Loup Generator - Summer 2020

GENERA OR
a publication of Loup Power District SUMMER 2020

BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Chris Langemeier
Chairman
Ross Knott
First Vice Chairman
Alan Drozd
Second Vice Chairman
Steve Heesacker
Secretary
Dick Tooley
Treasurer
Rich Aerni
Robert Cerv
Jim Donoghue
Mike Fleming
Larry Zach
Outdated wiring and overloaded circuits are the most
common causes of electrical fires. Check the following areas
of your home to ensure your electrical safety is up to par.
EXECUTIVE STAFF
Neal Suess
President/CEO
Walt Williams
Vice President,
Accounting & Finance/CFO
Todd Duren
Vice President,
Corporate Services
Ron Ziola
Vice President, Engineering
Dan Hellbusch
Vice President, Operations
The Loup Generator is
published quarterly as a
service for Loup employees,
families, friends and
associates.
For feedback, story ideas
and submissions, contact:
Stacy Wemhoff
Communications Coordinator
402-562-5711
swemhoff@loup.com
ELECTRICAL OUTLETS: Faulty electrical outlets are
a leading cause of home fires. As outlets age, so do
the wires behind them that you can’t see. Any loose,
damaged or warm-to-the-touch outlets should be
repaired or replaced.
OUTDATED ELECTRICAL WIRING: Frequently tripped
breakers, flickering lights and burning smells are clear
warning signs. If your home is more than 20 years old, it
may not be able to handle today’s increased power load.
If you suspect your home’s wiring is outdated, leave this
one to the pros and contact a qualified electrician.
OVERLOADED CORDS AND OUTLETS: Extension cords
are not permanent solutions. If your big-screen TV,
home theater system and other electronics are plugged
into one extension cord, it’s time to call an electrician
and install additional outlets.
OLD APPLIANCES: Older appliances are more likely
to have loose or damaged wiring, which means they’re
more likely to catch fire. Check older appliances for
damage and determine if it’s time to upgrade or replace.
Also check to ensure you’re using appliance-grade
outlets. A qualified electrician can help with installation.
2 GENERATOR
Cover photo by Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
One constant through
years of challenges
As I approach my 15th anniversary with
Loup Power District, I look back at a
number of things that have happened over
the past 15 years, some good and some not
so good. Here are a few examples.
HYDRO RELICENSING
I started on the hydro relicensing project
my first day at Loup Power District, and
fifteen years later we are still dealing
with this. Although the District has a new
license (it was issued May 22, 2017), the
terms and conditions are very restrictive.
The District has challenged this license
in the US 8th Circuit Court of Appeals and
we are currently waiting for the Court of
Appeals to review our case. Meanwhile
we continue to negotiate with the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission and the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
regarding many of these terms and
conditions. Hopefully a final, acceptable
outcome will be reached soon.
NEW YEAR’S EVE ICE STORM OF 2006
On December 30, 2006, a major ice storm
struck most of Nebraska. The District’s
Albion Division took the brunt of the hit
on the District’s system, with the people
in Petersburg being out of power for at
least four days as District crews worked to
get the subtransmission and distribution
systems up and running. Quite the end to
my first year!
SUMMER HEAT & DROUGHT IN 2012
During the summer of 2012, most of the
Midwestern United States suffered an
incredible drought. The District and other
Nebraska power consumers also saw
the totality of this drought, as NPPD’s
transmission system struggled to keep
up with the increased power usage. After
several days of planning, NPPD and its
wholesale customers devised a unique plan
to make sure the transmission system
stayed intact. This was a long summer
and, due to irrigation, Nebraska came out
ahead, compared to other states.
MID-MARCH 2019 STORM EVENT
Obviously, this event was a huge for me
and for Loup Power District. The amount
of precipitation, combined with the frozen
ground and large ice flows on the Loup
River, created devastation throughout
the District, but most importantly on the
Loup Power canal. District personnel are
still working on restoration efforts along
the canal, and it will be later this year,
and into next year before a full recovery is
seen.
PANDEMIC OF 2020
After the storm event in 2019, I really
did not think anything could top that,
but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has
really changed the look of our business,
and caused us to look at how we will do
business in the future. This has been a
game changer for many, and I will have
more to say on this in future issues.
One thing though, regarding all of these
events — and any other events that have
happened here during my 15 years at Loup
Power District — is that when push
came to shove, the people of
the District, the employees,
really came together to fix the
problems and find a solution.
I am extremely proud of
all District employees during
my tenure at Loup Power
District and I know they
will continue this in the
future.
They care about each
other and the people
they serve, and it is a
real testament to
what we are as an
organization. Of all
the things that have
happened in the
past 15 years, I can truly
say this is the thing
that I am most
proud of as being
the President/
CEO at Loup Power
District.
by NEAL SUESS
President/CEO
SUMMER 2020 3

