line USA utility for the fourth year.
Operations Program Manger John Humphrey (left)
accepted the award from Dan Lambe, vice president
of programs for the National Arbor Day Foundation
at the annual Trees & Utilities National Conference
held in Dallas on April 7. Humphrey also attended
the Nebraska Community Conference and Tree
City USA ceremony held in Lincoln on April 14 to
receive state recognition for the achievement from
Gov. Dave Heineman.

NPPD seeks small-scale renewable energy resources
Finding small-scale
renewable energy resources
ranging from wind and solar to
methane for the generation of
electricity is the thrust of a new
Request for Proposal (RFP) issued
by NPPD for customers served
by NPPD retail and wholesale
customers.
NPPD’s RFP calls for a
power purchase agreement from
small-scale electric generation
projects of less than 10 megawatts
nameplate capacity that
qualify under the Public Utility
Regulatory Policy Act (PURPA).
According to NPPD engineer
Frank Thompson, small-scale
renewable energy resources that
could be considered include
small wind projects, solar energy,
biomass (including methane
recovery), low head hydroelectric
or existing hydroelectric efficiency
improvements, and co-generation
via waste heat utilization or
efficiency improvements.
“The purpose of this new
RFP is to provide an opportunity
for the development of small
renewable energy resources from
potential developers who would
like to sell power to a utility. It
is also part of our goal of having
10 percent of our energy coming
from renewable resources by
2020,” explained Thompson. He
explained NPPD’s wholesale
customers’ contractual agreements
allow them to purchase the
output from small-scale PURPA
qualifying facilities that are less
than 2 megawatts in size. If the
wholesale customer chooses not
to purchase the power, it can
defer the purchase to NPPD.
Power purchases from generation
facilities sized from 2 to 10
megawatts can only be negotiated
with NPPD.
PURPA qualifying facilities
must be sized less than 10
megawatts but greater than the
maximum size allowed by the
NPPD narrowed the list of potential sites under consideration for
wind generation development near the communities of Petersburg
and Broken Bow. The effort is part of the District’s plan to meet a
strategic goal of generating 10 percent of its energy from renewable
resources by 2020. One way to achieve this goal is to add at least 80
megawatts more of wind energy to its generation portfolio approximately
every other year.
NPPD received
22 project
proposals in April
of this year, and
six proposals
were determined
to be the best
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 23
purchaser’s net metering policy.
NPPD’s maximum size allowed
for net metering is 25 kilowatts.
Wholesale customers maximum
size allowed for net metering may
vary.
The RFP calls for the
generating facility or facilities to
be operational on or before
Dec. 1, 2010. Actual inservice
date will be subject to
negotiations.
Potential wind farm sites narrowed
NPPD narrowed the list of potential
sites under consideration for wind
generation development near the
communities of Petersburg and
Broken Bow.
in meeting NPPD’s criteria through a careful evaluation of financial,
transmission availability, and environmental considerations. All sites
under consideration are located east of Broken Bow or in the Petersburg
area for economic and environmental reasons.
The District hopes to sign a power purchase agreement that will result
in the construction of at least one 80-megawatt wind farm in either the
Petersburg area and/or a site east of Broken Bow by 2010. NPPD would
purchase the electrical output through the power purchase agreement with
the successful developer(s).

