Columbus NEBRASKA COMMUNITY GUIDE

www.loup.com www.columbusne.us www.thecolumbuspage.com The Table of Contents and section headings are hot linked within this Community COMMUNITY GUIDE 2 Guide. Clicking on the section headings will return you to the Table of Contents.

The following pages contain basic If you like moving forward, information about Columbus, you’ve come to the right Nebraska. This information was ABOUT compiled by the City of Columbus, place! Columbus, Nebraska Columbus Area Chamber of is hard at work, building our Commerce, Loup Power District, Columbus future. Physical structures and Nebraska Public Power are being built from one end District in order to promote of Columbus to the other.... community development and NEBRASKA in fact, more construction is quality of life. going on right now than at any other time in our history! At the same time, many partners are working to build the future of our businesses and families in a variety of avenues.

Columbus is home to some 6,000 manufacturing jobs with companies Contacts ranging from Fortune 500 to small, homegrown enterprises. We have low unemployment, but still have talented people looking for greater David Bell, Co-Chair Columbus Economic Council opportunities. Approximately half of the people commute to work from VP of Development/Marketing a 50-mile radius around Columbus, making this a true regional hub. Loup Power District Columbus, Nebraska As we commonly say, Columbus is where collaboration lives. If you Phone: (402) 564-3171 Ext. 257 like working together toward a common goal; then you’ll fit right in Cell: (402) 910-8903 Email: [email protected] here. In 2007, a group of organizations came together to discuss www.loup.com needed facilities. They agreed more success could be accomplished working together. That group has met every month since, and in the Tara Vasicek past year celebrated the opening of two of the four projects they City Administrator City of Columbus identified: the East-Central District Health Department headquarters Columbus, Nebraska and the Columbus Wellness Center housing the Columbus YMCA. Phone: (402) 562-4233 Project number 3, the STEM Academy will open in the newly built Email: [email protected] Columbus High School next year and the last project, a new library www.columbusne.us and arts center is in the design stage. K.C. Belitz President Columbus is proud of what we have to offer and proud that others Columbus Area Chamber of have recognized those strengths. Columbus has been named as one Commerce of the Top 100 best places to live by CNN/Money Magazine twice in Columbus, Nebraska the past decade. But we’re not resting...in fact, we are building an Phone: (402) 564-2769 Cell: (402) 270-9119 even better future and we hope you’ll be part of it. Email: [email protected] www.thecolumbuspage.com

Mary M. Plettner, CEcD Economic Development Manager Nebraska Public Power District Columbus, Nebraska Phone: (402) 563-5534 Cell: (402) 750-1907 Email: [email protected] Table of Contents econdev.nppd.com 3 Geography 21 Local Government 4 Economic 23 Education Development 28 Quality of Life 7 Labor 2015 U.S. Census 38 Community Services Population 10 Market Access 40 Agriculture & Raw Columbus 22,797 12 Infrastructure Materials Platte County 32,847 17 Communications 42 Climate 19 Tax Structure COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 3 Geography

85 miles west of Omaha. The Columbus Micropolitan Location Statistical Area consists of Platte County. Columbus, the county seat of Platte County, is located in the east-central part of Nebraska near the confluence of the Platte and Loup Rivers. Elevation U.S. Highways 30 and 81 intersect in the city. Columbus is 1,447 feet above sea level. Columbus is 75 miles northwest of Lincoln and

North

S O U T H D A K O T A

I O W A W Y O M I N G

Columbus

C O L O R A D O MISSOURI

K A N S A S 4 COMMUNITY GUIDE Economic Development

Firms with retail sales tax permits in Columbus reported CEC provides three primary services (recruitment, 2015 net taxable retail sales of $393,926,007, while retention, and technical assistance) to new and Platte County reported retail sales of $418,392,787. existing Columbus companies. The focus is primarily on industrial development with an emphasis on Economic Development Organizations manufacturing, technology, back office operations, and food processing. Several sites are available in Economic development activities for the Columbus the industrial park and typically one or more vacant region are carried out by the Columbus Economic buildings are ready for immediate occupancy. Council (CEC), a committee of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. The committee has Columbus has an Economic Development Incentive 41 members representing major manufacturers, bank Plan (840 Plan) to assist businesses in start-up and/or presidents, and city and county officials. expansion projects.

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 5

Columbus’ Top Ten Columbus’ Top Ten Manufacturing Employers Nonmanufacturing Employers

Employees Employees BD Medical - Medication & Columbus Community Hospital ...... 650 Procedural Solutions ...... 1,038 Medical Hypodermic needles & syringes Columbus Public Schools ...... 595 BD Medical - Pharmaceutical Education Systems ...... 732 Glass syringes Central Community College ...... 456 (Columbus) Behlen Mfg...... 650 Education Steel buildings, agricultural & livestock equipment Nebraska Public Power District ...... 379 Electric utility Vishay Dale Electronics ...... 616 Electronic components City of Columbus ...... 185 Government CAMACO, LLC ...... 485 Automotive seats & frames Lakeview Community Schools ...... 183 Education ADM Corn Processing (Columbus) ...... 430 Wet corn milling, corn starch, fructose, Platte County ...... 175 ethanol Government

FLEXcon ...... 158 State of Nebraska (Platte County only) ...... 127 Pressure sensitive plastic fi lm, decals, Government package labels, holograms, adhesive Educational Service Unit 7 ...... 84 nameplates Education

Valmont...... 150 Jacobs Field Services ...... 83 Steel transmission structures for utility Engineering & construction maintenance industry

Columbus Hydraulics Co., Inc...... 145 Hydraulic & pneumatic cylinders

Cargill Value Added Meats ...... 125 Cooked meats (beef, pork, turkey & chicken)

BD Medical - Pharmaceutical Systems BD Medical - Medication & Procedural Solutions 6 COMMUNITY GUIDE

Behlen Mfg. Vishay Dale Electronics

CAMACO, LLC ADM Corn Processing

Cargill Value Added Meats FLEXcon

Valmont Columbus Hydraulics Co., Inc. COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 7

Unemployment Rate Labor Annual Average 2015 Platte County 3.0% Nebraska 3.0% Nonfarm Wage & Salary Employment, United States 5.3% Platte County, 2015 Annual Average Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Transportation, Warehousing & 2009-2014 Percent Change Utilities incl RR Value Added Per Dollar Other Services 3.3% Information 4.6% 1.4% Manufacturing Production Worker Wages Nebraska, Surrounding Wholesale Trade States & U.S. 5.4% 10.0 9.6%

Financial Activities 8.0 Retail Trade 6.1% 17.0% 6.0

4.0 3.5% Professional & Business Services Leisure & Hospitality 1.4% 6.6% 16.8% 2.0

Goods-Producing 0.0 U.S. Surrounding Nebraska 10.2% States Total Government Surrounding states include data for states contiguous Education & 16.6% to Nebraska as a group, including Colorado, Iowa, Health Services Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming. 12.2% Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov Unionization

Source: Nebraska Department of Labor Nebraska has a right to work provision in its constitution. In 2012, 6.0 percent of Nebraska’s wage and salary workers were members of labor unions Platte County Labor Supply compared to a national figure of 11.3 percent. Annual Average 2015 Local Labor Unions Platte & ● Central Community College - Columbus Contiguous Platte ○ Nebraska Education Association Counties* County ● City of Columbus (police & fi re only) Non-farm wage and ○ International Association of Fire Fighters salary workers ...... 56,148 18,509 ○ Fraternal Order of Police Total employment ...... 60,383 16,464 ● Columbus Public Schools (teachers only) ○ Nebraska State Education Association Labor force population ...... 61,995 16,928 ● Educational Service Unit 7 (ESU 7) (teachers only) ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL LABOR SUPPLY ○ Nebraska State Education Association County high school graduates ● Lakeview Community Schools (certifi ed staff only) annually ...... 366 ○ Lakeview Education Association Commuting out of county (2014) ...... 5,606 ● State of Nebraska - Platte County (hourly employees only) Unemployed ...... 464 ○ National Association of Public Employees Total ...... 6,436 ○ American Federation of State, County, and NOTE: Does not include estimated number of homemakers, seasonal & Municipal Employees part-time workers, and workers who would shift from low-paying ● U.S. Post Offi ce jobs who could be expected to work for industry. *Contiguous counties include Boone, Butler, Colfax, Madison, Merrick, ○ American Postal Workers Union Nance, Polk, and Stanton Counties in Nebraska. ○ National Association of Letter Carriers ○ National Rural Letter Carriers Association 8 COMMUNITY GUIDE Fringe Benefi ts Local industries estimate fringe benefits range from 20 to 60 percent of wages.

