November / December 2008 - Nebraska Public Power District

Current news about Nebraska Public Power District 

November / December 2008 

Volume 1 Issue 5

2 

ENERGY INSIGHT • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2008 

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 

Gary Thompson, Second Vice Chairman 

Mary Harding, Secretary 

Wayne Boyd 

Virg Froehlich 

Larry Kuncl 

Ron Larsen 

Darrell Nelson 

Ken Schmieding 

Ed Schrock 

Senior Manager, Government and 

Public Relations 

Beth Boesch 

Executive Editor 

Brenda Sanne 

Managing Editor 

Jill Novicki 

Photography 

Gary Pelster 

Contributors 

Mark Becker 

Mark Miller 

Jeanne Schieffer 

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 Travel safely 

Keep these safety tips in mind 

while traveling this winter. 

4 President’s Message 

Ron Asche talks about the 

economic recession and its 

impact on NPPD. 

6 Random Acts of 

Kindness 

Readers share their own 

heart-warming stories of when 

they received a “random act of 

kindness.” 

10 NPPD to Continue 

SimplyWell Program 

Improve your health and help 

reduce health care costs with 

the District’s wellness program-- 

SimplyWell. 

12 Public Power’s 

Progress 

Read about the open house 

Cooper held on license renewal, 

as well as an update on the dry 

used fuel storage facility. 

14 “LEEDing” the Way 

in Energy Efficiency 

NPPD is investing in a new 

operations center that will 

promote energy efficiency and 

much more. 

15 Rates to Increase 

Jan. 1 

Despite 2009 increases, NPPD 

rates remain competitive. 

18 News From Around 

The State 

Read about recent 

accomplishments of employees 

and their children. 

22 Retiree News 

Make plans to attend your 

next retiree meeting, check the 

notices in the Energy Insight; 

and Retiree News. 

About the Cover: 

A new transmission line is 

taking shape in east-central 

Nebraska. The Electric 

Transmission Reliability Project 

is making steady progress 

on a new 80-mile 345 kV line 

between Columbus and Lincoln. 

Read a summary of progress 

on page 16. 

www.nppd.com | 1-877 ASK NPPD

Tips can help make winter travel safer 

The Nebraska Department of Roads offers this list of tips that 

motorists can follow to make winter travel safer: 

• Make sure everyone in a motor vehicle wears a 

seat belt and children are in a car safety seat. 

• When traveling outside of a business or residential 

district, it is unlawful to follow a highway 

maintenance vehicle (snowplow, truck or grader) 

more closely than 100 feet when it is plowing 

snow, spreading salt or sand or displaying a 

flashing amber or blue light. If conditions permit, 

however, drivers may pass a maintenance vehicle. 

• Snowplows cause soft snow to swirl. It can 

become difficult to see the plow and for the plow 

operator to see you. Turn on your headlights and 

windshield wipers for additional visibility. 

• Plowing snow on a multi-lane roadway is often 

done with more than one snowplow at a time. Give 

them plenty of room. Do not pass on the right side 

and always stay where the operator can see you. 

• Beware of icy spots, especially on bridges and in 

sheltered areas. Drive at reduced speeds and allow 

distance to react to traffic. Slow down gradually 

when approaching curves and stops. 

Jerry Chlopek of Columbus is the Operations 

Manager at Cornhusker 

Public Power District. He 

has worked for the utility 

for 40 years and plans to 

retire in April. Jerry is 

a member of American 

Legion Hartman Post 84, 

American Legion Honor 

Guard, VFW Post 3704, 

Knights of Columbus, and 

St. Anthony’s Catholic 

Church. Jerry’s family 

includes his wife, Geanne, and two sons. 

• 

Turn off cruise control in wet or snowy weather. 

• Keep headlights on, particularly during inclement 

weather. Make sure your headlights, taillights and 

windows are clean so you can see and be seen. 

• Motorists may use studded snow tires in Nebraska 

from Nov. 1 to April 1. School buses, emergency 

vehicles and mail carrier vehicles may use them 

anytime during the year. 

• Check often for current weather reports through 

local news media sources before you travel. Keep 

the radio on. Weather conditions change rapidly, as 

do the road conditions. 

• For 24-hour-a-day, year-round Nebraska traveler 

information, motorists can dial 511 on their cell 

phones or land line. If outside Nebraska, dial 

(800) 906-9069. Motorists can also call 511 for 

current information about weather conditions, 

road conditions and travel advisories. The 511 

system and various other weather links are 

available at www.transportation.nebraska.gov or 

www.511nebraska.org. 

New Board members to take office in January 

Jerry Chlopek Ken Kunze 

ENERGY INSIGHT • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2008 3 

Ken Kunze has owned a real estate company in York 

for more than 30 years. 

A former mayor and past 

president of the Nebraska 

League of Municipalities, 

Ken has served as a 

member of Nebraska's 

Power Review Board for 

the past eight years. He and 

his wife, Mary Beth, have 

three grown children and 

three grandchildren.

4 


on the 

Brighter 

from the 

PRESIDENT & CEO 

RON ASCHE 

Throughout my more 

than 30-year career 

with NPPD, I have been 

part of many changes 

in the electric utility 

industry. In the late 

1970s and early 80s, this 

country went into a deep 

recession. This had a 

profound effect on the 

utility industry and NPPD 

struggled financially at 

times during that period. 

At one point in the early 

80s, I even recall NPPD 

having difficulty making 

payroll. 

Side 

As this country deals 

with another recession 

that some economists predict 

will last into the third quarter 

of 2009, I would like to assure 

you NPPD is in much better 

financial position today 

than we were during periods of 

time in the late 70s and early 80s. 

Despite continued volatility in 

the financial markets, problems 

on Wall Street, and concerns over 

how the nation will come out of 

this economic downturn, it is easy 

to forget that the ups and downs in 

the economy are cyclical. In fact, 

since 1945, this country has been 

in a recession lasting an average 

of between 6 and 16 months about 

once every five years. 

While this current recession is 

more concerning to some because 

of the unique struggles occurring 

in the financial, auto and housing 

industries and the expected 

duration anticipated to be higher 

than average, it is important to 

look on the bright side and find 

those things that can help us 

“weather the storm.” 

This time of year, I think back 

to the ice storm of 2006. It seemed 

like such a monumental challenge 

at the time, yet we safely 

completed the reconstruction 

ahead of schedule and met 

or exceeded most people’s 

Despite continued volatility 

concerns over how the nation 

forget that the ups 

expectations in getting our system 

back intact. Remembering these 

types of events helps remind us 

that we will always be subject 

to challenges and next year will 

be no different. Therefore, what 

we need to do is make sure we 

are focusing on the right 

goals and responding to current 

economic conditions in the best 

way possible. 