24
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Tune up your home’s cooling system and get $30
Whatever type of system you use to heat and
cool your home, maintenance is a critical
factor in its performance and longevity. Regular
maintenance is often overlooked, but it can be key to
saving money on heating and air conditioning costs.
The easiest approach to a home heating and cooling
system tune-up is to have a licensed HVAC contractor
inspect, clean and, if necessary, make improvements
to your system.
These inspections aren’t without cost, but
fortunately there is a $30 EnergyWiseSM Cooling
System Tune-Up incentive payment available to
homeowners this year who take that first step in
preparing their cooling system for this summer’s heat
and humidity. End-use customers of NPPD and its
wholesale electric utility partners are eligible to apply
for this $30 incentive every three years. The incentive
will help pay a share of the tune-up cost.
Operate your appliances when energy demand is low
How and when you use electric
energy can make a difference.
Nebraska’s electric system
must be flexible to
supply reliable power to homes,
businesses, and industries under
a wide variety of conditions.
This takes a complex
system of power plants,
substations, transmission
and distribution lines
to get energy to
where it needs to
go. As an energy
consumer,
there are
many
things
you
Maintenance should
include:
• Clean Condenser Coil
• Check Indoor Coil
• Check Refrigerant Charge
• Check Belt/Lube Motor, if needed
• Blow Out Drain Line
• Discuss Proper Operation
• Perform Visual Inspection of System
• Filter Change Out Schedule
• Discuss/Review Proper Temperature Set-Back
Find out more
If you are interested in knowing about the steps you
need to take to schedule a heating and cooling system
tune-up (improve your home’s heating and cooling
efficiency and get $30), contact your local public
power utility.
can do to reduce energy usage, particularly during
hot days in the summer months when demand for
electricity is typically at its highest.
These EnergyWiseSM tips include:
• When temperatures top 90° F, find ways to reduce
your energy usage from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. when
energy usage is typically at its highest.
• Raise your thermostat to a higher setting and turn
on fans.
• Close drapes on windows that face the sun.
• Grill supper outdoors. Use your microwave instead
of the stove top or oven.
• Delay dishwashing and laundry until after
8 p.m.
• Unplug appliances and shut off lights that are not in
use.
• Do any baking early in the morning before it gets
hot outside.
• Shower early in the morning or later in the evening.
Get the most value for your money, each and every
time you turn on a switch. It costs far less to save a
kilowatt-hour than it does to build a new power plant
to generate one.

John Arlt, engineering technician, Columbus, to
geospatial information system technician.
Nathan Beger, control room supervisor, Cooper
Nuclear Station, to assistant operations managersupport-rotation.
Nicole Brumbaugh, customer services and delivery
representative, Kearney, to customer services leader.
Brian Buscher, station operator, Gerald Gentleman
Station, to water quality technician.
Bronda Carlson, temporary nuclear support—
engineering support, CNS, to temporary nuclear
support—design engineering.
Tim Chevalier, mechanical leader, GGS, to
operations leader.
Darrin Daly, heating, ventilation, air conditioning,
and refrigeration/electrical building maintenance
technician, Doniphan, to heating, ventilation, air
conditioning, and refrigeration/electrical building
maintenance technician lead, Norfolk.
Bruce DeHaven, project coordinator, Kearney, to
senior project coordinator.
Dan Goodman, shift manager, CNS, to assistant
operations manager—operations shift.
Kirk Helgoth, operator team leader, Kearney, to
energy supply operator, Doniphan.
Tim Hochstetler, civil maintenance technician,
Sutherland, to mechanical technician.
Randy Jakubowski, apprentice line technician,
Ogallala, to engineering technician, CGO.
Cathy Janssen, customer services and delivery
representative, Norfolk, to customer services leader.
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 25
Brandon Kee, training specialist, Kearney, to system
operator, Doniphan.
Lance Kreifels, apprentice telecommunications
technician, Ogallala, to non-licensed nuclear plant
operator, CNS.
Jerry Long, nuclear instructor, CNS, to assistant
operations manager-training.
Jeremiah Moore, station operator, GGS, to condition
based maintenance technology owner.
Shane Moore, mechanical technician, GGS, to
mechanical leader.
Cody Raml, temporary engineering intern, Lincoln,
to temporary engineering intern, CGO.
Gail Slade, customer services leader, Kearney, to
project coordinator, CGO.
Kevin Stark, day shift leader, GGS, to shift leader.
Sterling Stolpe, project coordinator, York, to senior
project coordinator.
Bryce Stoltenberg, apprentice line technician intraining,
Norfolk, to apprentice line technician intraining,
Scottsbluff.
Justin Volker, project coordinator (temporary
assignment), Sheldon Station, to production
consultant.
Eric Vredenburgh, station operator, Sheldon Station,
to unit operator.
Bryan White, material handler, GGS, to station
operator.
Rodney Wusk, operations leader (temporary
assignment), Sheldon Station, to operations leader.