CONNOR OLMER
Humphrey St. Francis
—
Plans: Business and economics
at Wayne State College
Son of Tom and Ann Olmer,
Customer Service Representative
AUSTIN CROMWELL
Southeast Community College
—
Associate’s Degree
in Electronic Systems Technology
Working for Electronic Contracting Company
in Lincoln as an Installation Tech
Son of John and Shari Cromwell,
Lead Customer Service Representative
TERRI SEIER
Nebraska Wesleyan University
—
Bachelor’s Degree in English
Minors in writing, psychology,
and modern language literacy
Working for Banyan Medical Systems (Omaha)
with future plans to work in counseling
Daughter of Paul and Shawn Seier,
Customer Service Representative
TREDYN PROSOSKI
Riverside High School
—
Plans: General Studies at Central Community College-Columbus;
Raiders Men’s Basketball Team
Son of Eric and Amber Prososki
Grandson of Sena and Randy Prososki, Headworks Supervisor
MASON PROSOSKI
Twin River High School
—
Plans: Utility Line at Northeast Community College
Son of Eric and Amber Prososki and Betsy
and Kenton Zimmer, Equipment Operator
Grandson of Sena and Randy Prososki, Headworks Supervisor
4 GENERATOR

Area students earn scholarships
LINKAGES SCHOLARSHIPS
Linkages Scholarships were awarded to six students in
the 2020 graduating class at Columbus High School.
The Linkages Program is a nationally recognized program
that supports high schools offering a quality program
of engineering and technology courses. The Columbus
Economic Council, Loup Power District, and local
businesses provide support for the program.
The students qualified for the Linkages Scholarship
by taking engineering and technical courses. The
scholarship can be used at each student’s college of
choice.
The 2020 Linkages Scholarships were awarded to the
following students: Clayton Cerny, Rudy Florian, Xsander
Garcia, Sterling Hilton, Justin Holmes, and Kaden Hughes.
The following local sponsors provided financial support
to this year’s program: Behlen Mfg., Columbus Bank,
Columbus Community Hospital, Duo Lift Manufacturing,
Pinnacle Bank, SIDUMP’R, and TORIN Products, Inc.
Since its beginning in 2004, the Linkages Program has
awarded 198 scholarships totaling $60,775.
LOUP POWER DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIPS
Loup Power District has awarded scholarships
to eight area students who are attending
Central Community College-Columbus this
fall.
Loup Power District scholarships are awarded
to high school seniors living in Boone, Colfax,
Nance, and Platte Counties, and portions of
Madison County.
Selection is based on academic achievement,
employment and school activities, quality
of the personal statement, application
completeness and recommendations.
Scholarships were awarded to: Columbus
High School — Conner Mueller, Walt
Rotherham, and Alexis Martinez; Scotus
Central Catholic High School — Dalton
Borchers; Lakeview High School — Cole
Hobza; Humphrey Public School — William
Whited; Howells-Dodge High School — Wyatt
Hegemann; Twin River Public School —
Mason Prososki.
ELECTRICITY
REMAINS A
GOOD VALUE
The cost of powering your
home rises slowly compared
to other common expenses.
Looking at price increases
over the last five years, it’s
easy to see that electricity
remains a good value!
Average Annual Price Increase 2014-2019
3.7%
3.0%
2.6%
0.4%
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Consumer Price Index
Rent
Medical Care
Education
Electricity
SUMMER 2020 5

Wetlands and Loup Power District have
been intertwined since the first kilowatt
was generated back in 1937.
Over this time, there have been land use
changes, droughts and floods, human
pandemics, and even climate change.
by Dr. Michael P. Gutzmer, Jordan Kort, and Kurt Tooley
New Century Environmental LLC
Photo by Nebraskaland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
6 GENERATOR

Despite these challenges, Loup has
continued to produce affordable, reliable,
and efficient hydroelectric power while
improving and maintaining natural
resources and local ecosystems.
This combination is no small task. Loup
received a new Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission (FERC) license for the
operation of the Loup River Hydroelectric
Project in 2017. In its operations, Loup
must comply with FERC environmental
regulations as well as those from several
state and federal environmental agencies,
like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Much of this regulation pertains to
the maintenance and conservation of
wetlands.
Wetlands are highly dynamic and
productive systems that produce more
plant and animal life per unit area
than woodlands, prairies, or cropland.
Loup operations have promoted the
development of significant wetlands of
various types. Because wetlands occupy
a continuum between wet and dry
conditions, they undergo a variety of
unique changes seasonally, from year-toyear,
and over longer cycles as the climate
changes.
New Century Environmental (NCE) has
assisted Loup with various environmental
issues since 2009, including wetlands
assessment, management, and regulatory
compliance.
In 2018 and 2019, NCE assisted Loup
with environmental permitting for its new
Columbus Service Center and developed a
wetland mitigation site to compensate for
a wetland impacted by its construction.
“Mitigation” is the legally required
construction of a new wetland (usually
at a ratio of two new acres for every
acre impacted) to offset wetlands lost
in developments. The new wetland was
developed near the Oconee siphon.
Loup has developed wetland mitigation
sites in the past, but the process is much
more complicated now because of there
are more aspects of wetland ecology to
consider than there were years ago.
The term “wetland” is very inclusive.
A wetland does not always have to be
wet. Wetlands are defined not only
by the presence of water, but also by
characteristic soils and vegetation.
Although things like lakes, ponds,
rivers, and streams are widely recognized
as wetlands, small areas that often
look like fields or meadows can also be
wetlands if they are predictably wet for as
little as 21 days per year.
(continued on page 8)
SUMMER 2020 7