Nebraska Public Power District

Loup Power District

Cornhusker Public Power District COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 9

Average Hourly Earnings for Production Workers, 2015

U.S. Average $21.96 NEBRASKA $17.73 California $21.35 Colorado $26.54 Illinois $19.78 Indiana $18.90 Iowa $19.00 Kansas $18.88 Michigan $20.80 Minnesota $20.22 Missouri $19.62 Pennsylvania $18.96 Wisconsin $19.32

0 $5 $10 $15 $20 $25 $30 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)

Average Annual Unemployment Insurance Contribution Per Covered Employee, 2015

U.S. Average $370 NEBRASKA $130 California $443 Colorado $323 Illinois $476 Indiana $276 Iowa $292 Kansas $365 Michigan $428 Minnesota $379 Missouri $274 Pennsylvania $627 Wisconsin $466

$0 $100 $200 $300$400 $500 $600 $700 Source: Values calculated by Ken Lemke, Nebraska Public Power District, from U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Average Employer Contribution Rates by State, 2014. http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov

Wage Sampling: Hourly wage rates for various occupations, Northeast Region, Nebraska

10th 50th 90th Standard Occupational Code Title Percentile Percentile Percentile Accountants and Auditors 18.32 27.70 46.26 Computer Programmers 13.63 30.46 44.83 Registered Nurses 20.74 27.38 36.82 Retail Salespersons 8.58 10.67 20.49 Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical 10.63 14.15 19.03 Customer Service Representatives 9.33 13.59 22.18 Office Clerks, General 8.76 11.96 18.42 Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other* 9.90 15.00 20.47 Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand 9.90 13.82 18.57 Machinists 10.37 18.13 24.56 Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 13.20 17.39 22.98 Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters 14.28 17.47 19.57 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers 13.09 18.83 27.73 Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters/Operators 12.89 16.07 20.28 Electricians 13.73 19.48 28.80 Tool and Die Makers 17.59 24.08 30.17 *Wage information taken from Nebraska Statewide Source: Nebraska Workforce Development, Occupational Employment Statistics Program, Third Quarter 2016

Workforce market and labor law information. Job seekers can find a full array of employment and training related services The Nebraska Department of Labor serves employers including on-site services provided by a network of and job seekers across Nebraska through its “Career mandatory Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Centers” located across the state. Services for Act partners. To access Nebraska Department of employers include employee recruitment and screening, Labor’s One-Stop for Jobs, go to neworks.nebraska posting job openings, tax credit information, and labor .gov 10 COMMUNITY GUIDE Market Access Highways Rail East-west U.S. Highway 30 and north-south Columbus is served by a main line of the Union Pacific U.S. Highway 81 intersect in Columbus. Truck Railroad with 50 freight trains passing through the city restrictions apply for off streets unless they are daily. Switching is performed by a local switch crew in making deliveries. Interstate 80 is 54 miles south and rail yards and train crews on the main line. Interstate 29 is 85 miles east of Columbus. The BNSF Railway Company has a branch line that U.S. Highway 81 is four-laned from seven miles south serves Archer Daniels Midland Monday through of Columbus to north of Norfolk. U.S. Highway 30 is Saturday. four-laned from Columbus to Schuyler, 18 miles east. Nebraska Central Railroad, a short-line railroad, Trucklines operates lines in Columbus and communities north of the city. More than 13,500 licensed motor carriers with worldwide connections are based in Nebraska and Amtrak provides Lincoln, 75 miles southeast of serve businesses throughout North America. Columbus, with rail passenger service throughout the United States. Additional Nebraska Amtrak stations are located in Hastings, Holdrege, McCook, and Omaha. For more information, visit www.amtrak .com.

Source: Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Legal Trucking Distances from North Platte, Nebraska [maps], 2016. Air Generated by Andrew Eckerson using ESRI Business Analyst Desktop. The Columbus Municipal Airport is utilized by both commercial and private aircraft. Air freight and air Bus Lines express services are available. Arrow Stage Lines, in Norfolk 43 miles north of Facilities at the Columbus Municipal Airport include Columbus, provides daily passenger service to Omaha a full service FBO (fixed base operator) offering with one bus, Monday through Friday. 100 low-lead octane and jet A fuel, full instrument landing capabilities, nonprecision approach, full maintenance, tie downs, rental cars, aircraft rental and sales, crop spraying, and flight instruction. One of the 40 private planes hangared at the airport is available for charter. The airport is operational from dawn to dusk as well as on call. The elevation at the airport is 1,447 feet, the latitude is 41-26-55.4N, and the longitude is 097-20-27.4W. COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 11 Water Runway Identifi cation Barge service is not available near Columbus. Number Length Surface Lighted 14/32 6,781' Concrete Yes 02/20 4,135' Turf No Pipeline NuStar LP operates a terminal seven miles east of Columbus. Nearest Commercial Air Service

Central Nebraska Regional Airport Grand Island ...... 64 miles, 70 minutes Lincoln Airport Lincoln ...... 75 miles, 75 minutes Eppley Airfi eld Omaha ...... 85 miles, 95 minutes

Airport Administration Building

Columbus Airport 12 COMMUNITY GUIDE

lower, incentivized EDR, a customer must be served Infrastructure by an NPPD wholesale customer or NPPD’s Retail Division. The project must add new or additional electric load of at least one megawatt, have a minimum monthly load factor of 60 percent and the customer Nebraska Highlights must also enter into a written agreement with the State of Nebraska or any political subdivison to provide an Energy costs are often a considerable part of any economic development project pursuant to state or business’ operational budget. These costs can vary local law. greatly between states, but in Nebraska (the only state in the nation where all electric utilities are publicly NPPD is the state’s leader in generating electricity owned) electric costs are passed to consumers at with renewable resources. NPPD owns and operates low, cost-of-service rates. As a result, the state claims three hydropower facilities and a 36-turbine, industrial rates well below the national average. 60-megawatt wind energy facility. NPPD has invested Nebraska electric utilities are able to offer low rates, in millions in the state’s development of wind power part, because they draw from a balanced and efficient during the past 13 years. Knowing that it would be “mix” of generation resources. This mix includes more economical for ratepayers, NPPD recently coal, natural gas, oil, diesel, and methane along with signed 20-year, multi-million-dollar agreements with carbon-free generation, like nuclear power, wind power, private wind developers to purchase power generated and hydropower. from community-based, wind-powered generation facilities. In addition, NPPD continues to explore other Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is the state’s opportunities to add more wind power to its generation largest electric generating utility in terms of chartered portfolio in the next ten years. territory, which includes all or parts of 86 of Nebraska’s 93 counties. NPPD relies upon nine major generating With a proven not-for-profit power system, strong facilities, more than 5,000 miles of high-voltage power infrastructure, a commitment to renewable energy, and lines, approximately 260 substations, and thousands a plan for meeting customers’ needs well into the future, more miles of distribution lines. Because the system Nebraska’s public power utilities help make Nebraska is interconnected to electrical grids in other states, an excellent location for industries. NPPD works with regional utilities and industry entities to ensure power is delivered safely and dependably to NPPD’s Sources of Energy - 2016 Nebraskans. (Native Load + Nonfi rm Sales) Power * Hydro Wind Purchases 6.8% 6.9% Gas & Oil 4.5% Nuclear 1.5% 32.3%

Coal Beatrice Power Station Cooper Nuclear Station 48.0% *Hydro includes WAPA Carbon Free Resources 46% Carbon Emitting Resources 54%

Natural gas in Nebraska is also attractive to industry for service, supply, and price. A gas-producing state, Nebraska is close and well-connected by pipeline to the major gas fields of the central and southern plains. The state’s average cost of industrial gas is less than both the regional and national averages.

Gerald Gentleman Station Creston Wind Farm The pipelines of two major companies, Northern Natural Gas and Kinder Morgan, provide an ample supply of NPPD has a wholesale Economic Development natural gas to most areas of Nebraska. Depending on Rate (EDR) for customers with qualifying projects of usage requirements, natural gas is offered both on a new or additional electric load. To be eligible for the “firm” and “interruptible” basis. COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 13

Nebraska’s 2015 Average Retail Price of Energy Costs Energy Costs Are Among Electric Natural Gas The Lowest In (Cents per Kilowatt Hour) (Dollars per Thousand Cubic Feet) The Nation Residential Commercial Industrial Residential Commercial Industrial U.S. Average 12.65 10.64 6.91 10.38 7.91 3.91 NEBRASKA 10.60 8.67 7.59 8.86 6.40 4.56 California 16.99 15.73 12.17 11.39 8.04 6.41 Colorado 12.12 9.88 7.40 8.27 7.47 5.74 Illinois 12.50 9.02 6.67 7.97 7.29 5.47 Indiana 11.57 9.78 6.86 8.92 7.61 6.36 Iowa 11.63 8.92 5.90 8.51 6.50 5.28 Kansas 12.34 10.10 7.61 10.17 8.87 4.24 Massachusetts 19.83 15.79 13.54 13.02 10.81 9.22 Michigan 14.42 10.55 7.02 8.81 7.51 6.60 Minnesota 12.12 9.44 7.02 8.79 7.31 4.87 Missouri 11.21 9.16 6.44 11.60 9.14 7.58 New Jersey 15.81 12.79 10.64 8.32 8.50 8.09 New York 18.54 15.31 6.31 11.20 6.85 6.62 Ohio 12.80 10.07 7.02 9.51 6.39 5.35 Pennsylvania 13.64 9.60 7.20 11.04 9.32 8.59 Texas 11.56 8.15 5.59 10.62 6.95 2.89 Wisconsin 14.11 10.89 7.58 8.54 6.78 5.65

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2015 Annual Columbus Utilities Electricity