26
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
from around the state
Columbus / Kathy Fadschild, Administrative Assistant /
klfadsc@nppd.com
The Lakeview High
School Power Drive
Team competed at
the 2009 Nebraska
State Championships
at the MidAmerican
Motorplex in Pacific
Junction, Iowa.
Lakeview car S-18
came in second in
the maneuverability
competition in the
Ethan Mohrman Standard Division,
and car A-104 finished
first in the braking competition and third in the
maneuverability competition in the advanced class
with Ethan Mohrman at the wheel. Ethan is the
son of Contract Administration Specialist Debra and
Perry Mohrman.
Alex Kuta, Michael Tremel, Brian Ackman
The Scotus Central Catholic High School boys soccer
team won the Class B state soccer championship.
Members of team include Alex Kuta, son of Legal
Secretary Elaine and Tim Kuta; Michael Tremel,
son of Procurement Manager Karla Tremel; and,
Brian Ackman son of HR Team Leader Kathryn
and Dennis Ackman. The team is coached by Jon
Brezenski, son of Web Development Specialist
Thrina and Ed Brezenski. At the tournament, the
Shamrocks, seeded fourth, defeated Gretna, South
Sioux City and Columbus High School to end the
season with a 16-6 record.
Hannah Fadschild
competed in the
Nebraska State
FFA convention in
Lincoln, and was
recognized as the state
proficiency winner in
the Poultry Production-
Entrepreneurship/
Placement category.
She was awarded
a $200 scholarship
and her project will
be submitted at the
Hannah Fadschild
National level and, if
selected, she will represent Lakeview High School
at the National Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. in
October. Hannah also received the FFA State Degree,
the state’s highest degree. She is the daughter of
Administrative Assistant Kathy and Jeff Fadschild.
Jody Wendt, daughter
of ITT Sr. Systems
Analyst Jean and Bruce
Wendt, from the Leigh-
Clarkson FFA Chapter,
took top honors in the
2009 competition for
her speaking skills and
knowledge of cooperatives
during the 81st Annual
Nebraska Future Farmers
of America Convention.
Those in the Cooperative
Speaking Competition were
judged on a 6-8 minute
prepared speech on a topic
Jody Wendt
dealing with cooperatives
and their benefits to the local, state and national
economies. Jody received a trophy, first place medal,
and a check for $100 from the Nebraska Cooperative
Council. She was also recognized for outstanding
work within her individual supervised experience
program with a State FFA Degree gold charm, the
state’s highest degree.

Sami Spenner, Callen Schwank and Amber Ewers
Amber Ewers and Sami Spenner helped the Scotus
Central Catholic girls track and field team win the
girls Class B title. The girls were on the winning 400meter
relay team, breaking the school record with a
time of 49.9 seconds. Amber won the 200 meter with
a time of 25.9 seconds and the 400 with 57.8 seconds,
which was third all class. The sophomore also
took home a third-place finish in the 100 with 12.7
seconds. She is the daughter of Sr. Systems Analyst
Gary and Kathy Ewers. Sami placed second in the
200 meter with 26 seconds, third in the long jump,
breaking the school record with a jump of 17’7 3/4”,
and third in the triple jump with a jump of 36’ 4 3/4”.
Her long jump and triple jump were both 5th all class.
She is the daughter of Planner/Scheduler Lori and Sr.
Systems Analyst Allan Spenner. At the District track
meet Amber placed first in the 100, 200, 400 and 400
relay and Sami was first in the long jump, triple jump
and 400 relay and second in the 200. On the boy’s
side, Callen Schwank, son of Benefits Coordinator
Nancy and Fritz Schwank qualified for the state meet
by placing first in the 200 and 400, and second in the
100 during the District meet.
Brian Ackman won first place
in the sports feature writing
competition in the Class C
sweepstakes portion of the
State Journalism Contest. In the
second phase of the competition,
he was selected as one of the
top 12 students across all school
classes. He is the son of HR
Brian Ackman Service Delivery Team Leader
Kathryn and Dennis Ackman.
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 27
Anthony Sjuts was selected
as the Applied Information
Management Institute’s 2009
College Intern of the Year.
A junior in the management
Information Systems program
at the University of Nebraska
at Omaha, Anthony has been
an intern at HDR Inc. in
the Corporate Information
Anthony Sjuts
Systems Department since May
2008. The award recognizes a student intern who
has contributed substantially to his or her employing
organization, has an excellent work ethic and/or has
superior technical skills deserving of recognition.
Anthony is the son of Contract Administration
Specialist Lynn and Operations Contract Coordinator
Bob Sjuts.
Amber Sanne, 8, won
third place in the Level 2
Division at the Nebraska
State Gymnastics Meet
in Fremont May 3
recording an all around
score of 37.95, a season
best. She also took
home individual third
place medals in both
beam and the uneven
bars. Amber is the
daughter of Corporate
Communication
Supervisor Brenda and
Dan Sanne.
Amber Sanne
The General Office held a food drive in May to benefit
the Platte County Food Pantry. Employees and the
Nebraska Energy Federal Credit Union engaged in
a friendly competition, dubbed the Biggest Gainer,
which netted 6,954 pounds of food for the annual Can
Care-A-Van. In addition to the internal competition, a
contest between local businesses was held. NPPD won
a loving cup, sponsored by KLIR Radio, for raising
the most pounds of food overall. Can-tastic!