In my next column, I will be 

sharing with you details of our 

2009 corporate business plan 

and providing an outline of the 

challenges we face in the future. 

But right now, in these last days of 

2008, I would like you to reflect 

on and consider those things 

that make us successful as an 

organization. 

NPPD and Nebraska’s rates 

remain some of the lowest in 

the country, and our focus on 

the customer and doing work 

efficiently is a business model that 

serves us well. Despite the need 

to implement retail and wholesale 

rate increases on Jan. 1, 2009, our 

rates remain competitive both 

regionally and nationally. 

However, we would not be 

a good corporate citizen if we 

did not find opportunities 

to cut costs and do better. 

We have an obligation to our 

customers to be as efficient and

prudent as possible, not only in 

these tough economic times, but 

all the time. 

Recently, I discussed the need 

for us to collectively reduce costs 

and am seeing a lot of good ideas 

as a result of this. Examples of 

proposed reductions include 

deferring PC replacements, 

deferring, filling or eliminating 

some vacant staff positions, 

reducing some outside services, 

deferring some capital projects 

that will not impact service or 

reliability, etc. I will share more 

details of the proposed budget 

reductions and deferrals once 

our Board has an opportunity to 

review the suggestions you and 

the management team have made. 

While we work to adjust our 

budgets, certain conditions have 

already benefitted our financial 

condition. For example, the 


in the financial markets, problems on Wall Street, and 

will come out of this economic downturn, it is easy to 

and downs in the economy are cyclical. 

prices for oil and gasoline 

continue going down and 

we have seen other commodity 

and material prices fall as well. 

This has helped reduce some of 

the strain on our budgets. Our 

Financial Management Team 

has also made good decisions in 

managing our financial assets 

during these turbulent times in the 

financial markets. While energy 

sales to our Nebraska customers 

have been less than projected for 

2008, in part due to the recession, 

our partnership in The Energy 

Authority has been beneficial by 

helping us sell excess power in the 

open market to entities that are 

creditworthy. 

Also, we still have money 

in our rate stabilization funds 

and are able to meet all of our 

payment obligations. This means 

we have an adequate amount of 

working capital, and we expect to 

end the year financially ahead 

of our original year-end 

estimate. We had projected a 

year-end deficit of $14.6 million 

from operations in our 2008 

budget, but it appears we will now 

end the year at about break-even. 

Our Economic Development 

team is also working hard to 

help companies in our service 

area retain their businesses and 

continue encouraging others to 

come to Nebraska. Our power 

plants are operating 

well, giving us reason to 

celebrate. On Dec. 1, we set a 

new all-time record of 240 days 

of consecutive operation on Unit 

2 at Gerald Gentleman Station 

breaking the previous record 

of 239 days set by GGS Unit 

1 in 2000. CNS had a record 

generation year in 2007. We 

continue making improvements 

and additions to our energy 

delivery system and we are 

making good progress on our goal 

to join the Southwest Power Pool 

by next spring. 

The bottom line is that as we 

reach the end of another year, we 

need to reflect on those 

things that we are doing 

right and look to those things 

that will make next year even 

brighter. Our mission “to safely 

generate and deliver low-cost 

reliable energy and provide 

outstanding customer service” 

will remain our strategic focus, 

and working together we can have 

a very successful 2009. 

Thank you for your commitment 

and hard work this year, and have 

a safe and wonderful holiday 

season!

6 ENERGY INSIGHT • NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2008 

The Energy Insight recently asked 

readers to give examples of what they 

are thankful for this holiday season, 

particularly if they had ever been the 

recipient of a “random act of kindness.” 

This feature was inspired by the kindness 

of North Platte Land Management 

Coordinator Brian Hope, who helped 

not one, but two, separate travelers in 

need one day. 

- Jana Jensen 

I was traveling from McCook to North Platte on 

Nov. 7. At almost dark, I had a severe tire blowout 

south of North Platte. A young man by the name of 

Brian Hope helped me change my tire. A car with 

two young girls also had a tire blowout and he helped 

them. 

I just wanted you to know how thankful I was for 

the help and what a nice young man you have 

working for you. So many times we only 

hear the negative. Brian needs a 

pat on the back for being 

my good Samaritan!! 

THANK YOU! 

Brian Hope

- Kimberly Herrera 

Beatrice Power Station 

I am thankful for a true friend….. 

The kind that helps you out behind 

your back because they know you 

are too proud to ask. 

Those who stop by with food and 

a smile when you’ve been off work with no pay. 

The ones who let you know how special you are 

without ever saying a word. 

For this and more…..I am thankful 

- Anonymous 

When I was pregnant with my first child, times 

were very difficult financially. I had no money for 

rent, utilities or food; with no extra cash to “waste” 

on the holidays. I was so desperate that I went to the 

local food pantry in our very small town, two days 

before Thanksgiving, as the cupboard was literally 

bare. While in the office I notice a very small, ragged, 

untidy looking older gentleman. I don’t know what 

business he was conducting, but he did smile at me 

when I walked in. When it was my turn, I was told 

that the pantry was out of food and funds. I left, 

knowing I had nothing at home to prepare for supper. 

As I started the long walk home, the man I had 

noticed earlier approached me. He grabbed my hand, 

shook it, smiled, and then walked immediately around 

the building, never saying a word. I was surprised to 

find a $5 bill in my hand! I ran around the corner to 

thank him, but he was already gone. I looked at the $5 

bill and realized that there was more money under the 

five. A total stranger had just handed me $100! I went 

back into the food pantry to see if they could tell me 

who the man was, but they had never seen him before. 

What a GIFT!! Not only was there money for food, 

but enough left over to keep the electricity on! It was 

a true Thanksgiving that year, in every sense of the 

word. 

It’s been 23 years, but I will never forget one man’s 

random act of kindness. 


- JoLyn Reicks 

Columbus General Office 

As we approach this season of 

Thanksgiving, love, giving gifts 

and sharing time with family and 

friends – I am so very grateful 

and blessed that I can enjoy those 

gifts of love, family and friendship. My car accident 

happened on Jan. 18, 2008. Consequently, I have 

been the recipient of endless generosity, love and 

friendship. Several employees planned and put on a 

benefit for me in July of this year. The benefit raised 

more than $11,000 – due to the unconditional love 

and giving from so many employees, community 

businesses/members and friends. There were gifts 

and time donated from people who don’t even 

know me – that’s incredible! And even though I am 

currently confined to a wheelchair, due to the constant 

encouragement and support from so many friends – I 

am healing every day and will reach my goal of total 

healing, and I will walk the halls of NPPD once again! 

I have learned so much about myself, about others, 

and about life through this whole experience. In a 

world where we are bombarded by so much negative 

news, I have been blessed and have witnessed the 

goodness and generosity of many people. There are 

a lot of good people out there, and I have been the 

recipient of many gifts from them! THANK YOU!! 