Loup Power District (www.loup.com), a wholesale (2) Columbus West 230-34.5 kV substation serves power customer of Nebraska Public Power the west side of Columbus; and (3) Columbus East District (www.nppd.com), provides electric service 345/230/115-34.5 kV substation serves the east side of to Boone, Colfax, Nance, and Platte Counties, and Columbus and the east industrial area. a portion of Madison County. Loup Power District provides wholesale service to the communities of Two 37 MVA and four 56 MVA transformers feed into Leigh and Schuyler. Loup Power District, Nebraska eleven 34.5 kV subtransmission lines, which form a Public Power District, Cornhusker Public Power District 34.5 kV grid around and through the city and adjacent (www.cornhusker-power.com), and the Nebraska industrial areas. The distribution system voltage G & T are headquartered in Columbus. throughout Columbus and the surrounding area is 12,470 volts. The Columbus area receives power from three sources: (1) the Columbus Hydro substation, located one mile Creston Ridge Wind Farm, a four-turbine wind northeast of Columbus and adjacent to a Loup 45 MW facility located between Creston and Columbus, hydroelectric plant, which is tied to the statewide begun operation in December of 2015. It is owned transmission grid system with seven 115 kV lines; and operated by Bluestem Energy Solutions based in Omaha. Each turbine has a maximum capacity of 1.7 megawatts for a total of 6.8 megawatts. Bluestem sells the power generated by the turbines to Loup Power District. 14 COMMUNITY GUIDE

Base Electric Rates—Loup Power District (effective 1/15/17) Large Light & Power Service (LP) (distribution delivery from lines of 12,470 volts Summer bills run from June 15 – October 14. or less and demand less than 300 kW) Winter bills run from October 15 – June 14. Customer Charge: $450.00 per month All rates are subject to application of a retail Production Cost Adjustment (PCA). All minimum billings include the customer Demand Charge: charge. Summer Winter $17.50 $12.25 per kW per month of Residential Service (LR1) maximum or billing demand Customer Charge: $17.00 per month Plus an Energy Charge of: Summer Winter $0.0490 $0.0400 per kWh $0.1175 $0.0815 per kWh for the fi rst Minimum Bill: $450.00 per month plus 50¢ per 600 kWh used per month kVA transformer capacity installed $0.0905 $0.0775 per kWh for all Maximum Bill: additional use Summer: The maximum cost per kWh after all Minimum Bill: $17.00 per month adjustments or discounts will be $0.2160. Winter: The maximum cost per kWh after all adjustments or discoutns will be $0.2066

General Service (LG1) (Single Phase) Customer Charge: $25.00 per month Large Light & Power Service (LP3) Summer Winter (distribution delivery from lines of 12,470 volts $0.1090 $0.0965 per kWh for the fi rst or less and demand greater than 300 kW) 1,200 kWh used per month Customer Charge: $750.00 per month $0.0970 $0.0915 per kWh for all Demand Charge: additional use Summer Winter Minimum Bill: $25.00 per month plus 50¢ per $17.25 $13.25 per kW per month of kVA transformer capacity above 25 kVA on-peak maximum or billing demand $5.25 $4.25 per kW per month of off-peak maximum or General Service (LG1) (Three Phase) billing demand, which is above the on-peak Customer Charge: $36.00 per month demand Summer Winter Plus an Energy Charge of: $0.1090 $0.0965 per kWh for the fi rst $0.0510 $0.0435 per kWh on-peak 3,000 kWh used per $0.0435 $0.0375 per kWh off-peak month Minimum Bill: $750.00 per month plus 50¢ per $0.0970 $0.0915 per kWh for all kVA transformer capacity installed additional use Minimum Bill: $36.00 per month plus 50¢ per kVA transformer capacity above 25 kVA Industrial Rates Subtransmission Delivery are also available.

Prospective customers should contact President and CEO, Neal D. Suess, Loup Power District, Columbus, Nebraska, (402) 564-3171, [email protected], www .loup.com, for further information regarding electric rates and service. COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 15

Cornhusker Public Power District provides service to rural areas in six counties surrounding Columbus. Water For information regarding electrical services in the The municipal water system in Columbus is supplied Cornhusker Public Power District service area, visit by two water treatment plants (south and north) that www.cornhusker-power.com or contact CEO/ are fed from 11 active wells, which have an average General Manager, Clay Gibbs, Columbus, Nebraska depth of 125 feet. The system, serving the entire city, (402) 564-2821, [email protected]. has a combined pumping capacity of 15.0 thousand gallons per minute and an overhead storage capacity of 5.1 million gallons and 0.8 million gallons below ground. The average daily demand is 5.2 million gallons, and the historic peak daily demand is 14.2 million gallons. The system has a maximum capacity of 15.9 million gallons per day and the city’s wells can produce up to 18,000 gallons per minute. The static pressure is 55 pounds per square inch and the residual pressure is 40 pounds per square inch. The city has approximately 125 miles of water main line ranging in size from Loup Power House 4 inches to 30 inches in diameter.

The water table has not changed significantly in the past Natural Gas ten years. The quality of water does not necessitate a Black Hills Energy is the retail supplier of natural gas water treatment plant. in Columbus. The transmission provider is Northern Natural Gas. Black Hills Energy is a full-service natural Water Rates (effective 10/1/16) gas distribution company with Nebraska headquarters A $50.00 connection fee is charged for inside the city in Lincoln. limits and a $110.00 connection fee for outside of the Columbus is served by three different lines. The steel city limits. pipe lines are 4 inches, 6 inches, and 10 inches.

Natural gas, with an average value of 1,000 Btu per Domestic and Non-Domestic Users cubic foot, is available for residential, commercial, and per 1,000 Gallons industrial customers for base and peak use on a firm basis. Interruptible service is available for customers Inside Outside with alternate fuel capability. Annual curtailment of Uses City Limits City Limits interruptible customers varies with the type of service Residential $1.33 $2.65 selected by the customer. Rates vary slightly due to Commercial $1.20 $2.60 seasonal and commodity price fluctuation. Current rates for the commercial/light industrial class customer, Industrial $1.18 $2.45 as well as one year’s history for the Nebraska Area 3, Plus a Monthly Service Charge (based on meter size) can be found at www.blackhillsenergy.com. Meter Size All Customers Contact the Economic Development Department of 3/4" $ 6.72 Black Hills Energy at (800) 232-1850 for information regarding gas rates and service. 1" $ 6.72 1-1/2" $ 20.15 Other Fuels 2" $ 33.59 3" $ 67.18 LP Gas 4" $100.76 LP gas is available for residential, commercial, and 6" $201.53 industrial uses from Central Valley Ag; Ferrellgas, Inc.; and Sapp Bros. in Columbus. 8" $335.88 10" $503.82 Oil 12" $940.46 Oil is available in Columbus for residential, commercial, and industrial uses from Sapp Bros. 16 COMMUNITY GUIDE

Sewerage Sewer-Use Charges (effective 10/1/16) A $50.00 connection fee is charged for new residential, Columbus has a municipal sanitary sewerage system commercial, and industrial services. and a storm sewer system. The gravity flow sanitary sewer system consists of 185 miles of sanitary sewers ranging in size from 6 inches to 33 inches in diameter. Solid Waste Disposal The sanitary collection system utilizes 21 lift stations. The city operates a solid waste transfer station, The city’s activated sludge treatment plant was built collecting and handling municipal solid waste (msw) in 1967 and updated in 1989 and 2003 with extended received from solid waste haulers, residences, and aeration facilities to treat domestic and industrial waste. contractors. The city transfers these msw to the Treatment capacity was added in 2015 to various Northeast Nebraska Solid Waste Coalition landfill in treatment processes and in 2016 headworks facilities Stanton, Nebraska, 40 miles northeast of Columbus. were upgraded. An industrial pretreatment program is A free drop off yard waste and lawn clippings site is in place. provided to city residences. Wood waste and brush is chipped on-site and available to the public free of The wastewater treatment plant has a daily capacity of charge. 5,200,000 gallons per day and an average daily flow of 3,800,000 gallons per day.

Water & Sewer Department Transfer Station

Domestic and Non-Domestic Users Recycling per 1,000 Gallons Inside Outside Private contractors handle recycling options within Uses City Limits City Limits the community. The following places provide recycling programs in the community: Shred Monster, Columbus Residential $3.83 $5.51 Telegram, and Waste Connections, along with several Commercial $3.83 $5.51 schools and churches. Industrial $3.83 $5.51 Plus a Monthly Service Charge (based on meter size) Meter Size All Customers 3/4" $ 6.97 1" $ 6.97 1-1/2" $ 20.92 2" $ 34.87 3" $ 69.74 Shred Monster 4" $104.61 6" $209.22 8" $348.70 10" $523.05 12" $976.37 COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 17 Communications Spectrum offers business class services including Nebraska is the first state to be served totally by phone with local, in-state, or interstate long distance digital switching, and continues to be served by one call; cable television; Ethernet with point-to-point of the nation’s most advanced telecommunication connectivity between two business locations; a range networks. of bandwidth speeds on a Hybrid Fiber Coax network; and dedicated Internet access that delivers a protected Telecommunications & Internet link between your network and the Internet. Eagle Communications is upgrading networks throughout the communities it serves, in many cases bringing fiber to those communities to allow for next generation communication services. Eagle Communications provides Ethernet transport; PBX, PRI, and SIP architecture; VOIP options; unlimited local and nationwide calling; DIA service–5 Mb to 10 Gig; PRI/SIP or ISDN trunks; and bulk video services.

