May / June 2011
Volume 4
Current news about
Nebraska Public Power District
Issue 3
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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
Larry Linstrom, Chairman
Ronald Larsen, First Vice Chairman
Gary Thompson, Second Vice Chairman
Mary Harding, Secretary
Wayne Boyd
Jerry Chlopek
Virgil Froehlich
Ken Kunze
Thomas Hoff
Dennis Rasmussen
Edward Schrock
Senior Manager, Government and
Public Relations
Beth Boesch
Executive Editor
Brenda Sanne
Managing Editor
Jill Novicki, jrnovic@nppd.com
Photography
Gary Pelster
Contributors
Mark Becker
Cassie Behle
Graphic Design
Bill Haack
Dan Zastera
Reporters
Marjorie Allen, Chadron
Darla Wait, Chadron
Kathy Fadschild, Columbus
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3 Pat Pope Named CEO NPPD’s Board named Pat Pope
as the District’s new President
and CEO, effective April 16.
4 Japan Tragedy
Vice President of Governmental
Affairs and General Counsel
John McClure talks about the
nuclear emergency in Japan.
10Meet the 2011
Graduates
Congratulations to those
graduating this year.
14 Public Power’s
6 It’s In The Design
Learn how U.S. nuclear power
plants prepare for seismic
events.
7 Mission Critical
Tech. Sgt. Don Baily was one
of several airmen who helped
transport boric acid to Japan
following the devastating
natural events that shut down
the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear
power plant.
8 Strategic Planning
Update
Read what four customers have
to say about their involvement
in NPPD’s strategic planning
process.
Progress
Check out current industry
happenings and photos to
learn more about NPPD’s
recent activities.
16 News From Around
the State
Read about activities and
accomplishments of employees
and employees’ children.
20 Calendar of Events
Check out the calendar of
events for upcoming District
events.
22 We Will Remember
Fondly remembering those
who recently passed away,
including former Board
member Les Taylor.
Drew Niehaus, Cooper Nuclear Station
Kathy Nelson, Doniphan Control Center
Lynn Phagan, Gerald Gentleman Station
Lisa Willson, Kearney
Carol Johnson, 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
Pam Hoeft, York
About the Cover:
April showers bring May flowers.
And many times showers bring
severe weather and sometimes
power outages as a result. Stay
informed on outages in NPPD’s
service territory through the
District’s Storm Center on www.
nppd.com. There you will also
find information on outage
safety tips on how to report an
outage.
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Pat Pope Named NPPD President and CEO
At its April
meeting, NPPD’s
Board of Directors
named Pat Pope
as the utility’s
President and CEO,
effective April 16.
John McClure,
who was not an
applicant for the
position, had been
serving as interim
President and CEO
since Ron Asche’s
retirement in early
Pat Pope
February. McClure
will return to his previous position as Vice President
of Governmental Affairs and General Counsel.
In December, the Board hired Mycoff, Fry and
Prouse LLC, to conduct a nationwide search for a new
CEO. The firm recruits exclusively for the electric,
natural gas and water industries. However, one
candidate was ready at the helm.
“It became very apparent as we started looking at
the applicants that there was none better suited for the
position than Pat,” said Larry Linstrom, NPPD board
chairman. “The Board is confident he has the vision
and track record to lead NPPD into the future.”
Pope joined NPPD in December 1979 as an
electrical engineer and has also held the positions
of distribution planning engineer, district operations
superintendent, regional operations superintendent,
regional manager, Energy Control Center manager
and vice president of transmission services.
Appointed vice president of energy delivery in
October 2003, Pope became vice president of energy
supply one year later. In January of 2008, he began
serving the District as its vice president and chief
operating officer.
Pope is a member of the Southwest Power Pool
Members Committee and serves on The Energy
Authority Board of Directors. He also is a member
of the Columbus Habitat for Humanity Board of
Directors.
He graduated from the University of Nebraska
in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in Electrical
Engineering and earned a master's degree in Business
Administration in 1995. Pope and his wife, Jackie,
have three grown children and live in Columbus.
In a note to employees and customers
announcing his appointment as President and
CEO, Pope writes...
“I was honored and humbled this morning to be
selected as NPPD’s next President and CEO. NPPD
is a wonderful place for a Nebraska farm boy to have
a career, and being selected to lead this organization
through the coming challenges and successes is an
opportunity I truly appreciate.
The challenges will most likely be numerous and
substantial, and will require as much hard work,
creative thinking and tenacity as we have ever had
to muster in our history. However, I believe we have
the talent and attitudes within our ranks to ensure
our success. Teamwork will be crucial, as we dare
not spend any of our energy on anything but pulling
together in the same direction. If we take care of
and support one another, there are no goals we can’t
accomplish.
My immediate priorities include: 1) continuing to
promote safety throughout the District 2) bringing
the Strategic Planning process to a successful
conclusion and starting the implementation of key
action items, and 3) focusing on our financial issues
and the magnitude of our 2012 rate increases to keep
our rates affordable.
Beyond these, I intend to use the Strategic Plan as
a roadmap for our future efforts. There will be many
more action items initiated to support the vision of
the Strategic Plan, a variety of environmental issues
to deal with, and, in light of Japan’s crisis, additional
challenges for nuclear generation. Regardless,
teamwork and a focus on the value the District brings
to our customers and Nebraska will help us overcome
obstacles and accomplish our goals!
My expectations for all of us at NPPD are pretty simple:
work together and look out for one another,
never forget that the District exists for our customers
and Nebraska,
be honest, direct & maintain a positive attitude, and,
strive for excellence in everything we do!”