- Lorraine Huerta 

Scottsbluff 

I retired in December of last year 

after working for NPPD for eight 

years and enjoying my job to the 

fullest. I had some throat surgery 

in October 2007 which has caused 

a paralyzed vocal cord giving me a raspy voice. My 

kids have enjoyed it as I no longer can yell. I was also 

diagnosed with a disease called Riedel’s Thyroiditis. 

I have tumors growing in my throat and am on a 

medical treatment to try to shrink them. I have turned

8 


this problem over to 

God and trust that in His 

wisdom the best solution will be 

found. 

Around the first part of October of this 

year, I received a phone call from Melody 

Baily, team leader in Scottsbluff. She wanted 

to know if I would be interested in coming back 

to work as a temporary employee. She didn’t have to 

ask twice as I really needed a new direction. Everyone 

at NPPD has bent over backwards in helping me do 

my job. I really like the fact that everyone believes 

that I remember this job completely. I am surprised at 

what I do remember and also what I have to ask about. 

Kindness is there, we just sometimes forget to see or 

appreciate. Thanks to all for the welcoming greetings. 

- G. Alan Bysfield 

Cooper Nuclear Station 

I express many, many thanks for 

all of the people throughout NPPD 

who helped me get through two 

significant operations within less 

than a year of each other. In June 

of 2007, I had to have my prostate removed due to 

cancer. In March of 2008, I had to have approximately 

18” of my colon removed due to a severe case of 

diverticulitis. 

Fortunately there was no cancer in my colon and 

the cancer in my prostate was self-contained. My PSA 

counts have been negligible for each check-up since 

then. I guess that makes me a cancer survivor, without 

having to go through all of the treatments that many 

have to endure. 

Having these two operations so close together 

required support from numerous people at NPPD. 

I used all of my medical leave and vacation for 

the recovery time. I also had to rely upon vacation 

donations for almost three weeks of time that I 

was off. Because of the generosity of my fellow 

employees, I did not miss a single dollar of my regular 

pay during this period. 

I also have to thank my peer employees, supervision 

and management for their prayers, patience and 

support. This last two years I have had so many 

doctors’ visits to Omaha, that many of the people at 

the University Medical Center in Omaha know me on 

a first name basis. I have struggled to keep up with my 

work, but I have had excellent support from everyone. 

I need to also thank all of the human resources 

personnel for their help in ensuring that FMLA was 

administered properly. My case was an unusual one 

due to the extent of my illnesses. I also have diabetes 

that required some special care during these strenuous 

times. This complicated the FMLA evaluations even 

further. 

Working for NPPD and all of its positive employees 

has made it possible to go through these tough years 

with minimal impact on my family and finances. I am 

thoroughly convinced that the generosity from the 

many people throughout the District kept my family 

and I from being bankrupted or worse. 

- Nick McIntosh 

York Operations Center 

I was in Texas for military 

training for most of 1996. In July 

of that year I had planned to fly 

home to Nebraska to marry my 

high school sweetheart who was 

nine months pregnant. A fellow airman, Lubish, and 

I traveled to the Dallas airport together via bus from 

Wichita Falls on July 3, 1996. At that time we were 

required to travel in our dress blues uniform. Upon 

arriving at the airport we learned that our flight to 

Minneapolis was delayed until the following day. 

Without any resources for lodging or transportation, 

we planned to sleep at the airport.

So there we were on the airport seating, trying to 

rest when we were approached by an older couple 

who were drawn to us because of our uniforms. 

They inquired about where we were from and where 

we were going. We told them our stories and they 

immediately insisted that there was no way they could 

leave us knowing that we would be sleeping on the 

benches. I don’t remember their names but the man 

went to a pay phone while his wife kept talking with 

us. When he returned we were informed that there 

was a van waiting for us outside to take us to our hotel 

room and breakfast would be provided in the morning. 

With surprise and much excitement, Lubish and I 

thanked the man and his wife for their generosity and 

gladly gathered our bags and went to the curb where 

the van was waiting for us. 

Lubish and I spent that evening watching TV and 

eating pizza because of the generosity of others. 

Perhaps it was due to Independence day or maybe 

they are simply generous people. Regardless of the 

reasoning, I will always be thankful for these people 

and what they did for us that night in July. 

- Nancy Schulz 

Norfolk 

Two years ago this season I had 

four brothers with very serious 

illnesses and we thought we might 

lose all of them. This year my 

beautiful, kind, funny, mother 

passed away at the age of 96. My 401K has headed 

south for warmer weather evidently, and several of my 

close friends are undergoing cancer treatments. 

In difficult times I seem to be the most thankful. 

God has blessed me with a beautiful family, a roof 

over my head, plenty of food to eat, and a job that I 

enjoy. All of my senses function adequately, although 

perhaps not as strong as they once were, and I notice 

people being kind to one another every day. 


There are so many wonderful miracles in our world 

if we take the time to notice. By doing this, I seem to 

be able to handle the ugly things better. 

- Allen Huff 

Gerald Gentleman Station 

I broke my leg on Feb. 2 while 

cutting firewood. I received 

many cards, calls and visits from 

family, friends and co-workers. 

I am very thankful for all of the 

thoughtfulness and help. I am especially grateful for 

the help clearing snow from our 600’, or more, of 

driveway; and several pickup loads of firewood given 

to us. The lessons in humility and that “no man is an 

island” were priceless. 

- Patty Freburg 

Kearney 

I am thankful for a harvest 

that was safe and abundant. “Let 

everything that has breath praise 

the Lord.” 

I am also thankful for a good job 

that pays well, and enables me to 

live comfortably.

10 


Improve your 

health and 

reduce health 

care costs! 

A 

This year, NPPD offered a wellness incentive for 

employees participating in the SimplyWell health 

assessment program. Employees who are the insured 

participant in the District’s Blue Cross Blue Shield 

health plan and are also SimplyWell participants 

receive a $20 per month reduction in their health 

insurance premiums. This reduction continues through 

June 2009. Employees had to complete the online 

health risk assessment and participate in the onsite 

health screening to be considered a participant. 

Premium reductions for SimplyWell participation 

in 2009 for repeat participants will depend upon the 

employee’s health score. The health score is based 

upon seven categories: body mass index, systolic 

blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, HDL 

cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting 

blood sugar. Health screenings will be held in the first 

quarter of 2009. 

Spouses of SimplyWell participants may also 

complete the SimplyWell assessment. NPPD will pay 

half of the assessment fee which is $60 for females 

and $65 for males. 

There are three ways employees can 

meet the health score criteria: 

1. Achieve or maintain a health score of 85 or higher. 

2. Show improvement of at least 2.5 points on your 

2009 health score, if 2008 score was below 85. 

3. Consult with a medical provider to determine if 

health related conditions cause you to not meet the 

criteria from 1 or 2. If so, the medical provider will 

need to complete the SimplyWell exclusion form. 