Frontier Communications is the local exchange carrier in the Columbus area with a Lucent GTD-5 Spectrum digital central office, served via an OC48 and an OC3 fiber optic system. Frontier is capable of providing T3s, Internet T1s, ISDN, frame relay, voice mail, and equal access which can service all long distance companies and Community Internet / Megavision and its rural digital class calling features. Telecommunication/fiber wireless subsidiary, Wire Free Nebraska, provide needs are adjacent to site. 56K dial-up, high speed Internet, DSL, dedicated point-to-point connection, full web hosting, and email services. Cellular Columbus has numerous cell phone providers in the city. Post Offi ce The U.S. Postal Service in Columbus provides house-to-house delivery service and has two mail Frontier receipts and one dispatch daily. Currently 48 people Great Plains Communications, founded in 1910, with 12 city routes and 11 rural routes are employed in and is the largest independent telephone company in Columbus. More than 13,000 mailboxes are served in Nebraska with 220 employees state-wide and serving the area. 90 communities in Nebraska. Services include Internet access for small and medium-sized businesses and direct Internet access for large businesses from 5 Mb to 10 Gig Internet bandwidth. Managed Ethernet Service allows businesses to connect across Columbus or across the State of Nebraska, from 5 Mb to 10 Gig or more of bandwidth. Fiber connects to Omaha in the east and Denver in the west. Great Plains Communications owns, manages, and maintains a fiber optic network Post Offi ce with two fiber routes across the state. 18 COMMUNITY GUIDE Package Delivery Service Television Federal Express, United Parcel Service, and the U.S. Postal Service provide package delivery services Stations Carrying Local News in the Columbus area. Call Letters Channel Location Columbus 48 Columbus Newspaper News Team The Columbus Telegram, the local daily newspaper, KMTV 3 Omaha has 5,000 daily subscribers, 7,000 weekend WOWT 6 Omaha edition subscribers, the Columbus Telegram prints KETV 7 Omaha 15,000 copies of the Columbus Area Choice Shopper. The Columbus Telegram website reaches as many as KOLN/KGIN 10/11 Lincoln/Grand Island 150,000 visitors monthly. Other papers delivered locally KLKN 8 Lincoln are the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star.

Columbus Telegram Radio Columbus News Team Stations Carrying Local News

Call Letters Frequency Location KTTT-AM 1500 KHz Columbus KJSK-AM 900 KHz Columbus KKOT-FM 93.5 MHz Columbus KLIR-FM 101.1 MHz Columbus KZEN-FM 100.3 MHz Columbus COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 19 Tax Structure

Market value is determined by each county assessor Nebraska Highlights through professionally accepted mass appraisal methods, which include, but are not limited to: ● Nebraska assesses income tax based upon the amount of federal taxable income ● Comparison with sales of real property of known ● No state property tax or recognized value, taking into account location, ● No inventory tax zoning, current functional use, and other statutory ● No personal property tax on intangibles guidelines (sales comparison approach) ● No sales tax on: ● Earning capacity of the real property (income ○ raw materials when used as ingredients or approach) component parts in manufacturing operations ● Cost less depreciation (cost approach) ○ sales of energy for processing or manufacturing purposes Nebraska Tax Incentives ○ water used exclusively in manufacturing and processing Nebraska’s performance-based tax incentive programs demonstrate the state’s commitment to creating a ○ qualifi ed agricultural machinery and favorable business environment for your business equipment expansion or location. Known collectively as the ○ manufacturing machinery, equipment, and “Nebraska Advantage Package,” this multi-tiered related services program provides investment credits, wage credits, ● Sales and use tax refunds are available on sales tax refunds based on investment and job creation qualifying air and water pollution control equipment in Nebraska. Qualified companies, large and small can ● Sales and use tax refunds are available on take advantage of these benefits. For more information property qualifying for certain investment on the qualifications and potential benefits available incentives to your company, contact the Nebraska Department The Nebraska State Government is financed by an of Economic Development, (800) 426-6505 or visit individual income tax, corporate income tax, 5.5 percent www.neded.org. sales and use tax, corporate occupation tax, and selective excise taxes (liquor, tobacco, motor fuels, etc.). Local governments are financed primarily by property taxes, although some cities and counties collect a local option sales tax of between 0.5 and 2.0 percent.

Property taxes are levied against real and personal www.NebraskaAdvantage.com property by local political subdivisions such as counties, cities, school districts, fire districts, etc., to provide for local services. All real property except agricultural land is assessed at actual or market value. Agricultural land is assessed at 75 percent of actual value. Personal property is assessed at net book value. Tax rates are expressed in dollars and cents for each $100 of actual value.

2015 20 COMMUNITY GUIDE

2016 Actual Valuation Columbus 2016 Tax Rates Columbus, Nebraska

Educational Service Unit Community College $0.015574 Real Estate Personal Property Special (Railroads & Utilities) $0.095112 Agricultural Society Natural Resource District $0.009418 $0.031512

$48,886,020 $16,121,434

County $0.198464

City $1,397,255,215 $0.315186 School District $1.252000

Total: $1,462,262,669

Total: $1.917266 (dollars and cents per $100 of actual value)

Local Bonded Indebtedness City Revenue Bonds (9/30/2016) $39,685,000 City General Obligation Bonds (9/30/2016) $ 4,690,000 School District (8/31/2016) $59,475,000 County Bonds (6/30/2016) $ 8,485,000

City Hall Courthouse COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 21 Local Government

Columbus, a first-class city, has a mayor-council form of government with a city administrator. The mayor and council members are elected to serve four-year terms Rural Fire Department and the city administrator is appointed for a four-year term. The 2015–16 actual budget was $76,931,730.

Platte County has 18 townships and is governed by seven county commissioners, who are elected by popular vote for four-year terms. The actual county budget for 2015–16 was $37,928,858. The county belongs to the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District along with 16 other counties. Fire Protection Fire protection and ambulance services are provided in Columbus by 15 full-time and 60 volunteer fire fighters. Hazmat Trailer Fourteen members are registered Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) 2 full-time and 12 volunteer and 13 full-time paramedics and 1 volunteer. Law Enforcement Columbus has three fire stations that serve The Columbus Police Department employs 36 full-time approximately 100 square miles and 1,211 fire police officers, 2 full-time and 1 part-time animal control hydrants. The fire insurance classification inside the officers, and 15 support staff. The patrol division city limits is 3; outside it is 8. Columbus is part of the equipment consists of standard equipment. Regular Big 8 Mutual Aid and Mid-Nebraska Mutual Aid and protection is provided to existing industries in the area. responds to any request for assistance. Annual expenditures for police protection for the last three years averaged approximately $4,500,000. Annual expenditures for fire protection for the past three years averaged $1,900,000.

Columbus Police Department 2014 Crime Rates (per 1,000 population)

Violent Property Crimes Crimes Columbus 0.9 17.2 Platte County 0.8 14.5 Nebraska 2.5 24.7 U.S. Total 3.7 26.0 Fire Department Source: www.ncc.state.ne.us 22 COMMUNITY GUIDE Sheriff State Patrol The Platte County Sheriff’s Department is staffed by a Troop B of the Nebraska State Patrol is headquartered sheriff, 19 sworn officers, 1 part-time sworn officer, and in Norfolk, 46 miles north of Columbus. Nine patrol 50 support staff. Equipment in the department includes officers are stationed in Columbus. standard equipment, dive team equipment, and boat. Dive team consists of sheriff’s officers and members of the Columbus Police Department. Regular protection is Streets provided to existing industries in the area. Columbus has 176 miles of streets; 166 miles are The Platte County Detention Center, located in the hard-surfaced with concrete. There are load restrictions Columbus East Industrial Site, is designed to hold for truck traffic using off streets unless they are making 144 inmates. The facility replaces the old Platte County deliveries. Ninety percent of the streets have curbs and Jail which was located in the courthouse. The old jail is 80 percent have sidewalks. still used on a daily basis for persons sentenced from court until they can be picked up and those transported The maximum axle limit for licensed garbage haulers/ to the courthouse from the Detention Facility for truck routes exists on the following roads: 18th Avenue, court appearances. The Corrections Division is 23rd Street, 33rd Avenue, Howard Boulevard, Lost operated under the Office of the Sheriff. The detention Creek Parkway, and East 6th Avenue. center provides a secure holding facility for persons legally confined in Platte County, including pre-trail, pre-sentence, and sentenced adult male and female Building Regulations inmates. Currently Platte County contracts with several The 2012 International Residential Code, area counties for holding their adult inmates. The 2012 International Building Code, 2012 Uniform Detention Facility books an average of 3,000 inmates Plumbing Code, and the 2014 National Electrical Code a year. are enforced in Columbus. Planning Columbus has a nine-member planning commission. Members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council to serve three-year terms.

The Comprehensive Plan for Columbus was prepared in October 2005 by Olsson & Associates of Lincoln, Nebraska. In 2016 the current Comprehensive Plan will Platte County Detention Center be reviewed and updated.

Viaduct Mall in Columbus COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 23 Education Columbus Public School District

Public Schools Students Teacher/Pupil Ratio Computer/Pupil Ratio

Elementary - 5 (K–5) 1,826 1:22 1:2 Middle School (6–8) 845 1:15 1:2 High School (9–12) 1,169 1:13 1:1

School District No. 71–0001 in Columbus (Platte County) and a small portion of both Butler and Report Card 2014–15 Polk Counties covers 56.2 square miles and had a 2015–16 actual valuation of $1,738,226,160, with ACT Test Composite an actual valuation per student of $457,910 per Columbus High School 19.8 Pre-K through 12th grade student enrolled in the Lakeview High School 22.4 Columbus Public School System. The valuation is Scotus Central Catholic High School 25.9 made up of 99.43 percent of valuation that is located in Platte County with 0.51 percent in Butler County, and Nebraska 21.5 0.07 percent in Polk County. This Class III school is National 21.0 accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education Source: Nebraska Department of Education and AdvancED.

The 2014–15 school operating expenses totaled $34,178,254, with an average cost per pupil of $10,624.