28
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Darren Betz, son of
Technical Support
Specialist Randy and
Chris Betz, was a
member of a senior
civil engineering
design project at
the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln.
Darren Betz
His team won a cash
award for first place in the civil engineering college.
The team assignment was to develop a new water
treatment plan for Auburn.
O’Neill / Eileen Osborne, Customer Services & Delivery
Representative / erosbor@nppd.com
Warrant
officer
Matthew
Magnussen,
son of
Ainsworth
Local
Manager
Charlie
and Kathy
Magnussen
and the
late Betty
Magnussen,
graduated
from Chinook
Matthew Magnussen
helicopter
school at Fort Rucker in Enterprise, Ala. Matthew was
chosen for advanced training in the Super Chinook.
Charlie had the honor of pinning on Matthew’s wings
at the graduation ceremony.
York / Cindy Klein, Customer Services & Delivery Representative /
ceklein@nppd.com
The YOC N-Lighten Nebraska team, The Recyclables,
earned third place out of 110 teams in the advanced
fitness category of the 2009 Challenge. Points were
earned points by doing activities—the more strenuous
the activity, the more points. Team members include
Apprentice Line Technician Ryan Morgan, Account
Manager Craig Vincent, Engineer Nick McIntosh,
Account Management Coordinator Sheila Grieb,
PBX Operator/Receptionist Pam Hoeft, Engineer
Chad Pinkelman, Journey Line Technician Ray
Boston, Distribution Superintendent Mike Damon,
and Customer Services and Delivery Representative
Brenda Tietmeyer.
Missy Vavra, daughter
of Technical Operations
Center Analyst Gary
and Crystal Vavra,
was crowned Nebraska
Czechs Queen for the
York chapter. Her duties
include traveling to
heritage festivals across
Nebraska. Her kroje
(folk costume) was made
to resemble the region
in Bohemia where her
great grandparents lived.
A sophomore at UNL,
Missy plans to become a
Missy Vavra
registered dietician with a minor in psychology.
Amanda Schnell was
accepted into the early
decision program at the
University of Nebraska
Medical Center. A
University of Nebraska-
Lincoln Regents scholar,
Amanda is a member of
the black masque chapter
of Mortar Board Honor
Amanda Schnell
Society; Kappa Delta
Sorority; UNL Honors
Program; Honors Ambassador and Peer Mentor;
NU Meds; Cather Circle; Alpha Lambda Delta, Phi
Eta Sigma, Phi Upsilon Omicron; Golden Key and
Alpha Epsilon Delta honor societies; and is a Student-
Athlete Academic Tutor and Teacher’s Assistant. She
was recognized for the Outstanding Undergraduate
Achievement in Science Award for Women in Science,
Mathematics and Computer Education 2009. Amanda
is the daughter of Telecommunications Supervisor
Matt and Deb Schnell.