NPPD does not have access to individual 

health scores so participants must log onto 

the SimplyWell website, www.simplywell.com, 

to find their health score. The website also 

provides details on how the score is compiled. 

situation 

NPPD Incentive 

Program for 2009 

For $20 off your monthly 

insurance premium, complete 

the SimplyWell online health 

questionnaire and attend a health 

screening by April 1, 2009. 

In addition, your SimplyWell 

Health Score must be a score 

of 85 or above or your 2009 

score must show a 2.5 point 

improvement from your 2008 

SimplyWell Health Score. First 

time participants receive the 

premium reduction automatically. 

Get off the tight rope between good and poor 

health. Participation in healthy behaviors can 

make the difference in not only the quantity 

but also the quality of your life. Take action 

today by implementing these five steps 

to reduce your risk of developing certain 

cancers, diabetes, heart disease and other 

chronic conditions.

The information contained in 

this Brief provides an overview 

of the health status of NPPD 

employees. 

This aggregate data was 

derived from employees who 

participated in the SimplyWell 

health screening and completed 

the online health questionnaire. 

This provides valuable 

baseline and progress 

information for our wellness 

efforts towards optimal health! 

Participation Stats 

1,508 

Total Participants 

1,118 Male 

390 Female 

1. Take responsibility for 

your own health. 

2. Incorporate daily activity 

and exercise to maintain a 

healthy body weight. 

3. Eat five or more servings 

of fruits and vegetables 

each day. 

4. Don’t smoke or use 

tobacco products. 

5. Get age and gender 

specific preventative 

exams. 

NPPD HEALTH SUMMARY - 2008 

RISK 


Top 10 Health Risks 

Overweight including Obesity 81% 

Low Fitness Levels 75% 

Higher Risk for Cancer 73% 

Moderate to High Coronary Risk 67% 

Poor Nutrition 58% 

High Cholesterol Levels 43% 

Elevated Blood Pressure Levels 24% 

Alcohol Management 21% 

Excessive Stress 15% 

Smoking 13% 

Top 10 Health Risk Areas Identified 

For Improvement 

% of Employees 

at Risk 

The aggregate results from the SimplyWell Health Screening and 

Health Questionnaire identified the health risks above as areas 

for improvement. Individuals with these risk factors potentially 

have higher cost claims and are at risk for developing chronic 

conditions such as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. 

A Job Well Done! 

Job Satisfaction: 92% indicated they are very 

satisfied or mostly satisfied 

with their job/work. 

Safety: 95% said they always wear their 

seat belts and 95% have smoke 

detectors. 

Social Support: 96% indicate having an excellent 

support system in place. 

Occupational Health: 93% of participants feel that NPPD 

is concerned about employee health 

and safety. 

Hospitalizations: 94% had no hospitalizations during 

the past 12 months. 

Weight: 59% of employees lost or 

maintained their weight in 2008.

12 


Open house educates public on license renewal 

As part of its public communication on the 

license renewal process for Cooper Nuclear 

Station, NPPD held a variety of public sessions during 

October and November, including a public open house 

in Auburn. 

While license renewal was the main focus of the 

open house, attendees were able to learn about CNS’s 

emergency preparedness plan, how a nuclear power 

station generates electricity and the safety systems 

that protect employees and the public, as well as 

information on the dry cask used fuel storage facility 

currently under construction. Stations for the open 

house were staffed by CNS employees and individuals 

who have been working on the license renewal 

process. 

Those individuals who attended were pleased with 

the event. “The open house was excellent,” wrote 

Daryl Long of nearby Peru. 

Russell Holliday of Auburn added, “The presenters 

were very good and my questions were well answered 

and very thorough.” 

The open house was one of a number activities 

held since the license renewal application was 

submitted to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 

at the end of September. President and CEO Ron 

Asche has done three presentations in the community 

– one for local elected officials from Auburn, 

Brownville and Rock Port, Mo., and surrounding 

communities, a breakfast presentation for the Auburn 

business community, and a presentation to economic 

development advocates in Falls City. 

In addition, presentations on license renewal have 

been made to the Nebraska City Rotary Club and 

to attendees at the Brownville Lyceum, plus a plant 

tour was held for several 

Auburn ministers. The 

NRC will hold a public 

hearing on the license 

renewal application 

sometime during the first 

quarter of 2009. 

Organizations in the 

Auburn and Brownville 

area that seek a speaker on 

the CNS license renewal 

process can contact NPPD 

Corporate Communications 

at 402-563-5667.

Dry Used Fuel Storage Facility construction 

moving forward 

In mid-November, railcars carrying pieces of 

what will be the Horizontal Storage Modules for 

Cooper Nuclear Station began to arrive at the rail head 

in Auburn. 

When assembled, the modules will weigh about 

160 tons and will be a critical part of the Dry 

Used Fuel Storage Facility that is currently under 

construction at CNS. The eight units will safely and 

securely store used fuel in steel containers after it 

is removed from Cooper’s fuel pool. The fuel pool 

has been used to store used fuel 

from the site over the years, and 

the removal of a portion of the 

used fuel will allow for additional 

storage following the scheduled 

CNS fall 2009 refueling outage. 

The fuel storage units will be cooled 

by natural air that will flow around 

the containers and no electricity is 

needed for the operation. 

CNS and other nuclear power stations have been 

awaiting the opening of a permanent federal storage 

facility for a number of years and have moved to 

constructing on-site facilities in order to store their 

used fuel. The federal government has designated 

Yucca Mountain in Nevada as a permanent repository 

but a license for such a facility has not been issued 

by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to the 

Department of Energy, which is responsible for the 

used fuel. 

“Our facility will give us enough storage capacity 

through the year 2034,” said Mike Boyce, director 

of projects at CNS. “The containers are designed to 

allow for the storage of used fuel and at the same time 

protect workers and the public from any exposure to 

radioactive materials.” 

A 42 x 175 foot cement pad, three feet thick, was 

built on the north side of the plant. To ensure the 

integrity of the facility several things were done in 

the construction process. In order to prevent the area 

from any potential flooding from the Missouri River, 

the pad was built up 13 feet to site grade level. Steel 

pipe filled with concrete, up to 85 feet in length, were 

driven into the bedrock and 132 tons of rebar were put 

into place and covered in 1,250 cubic yards of cement 

to make the facility earthquake proof. 


To reinforce the pad, 85-foot-long 

steel pipes filled with cement 

were driven into the bedrock 

to ensure that the facility can 

withstand an earthquake. 

“The concrete storage units weigh 160 tons each 

and will withstand a strike by a tornado,” added 

Boyce. 

The pad itself is undergoing final preparations 

for security installations and the construction on the 

heavy haul road leading to the pad began in mid- 

November. 