North Park School

Centennial School

West Park School

Emerson School Columbus Middle School

Lost Creek School Columbus High School 24 COMMUNITY GUIDE

Voters of Columbus demonstrated their support for middle school when it opens in September 2017, and the District by passing a $50,000,000 bond issue in some of the remodeling is being done to reflect different May 2013. The bond proceeds, combined with other educational approaches for 5th and 6th graders District funds, will be used for a series of building with those more suitable for 7th and 8th graders. improvements that will benefit students and the Moving 5th graders to the middle school eliminates community well into the future. overcrowding in 3 of the 5 elementary buildings. When these two projects have been completed, all District The first project is the construction of a new high school facilities will have had significant investment within the building at the north end of Columbus. This new high past 15 years. school will have a capacity of 1,400 students and provides modern educational facilities for all subject Our strategic planning process includes a sequence areas including state of the art instructional spaces of building and grounds projects as well as funding to support our focus on STEM (Science, Technology, for those projects. This planning process is intended Engineering, and Mathematics). Occupancy of the new to keep all District facilities in good shape throughout building will take place in March 2017. their expected years of service. A major project within the strategic plan is the conversion of the east and The second project is remodeling the current high north portions of the current middle school into a school building to make it our new middle school. A pre-kindergarten education center for central office number of instructional spaces will be converted from facilities housing all those functions under one roof. their current use to functions more suited to middle school programs. Incorporation of 5th graders in the

New High School Lakeview Community School District

Public Schools Students Teacher/Pupil Ratio Computer/Pupil Ratio

Elementary - Lakeview (K–6) 425 1:20 1:1 Jr. High School - Lakeview (7–8) 139 1:8 1:1 High School - Lakeview (9–12) 309 1:10 1:1

School District No. 71-0005 surrounds the city of The 2015 valuation of the land was listed at Columbus on the north, east, and west side and includes $1,404,624,503, with an actual valuation per student of the town of Platte Center in the northwest section of $1,644,759. This Class III school is accredited by the the district. The land estimated at 220 square miles is Nebraska Department of Education and AdvancED. located mainly in Platte County with a small portion in The 2014–15 school operating expenses totaled Butler and Colfax Counties. $9,766,477, with an average cost per pupil of $12,602.

Lakeview High School COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 25

Parochial Schools Students Teacher/Pupil Ratio Computer/Pupil Ratio

St. Anthony (K–6) 103 1:15 1:5 St. Bonaventure (K–6) 171 1:16 1:4 St. Isidore (K–6) 203 1:20 1:6 Immanuel Lutheran (K–8) 152 1:15 1:5 Columbus Christian School (K–8) 59 1:8 1:7 Scotus Central Catholic (7–12) 368 1:13 1:3

St. Anthony School St. Bonaventure School

St. Isidore School Immanuel Lutheran School

Columbus Christian School Scotus Central Catholic High School 26 COMMUNITY GUIDE

Nebraska Voc Rehab is part of a nation-wide program Educational Service Unit that assists people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, Educational Service Unit 7 (ESU 7), headquartered and maintain employment while helping businesses in Columbus, serves seven counties including recruit, train, and retain employees with disabilities. Platte County. ESU 7 provides leadership, service, and Versatile Support Services, Inc. provides diversified support to school districts in its service area. ESU 7 support to people with developmental disabilities. provides State Legislated core services including staff Versatile Support Services Inc. will strive in its vision development, technology, and media; Federal and to provide and maintain the highest degree of quality, State grant facilitation; special education services; and dignity, and self-worth to our individuals. production and art media services. Early Head Start and Head Start provide childhood programs, enrollment for pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and children ages 3–5. These programs promote family strengths by recognizing individual values, encouraging team work and creating links in the community through Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership. Higher Education An abundance of public colleges and universities are available in Nebraska. There are also a number of community colleges as well as private colleges and trade schools. A large number of degree programs Educational Service Unit 7 are available and some institutions offer courses and workshops specially tailored to meet specific training needs of industry, education, and business. Specialized Services Several of Nebraska’s universities are ranked as Region V is an employment first agency that provides national leaders at making quality education affordable. desired training and support that promotes interdependence and relationships within the community and lessens reliance upon agency services. Colleges & Universities NorthStar Services is an employment first agency Frequently Attended by with the belief that employment in the community is Columbus High School Graduates possible for everyone. NorthStar Services respects the personal opinion and preference of the person Miles receiving services. Columbus — Central Community College – Support is provided for people in a variety of options, Columbus which may include one or several of the following: Norfolk 46 ● Community employment ● Self-employment Northeast Community College ● Volunteer work in the community Fremont 49 Midland University In addition to employment services, NorthStar also offers support for community involvement, residential Seward 52 services, and respite care. These services are Concordia University individualized to support the person as much or as little as they desire. The support encompasses a wide Milford 64 variety of activities including support to access Southeast Community College – health care, receive medications per doctor orders, Milford transportation, opportunities for recreation and leisure, support in daily routines, and opportunities for organized sports. COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 27

Colleges & Universities Frequently Attended by Columbus High School Graduates Miles Wayne 72 Wayne State College

Lincoln 78 Nebraska Wesleyan University Southeast Community College, Lincoln University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Omaha 87 Bellevue University Clarkson College College of St. Mary’s Creighton University Metropolitan Community College Nebraska Methodist College Nebraska Wesleyan University– Wesleyan Advantage University of Nebraska Medical Center University of Nebraska at Omaha Hastings 90 Central Community College – Hastings Hastings College Kearney 115 University of Nebraska at Kearney Peru 148 Peru State College Chadron 367 Chadron State College

Central Community College 28 COMMUNITY GUIDE Quality of Life Health Care Columbus Community Hospital Hospital The Columbus Community Hospital is a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital. Our new facility opened its doors in August 2002 and is located on 80 acres in the northwest part of Columbus. The 153,000-square foot hospital is a four story, prairie-style building with an attached 70,000-square foot one-story medical office building housing local and visiting physicians.

In October 2010, the hospital began construction on a 30,000-square foot addition: 20,000 square feet on the 1st floor and 10,000 square feet on the 2nd floor. The building project, completed in September 2012, allowed the hospital to expand services in the Emergency Department, increase patient privacy in the registration area, and create a women’s imaging center.

The hospital houses 47 acute care beds (certified for swing bed), 4 skilled nursing beds, and 14 ambulatory outpatient beds, all private rooms. Medical Offi ce Building Columbus Community Hospital is licensed by the Nebraska State Board of Health and is accredited through the Joint Commission. The hospital is also a member of Nebraska Hospital Association (NHA), American Hospital Association (AHA), Voluntary Hospital Association (VHA), and the Heartland Health Alliance (HHA).

The success can be measured in the quality of the facilities and the commitment of staff, board, physicians, and volunteers. Leadership consists of Columbus Wellness Center an 11-member Board of Directors, President/CEO, 4 Vice-Presidents, 43 members of the Medical Staff, over 651 employees, and 250 volunteers.

Today, the hospital continues to provide compassionate and expert patient care using the most up-to-date technology in the area. Columbus Community Hospital is dedicated to responding to the ever changing world of health care by staying conscientious of community needs and by providing well-trained professionals committed to providing the highest quality health care Wiggles & Giggles Therapy and service. COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 29

Midwest Medical Transport Company - Midwest Clinics MedAir, has three ambulances and one helicopter, Various medical specialty clinics are held in Columbus which includes 4 pilots and 8 paramedics/nurses, to serve a variety of medical needs in the area. Some and employs 7 paramedics, 10 emergency medical of the clinics are outreach programs from other cities. technicians, and 15 support personnel. Ground transportation to local hospitals is provided along with East Central District Health Department (ECDHD) critical care helicopter transports. provides services such as environmental health, tobacco and youth substance abuse prevention programs, public health emergency response services, health promotion and health education. Each of these Library services compliments other community services in The Columbus Public Library contains more than order to increase the quality of life in our service area. 100,000 unique titles and has an average annual circulation of more than 200,000. The Columbus Public Good Neighbor Community Health Center (GNCHC) Library, with the help of the bookmobile, provides is a federally qualified health center that provides library services to Platte County residents. The library quality, affordable, preventative medical, dental, provides both print and electronic resources and both obstetric and gynecology, behavioral health and in-person and online services and tools. In addition reproductive health care to improve the health of our to traditional library offerings, patrons have access community. GNCHC is a patient-centered medical to public computers, copy machines, fax services, home which is a team-based model that allows better meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, and outreach. Additionally, the access to care, improves patient experience and library donates space to the Columbus Art Gallery. The satisfaction, and focuses on quality patient care in library truly does connect people and ideas. The City order to obtain maximum health outcomes for patients. of Columbus is working towards the construction of a new library/cultural arts center in downtown Columbus.

The Columbus Public Library is open seven days a week and over 3,300 hours a year, and provides 24-hour access to a powerful Wi-Fi network. The Columbus Public Library and Columbus Arts Council provide access to the visual arts, performing arts, speakers, performers, and educational programs for all ages throughout the year. Please visit cplconnect.us.

East Central District Health Department & Good Neighbor Community Health Center Rescue Squad The Columbus Fire and Rescue has four ambulances (three fully equipped and one reserve) with 15 full-time, 60 volunteer members, and 14 emergency medical technicians to assist in emergencies in the Columbus and Duncan areas. Patient transfer service to Omaha or Lincoln is not provided. Other services offered are Hazmat response and Fire/Safety Education.