As a result, there is not one
all-encompassing wetland type.
Swamps, marshes, bogs, fens,
backwater lakes and sloughs, small
streams, shallow ponds, lake and
river shores, wet meadows and
prairies, and bottomland (riparian)
hardwood areas are all considered
wetlands.
Each wetland type has its
own unique set of attributes and
functions. The Fish and Wildlife
Service has developed a technical
classification system to identify
and categorize the various wetland
types. This system categorizes
wetlands by special modifiers
that describe special plants, water
cycles, and soils. The highest level
of classification is the wetland
system, of which there are five
types: marine, tidal, palustrine,
lacustrine, and riverine. Of these
five types, only three occur in
Nebraska: palustrine, lacustrine,
and riverine.
The palustrine system includes
the wetland types most people think
of. These are the soggy, open water
transitional areas (i.e., marshes,
bogs, swamps, bottomland forests,
and small ponds).
Wetlands classified in the
lacustrine system are more
closely associated with open water
areas (i.e., lakes, reservoirs, and
impounded rivers). Wetlands of the
riverine system are associated with
free-flowing bodies of water (i.e.,
unimpounded rivers and streams).
By their very nature, however,
wetlands are dynamic resources.
The characteristics of any given
wetland are constantly in flux. The
biotic communities and physical
qualities that classify a wetland are
always changing.
For example, an area previously
classified as lacustrine may fill
up from the gradual increase
of sediment and deposition of
decaying organic material. After
years of this activity, the physical
changes to the ecosystem and the
biotic community may cause the
wetland to be more accurately
classified as a palustrine marsh.
There are also many other ways
wetlands undergo changes, and
these changes make the monitoring
and management of wetlands an
involved and ongoing process.
Loup has been heavily involved
in wetland conservation and
management for decades. Many
benefits of the Loup hydroelectric
project are obvious, including
recreation and irrigation. In an
agri-business state like Nebraska,
there is probably no more
important resource than a good,
dependable, and readily available
supply of water.
But there are other benefits as
The environmental
richness and diversity
of Loup’s associated
wetlands may be
overlooked at times.
well. The environmental richness
and diversity of Loup’s associated
wetlands may be overlooked at
times.
The diversion of the Loup River
has increased fisheries, expanded
wetlands, and improved habitat
for waterfowl, shorebirds and
wildlife throughout the project area.
This creates obvious recreational
benefits, but also benefits
threatened and endangered birds,
such as whooping cranes, least
terns, and piping plovers.
As might be expected, the canal
system also provides a unique
aquatic habitat for dozens of native
fish species, from a variety of
minnows to game fish like walleye,
largemouth bass, crappie, and
channel and flathead catfish.
Canal banks with overlying
vegetation provide optimal forage,
spawning and escape cover for a
variety of fish species, especially
during periods of water scarcity
when many other local waterways
run perilously low or dry up.
Overall, the canal and associated
waterways and infrastructure
provide crucial wetland habitats.
Many flora and fauna depend on
this habitat to live and reproduce.
Studies have determined that eighty
percent of American birds rely on
wetlands and the benefits to a wide
variety of wildlife are enormous.
Plants and animals are not
the only reason for wetland
preservation. Wetlands also play
a key role in flood control, ground
water recharge, sediment trapping,
and water purification.
Some studies show that, in
certain instances, wetlands can
remove 70 to 90 percent of nitrate
pollutants — a key function of
water purification that is especially
8 GENERATOR

important in areas with extensive
agriculture, like our area of
Nebraska.
As many wetlands have been
drained and destroyed over the
past 100 years, the Loup Project
has provided wetland stability
and enhancement in our region
of the state, and even though the
canal is a man-made structure, it
provides environmental benefits
that would not otherwise exist.
Loup Power District has been
reliable and an affordable electric
provider for almost a century. It
has done so while maintaining
environmental compliance and
stewardship.
There is no doubt — after all
this time — that Loup Power
District and Nebraska wetlands
are a good mix.
—
Mike Gutzmer, principal of New Century
Environmental and environmental
contractor for Loup, is co-writing “Aquatic
Plants of Nebraska” with illustrations
by local artist Dillon Krueger. The book
is scheduled for publication in mid-2021
and will feature an in-depth visual
description of some of the most common
and unique aquatic plants found across
Nebraska wetlands, including many of the
wetland plants that occupy Loup wetland
complexes.
Gutzmer and Robert Kaul (Professor
Emeritus of Botany-UNL) discovered and
formally documented American lotus,
Nelumbo lutea, at Lake Babcock in 1997.
Gutzmer and Kaul published the “Aquatic
Plants of Nebraska” poster in 2001
through the University of Nebraska State
Museum.
Journeyman Lineman Zach Reicks
installs a bird diverter on a 34.5kV power
line at Wilkinson Wildlife Management
Area near Platte Center in 2016.
The diverter installation was part of a project to
ensure the safety of cranes and other migratory
birds at Wilkinson. It was funded in part by a grant
from the Nebraska Environmental Trust. In 2017, Loup
buried a 12.5kV line at Wilkinson to help protect birds.
More diverters are being installed this year on lines
over the Loup River and near the Genoa Headworks.
Photos on Page 8 by Michael Gutzmer
Top: Persicaria amphibia (water smartweed) is an emergent aquatic plant and
perennial aquatic herb. It is native to Nebraska and found in several locations within
the Loup Power District project area. Some smartweeds are common across the
state.
Middle: Sagittaria latifolia (common arrowhead) is a common emergent aquatic
plant found near the Headgates and in Lake Babcock. It is valuable to wildlife and
provides good habitat. Native Americans and prairie pioneers used its root (tuber)
for food.
Bottom: This tri-colored heron is an example of many of the shorebirds that use
wetland habitats across the country. Great blue herons and black crowned night
herons can be seen in the Loup Power District area.
Below: A Canada goose in a wetland on Prairie Wolf Wildlife Management Area
near Genoa in Nance County. Photo by NEBRASKAland Magazine/Nebraska Game
and Parks Commission.
—
New Century Environmental LLC,
a small consulting business in
Columbus, Nebraska, employs a team
of environmental and ecological
professionals that provides quality
environmental services. The company
was formed in 2007 and offers a full
array of services and products to enhance
environmental compliance, resource
management and safety. NCE has
provided environmental support for Loup
during the FERC environmental study
process.
SUMMER 2020 9