Fuel loading practice will be conducted in March 

of 2009 for the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 

to ensure the license conditions for the facility’s 

operation are met. Once those dry runs are completed 

and successful, the facility will be turned over to 

station operations in late spring or early June when the 

first fuel loading campaign is expected to take place.

14 


Norfolk Operations Center “LEEDs” 

the way in energy efficiency 

What started out as an 

idea to take advantage 

of improving the way employees 

do work has become an example 

of walking the talk. NPPD 

employees who work in Norfolk 

will be part of a major effort 

to demonstrate the District’s 

commitment to energy efficiency. 

NPPD is investing in a new 

operations center that will 

promote energy efficiency, 

house four different areas that 

work together to serve NPPD’s 

customers, and become an 

instrumental tool to help educate 

the general public about current 

and future energy-saving 

technologies, wind turbines, and 

photovoltaics (i.e. solar panels). 

“We are asking customers 

to seek energy efficiencies,” 

said NPPD Energy Efficiency 

Consultant Kenneth Young. 

“With the new Norfolk Operations 

Center, we have an opportunity 

to walk our talk, so to speak, 

and build a facility that is energy 

efficient, conserves natural 

resources, and in the long run, 

saves customers money.” 

The building will be 

constructed according to LEED 

(Leadership in Energy and 

Environmental Design ) standards. 

LEED is a U.S. Green Building 

Council program created to 

help deliver excellence in green 

building projects. A portion 

of the LEED elements and 

the cost of the wind turbines, 

photovoltaic cells, and the future 

education component will be 

funded by NPPD’s Domestic 

Energy Research and Application 

Initiative. According to Corporate 

Nuclear Business Manager Alan 

Dostal, approximately half of the 

$475,000 budget for these special 

attributes is specifically earmarked 

for the building’s LEED elements. 

The new facility will also 

bring four of NPPD’s Norfolkarea 

operations and customer 

service activities together into 

one location. Facilities joining 

forces include the Customer Care 

Center at 4 

...ONCE CONSTRuCTED 

THE NEW BuiLDiNG 

WiLL PROViDE NPPD 

AN OPPORTuNiTY 

TO DEMONSTRATE 

LEADERSHiP iN THE 

PROMOTiON OF ENERGY 

CONSERVATiON AND 

EFFiCiENCY. 

th Street and 

Madison Avenue, the 

Distribution Service 

Center at 8th Street 

and Madison Avenue, 

the Transmission/ 

Substation Operations 

on East Omaha 

Avenue, and the 

District’s existing 

Norfolk pole yard. 

“Greater overall 

efficiency will save 

money and enhance 

NPPD’s already 

excellent customer service in the 

area,” said Sr. Project Manager 

Guy Evasco. 

NPPD’s investment in the 

Norfolk Operations Center will 

cost an estimated $18.7 million 

and will be located adjacent to the 

District’s Centralized Customer 

Care Center (call center) at 

1100 South Chestnut. Evasco 

anticipates awarding a contract for 

construction in March 2009.

NPPD rates competitive despite 2009 increase 

If there is one constant in the fuel and energy 

markets these days, it is that prices are volatile. 

For the past five years, NPPD has incurred 

significant changes in the prices for coal, natural 

gas and uranium—the fuels we use to run the 

majority of our generating plants. We have also 

seen a record rate of growth for electricity on our 

system and have made investments in our energy 

delivery infrastructure accordingly. 

As a result of these cost pressures, in November, 

the NPPD Board approved rate increases for its 

wholesale and retail electric customers, effective Jan. 

1, 2009. This is the first rate increase for NPPD’s 

retail residential and small commercial customers 

since 2003. 

“We recognize these are tough 

economic times and, as a public 

power utility, we are committed 

to doing what we can to maintain 

affordable and reliable electric service 

for our customers,” said President & 

CEO Ron Asche. “The cost of fuel 

to operate our generating facilities 

along with spikes in the prices of 

material and equipment we depend 

on to run our business have risen 

dramatically—as much as 80 percent 

in some cases—in the past five years.” 

NPPD’s 52 wholesale municipal 

and 25 public power district 

customers can expect an average 7 

percent rate increase in 2009. The overall average 

increase for the customers NPPD serves in 80 

communities at retail will be 6.4 percent. 


“WE RECOGNiZE THESE ARE 

TOuGH ECONOMiC TiMES 

AND, AS A PuBLiC POWER 

uTiLiTY, WE ARE COMMiTTED 

TO DOiNG WHAT WE CAN TO 

MAiNTAiN AFFORDABLE AND 

RELiABLE ELECTRiC SERViCE 

FOR OuR CuSTOMERS,” 

President & CEO 

Ron Asche 

This equates to an average increase of 5.9 percent for 

a residential customer, or approximately $5 more a 

month on an average electric bill. For a commercial 

customer, the average increase is 3.1 percent. Each 

of these figures is based on class average results; 

individual customer impacts will vary. 

“Customers can help manage their electric bills by 

choosing to conserve or use energy more wisely,” said 

Asche. 

As part of these rate increases, NPPD has opted 

to revise its summer retail residential and small 

commercial rates to better reflect the cost of serving 

customers with high energy usage. Under NPPD’s 

current rates, residential customers pay a higher rate 

for the first 750 kilowatt-hours used each month, and 

a lower rate for usage above 750 kWhs. Starting in 

2009, NPPD will be moving toward implementation 

of a flat summer rate—a rate that does 

not vary regardless of the amount of 

energy used. 

To help minimize the cost impact 

of this change on high-use customers, 

NPPD expects to phase-in the move 

toward one, constant “flat” summer 

prices over two years. 

Despite these upcoming rate 

adjustments, NPPD’s overall electric 

rates remain significantly lower than 

the national average. Many electric 

customers on the East or West coast 

pay two times more than Nebraskans. 

Even on a regional basis, NPPD’s 

average retail electric rates are 

generally lower. 

“We continue to be cost-conscious and are 

committed to looking for more opportunities 

to manage costs and reduce spending, where 

possible,” Asche said.

16 


Removing dirt to build a foundation is a two-step process. First, 

a large auger (foreground) drills a hole removing approximately 

3-4 feet of dirt at a time. Then, the dirt is piled and moved a 

second time (clam shell digger in the background). Later, the 

dirt is spread on the field or hauled away. 

Here is a snapshot of what’s happened so 

far in the construction phase of the Electric 

Transmission Reliability Project for East-Central 

Nebraska. The centerpiece of the ETR project is a 

new 80-mile high-voltage transmission line between 

Columbus and Lincoln. 

Approximately 99 percent of the right-of-way 

easements needed for the new line is acquired, almost 

97 percent voluntarily. At the end of the second week of 

December, 61 concrete foundations had been dug and 

poured, and 26 steel poles erected. More than 5 miles of 

line had been strung. Throughout construction, NPPD 

has informed the public of construction activity, to be 

on the lookout for trucks hauling concrete and materials, 

and to urge caution when driving near any construction 

area. 