Columbus Public Library 30 COMMUNITY GUIDE

Skilled Nursing/Rehabilitation

Brookestone Acres Four - 20 bed resident households - skilled nursing care/short term rehabilitation Edgewood Vista 12 beds - memory care assisted living Columbus Care & Rehabilitation Center, LLC Morys Haven 153 beds - assisted living/skilled nursing/ Alzheimer/dementia care/rehabilitation Independent / Assisted Living Mory’s Haven 48 beds - skilled nursing Cottonwood Place 39 beds - independent through assisted living Meridian Gardens 67 apartments - licensed assisted living/ 16 memory support apartments Prairie Village Retirement Center 36 assisted and 32 independent beds

Brookstone Acres Cottonwood Place

Edgewood Vista Heritage Meridian Gardens

Golden Living Center Prairie Village COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 31

Low Cost and/or Retirement Housing Churches Arbor Place 24 units Columbian Village 62 units Denomination Columbus Place 60 units Apartments ● Assembly of God ● Baptist Crown Villa 60 units ● Berean Heritage House 84 units ● Catholic Jackson Meadows 22 units ● Christian Church Oakwood Apartments 23 units ● Church of Christ ● Episcopalian Realife 20 units ● Evangelical Village Apartments 24 units ● Jehovah Witness Westport Congregation ● Lutheran Housing for Elderly 26 units ● Methodist ● Latter-Day Saints Westwood Three 6 units ● Nondenominational ● Presbyterian ● Seventh-Day Adventist Recreation There are 18 parks in Columbus covering 400 acres. Pawnee Park known as “The Picnic Capital of Nebraska,” encompasses approximately 153 acres adjoining the Loup River and Van Berg Golf Course. It offers a living tree museum, rose garden, 1904 Union Pacific steam locomotive, bell tower, Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial, Pawnee Plunge Columbus Housing Authority Water Park, a skate/bike facility (designed for skateboards, in-line skates, and BMX freestyle bikes), family recreation playground areas, sand volleyball courts, fishing, 9-hole disc golf course, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, 2,000-seat stadium with a lighted football field, and eight-lane all weather running track, one large picnic shelter for seating 850 people, and one small shelter seating 250. This park is also the home of the American Legion and high school baseball programs.

Frankfort Square is equipped with a stage and park benches. Events held here include: Farmer’s Market, Lawn Chairs on the Square, Easter Egg Hunt, dance recitals, Memorial Day services, Christmas Stroll, band Heritage House concerts, National Day of Prayer, Special Olympics Torch Run, Children’s Summer Reading Program, and Sundaes in the Square.

Centennial Park a 20-acre park located in southeast Columbus featuring three baseball/softball diamonds, with lights; two tennis courts; playground area; outdoor archery range; handball court; horseshoe pits; rest rooms; and concession stand.

Reallife 32 COMMUNITY GUIDE

Pawnee Park

American Legion Baseball Field Skate Park

Wilderness Park is a 42-acre complex with playground equipment, shelter area, two rest rooms ten regulation-size soccer fields along with rest rooms, and two concession stands. concession stand, shelter, and bleachers. American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), club, and high Bradshaw Park is an 18-acre softball/football complex school soccer are played there. featuring four lighted softball/baseball diamonds, and two football fields (one regulation and one eight-man). Gerrard Park is a 28-acre park featuring a softball Youth and high school softball and midget football complex (six diamonds) with lights, six tennis courts, leagues are scheduled there. There is one concession stand with rest rooms and a playground area. COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 33

to doing ollies and flip tricks. Pawnee Plunge is the home to the only FlowRider wave attraction in the state of Nebraska as of 2015.

The Columbus Aquatic Center is an eight lane pool, 100 feet by 64 feet, with depth ranging from 2 1/2 feet to 12 feet. The pool is equipped with ADA compliant Pawnee Plunge Water Park steps, ramp, and portable aquatic lift. The 12-foot area has lap swimming lanes, two one-meter diving boards, The Pawnee Plunge Water Park offers a full day of and a double flume slide. The shallow area has a fun for the entire family with activities from relaxing in walking lane, toddler slide, and a basketball hoop. A the Lazy River and splashing in the zero depth pool, variety of activities are offered year round to meet the to racing down water slides or surfing the FlowRider. needs of the community including: adult lap swimming Pawnee Plunge opened in 2006 with a recreational and exercises, water aerobics, water Zumba, infant/ pool filled with interactive play features and a lily pad preschool swim classes, family fun nights, and many walk, a Lazy River for patrons to float on tubes and other exciting activities. The Aquatic Center offers relax, four large invigorating water slides—the Swirl American Red Cross Swim Lessons, Lifeguard Bowl, Speed Slide, Curve Slide, and Tube Slide— classes, and Water Safety Instructor training. The each slide giving its own unique and exhilarating ride, Aquatic Center is home to the Columbus Discoverers and a full concessions area. In 2015, the Pawnee swim team from mid-November through February. Plunge doubled in size. The zero depth pool received a makeover with an interactive play ship for toddlers and a shaded bench area (in the water) where parents and little ones can splash and play in the shade. The new addition added multiple ADA pool entrances/exits; a private room that can be rented to hold meetings or parties; a splash area that has water shooting from the pool deck; basketball hoops; and a 25-yard swimming pool with a diving well that has a 3-meter diving platform, 1-meter spring board, and a climbing wall. The most popular and talked about addition is the FlowRider. This attraction appeals to a variety of board-sports athletes— surfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, skimboarding, skateboarding—and the learning curve takes time, but is steep as riders’ progress from riding in a prone position on bodyboards, to standing up on flowboards, Aquatic Center 34 COMMUNITY GUIDE

The Columbus Bark Park is located south of Lake tees which start out at 5,200 yards. From the tips the Babcock on the west side of 18th Avenue next to the 7,200-yard layout is a quality test of ability and course Bob Lake Trail. This non-smoking 6.2 acre park is a management for even the most accomplished player. great place to exercise your dog from sunrise to sunset The Quail Run Golf Course is open to the public with all year. There are three sections to the park — one for a very accessible tee time policy (7 days in advance). large dogs, small dogs, and an activity area to open soon with toys and agility equipment. The park is equipped with fencing, lighting, benches, signs, water, and pet waste stations. The city’s park department takes care of mowing the grass at the park.

Quail Run Golf Course Elks Country Club Golf Course is a traditional tree-lined private course, and is well known for its manicured course conditions. The club has hosted the Nebraska Open since 1993, which has become the second largest annual golf tournament in Nebraska. Bark Park The club also offers a full practice facility including: Van Berg Golf Course is nestled in a quaint part of driving range, chipping, and putting greens; full sized the city along the Loup River, where you will find the and kids pool; lounges; full restaurant; and pro shop. first golf course built in Columbus. Located in historic The Elks Country Club also offers a full food service Pawnee Park, Van Berg Golf Course was built in 1928 banquet room with seating for up to 250 people for on property donated by Marion Van Berg, holder of hosting events and receptions. Numerous membership horse racing’s most career wins by an owner. options with amenities are available for the whole family. The golf course has well-conditioned fairways with small, faster than average greens. The 5,800-yard layout makes Van Berg Golf Course the perfect place for beginners, juniors, super seniors, and anyone else wanting to get in a quick nine.

Van Berg Golf Course also plays host to the Monday Men’s League as well as the Thursday evening “Girls Night Out” golf league.

Elks Country Club Golf Course

Loup Power District Parks are among some of the most popular spots for boating, camping, and other outdoor activities. The lakes and parks are developed and maintained by Loup Power District in conjunction with its canal system. All are open to the public free of charge. Van Berg Golf Course Containing 265 acres of land and 1,100 acres of water, Quail Run Golf Course opened in 1991 and has these parks and recreation areas are open to the public matured into one of the top ranked public golf courses from May 1 to November 1 (weather permitting). More in Nebraska. With its tempting par 5s, deceiving par 3s, than 150,000 people visit each year. Visitors have an and fare but demanding par 4s, the course, carved opportunity to water ski, swim, boat, jet ski, sail board, through towering cottonwoods and nestled along camp, fish, bike, hike, or picnic. Electrical hook-ups for the Loup River and Old Mormon Trail, offers players camping are free with a limit of seven days per month a unique experience. Quail Run offers five sets of (in a 30-day period) in the Loup Park system. COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 35

Lake North Park (14 acres)—One of the premier Powerhouse Park (4.5 acres)—With an impressive family-orientated parks in northeast Nebraska. Lake view of the Columbus Powerhouse and the Loup North Park offers camping, boating, skiing, fishing, Canal, the Powerhouse Park offers relaxed family and swimming as well as picnic areas. Electrical fun with playground equipment. Powerhouse Park hook-ups and primitive camping are available during offers picnicing, grilling, and fishing. A limited number the summer. There also is playground equipment, of primitive camping sites are available during the potable water, picnic tables, and grills. During the fall summer. Graveled paths offer an opportunity for short and spring migrations, Lake North becomes a favorite walks around the park. place for bird watching and viewing beautiful sunsets. In the northeast corner of the park is the trail head for Tailrace Park (9.5 acres)—Located at the confluence the scenic Two Lakes Trail that runs along the north of the Loup Canal and the Platte River, Tailrace Park side of Lake North and Lake Babcock. offers excellent fishing and beautiful views of the water flow over the Tailrace weir. Tailrace Park is popular for family fun with children’s playground equipment and a picnic area. A limited number of primitive camping sites are available during the summer. Entry via foot traffic only, no motor vehicle access.