Gerald Gentleman Station / Lynn Phagan,
Plant Technical Services Assistant / ldphaga@nppd.com
Jay Hongsermeier,
son of Water Quality
Technician Randy and
Kim Hongsermeier, was
selected as a delegate
to the 2009 Cornhusker
Boys State sponsored by
the American Legion. He
attends Sutherland High
Jay Hongsermeier School. Annika Wickizer,
daughter of Production
Information Specialist
Cynthia Wickizer, was
chosen to represent Wallace
Auxiliary Unit 213 at Girls
State. Annike attends Wallace
High School and is active
in National Honor Society,
music, band, student council,
basketball, volleyball,
Annika Wickizer speech, scholastics, softball,
drama, Family, Career and
Community Leaders of America, has been class
president and on the honor roll. The annual citizenship
program is designed to provide youths with a
better understanding of how city, county and state
governments operate.
Front left Audrey Frary, second
from left Landon Holmes, front
right Lory Johnson. Back row,
second from right, Willie Cheloha,
and far right Randon McKain.
Those participating in the Great American Cleanup include, from left: Larry Lange (PPM
Contractor), Plant Support Technician Gary Bruce, HVAC Technician Mike Stewart,
Investment Recovery Coordinator Chet Harger, Electrical Technician Tim Wilson, Services
Leader Jeanie Forden and Plant Support Technician Peggy Tockey.
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 29
Participating in the state track
meet from Sutherland High
School were Audrey Frary,
daughter of Water Quality
Technician Jack and Mary
Frary; Landon Holmes, son
of Electrical Technician Brian
Marla Munsen
Holmes; Lory Johnson daughter
of Mechanical Technician Scott and Susan Johnson;
Willie Cheloha son of Engineering Specialist Dave
and Becky Cheloha; Randon McKain, son of
Instrument and Control Technician Bob and Tammi
McKain. Participating in the state track meet from
Hershey High School was Marla Munsen, daughter
of Planner Mike and Angie Munsen.
GGS employees
participated in
The Great American Cleanup.
The Green Team organized
cleanup and recycle activities
such as recycling cell phones to
be given to the local Domestic
Abuse Program. Desktop
recycle boxes were distributed
to employees to promote paper
recycling. In total, employees
gathered more than 250 pounds
of cardboard, about 1,300
pounds of paper and more than
120 pounds of newspaper and
magazines to be recycled. In
addition, employees helped
clean up the Sutherland
Reservoir.

30
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Cooper Nuclear Station / Glenn Troester,
Communications Coordinator / grtroes@nppd.com
Procurement Specialists
Terry Cade and Kim Perry
earned Certified Purchasing
Manager certification from
the Institute of Supply
Management. According
to the ISM website, the
Terry Cade certification is globally the
most recognized designation
for supply management
professionals. The program
focuses on managerial and
leadership skills, plus a variety
of specialized functions
designed to enhance the
value of the profession.
Candidates must pass modules
on the purchasing process,
supply environment, value
Kim Perry
enhancements strategies and
management before applying for certification.
Engineering Specialist Elden
Plettner, who is active in
the Tri-State Toastmasters
Club, was elected District 24
governor of Toastmasters’
International. District 24
includes Nebraska and Council
Bluffs, Iowa.
Elden Plettner
Macie Kuker, daughter of
Electrician Mike Kuker, had a
great senior year for Class D-2
Falls City Sacred Heart High
School. She was named 1st
team All-State Lincoln Journal
Star volleyball, Honorable
Mention All-State Omaha
World-Herald, and 1st team
Macie Kuker
Pioneer All Conference. For
the Irish basketball, she is one of six players to score
1,000 career points and holds the school’s all-time
records for steals and assists. She received 1st team
Pioneer All Conference, 1st team All-State for Lincoln
Journal Star and 2nd team All-State Omaha World-
Herald,1st team Huskerland Prep., and was selected to
play in the All Star Basketball Games in Beatrice. In
track, she holds the school’s high jump record at 5'4".
At Districts, she took 1st place in the high jump, and
2nd in the 100 and 300 hurdles. At State, she placed
4th in the high jump and 100 hurdles and 7th in the
300 hurdles. Macie was named Athlete of the Year for
the Falls City Journal.
Sheldon Station / Cindy Holsing, Administrative
Assistant / clholsi@nppd.com
Jessica Wolken qualified
to swim in the 2009 MYAS
Regional swim meet at the
University of Minnesota
Aquatic Center in March.
She finished 22 out of 46
swimmers in the 50-yard
breast stroke with a time
of 39.24, and 35 out of 74
swimmers in the100-yard
breast stroke with a time
Jessica Wolken of 1:25.46. Jessica is the
daughter of Electrical and Instrument Technician
Jermi Wolken.
Dillion Aksamit Daysha Aksamit
The 5th Annual Great Plains 8-Ball Shootout was held
at the Pershing Center in Lincoln in January. Dillion
Aksamit, son of Mechanic Duane Aksamit, placed
second in the Junior Singles division and his daughter
Daysha placed third in the Junior girls division. The
shootout attracted more than 400 top pool players
from Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska.