Because of material delivery issues, the project’s 

construction schedule has been lengthened from that 

initially released to the public. 

An employee from the sub-contractor installing 

foundations for ETR Project positions a large auger 

over what will be the very first foundation dug for 

the new high-voltage transmission line. 

Above is a completed foundation with anchor bolts. 

The average foundation for the ETR Project will 

be approximately 8-9 feet in diameter and 40-45 

feet deep. The base of each power pole structure 

(pole segments in background) will be bolted to the 

foundation. The largest foundation for the project 

is more than 70 feet deep and averages about 12 

feet in diameter.

A.J. Ahern, coordinator, Kearney, to electrician, 

Cooper Nuclear Station. 

Bernard Anderson, project manager, Columbus, to 

senior project manager. 

Kris Anderson, customer services and delivery 

representative, Norfolk, to human resources assistant, 

CGO. 

John Arlt, drafter, CGO, to engineering technician. 

Sheryl Bebb, document management supervisor (TA), 

CNS, to document management supervisor. 

Doug Billesbach, valve team superintendent (TA), 

CNS, to fix-it-now team superintendent (TA). 

Kevin Billesbach, quality assurance manager, CNS, 

to materials, purchasing and contracts manager. 

Jeff Bomberger, station operator, Gerald Gentleman 

Station, to condition based maintenance technology 

owner. 

Sterling Bray, refuel floor project manager, CNS, to 

dry cask storage program manager. 

Kevin Campbell, electrical maintenance supervisor, 

CNS, to plant operator, Beatrice. 

Billy Chapin, mechanical maintenance 

superintendent, CNS, to outage manager. 

Jodi Furr, assistant outage manager, CNS, to quality 

assurance manager. 

Jake Guptill, apprentice line construction technician 

in-training, York, to apprentice line construction 

technician. 

Steven Hall, shift leader (TA), Sheldon Station, to 

shift leader. 

Greg Hill, engineer, CGO, to engineering technician 

lead. 

Pam Hoeft, custodian, York, to PBX operator/ 

receptionist. 

Matt Hug, fix-it-now team superintendent (TA), CNS, 

to mechanical maintenance superintendent. 

Terry Korth, wholesale billing specialist, CGO, to 

senior wholesale billing specialist. 


Kevin Kreikemeier, apprentice line construction 

technician, York, to apprentice line technician, 

Lincoln. 

Kim Liebig, human resources assistant, CGO, to 

outreach programs specialist. 

Jim Loutzenhiser, engineer, CNS, to energy 

efficiency consultant, Norfolk. 

Mike Manning, engineer—continuous improvement 

department, CNS, to engineer—electrical engineering 

programs. 

John Martin, project manager, CNS, to senior project 

manager. 

Michelle Martin, nuclear support—design 

engineering, CNS, to nuclear support—quality 

assurance. 

Ryan Morgan, apprentice line technician in-training, 

York, to apprentice line technician. 

Marie Murphy, mechanical maintenance 

superintendent, CNS, to valve team superintendent. 

Stephen Nelson, engineer – Nuclear Engineering, 

CNS, to risk management supervisor. 

Steven Norris, assistant operations manager, CNS, to 

work control manager. 

Jeff Olson, security officer, CNS, to material 

controller. 

Matt Petersan, engineer, CGO, to project manager. 

Steve Rezab, emergency preparedness training 

coordinator, CNS, to staff health physicist. 

Ken Talbott, project manager, CNS, to senior project 

manager. 

Lee Wayman, mechanical technician, GGS, to 

condition based maintenance technology owner. 

Joseph White, radiological protection technician, 

CNS, to radiological specialist. 

Judy Zimmerer, asset management project analyst, 

Norfolk, to senior asset management project analyst.

18 


from around the state 

Scottsbluff / Colleen Mathewson, Customer Services & 

Delivery Representative / cmmathe@nppd.com 

Scottsbluff personnel participated in the annual 

Veterans Day parade with a float and candy for the 

crowd. 

Pictured from left are Warren Madison, Dexter Blethen, 

Lance O’Bryan, Steve Trebilcock and Chuck Vacha. Not 

pictured: parade organizer Sarah Stretch. 

York / Cindy Klein, Customer Services & Delivery Representative / 

ceklein@nppd.com 

Participating in the Yorkfest parade this fall were: 

Senior Line Technician Mike Moser; Journey Line 

Technician TJ Rutledge and Maci; Warehouse 

Attendant Rollie Peterson; Journey Line Technician 

Ray Boston, Tammy, Cyrus and Sabrina; Substation 

Technician Tim Norquest and Aaron; Construction 

Services Manager Paul Brune and Sarah; Customer 

Services and Delivery Representative Wendy 

Rathjen and Ashley; Distribution Superintendent 

Mike Damon; Account Manager Craig Vincent; 

Procurement Specialist Paige Stacy and Madi; 

Engineer Jason Rosenkranz, Kelly, Miranda, and 

Shayden Lundstrom; Engineer Pat Hanrahan, 

Dena and Brandon; and Louie the Lightning Bug 

(Community Relations/Education Specialist Diana 

Luscher). 

South Sioux City / Kris Cross, Customer Services & 

Delivery Representative / kccross@nppd.com 

In November, Board Director 

Wayne Boyd was honored 

by the city of South Sioux 

City for 40 years of service. 

Beginning with an official city 

council resolution recognizing 

Boyd for his legal leadership, 

the recognition was capped 

by the unveiling of a South 

Sioux City Library plaque Wayne Boyd and his 

granddaughter, Kelly. 

designating the library’s 

Courtesy photo 

children’s room as the Wayne 

E. Boyd Children’s Area. Lance Hedquist, city 

administrator, was among those offering thanks for 

Wayne’s contributions to the city. Special guests 

included Wayne’s wife, Diane; daughter, Lynde 

Tyrrell and her children, Brandon, Chloe, and Kelly. 

Family members unable to attend included Wayne’s 

son, Dr. Scott Boyd, and his children; and daughter, 

Laurie Boyd Petty and her children. Guests from 

NPPD included President and CEO Ron Asche, 

Vice President of Governmental Affairs and General 

Counsel John McClure, Vice President and Chief 

Financial Officer Traci Bender, Account Manager 

Jack Henderson and Economic Development 

Consultant Mary Plettner. 

Board Director Wayne Boyd and his family share a proud 

moment after South Sioux City Mayor Bob Giese unveils the 

Library plaque in Boyd’s honor. Courtesy photo

O’Neill / Eileen Osborne, Customer Services & Delivery 

Representative / erosbor@nppd.com 

Technical Sergeant 

Christopher Magnussen 

completed the 

noncommissioned officer 

training at Peterson 

Air Force Base at 

Colorado Springs, Colo. 

in September. Chris’s 

parents, Ainsworth Local 

Manager Charlie and 

Kathy Magnussen, and 

his wife, Jennifer, joined 

him for the graduation. 