Clean water? Flood protection? Wildlife habitat?
Not without w
With waterfowl seasons upon us, duck and goose
hunters certainly appreciate the value of wetlands. But
wetlands do much more than provide habitat for ducks
and geese. One of the most productive ecosystems in
the world, wetlands host a variety of plant and animal
species. They also provide numerous other benefits,
including slowing runoff to reduce flooding and filter
pollutants and recharge groundwater, making their
preservation important to all of us.
Nebraska has diverse wetlands across the state, in
every county. There are many types of wetlands:
What we lose...
Sufficient
clean water
95%
of Nebraska drinking water comes
from groundwater, which is
naturally filtered by wetlands.
!
Oxbows
Wet Meadows
Forested
Swamps
Over the past 250 years, wetlands have declined at
an alarming rate, mostly due to land conversion.
Only half the
world’s wetlands
remain intact.
Lakes
Marshes
Playas
Today, only 65%
of Nebraska’s
wetlands
remain intact.
Fens
River and Stream
Backwaters
Seep
Areas
Only 10% of the
Nebraska Rainwater
Basin playa wetlands
remain intact.
Wetlands filter pollutants
from runoff and improve water
quality in streams and the
underground aquifer, reducing
the need for costly treatment.
Groundwater recharge
Many wetlands slowly
release water into the ground
to recharge groundwater.
Sandhills and playa wetlands
recharge a significant portion
of the state’s Ogallala Aquifer.
Because of the Clean Water
Act, the Farm Bill, State Title
117, and other federal, state,
and local protections, we have
effectively slowed the rate at
which we are losing wetlands.
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
0
Estimated acres of wetlands in Nebraska
1972 Clean Water Act
1770 1800 1830 1860 1890 1920 1950 1980 2010
10 GENERATOR

etlands
...when we lose wetlands:
Diverse wildlife
Nebraska is unique in that it possesses
three major wetland complexes – the
Sandhills, the Rainwater Basin, and the
Platte River – that are of international
importance to wildlife. Wetlands play an
important role by providing habitat for
threatened and endangered species.
38%
of reptiles
100%
of amphibians
70%
90%
of the continent’s sandhill crane
population uses the Platte River for roosting habitat.
Nebraska species relying on wetlands:
36%
of mammals
of the state’s threatened
and endangered
species, such
as piping plovers
and whooping cranes,
depend on wetlands.
50%
of birds and plants
Revenue in tourism and
hunting recreation
Streams and wetlands are major economic
drivers because of their role in hunting,
fishing, recreation, and agriculture. In the
Rainwater Basin landscape, every acre
generates $20 per year in revenue.
Protection from
disaster
Wetlands hold
water, making
flooding and soil
erosion less likely.
$
DESIGN AND GRAPHICS BY MEL SEVERIN | NEBRASKA GAME & PARKS COMMISSION
Conservation Programs
Wetland conservation programs like the USDA’s Wetland Reserve
Easement Program (WRE, formerly called Wetlands Reserve
Program or WRP), provide alternatives for flood-prone cropland,
helping producers reduce input costs and maximize net farm
income. There are numerous other voluntary incentive programs
for wetland conservation provided by federal, state, and local
agencies. More than 100,000 acres have been conserved over the
past 25 years, through a variety of methods including protection,
restoration, management, inventory, research, and education.
We need to continue to conserve
wetlands and maintain the funding
for conservation programs or we
will see a rapid decline once again.
LEARN MORE AT
NebraskaWetlands.com
SUMMER 2020 11