Russ Nyffeler
Rocky Plettner
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 31
NPPD, the Nebraska Department
of Environmental Quality and
Keep Scottsbluff / Gering Beautiful
completed its fourth successful
recycling event at the Scottsbluff
NPPD garage in May.
CGO Environmental Compliance Auditor
Russ Nyffeler, CGO Environmental Specialist
of Water/Natural Resources Rocky Plettner,
Scottsbluff Account Manager Terry Rajewich
and Scottsbluff Customer Services and Delivery
Representative Linda Mitchell all participated in the
event, which collected bicycles from the public from 8
a.m. until noon.
“Employees volunteering their time could assist
with the breakdown of the bicycles, repair the bicycles
or help to separate them by taking them to the
recycling dump area,” Rajewich said.
Approximately 100 bicycles were received, and
technicians were on hand to assess which bicycles
could be repaired and placed back into the community
or disassembled and prepared for recycling. Six
technicians, including Nyffeler and Plettner, assisted
with this assessment and with repairs.
“The recycling event continues to be a success and
is a great way to volunteer for our communities,’ said
Rajewich. “NPPD wins a strong partnership with the
community and the public wins distributed bicycles
back out into their community that would otherwise
end up in a landfill or rust away. It’s a great process.”
Out of the bicycles received, one ton will be
recycled, with a total of 32 bicycles being fixed and
distributed back into the community.

32
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Kearney / Lisa Willson, Administrative Assistant /
lmwills@nppd.com
Congratulations to the Kearney area employees who
recently celebrated exceeding 124 days of safety.
By choosing to be safe, the employees surpassed a
previous record of days without a vehicle accident
or recordable injury. North Platte Safety Lead Al
Woolson, Kearney Technical Training Team Leader
Pat Budler and Kearney Distribution Superintendent
Jim McKeon barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs for
an estimated 75 employees.
Columbus Energizers will meet July 16
at 8:30 a.m. at Stack ‘N Steak in Columbus. All
meetings are scheduled for the third Thursday of the
month at Stack ‘N Steak.
Paul Badje, (402) 564-8863,
tailor@neb.rr.com
Klassy Kilowatts will meet July 20 and Aug.
17 at the North Platte Airport Inn at 12:30 p.m. CST.
Tom Pendelton, (308) 532-5040
tmpen@hamilton.net
RETIREES
Kramer Station livewires will meet July 21
and Aug. 18 at 11 a.m. at Lum’s in Bellevue.
Art Nelson, (402) 293-1006
low Voltage Panhandlers
Will meet for coffee and rolls Aug. 18 at 9 a.m. at the
Scottsbluff Service Building.
Don Koralewski, (308) 783-1851
donaldkoralewski340@gmail.com

J u l Y
of events
3 July 4 Holiday
9-10 NPPD Board Meeting
Columbus
S E P T E M B E R
7 Labor Day Holiday
9-10 NPPD Board Meeting
Columbus
10-13 Wells Fargo Nebraska Open
Elks Country Club
Columbus
24-25 NPPD Customer Annual Meeting
North Platte
Northern lights will meet July 13 at noon at
JB’s Steakhouse (501 E. Hway. 84) in Bloomfield. A
tour of the Bloomfield Wind Farm will follow. Please
RSVP to Jim for lunch.
Jim Decker, (402) 357-3788
NPPD Antiques will meet July 6 and Aug. 3
at 8:30 a.m. at Country Cooking in Beatrice. All
meetings are scheduled for the first Monday of the
month unless that date is a holiday.
Dot Cornelius, (402) 228-0494
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009 33
A u G u S T
13-14 NPPD Board Meeting
Columbus
28 Rate Review Committee /
Power Resource Advisory Board Meeting
Location to be determined
Retired & Rewired has no summer meetings
scheduled.
Lois McCoy, (308) 665-1625,
lmccoy919@gmail.com
York Electrifiers have no meetings scheduled.
Jeanette Richardson, (402) 362-5985,
jfrichardson@neb.rr.com
Make plans to attend your
local retiree meeting