Chris and Jenn are 

stationed at Malmstrom 

Airforce Base at Great Jenn and Chris Magnussen 

Falls, Mont. Chris has been 

in the Air Force for 14 years. 

Kearney / Lisa Willson, Administrative Assistant / 

lmwills@nppd.com 

NPPD received a certificate of appreciation from the 

Kearney United Way for its help in promoting the 

“Days of 

Caring” 

program. 

The 

program 

helped 20 

income 

eligible 

families 

winterize 

their homes 

in an effort 

to reduce 

Cheryle Wagnitz, Patty Freburg 

energy costs 

and Scott Willson 

through 

the winter 

months. Customer Services and Delivery 

Representatives Patty Freburg and Cheryle Wagnitz 

and Administrative Assistant Lisa Willson and her 

husband, Scott, distributed the weatherization kits to 

families in the Kearney area. Each family received 

outlet plugs, CFL bulbs, door stripping supplies, foam 


insulation and one or two outdoor window plastic 

kit(s) depending on the number of windows. An 

informational packet on weatherization techniques 

was also provided. In addition to these materials, two 

applicants were drawn to each receive a water heater 

blanket. NPPD donated CFLs and outlet plugs for the 

kits. 

Pictured below are the Kearney Area employees who 

participated in the University of Nebraska at Kearney 

Homecoming Parade in October. 

Back: Ray Panowicz, Jim Fitgerald, Terry Warth, Pat Budler, 

Mark Baxter Jr., Mark Baxter, Dan and Kathy Zinnel, Corey 

McIntosh Jay and Julie Dring. Front: Mary Panowicz, Pat 

Budler’s grandson, Zachary, and Lisa Willson. Not pictured: 

Vern Giboney and Kevin Neujahr 

Pictured below are the Kearney Area employees who 

participated in the University of Nebraska at Kearney 

Band Day Parade in September. 

Back: Ray Panowicz, Jim Fitzgerald, Mark Baxter, Jr., Dan 

and Kathy Zinnel, Clayton Quackenbush, Terry Warth and 

Mark Baxter. Front: Sarah Dush. Not pictured: Kevin Neujahr 

and Brad Dush.

20 


Chadron / Darla Wait, Customer Services & Delivery 

Representative / dkwait@nppd.com 

Dezi Johnson 

Seth Eggerling, a 

junior at Pierce High 

School, was honored at 

the Midwest Motocross 

Association awards 

banquet held in LaMars, 

Iowa, in November. He 

claimed the following 

titles: Champion in the 

“Youth” class, Champion 

plus a $500 check in 

the “Lites B” class, and 

runner up in the “Open 

B” class. Seth is the son 

of Customer Services & 

Delivery Representative 

Angela Eggerling. 

Dezi Johnson, a senior at 

Gordon-Rushville High School, 

was crowned homecoming queen 

in September. She is the daughter 

of Gordon Local Manager Doug 

Johnson and his wife, Candi. 

Norfolk / Barb Keating, Customer Services & Delivery 

Representative / bjkeati@nppd.com 

Seth Eggerling 

Columbus / Kathy Fadschild, Administrative Assistant / 

klfadsc@nppd.com 

Economic Development 

Process Coordinator Tami 

Swanson earned first 

place in All-Events in the 

Columbus Women’s City 

Tournament rolling a 2,021 

and two personal-best 

scores with a 288 game and 

a 736 scratch series. She 

was also named bowler of 

the week from Boulevard 

Tami Swanson 

Lanes for her 245 game and 636 series. 

One 

hundred 

seventeen 

adult and 

children’s 

coats were 

collected 

during the 

America 

Recycles 

Day coat 

drive. Ev Chittenden (in the van) unloads coats and 

accessories for Simon House volunteers. 

The event 

was sponsored by the General Office Green Team 

members. A generous amount of hats, gloves, scarves 

and boots were also collected. The items were 

delivered to local charities, where they will be given to 

those in need. 

Technical Analyst Jeremy 

Pernicek will serve on the 

2008 Columbus Regional 

Career Dream Team. NPPD 

is a sponsor for the Dream 

It! Do It! Nebraska campaign 

to raise the awareness level 

of careers in manufacturing. 

Jeremy graduated from 

Doane College in May of 

2008 and has been employed 

with NPPD for six months. 

Jeremy Pernicek 

Ryan Borland, 

son of Engineering 

Manager Jerry and 

Sandy Borland, 

earned his Eagle 

Scout Award. 

Ryan, a freshman 

at Columbus 

High School, is a 

member of Boy 

Scout Troop 212. 

His Eagle Scout 

Ryan Borland 

project consisted 

of installing a concrete slab, bench, and a safety rules 

sign at Lost Creek Elementary School, as well as 

installing a large planting bed plus perennials near the 

gym entrance of the school. He completed his project 

in August.

Jake Sjuts, 

a senior 

offensive 

lineman at the 

University 

of Nebraska 

at Omaha 

earned First 

Team All- 

Conference 

honors in the 

Mid-America 

Intercollegiate 

Athletic 

Association. A 

2004 graduate 

of Columbus 

High School, 

Jake is a 

Jake Sjuts 

three-year 

starter and has helped the Mavericks achieve the third 

best rushing average in Division II during the 2008 

season. He is the son of Contract Administration 

Specialist Lynn and Operations Contract Coordinator 

Bob Sjuts. 

An explosion and fire Dec. 2 at the Elkhorn Ridge Wind 

Farm outside of Bloomfield, Neb. sent one man to the 

hospital. According to an article issued by The Associated 

Press, one man, who was atop a wind tower when a turbine 

exploded, received first and second-degree burns in the 

fire. Two others, who were nearby, were treated for smoke 

inhalation and released. All the injured employees worked 

for subcontractor Vestas Wind Energy. 


NPPD Toastmaster’s 

Club 1029 came 

up a winner in 

the Fall District 

24 Toastmaster’s 

Conference in 

Grand Island. Senior 

Architect Barb Gay 

received an award 

Barb Gay 

for Outstanding Officer 

of the Year, Sergeant-At-Arms, while Corporate 

Communications 

and Public Relations 

Manager Jeanne 

Schieffer placed first 

in the Evaluation 

Contest. Barb has 

been a Toastmaster’s 

member since 1986. 

Jeanne joined the 

group in 1998. 

Jeanne Schieffer 

Fire at Bloomfield wind farm sends one to hospital 

Edison Mission Group 

inc., owner and operator 

of the facility, is building 

the 80-megawatt Elkhorn 

Ridge wind farm north 

of Bloomfield and has 

planned a commercial 

start up by the end of this 

year. NPPD has a power 

purchase agreement 

for the output of the 

facility once it becomes 

operational.