Headworks Park and ATV Trails (17 acres)—Located at the start of the Loup Canal where water is diverted from the Loup River into the Loup Canal, Headworks Park offers a lake for swimming, fishing, and camping in a naturalist area with plant wildlife in abundance. Electrical hook-ups and primitive camping are available during the summer. Headworks Park offers playground equipment, potable water, picnic tables, and grills. Enjoy nature walks along the canal road and bird watching especially during the fall and spring migrations.

Camping, Boating and Fishing at Lake North Columbus Area Recreational Trails (CART)— Columbus has an extensive system of recreational Loup Park/Lake Babcock (31 acres)—Along the trails throughout the city and adjoining areas. Columbus north and west shores of Lake Babcock, Loup Park Area Recreational Trails provides coordination of is one of the best known family camping facilities funding and the maintenance of a master plan of in northeast Nebraska. Loup Park offers camping, development for these trails. CART continues to work picnicing, grilling, trails, and nature walks. Electrical on new trails in and around the Columbus area. hook-ups and primitive camping are available during the summer. Amenities include playground equipment, These trails provide local residents and visitors a potable water, picnic tables, and grills. Plant wildlife and safe setting for the healthy activities of hiking, biking, bird watching during fall and spring migrations make running, and roller blading. All trails are open to the Lake Babcock and Loup Park a pleasant camping and public at no charge. relaxed recreational experience. The scenic Two Lakes Two Lakes Trail (2.4 miles long, 8 ft. wide concrete)— Trail runs along the north side of Lake North and Lake This trail entertains recreational opportunities for Babcock. At the west end of Loup Park is Castner’s bike riders, runners, walkers, roller bladers, nature Crossing Bridge that crosses the Loup Canal and enthusiasts, bird watchers, and wheelchairs. The scenic connects the Two Lakes Trail with the Bob Lake and trail runs along the north side of two lakes (Lake North Robert White Trails, which continues along the west and Lake Babcock) and winds through the tree lined and south perimeters of Lake Babcock. Lake North Park, Loup Park, and a wildlife refuge along 83rd Street between 18th Avenue and 48th Avenue.

Castner’s Crossing (130 ft. long, 10 ft. wide footbridge)—Castner’s Crossing footbridge crosses the Loup Canal and connects the Two Lakes Trail and the Bob Lake Trail. A trailhead and information kiosk are located at the crossing.

Bob Lake Trail (1.3 miles long, 9 ft. wide crushed Camping at Loup Park/Lake Babcock limestone)—For biking, walking, and jogging, the Bob 36 COMMUNITY GUIDE

Lake Trail follows the southwest perimeter of Lake exercise. Scheduled informational club and social Babcock. A trailhead is located at the junction of Bob activities, and entertainment include craft and card Lake Trail and the Robert White Trail, which is across clubs, movies, programs, volunteer opportunities for the street from the east entrance of Central Community individuals and service groups, and meeting rooms for College. business/retirement groups.

Robert White Trail (1.5 miles long, 9 ft. wide crushed Columbus Races run for 16 days each year with limestone)—Great for biking, walking, and jogging, the year-round simulcasting of races of pari-mutuel Robert White Trail follows the southern perimeter of thoroughbred horses. Lake Babcock from the Bob Lake Trail to 18th Avenue. There is parking at the east and west ends of the trail. Cultural activities in Columbus are provided by a variety of groups. Monastery Trail (1.5 miles long, 10 ft. wide concrete)— The Monastery Trail runs parallel to 18th Avenue and The Platte County Historical Museum consists of connects the Robert White Trail with the Wilderness three buildings with historical displays of artifacts Park Trail. and photos depicting life in Platte County through the years. The museum is open Friday, Saturday, and Wilderness Park Trail (1.5 miles long, 10 ft. wide Sunday afternoons from 1–4 p.m. from mid-May until concrete)—All ages can walk, jog, bike, and rollerblade Labor Day or by appointment. The office is usually on the trail around the perimeter of the Wilderness open weekday mornings year around. Park Soccer Complex.

Pawnee Park Trail (2.0 miles long, 10 ft. wide concrete)—This trail invites all ages to walk, jog, bike, and rollerblade along the winding path through the beautiful Pawnee Park along the Loup River.

Volkswalk (6.2 miles long)—Columbus has two Volkswalk Year Round Events (YRE). One route includes the Two Lakes Trail that is part of the CART system. The second route goes through downtown, residential areas, and city parks. These 6.2 mile routes are noncompetitive and participants can walk at their own pace, thus making it an excellent recreational opportunity for the entire family. Maps and patches for this activity are available at Casey’s General Store and Platte County Historical Museum Lake Stop. Platte Valley Playhouse presents four plays Other activities include miniature golf; fishing and air throughout the year with a dinner theatre in May. boating on two rivers just south of Columbus; hunting; and stock car racing. Columbus Art Gallery located in the Columbus Public Library has art exhibits and a gift shop. The Columbus Community Center works directly with Northeast Nebraska Area on Aging and offers Platte County Fair exhibits materials and foods from health-related programs, caregiver support, nutrition schools, children, and adults; showmanship of animals education, social activities, interaction, and volunteer and poultry; a midway; and entertainment. and leadership opportunities. The nutrition program is Friends of Music presents musical programs during specifically designed to help meet the daily nutritional fall, winter, and spring months at Columbus High needs of adults 60 plus years of age. The weekday Nantkes Performing Art Center. Congregate Meal Program and Home Delivery Meal Program are well received. Health Clinics are available Consonnaires Women’s Choir performs throughout regularly at the Community Center and currently the year for various events. includes free blood pressure checks, hearing checks, and foot care clinics. Platte County Kin Seekers is a non-profit organization funded through donations. Funds paid for research Speakers provide pertinent information regarding completed by members of the group. The purpose is nutrition and health topics. Family caregiver support to unite people interested in the pursuit and study of is available through the center. Senior fitness genealogy and family history. The goal is to increase opportunities are offered as individual or group COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 37

Annual Celebrations

SPRING Easter Egg Hunt

MAY– Farmer’s Market OCTOBER Fresh vegetables and fruit, crafts, and baked items

MAY National Day of Prayer One day event encouraging citizens to pray for our nation

JUNE– Lawnchairs on the Square AUGUST Concerts in Frankfort Square

JULY Red, White, KaBoom Independence Day fi reworks display Platte County Fair Annual county fair featuring 4-H exhibits, midway show, and entertainment Downtown Runaround Runners/walkers of all ages Community Celebrations competing in races the interest in genealogical research by means of Sidewalk Sale educational programs, workshops, and publications. Sale outside of businesses Platte County Kin Seekers encourages and instructs AUGUST Columbus Days members in promoting the collection, preservation, and Music, dancing, Bar-B-Que, utilization of manuscripts, documents, and materials of turtle races, wiener dog races, genealogical and historical value. The group is totally fi re fi ghters water fi ght, church funded through donations and funds paid for research service, parade, outdoor movie, completed by members of the group. and foam dance for kids

OCTOBER High School Band Marching Financial Institutions Festival Over 20 high school bands from ● Bank of the Valley various communities competing ● Bank of the West in band contests ● BankFirst Taste of Columbus ● Columbus Bank and Trust Co. Local food vendors and ● Columbus Federal Credit Union distributors, silent auction ● Cornerstone Bank ● First National Bank NOVEMBER Downtown Columbus ● First Nebraska Bank Christmas Stroll ● Great Western Bank Carriage rides, business stroll, ● Nebraska Energy Federal Credit Union visiting santa, and live nativity ● Pinnacle Bank ● US Bank Housing One hundred and eighty-three new homes were constructed in the past three years and it is estimated 70 homes will be built in 2017. The cost of new home construction averages $160 per square foot.

New Home Construction 38 COMMUNITY GUIDE Community Services

With a business climate full of opportunity, Columbus Oral Surgeons ...... 5 continues to expand its retail choices and offers many services to its residents. It offers an ideal blend of small Orthodontists ...... 3 town living with large city amenities. The residents of Orthopedic Surgeons/Sports Medicine ...... 4 Columbus have combined talent and a strong work Otolaryngologists (ear, nose & throat) ...... 2 ethic to create an ideal setting in which to work and live. Pain Management Specialists ...... 3 Pathologists ...... 1 Professional Pediatricians ...... 5 Pharmacists ...... 7 Architect Firms ...... 3 Physical Therapists...... 16 Attorneys ...... 33 Physician Assistants ...... 5 Auctioneering Firms...... 4 Plastic Surgeons ...... 1 Certified Public Accountants ...... 23 Podiatrists ...... 3 Engineering Firms ...... 6 Psychiatrists/Psychologists ...... 3 Medical Pulmonologists ...... 2 Allergists ...... 1 Radiologists ...... 3 Anesthesiologists ...... 4 Radiation Oncologists ...... 1 Audiologists ...... 1 Rheumatologists ...... 2 Cardiologists ...... 8 Urologists ...... 4 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists ...... 15 Vascular Surgeons...... 2 Chiropractors ...... 3 Veterinary Clinics ...... 5 Cosmetic Surgeon ...... 1 Dentists ...... 10 Dermatologists ...... 1 Business and Commercial Emergency Medicine ...... 6 Accounting/Bookkeeping Agencies ...... 11 Endochrinologists ...... 1 Advertising Agencies ...... 3 Family Practice Physicians ...... 12 Agricultural Implement Dealers ...... 12 General Surgeons ...... 3 Antique Shops ...... 4 Hematologists & Oncologists ...... 3 Apparel Stores Hospitalists ...... 6 Children’s ...... 5 Infectious Disease ...... 2 Combination ...... 7 Internal Medicine ...... 1 Men’s ...... 7 Maternal-Fetal Medicine ...... 2 Women’s ...... 11 Nephrologists ...... 2 Appliance Stores ...... 3 Neurologists ...... 1 Auto Body Repair & Services ...... 8 Neurosurgery ...... 1 Auto Renting/Leasing ...... 4 Nurse Practitioners ...... 7 Auto Repair & Services ...... 39 Nurses, Registered (Hospital only) ...... 148 Auto Supply Parts ...... 7 Obstetricians & Gynecologists ...... 6 Automobile Dealers ...... 20 Ophthalmologists ...... 1 Aviation Seeding & Spraying ...... 4 Optometrists ...... 4 Bakeries...... 7 COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 39