Ron Ziola began planning his
retirement from Loup Power District
more than a year ago.
He imagined that his last year
would be much like the previous 32
years — an enjoyable job filled with
great people, variety, and challenge.
And it was so with one exception
— more challenge that he could have
imagined.
Last March, the Genoa Headworks
faced catastrophic damage following
a storm that dumped rain on frozen
ground. The rising Loup River
breached the canal in several places,
causing uncontrolled river flow in
and out of the canal.
Ziola helped coordinate assistance
from the Nebraska National Guard.
The troops helped close a major
breach with 125 sandbags weighing
1,500 pounds each. The damage
estimate is more than $20 million.
Then, a year later, the Covid-19
pandemic hit. Ziola and other
managers at Loup had to determine
how to best protect employees and
reduce risk. Most employees had
to adjust to working from home on
rotating schedules.
Even though these challenges
were tough, Ziola knows there’s a
solution to every problem and he
enjoys looking for it.
“That’s what made it a great
career,” he said.
MATH & SCIENCE
Ziola says he was always
interested in math and science. He
kept a scrapbook of articles about
the Project Mercury and Project
Gemini spaceflight programs in
the 1960s, hoping to one day be an
astronaut.
His classmates knew to pick him
first for math and science contests
(but not the spelling bees). He took
college prep courses like math,
physics, and chemistry at Columbus
High School before heading to Platte
Junior College.
He thought about becoming an
architect, but felt he was lacking the
imagination. Algebra teacher was
also on the radar, but wasn’t sure
about that either.
Ziola earned his Associate’s
Degree in 1975, and went on to the
University of Nebraska Lincoln. It
was time to nail down a major.
“I wanted to learn how a
television worked, so I decided on
electrical engineering,” he said with
a laugh.
Wanting to learn how things
work wasn’t new to Ziola. He grew
up watching his father pull things
apart, fix them, and put them back
together.
“He could fix anything and
everything from a semi to a slide
projector,” he said.
His father suggested that he focus
on designing equipment rather than
fixing it. That’s exactly what he
went on to do.
VP OF ENGINEERING
Ziola graduated from UNL in 1978
and began designing substations
at Nebraska Public Power District
(NPPD). He already had experience
there, working as a co-op engineer
in the summers of 1976 and 1977.
While he enjoyed his work there,
Ziola began yearning to expand his
experience. When an Engineering
Supervisor job opened at Loup, he
knew he had to apply.
“It was a chance for a new
experience and a step up,” he said.
It also brings us back to all
those challenges he faced over the
years. In his roles as Engineering
Supervisor and Vice President of
Engineering, Ziola has been involved
in many day-to-day challenges as
well as some major projects.
In 2005, Loup began a threeyear
hydro rehabilitation project
at the powerhouses in Monroe and
12 GENERATOR

Columbus — the first major upgrade
since the plants began generating
power in 1937. Loup issued $17
million in bonds to pay for the
project.
Ziola has also been working on
the new hydroelectric license for
almost 13 years. It was a lengthy
process and although Loup received
its license in 2017, he continued
working to resolve some contested
provisions.
Daily tasks included substation
design, new transformers, rebuilt
lines, new breakers and panels.
Ziola estimates the cost of all these
projects to be hundreds of millions
of dollars.
Those dollars are
well-spent because
they ensure reliable
service for Loup’s
customers. Ziola
credits Loup’s managers and Board
of Directors for seeing the value in
those upgrades.
“We want quality equipment,” he
said. “We don’t need a Cadillac or
Rolls Royce, but we want at least a
Buick.”
Loup’s dedication to economic
development also demands that
Loup respond to company needs or
prepare for them ahead of time.
“Our basic system is built for
expansion,” he said. “We want to be
ready for the future.”
Over the years, Ziola has definitely
noticed the technological upgrades
that have made engineering
jobs easier. These include cell
phones, a digitized mapping
system, Supervisory Control And
Data Acquisition (SCADA), load
management, and AMI automated
meters among others.
Still, the basics of the job haven’t
changed —transformers, wire, and
poles are the foundation.
“That’s what our customers
need,” he said.
Our basic system is built for expansion.
We want to be ready for the future.
THE LEADING EDGE
Ziola knows that he will miss
the job. He has learned so much
about the hydro system, the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission,
project safety, and operations.
He will miss the people more.
“My success has been because of
the people around me,” he said.
That includes those outside of his
department. He was amazed by the
work of the hydro and operations
crews following the storm in 2019.
Still, he knows it’s time. He and
his wife, Peg, both enjoy golfing and
international travel. There will be
plenty of that on the agenda when
it’s safe to do so again.
He also wants to visit some of the
breweries and restaurants around
Nebraska. He’s already got Nebraska
baseball tickets.
The Ziolas are also looking
forward to spending more time with
their two grandchildren — Jordyn,
12; and Jayson, 10.
Ziola never dreaded coming to
work and can’t believe how
fast 33 years have gone. He
says he won’t come into
work anymore, but he’ll
never really leave the job.
“There are so many
fun things coming up in the future
that are really going to challenge the
District and management,” he said.
These include conversions,
streetlights, hydro operations, LED
lights, and energy contracts. He’ll be
watching quietly to see if any of his
plans come to fruition.
Deep down, he knows they will.
“We’re going to be on the leading
edge as we always have been.”
SUMMER 2020 13