34
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
A fond farewell to
Randy Hoessel
Columbus Electrician Randy
Hoessel, 54, passed away
April 6 at the University of
Nebraska Medical Center
in Omaha following an
illness. Randy joined the
District in 1992 as a building
maintenance technician at
Columbus. He was named
Randy Hoessel
electrician in 1995. Randy
is survived by sons, Nick
and Ben; daughter, Marie Belgum; sister, Kay
Mimick; and two brothers, Dale and Robert.
Retired Columbus Transmission
Systems Engineering Technician
Bert Pokorny, 68, who passed
away April 11. Bert joined the
District in 1962 and retired
in 2000. He is survived by
his wife, Lenore; son, Chris;
daughters, Karen Pokorny,
Kim Cline, Kelly Gibson and
Bert Pokorny
Colleen Spies; nine grandchildren;
brothers, Larry and Virgil; and sister, Monica Tvrdy.
Retired York Transmission Manager Don Geery, 85,
who passed away April 16. Don began his NPPD
career in 1946 and retired in 1984. He is survived by
sons, Michael and Mark; sister, Edna May Conger;
four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren;
brother-in-law, retired Columbus Scheduler Robert
Wilson and nephew, Lincoln Planner/Scheduler
Shawn Wilson.
Former Board Director
Ralph Johnson
laid to rest
Former Board Director
Ralph Johnson, 86, passed
away May 4 in Lincoln. A
lifelong Nebraska resident,
Ralph served on the NPPD
Board from 1985-2002. He
is survived by his wife, Ruth;
daughters, Penny McCord,
Kathryn Kennedy, Heidi
Gasperlin, Kim Johnson and Ralph Johnson
Jennifer Johnson; sons, Ralph
and Christopher; many grandchildren and great
grandchildren; a brother, Arnold; and sister, Lois.
Retired Scottsbluff Western Region Regional Manager
Charley Christensen, 91, who passed away at his
home May 4. Charley joined the District in 1941 and
retired in 1983. He is survived by his wife, Maxine;
son, Gary; and two grandchildren.
Retired Norfolk meter technician Keith Brower,
69, who passed away May 6. Keith joined NPPD in
1964 and retired in 2004. He is survived by his wife,
Carolyn; children and their spouses, Jill and Tim Luke
and Jay and Kim Brower; stepchildren, Lynn and John
Owen and Todd and Darlene Ely; brother, Kraig; and
sister, Kerin Knight; three grandchildren, three step
grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

We will
remember
Retired Columbus Purchasing Assistant Dee Jarvis on
the death of her daughter, Lynne Jarvis
Kurt Kent, Cooper Nuclear Station senior quality
assurance auditor, on the death of his father, Jack
Karen Murphy, Norfolk administrative assistant, on
the death of her father-in-law, Frank
Rich Duvall, Doniphan Control Center energy supply
operator, on the death of his mother, Mildred
Kevin Pearson, Columbus ITT senior systems
analyst, on the death of his father-in-law, Marvin
Vonasek
Jeff Bjorklund, York journey substation technician,
on the death of his father-in-law, Richard Fisher and
his grandmother, Martina Rover
Betsy Stanley, CNS finance and cost manager, on the
death of her father, Donald Harr
Barb Boryca, Columbus machine operator, on the
death of her mother, Martha Gdowski
Lori Wendt, Columbus accountant, on the death of
her father-in-law, Earl
David Lewis, CNS mechanic valve team, on the death
of his father, Vern
our sympathies go out to the following families
ENERGY INSIGHT • MAY / JuNE 2009
Barb Keating, Norfolk customer services and
delivery representative, on the death of her mother,
Winifred Staub
Chip Frailey, Gerald Gentleman Station conditionbased
maintenance technician, on the death of his
father-in-law, William Harless
Dan Cotton, CNS utility service technician, on the
death of his brother, Terry
Patricia Koester, Plattsmouth meter reader, on the
death of her mother-in-law, Alberta
Retired Creighton District Manager William Hopkins
on the death of his wife, Bonnie
David Dales, Columbus senior staff attorney, on the
death of his mother, Betty, and his mother-in-law,
Peggy Willgohs
Jennifer Butler, Kearney customer services and
delivery representative, on the death of her mother,
Laura Lemmer
Todd Spellman, York ITT desktop support supervisor,
on the death of his father, Robert
35

P.O. Box 499
Columbus, NE 68602-0499
Address Service Requested
ENERGY FACT #5
ItsYourPower.org
...bringing key issues to light
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBUS NE
PERMIT NO. 3
YOU CAN HEAR IT IN THE WIND –
NEBRASKA’S LANDSCAPE IS CHANGING
Together with your local public power utility.
Wind is an important part of Nebraska Public Power District’s energy mix.
As your utility, we support cost-effi cient development of wind-powered
generation, but wind is variable and does not produce electricity 24/7. Other
generating resources — like coal and nuclear — will remain necessary.