Banquet Facilities, Halls Furniture Stores ...... 7 Auditoriums & Meeting Rooms ...... 9 Gift Shops ...... 7 Beauty Salons/Barber Shops ...... 28 Grocery Stores ...... 4 Caterers ...... 8 Hardware Stores...... 6 Carpet and Rug Dealers ...... 11 Hatcheries ...... 1 Child Care Services Health Clubs ...... 3 (licensed and nonlicensed) ...... 15 Industrial Equipment & Supplies...... 14 Computer Services ...... 4 Insurance Companies...... 24 Contractor Interior Decorators & Designers ...... 3 Carpentry ...... 4 Jewelry Stores ...... 3 Concrete ...... 2 Landscaping Services, Equipment & Supplies .. 9 Electric ...... 8 Laundromats...... 1 Excavating ...... 3 Lawn Services ...... 3 Flooring ...... 4 Lumberyards...... 4 General (commercial) ...... 6 Machine Shops ...... 8 General (residential) ...... 30 Meat Processors...... 1 Gravel ...... 5 Motels/Hotels ...... (610 rooms) 8 Heating & Air Conditioning ...... 7 Nurseries & Garden Centers ...... 2 Painting ...... 6 Office Equipment Sales, Service & Supplies ..... 3 Plumbing ...... 6 Pet Boarding/Grooming Services ...... 3 Remodeling ...... 2 Pharmacies...... 8 Roofing ...... 3 Photography Studios ...... 9 Well Digging...... 12 Preschools ...... 9 Convenience Stores ...... 18 Printers ...... 7 Copying & Duplicating Services ...... 6 Real Estate Firms ...... 12 Craft Stores ...... 7 Restaurants ...... 45 Dance Studios ...... 3 Service Stations...... 1 Department Stores ...... 4 Shoe Stores ...... 7 Discount Stores ...... 8 Shoe Repair Stores ...... 1 Dry Cleaning & Laundries...... 2 Television & Radio Repair Shops ...... 1 Electric Motor Repair ...... 3 Theatres ...... (7 screens) 1 Farm/Ranch Supplies ...... 10 Tool & Die Makers ...... 7 Feed & Seed Dealers ...... 5 Travel Agencies & Bureaus ...... 2 Feedlots (commercial & private) ...... 19 Upholstery Shops ...... 1 Fertilizer Suppliers/Applicators ...... 14 Variety Stores ...... 4 Floral Shops ...... 6 Welding Shops ...... 5 Funeral Homes ...... 2 40 COMMUNITY GUIDE Agriculture & Raw Materials

In 2014 Nebraska ranked third among the states in corn exports, third in total cash receipts from all Nebraska’s Rank Among States farm commodities, and fifth in agricultural exports. 1st... Nebraska’s farms and ranches utilized 45.3 million Cattle on Feed, Jan. 2016 acres or 92 percent of the state’s total land area. Cash receipts from farm markets in 2014 contributed more Beans, Great Northern, 2015 than $25 billion to the state’s economy and 5.9 percent Commercial Cattle Slaughter, 2015 of the U.S. total. Food processing is the state’s largest Commercial Red Meat, 2015 manufacturing sector and foreign markets are important Beef and Veal, 2014 for many of the state’s manufacturers. Cash Receipts from Meat Animal, 2014 Sources: Nebraska Agriculture Rankings - USDA ERS, Irrigated Acres of Cropland, 2012 USDA NASS; Food Processing Status - Bureau of Labor Popcorn, 2012 Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages 2nd... The Ogallala Aquifer underlies 174,000 square Cattle and Calves, All, Jan. 2016 miles in parts of eight states. The Ogallala Aquifer Beans, Light Red Kidney, 2015 within Nebraska contains approximately 65 percent Beans, Pinto, 2015 of the water in storage in the entire aquifer. With the Millet, Proso, 2015 implementation of more efficient irrigation systems and other water management measures, the Ogallala Bison, Dec. 2012 Aquifer will remain a valuable resource in Nebraska. 3rd... Corn for Grain, 2015 Nebraska’s Natural Resource Districts (NRDs) have Cash Receipts from All Farm Commodities, 2014 responsibility for managing groundwater resources. Corn, Exports, 2014 The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources maintains responsibility for administration of surface 4th... water rights. In locations where groundwater and Beans, Dry Edible, 2015 surface water are connected, the responsibility is Beef Cows, Jan. 2015 shared among the NRDs and the state for achieving a Hay, Alfalfa, 2015 sustainable balance between water supplies and water Sorghum for Grain, 2015 use. Soybeans, 2015 Cash Receipts, All Crops, 2014

WYOMING SOUTH DAKOTA Cash Receipts, All Livestock and Products, 2014 Land in Farms and Ranches, 2014 5th... NEBRASKA Hay, All 2015 Agricultural Exports, 2014 Soybeans Exports, 2014

KANSAS 6th... COLORADO Hogs and Pigs, All, Dec. 2015 Principal Crops, Harvested Acres, 2015 Sugar Beets, 2015 7th... NEW MEXICO Hog Slaughter, Commercial, 2015 OKLAHOMA Sunfl ower, 2015 8th... Oats, 2015 TEXAS Winter Wheat, 2015 Source: Nebraska Department of Agriculture - USDA, NASS, NFO, and NBA COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 41 Platte County

2012 Statistics Platte County State of Nebraska

Number of Farms...... 942...... 49,969 Land in Farms (acres) ...... 426,329...... 45,331,783 Average Size of Farms (acres) ...... 453...... 907 Market Value of Agricultural Products Sold ...... $652,105,000...... $23,068,756,000 Market Value Per Farm ...... $692,256...... $461,661 Total Acres Irrigated ...... 194,037...... 8,296,573 Percent of Farmland Irrigated ...... 45.5%...... 18.3% Source: 2012 Census of Agriculture

Five-Year Average Production of Leading Crops (2011–2015) Platte County State of Nebraska Corn for Grain (bushels) ...... 37,151,400...... 1,547,390,000 Soybeans (bushels) ...... 6,976,400...... 263,424,000

Five-Year Average Livestock Population (2011–2015) Platte County State of Nebraska

All Cattle ...... 123,000...... 6,340,000

Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service

Platte County ranked in the top nine counties in corn four out of the last five years, soybeans in the top seven all five years, and cattle in the top ten all five years. Raw Materials Sand and gravel, nonmetallic minerals, are available in commercial quantities; however, metallic minerals are not found in the Columbus area.

Cottonwood timber, suitable for crating, dunnage, veneers, etc., is available in limited quantities. 42 COMMUNITY GUIDE Climate Annual Maximum Temperature (F)

Nebraskans enjoy four distinct 72 seasons... 69 spring, summer, fall, and winter 66 63 Nebraska has a continental climate, with hot summers 60 and cold winters. Temperatures are highly variable from NEBRASKA 57 season to season and year to year. The majority of the 54 state has an average annual maximum temperature 51 of 60ºF to 65ºF with average annual minimum 48 temperatures in the 30ºF to 40ºF range. State temperature records are -47ºF and 118ºF. The average number of days in excess of 100ºF range from 5 (northeast) to 11 (southwest) with most of the state between 6 and 9 days. Minimum temperatures below zero occur on average 7 days per year in southeast Annual Minimum Temperature (F) Nebraska to 20 days in north-central Nebraska.

Precipitation 48 45 Precipitation is also variable and ranges from an 42 annual average of 15 to 20 inches in the west to 30 to 39 35 inches in southeast Nebraska. Approximately 36 75 percent of the precipitation falls as rain from April to NEBRASKA 33

September. Annual average snowfall ranges from 30

20 inches in the southeast to 50 inches in the 27

northwest. Snowfall usually increases during late 24

winter and reaches a maximum in March. 21 Growing Season The growing season fluctuates in length, but on average it ranges from 120 days in the extreme Annual Precipitation (inches) northwest to 170 days in the southeast. The average date of the last freeze in spring varies from April 25 in extreme southeast Nebraska to May 21 in extreme northwest. The first fall freeze typically occurs from September 20 in the extreme northwest to October 6 45 in the southeast part of the state. 40 35

30

NEBRASKA 25 20

15

10

Based on 30-year. climate normals 1981–2010 data from the High Plains Climate Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Source: www.hprcc.unl.edu COLUMBUS ● NEBRASKA 43 Columbus NEBRASKA

community websites: www.loup.com www.columbusne.us www.thecolumbuspage.com CITY OF POWER AND PROGRESS Where Cooperation Lives Columbus NEBRASKA

FEBRUARY 2017

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Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Nebraska’s largest electric utility, assists in the economic development of the areas it serves. For more information on NPPD’s economic development assistance, contact the Economic Development Department, 1414 15th Street, PO Box 499, Columbus, NE 68602-0499, (877) 275-6773, Ext. 5534, email: [email protected], or visit our website at econdev.nppd.com.

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