employee notes
ROD ZAREK
Plant Operator
Retired
Plant Operator Rod Zarek has retired from Loup Power District after more than 25 years
of service.
Zarek joined Loup in 1994 as a Maintenance Man with the District’s Columbus Canal
Crew. He transferred to Loup’s Columbus Retail Division in 1998 as a Groundman. He was
promoted to Apprentice Lineman in 2000 and to Plant Operator the following year.
As a Plant Operator, Zarek was a member of the team of six Plant Operators who
operate the control room and watch over Loup’s hydroelectric system. He controlled the
three generation units at the Columbus and Monroe powerhouses.
Zarek also worked closely with the Genoa Headworks staff to divert Loup River water
into the canal system for power plant generation. Other duties included coordinating
generation with NPPD’s control center in Doniphan and monitoring Loup’s 115 kV and
34.5 kV subtransmission system.
Zarek is a graduate of Fullerton High School. He and his wife, Marjorie, live in
Columbus and are the parents of four children — Megan, Alecia, Nick, and Zach.
Welcome
JUSTIN SHANLE
Drafting Technician
Justin Shanle of Columbus joined
Loup Power District as Drafting
Technician.
Shanle’s duties include revising
distribution and rural maps using
AutoCAD software; assisting with
line and substation projects; and
revising structural, mechanical, and
electrical technical design drawings.
Shanle is a graduate of Scotus
Central Catholic High School. He
earned a degree in Electromechanical
Technology from Southeast
Community College in Milford.
He previously worked for Vishay
Dale Electronics as a Process/
Automation Engineering Technician.
1 Year
NANCY NELSEN
Customer Service Rep
Nancy Nelsen of Newman
Grove joined Loup Power
District in 2019 as a parttime
Customer Service
Representative in the Newman
Grove office.
Nelsen’s responsibilities
include greeting customers;
processing payments; setting
up, transferring, and closing
service; taking service calls;
and preparing reports.
She graduated from Lincoln
High School and earned an
Associate of Applied Science
degree from Southeast
Community College.
Nelsen and her husband,
Chris, have a daughter, Halie.
Welcome
DEBRA PETSCHE
Customer Service Rep
Debra Petsche of Petersburg
joined Loup Power District as a
Customer Service Representative
in the Albion and Fullerton offices.
Petsche’s responsibilities
include greeting customers;
processing payments; setting up,
transferring, and closing service;
taking service calls; and preparing
reports.
She previously worked in
patient financial services at Boone
County Health Center.
Petsche and her husband, Bob,
have three children — Amanda
(Travis) Ray, Travis (Jill) Petsche,
and Eric (Tori) Petsche. They also
have nine grandchildren.
14 GENERATOR

JANICE BRIDGER
Customer Service Representative
Janice Bridger of Fullerton has retired from Loup Power District after more than 28
years of service.
Bridger joined Loup in 1992 as a regular part-time cashier at the Fullerton Office. In
1998, she was promoted to full-time Steno-Clerk.
In 2009, Bridger’s title was changed to Customer Service Representative and she
continued in that position until her retirement.
Bridger’s responsibilities included greeting customers; processing payments; setting up,
transferring, or closing service; taking service calls; and preparing reports.
Bridger is a graduate of Fullerton High School. She and her husband, Rocky, are the
parents of two children: Kevin and Lisa. They have four grandchildren.
Retired
10 Years
ANN OLMER
Customer Service Rep
Ann Olmer of Humphrey has
served as the regular part-time
Customer Service Representative
for the Humphrey Office since
2010.
Her responsibilities include
greeting customers; processing
payments; setting up,
transferring, and closing service;
taking service calls; and preparing
reports.
A graduate of Lindsay Holy
Family High School, Olmer has
an Associate of Applied Science
Degree in Human Services from
Southeast Community College –
Lincoln.
She and her husband, Tom,
have five children.
1 Year
JACOB CZARNICK
Lineman
Jacob Czarnick of Columbus
joined Loup Power District
in 2019 as a Lineman based
out of the Columbus Service
Center.
Czarnick is a member of the
crew that is responsible for
the construction, operation
and maintenance of electric
transmission and distribution
systems in the Columbus area.
Czarnick interned at Loup
during the summers of 2017
and 2018.
He graduated from
Columbus High School and
earned his Utility Line degree
from Northeast Community
College.
25 Years
BRIAN HERMAN
Lineman/Serviceman
Herman joined Loup in 1995 as an
Apprentice Lineman in Fullerton and was
promoted to Lineman later that year. He
was promoted to Journeyman Lineman
in 2000 and transferred to Lineman/
Serviceman in 2018.
Herman’s primary responsibility is
ordering and receiving material (store
inventory) for District operations in the
Fullerton Division service area. He also
conducts monthly substation inspections,
services water heaters, maintains street
lights, and performs other duties for the
Fullerton Division.
Herman is a graduate of Clarks High
School. He earned an Associate of Applied
Science Degree in Utility Line from
Northeast Community College in Norfolk.
He and his wife, Angie, have three
children — Skyler, Spencer, and Stormy.
SUMMER 2020 15

employee notes
JOE HUBENKA
Humphrey Local Superintendent
40 Years
Hubenka joined Loup in 1980 as an Apprentice Lineman at the Columbus Service
Center and was later promoted to Lineman. He was promoted to Journeyman Lineman
in 1984. In 1990, he was promoted to his current position of Humphrey Local
Superintendent.
As local superintendent, Hubenka is responsible for overseeing the maintenance
and construction of Loup’s electric power transmission and distribution system in the
Humphrey, Creston, Cornlea, and Tarnov area. He also directs customer service in the
area.
A graduate of Leigh High School, Hubenka earned an Associate of Applied Science
Degree in Utility Line from Northeast Community College in Norfolk. He has four
children — Nathan, Derrick, Marcus, and Alex.
15 Years
5 Years 1 Year
TOMMY WEMHOFF
Journeyman Lineman
Wemhoff joined Loup in 2005
as an Apprentice Lineman at the
Columbus Service Center and
was later promoted to Lineman.
He was promoted to Journeyman
Lineman in 2009.
As a Journeyman Lineman,
Wemhoff is member of the
crew that is responsible for the
construction, operation, and
maintenance of Loup’s electrical
transmission and distribution
systems and substations in the
Columbus Division.
Wemhoff is a graduate of
Coleridge High School and earned
an Associate of Applied Science
Degree in Utility Line from
Northeast Community College.
RENAE SCHMIDT
Network Coordinator
Renae Schmidt of Columbus joined
Loup Power District in 2015 as Network
Coordinator.
She is responsible for developing
and maintaining server and computer
configurations for the District,
including assisting with network
configurations and issues.
Schmidt is a graduate of St. Edward
High School. She earned an Associate
of Applied Science Degree in Data
Processing IT from Central Community
College in Columbus.
She also earned numerous
certifications, including the
following in 2017: Microsoft Certified
Professional, Microsoft Certified
Solutions Associate: Windows
Server 2012, and Microsoft Certified
Solutions Expert: Cloud Platform and
Infrastructure.
BEAU SCHOMMER
Lineman
Beau Schommer joined Loup
Power District as a Lineman
based out of the Columbus
Service Center in 2019.
He is a member of the
crew that is responsible for
the construction, operation
and maintenance of electric
transmission and distribution
systems in the Columbus area.
Schommer graduated from
Norfolk Catholic High School and
earned his Utility Line degree
from Northeast Community
College.
16 GENERATOR