22 


R E T I R E E N E W S 

Retired President and CEO Don Schaufelberger 

and his wife, Norma, celebrated their 65th wedding 

anniversary on Sunday Dec. 14, at the Elk’s Country 

Club in Columbus. The couple were married Dec. 24, 

1943, in Lincoln. They have two children, Linda and 

Jerry Shepherd of Columbus and Robert and Gerry 

Schaufelberger of Lincoln; three grandchildren and 

four great-grandchildren. 

Don and Norma Schaufelberger in 1943 and 2008 

Columbus Energizers 

will meet Jan. 15 and Feb. 19 

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 

Jan. 19 and Feb. 16 at 12:30 p.m. 

CST at the Airport Cafe in North 

Platte. 

Tom Pendelton, 

(308) 532-5040 

RETIREES 

of events 

J A N U A R Y 

1 New Year’s Holiday 

8-9 NPPD Board Meeting 

Columbus 

16 Customer Meeting 

York Holiday Inn 

Kramer Station Livewires 

will meet Jan. 20 and Feb. 17 at 

11 a.m. at Lum’s in Bellevue. 

Art Nelson, (402) 293-1006 

Low Voltage Panhandlers 

will meet Feb. 17 at 9 a.m. at 

the Farm and Ranch Museum in 

Gering. 

Don Koralewski, (308) 783-1851 

dkoralewski@embarqmail.com 

Northern Lights will meet 

April 13 at noon at the Norfolk 

Country Cafe. Jim Decker, 

(402) 357-3788 

F E B R U A R Y 

12-13 NPPD Board Meeting 

Columbus 

17-18 NPA Annual Meeting 

Lincoln 

NPPD Antiques will meet 

Jan. 5 and Feb. 2 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 

Retired & Rewired will 

meet at the Chadron District 

Christmas party on Jan. 9 at 5:30 

p.m. at Helen’s Cafe. 

Lois McCoy, 

(308) 665-1625, 

lmccoy919@gmail.com 

York Electrifiers have no 

meetings scheduled. Jeanette 

Richardson, (402) 362-5985, 

jfrichardson@neb.rr.com

We will 

remember 

Russ Crouch, YOC metering supervisor, on the death 

of his father, Bill 

Jim Barbee, YOC engineer, on the death of his 

grandfather, Dr. James Barbee 

CNS Design Engineering Manager Todd and CNS 

Engineer Tricia Stevens, on the death of Todd’s 

grandfather, Lyle 

Mark Becker, Columbus media relations specialist, 

on the death of his father, Dr. Carl Becker 

Ralph Krause, CNS design engineer, on the death of 

his mother-in-law, Mary Beth Kernes 

Robert Wilson, retired engineering scheduler , 

and Shawn Wilson, Lincoln transmission planner/ 

scheduler, on the death of Robert’s wife and Shawn’s 

mother, Cheryl 

Dave Linder, North Platte mechanical/electrical 

technician, on the death of his father, Ralph 

Steve Anderson, CGO IT strategic planning 

supervisor, on the death of his step-mother, Polly 

Tim Nichols, YOC apprentice substation construction 

technician, and Doug Olson, CGO business analyst, 

on the death of Tim’s mother and Doug’s mother-inlaw, 

Marjorie 

Randy Lindstrom, CGO transmission planning 

supervisor, on the death of his step-mother, Verna 

Chuck Putnam, CGO compensation specialist, on the 

death of his father-in-law, Neal Drum Jr. 

Kelli Morris, CGO systems analyst, on the death of 

her father-in-law, Cliff 

Tim Czarnick, North Platte water systems 

maintenance team leader, on the death of his mother, 

Teresa 

Doug Jebens, Kearney asset management engineer, 

on the death of his mother-in-law, Lillian Hillen 

Neal Dreifurst, CGO right-of-way agent, on the death 

of his father, Harry 

GGS Planning Support Technician Bob Wenz, 

Canaday Safety Lead Doug Wenz, and GGS 

Engineering Specialist Kathy Wenz on the death of 

Bob and Doug’s brother and Kathy’s brother-in-law, 

Rodney 


our sympathies go out to the following families 

Marg Coulter, CNS administrative services manager, 

on the death of her father, Wallace Wolff 

CNS Security Officer Ron Bollinger on the death 

of his father, Eddy. Eddy was also the grandfather 

of Temporary Nuclear Support Bronda and Nuclear 

Instructor Randy Carlson, and Licensing Specialist 

Brenda and Radiological Protection Technician 

Dennis Kirkpatrick, all of CNS 

Dave Werner, CNS operations training 

superintendent, on the death of his mother, Colene 

CGO Accountant Cindy and CGO IT Security 

Supervisor Orlando Stevenson, on the death of her 

mother and his mother-in-law, Dorothy Eaton 

Dale Cunningham, CNS instrument & control 

supervisor, on the death of his mother, Caroline 

Andy Wamsley, CNS mechanic, on the death of his 

brother, Brandon 

Retired Norfolk Lead Maintenance Technician James 

“Brownie” Elston, 83, who passed away Oct. 5. 

He joined the utility in 1950 and retired in 1992. 

Brownie is survived by his sons, Scott and Bob; five 

grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. 

Retired CNS Senior Quality Assurance Auditor 

Bob Uhri, 63, who passed away Oct. 17. Bob 

began his NPPD career in 1984 and retired in 2003. 

He is survived by his wife, Jacqueline, son, CNS 

Environmental Chemist Mark Uhri; daughter, Lisa Jo 

Dworak; and five grandchildren. 

Retired Sheldon Station Utility Leadman Earl Willey, 

84, who passed away Nov. 11. Earl joined the District 

in 1970 and retired in 1986. Survivors include his 

wife, Betty; son, John; four daughters, Becky Mick, 

Patty Bitting, Janie Fralin and Trudy Spicer; 12 grandchildren; 

21 great-grandchildren; four great-greatgrandchildren; 

and a host of other relatives. 

Retired YOC switchboard operator/clerk Deloris 

Wellman, 91, who passed away Nov. 29. Deloris 

joined the District in 1956 and retired in 1981. She is 

survived by her husband, Clarence, and son, Dean. 

23

For employment opportunities, visit www.nppd.com. 

P.O. Box 499 

Columbus, NE 68602-0499 

Address Service Requested 

Nit 

Network Applications Engineer 

Nebraska Public Power District 

I am where I want to be! 

WHERE DOES YOUR CAREER TAKE YOU? 

PRSRT STD 

US POSTAGE 

PAID 

COLUMBUS NE 

PERMIT NO. 3

November / December 2008 - Nebraska Public Power District

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