RON CHRISTO
Cedar Rapids Local Superintendent
Ron Christo of Albion joined Loup in 1985 as an Apprentice Lineman in the Albion Retail
Operation. He was promoted to Lineman/Serviceman in 1986 and to Journeyman Lineman
in 1990. He was promoted to his current position of Local Superintendent for Cedar Rapids
in 2015.
As Local Superintendent, Christo oversees the maintenance and construction of Loup’s
electric power transmission and distribution system in the Cedar Rapids and Primrose
area. He also is in charge of customer service in the area.
A native of Albion, Christo is a graduate of Albion High School. He earned an Associate of
Applied Science Degree in Utility Line from Northeast Community College in Norfolk.
35 Years
1 Year
DREW GRAHAM
Monroe Chief
Powerhouse Operator
Drew Graham joined Loup in
2019 as a Utilityman based out
of the Columbus Service Center.
He was promoted to Monroe
Powerhouse Chief Operator earlier
this year.
Graham is responsible for
the operation, monitoring, and
maintenance of the Monroe
Powerhouse including generators,
auxiliaries, substation, and
structures.
Graham is a native of Silver
Creek and graduated from Twin
River High School. He earned a
degree in Heating Ventilation and
Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
from Northeast Community
College. He and his wife, Jordan,
live in Monroe.
Promotion
TIM RECEK
Equipment Operator
Tim Recek of Columbus was
recently promoted to Equipment
Operator at Loup Power District
Recek joined Loup Power
District in 2017 as a Utilityman
based out of the Columbus
Service Center. He transferred to
Maintenance Man in 2019.
In his new role as Equipment
Operator, Recek operates the
District’s heavy equipment and
is part of the crew that performs
maintenance on the canal system
from Genoa to Columbus. He also
works at the two powerhouses
when needed, helps build
substations, and maintains District
parks and lakes.
He and his wife, Brenda, have
two children: son, Dylan, and
daughter, Sydney.
Promotion
JOHN YRKOSKI
Meter, Relay & Equipment
Technician II
John Yrkoski of Columbus was
recently promoted to Meter, Relay
and Equipment Technician II.
Yrkoski joined Loup in 1987 as a
Maintenance Man on the Columbus
Canal Crew based out of the
Columbus Service Center. In 1991,
he was promoted to Equipment
Operator. In 1992, he transferred
to Meter Reader based out of the
Columbus General Office.
In his new position, Yrkoski is
a member of the team responsible
for installation and maintenance of
substation power equipment. He is
also responsible for service orders
and reading meters.
Yrkoski is a native of Fullerton
and a graduate of Clarks High
School.
SUMMER 2020 17

employee notes
30 Years
MARK ROMBERG
Senior Engineering Technician
Mark Romberg of Columbus joined Loup in 1990
as an Engineering Technician II in the Engineering
Department at the Columbus General Office and was
promoted to Engineering Technician I in 1993. In
2006, he was promoted to his current position of
Senior Engineering Technician.
As Senior Engineering Technician, Romberg’s
primary duties relate to the design of transmission
and distribution lines and substations. This includes
buying right-of-way, surveying, designing,
purchasing materials, and writing work orders.
A graduate of Albion High School, Romberg
attended Southeast Community College - Milford
where he earned an Associate of Applied Science
Degree in Electrical Technology.
He and his wife Tammie are the parents of two
children, Josh and Jaclyn. They have one grandson.
25 Years
MIKE BRABEC
Line Foreman
Mike Brabec of Columbus joined Loup in 1995 as an
Apprentice Lineman in the Humphrey retail operation.
He was promoted to Lineman later that year and to
Journeyman Lineman in 2000. In 2007, he was named Local
Superintendent in Clarkson. In 2008, he transferred to the
position of Journeyman Lineman in the Columbus retail
operation. Brabec was promoted to his current position of
Line Foreman at the Columbus Service Center in 2014.
As Line Foreman, Brabec is in charge of the line crew
that is responsible for construction and maintenance of
Loup’s electrical transmission and distribution system in
the Columbus Division. The Columbus Division includes the
southeastern part of Platte County and part of Colfax County.
Brabec is a graduate of Clarkson High School. He earned
an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Utility Line from
Northeast Community College in Norfolk.
He and his wife, Lori, have two sons: Gavin and Haden.
DREDGE WINCH REPAIR
The port-bow hauling winch on the Pawnee II Dredge at the
Genoa Headworks was removed and repaired in June.
During dredging operations in May, employees noticed that
the winch was making a loud noise. They discovered the
problem after draining the gearbox oil and found it full of
iron filings.
The dredging needed to continue, so employees changed
the gearbox oil often to make it through the season that
ended June 3.
Luckily, there was a spare gearbox because it takes around
18 weeks to get a new one from Italy. The damaged gearbox
was sent to Baton Rouge, La., for repair.
The gearbox was mostly likely damaged during the March
2019 storm. The winch held the dredge against flood waters
and prevented it from being swept away.
The opposite side starboard-bow winch cable (7/8” wire
rope) snapped leaving only the port-bow winch to hold the
dredge putting extreme stress on the components.
Genoa Headworks employees who assisted with the removal
and repair of the dredge winch are James Reeg, Bob Anderson,
Bryan Tworek, and Joe Kleckner. Photo by Brad Morton.
18 GENERATOR

GET SMART
Heating and cooling costs account for around half of your energy bill.
So when it comes to reducing energy use and cutting home energy costs,
you can make a big impact by programming the thermostat.
The right thermostat settings
could yield energy savings
of 8-15 percent, and new
technology is making it
easier than ever to achieve
those settings.
Smart thermostats are
Wi-Fi enabled and may be
controlled remotely through
a tablet, smartphone, or
voice control. Some models
use multiple sensors to
monitor temperatures in various
parts of the home for more
balanced heating or cooling,
track user temperature preferences,
and use the data to optimize your heating and cooling
schedule. Some are designed for complex multi-stage
systems that will control heating, cooling, dehumidifier,
and ventilation systems.
If you’re interested in controlling your thermostat
with your voice or an app, or in being hands-off and
letting it learn your habits, you should consider a smart
thermostat. To narrow your choices, factor in smart
features, price, and attributes that matter most to you,
such as color, size or style, and make sure the chosen
product supports your HVAC system.
The Nest 3rd Generation Learning Thermostat and
Ecobee4 are the most popular and sophisticated devices
in this category. Both devices are usually priced around
$250, but consumers can easily recoup their money in
energy cost savings.
There are many similarities between the two thermostats.
Both can be adjusted via computer, tablet, smartphone,
Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa device (the Ecobee4
even has a built-in Alexa-enabled speaker). And both
thermostats can interact with other smart devices
and utilize geofencing—using your phone’s GPS to
determine if you’re home, then automatically adjusting
the temperature. Nest’s geofencing works with multiple
phones, while Ecobee supports just one phone. Ecobee
makes up for this with its more sophisticated sensors.
The Nest and Ecobee offer additional remote sensors
that allow the thermostat to take readings from any
room throughout your home and adjust the temperature
accordingly. This can be an advantage if your thermostat
is located near a draft or in direct sunlight. The Ecobee’s
sensors go one step further with occupancy sensing,
which notices if there is movement in the house in order
to override geofencing if the primary phone user leaves
the house and someone is still there.
While many of the features are similar, there a few that
are notably different and can help you determine which is
right for you.
Nest, powered by a rechargeable battery, is a learning
thermostat. When you begin using Nest, it makes a few
assumptions and creates a baseline for its schedule. As
you adjust the temperature up or down, Nest records
it, and after a week, learns your schedule and the
temperature settings you prefer. From then, it continues
to learn and respond to your adjustments. Nest also
records 10 days of energy use data that shows you a
visual of the times your system turned on and off during
those 10 days. Nest also sends a monthly email report
that includes a summary of your energy use compared to
previous months and other Nest users.
Ecobee must be hardwire installed, utilizes a touchscreen,
and can analyze HVAC data for 18 months. All temperature
and motion data from the thermostat and sensors is
recorded, and can be accessed online by the owner to help
you monitor total energy use, how the weather influences
your use, and how your home efficiency compares to other
users in your area.
The two thermostats also can connect with various energy
devices in your home. Ecobee recognizes dehumidifiers
and ventilators, and Next recognizes heat pumps and
auxiliary heat.
For those looking for a smart thermostat with fewer
bells and whistles, the Honeywell Lyric T5+ is one of the
market’s most popular, priced around $135. While it can’t
sense your presence or learn your schedule, it does have
the geofencing feature and can interact with other smarthome
devices, such as turning on lights when you arrive
or leave home.
Whichever fits your lifestyle and preferences, a smart
thermostat is a good investment that can help you save
energy and money in a more convenient way than ever.
Get up to $100
when you install a smart thermostat!
Learn more at loup.com or call Greg at 402-562-5718.
SUMMER 2020 19

2404 15th Street | PO Box 988
Columbus, NE 68602-0988
4 x 512 pixels.
5 STEPS FOR SAFE DIGGING
Working on an outdoor project? Always call 8-1-1 first, because you never know what’s below.
Here are five easy steps for safe digging:
1. NOTIFY 2. WAIT 3. CONFIRM 4. RESPECT 5. DIG
CAREFULLY
Call 8-1-1 or make
a request online two
to three days before
you start.
Wait two to three days
for a response
to your request.
Affected utilities
will send a locator
to mark underground
utility lines.
Confirm that all
affected utilities have
responded by
comparing the markers
to the list of utilities the
8-1-1 call center notified.
Respect the markers
provided by the affected
utilities. They are your
guide for the duration
of your project.
If you can’t avoid
digging near the
markers (within 18-24
inches on all sides,
depending on state
laws), consider moving
your project.
2-3