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You can’t pick
up a newspaper
or watch
national news
without seeing
something about
the situation at
the Fukushima
Daiichi Nuclear
Power Plant in
Japan, and the
on-going efforts
to stabilize the
site and protect
the public from
the effects
of radiation
releases.
The events in
Japan have led
to worldwide
discussions
about the
commercial
nuclear power
industry
including
whether
plants have
been properly
designed and
have adequate
safety systems
and emergency
plans.
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Nuclear power is unique.
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to determine whether any physical modifications,
Once a nuclear
equipment additions, or emergency plan changes need
plant has irradiated fuel in the reactor or in the used
to occur. It is too early to predict everything that may
fuel pool, there is a continuing need to remove heat
be required, as certain actions could be implemented
produced by the radioactive decay process. The heat is
on a near-term basis and other changes, if necessary,
removed by cooling the water that circulates through
could take much longer to identify and implement.
the reactor and the used fuel pool when the plant is
This is not the first time the industry has faced
operating and when it is not operating. In comparison,
a major accident that led to
when the fuel flow to a coal or
significant industry changes. Three
gas-fired power plant is stopped,
Mile Island occurred in 1979. It
the source of heat to produce the
“It will be many years before
was a major financial burden
energy ends and the plant shuts
we know the full effect of the
for the utility owning the plant,
down. Once a nuclear plant begins
disaster at Fukushima. In the near
but the impact on public health
to operate, it is never totally
term we must remain vigilant in
and the environment was quite
shutdown until all irradiated fuel is
operating
Cooper
Nuclear
Station
small. That event led to significant
removed from the reactor. with uncompromising attention
modifications of existing plants
The nuclear power plants
and to delays in the construction
to detail, conservative decisionat Fukushima appear to have
of new plants. The event also led
withstood the major earthquake
making, and a constant focus
the U.S. nuclear industry to create
and shut down automatically
on protecting the public health
the Institute for Nuclear Power
as planned. The emergency
and safety and the environment
Operations (INPO) which has
diesel generators came on to
as stewards of an incredibly
been instrumental in helping the
maintain cooling for the reactor
powerful,
but
important
and
industry improve nuclear safety. and spent fuel pools. It was
valuable technology.”
The brutal attacks of Sept. 11,
when the overwhelming tsunami
2001, while not directed at the
hit the plant that the back-up
- John McClure
Vice President of Governmental Affairs
nuclear power industry, caused the
power and cooling systems were
and General Counsel
NRC and the industry to further
rendered useless. It is estimated
evaluate consequences of physical
that the wave that hit the plant
threats to nuclear power plants. In
was traveling over 400 mph
addition to substantial security upgrades, nuclear
and was more than 40 feet high, destroying the fuel
plants implemented new contingency measures to
supply tanks for the generators, as well as electrical
address severe accident conditions
equipment associated with the emergency systems. No
where major portions of plants
one had planned for such an overwhelming force
were assumed to be damaged.
of nature. Plant workers made heroic efforts under
These changes make us better
dire circumstances to address multiple problems and
prepared for severe accident
stabilize conditions at the site. This will be a huge,
conditions, regardless of
long-term challenge.
potential cause.
Going forward
President Obama and the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission have assured Americans that the process
of operating and regulating the 104 commercial
nuclear power plants adequately protects public
health, safety and the environment. Nevertheless,
everyone agrees we need to learn from the tragedy
in Japan. The Administration, Congress, the NRC,
the nuclear plant operators and the nuclear industry’s
associations and vendors are all committed to develop
a thorough understanding of the events in Japan
from...
VICE PRESIDENT
OF GOVERNMENTAL
AFFAIRS AND
GENERAL
COUNSEL
JOHN McCLURE
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Nuclear Plants are Designed
for Seismic Events
With the recent events at the
Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant,
you may have questions about
the safety of nuclear power
plants in general. The following
information may help answer
some of those questions.
A
ll nuclear power plants in the U.S. are
designed for seismic events. Nuclear
plants are built with a “defense-indepth” philosophy that uses multiple safety barriers,
sophisticated earthquake detection systems, and
redundant safety systems to assure public health and
safety. Every U.S. nuclear power plant is designed to
withstand the maximum projected earthquake in the
site location’s geographic area, and reactor operators
are trained to safely shut down the plant under these
respective criteria.
Like all U.S. nuclear plants, Cooper is designed
to withstand earthquakes based on the risk for
the geographic area, as required by the Nuclear
Regulatory Commission. Cooper is designed to a 6.0
(Richter scale) earthquake for safe shutdown of the
reactor. The last earthquake felt at Cooper occurred
Dec. 16, 2009, centered two miles north of Auburn,
Neb., and recorded a 3.5 on the Richter scale. The
strongest earthquakes in the state measured 5.1 on
the Richter scale. The first was on Nov. 15, 1877 and
the second was on March 28, 1964. Cooper also has
a “beyond-design-basis” strategy to mitigate against
events like those taking place in Japan.
Each U.S. nuclear plant’s foundations, structures,
and equipment are designed and constructed to
withstand ground motion in accordance with national
codes and NRC requirements. In the event of an
earthquake that exceeds a predetermined level (which
is below the level the plant’s equipment and structures
are designed to withstand), plant operators shut
down the reactor and perform a comprehensive plant
inspection.
Initial and continuing training programs for plant
operators routinely cover procedures for handling
events similar to those confronting the operators at the
Fukushima Daini and Daiichi stations. Operators are
trained on:
Procedures for handling a loss of offsite power, both
for short and long durations.
Procedures for handling a loss of offsite power
combined with a loss of onsite emergency backup
power supplies (station blackout).
Various methods for maintaining core cooling in the
event of a loss of normal cooling capabilities.
Procedures for maintaining the integrity of our plant
containment structures, even in the event of damage
to the reactor core.
Severe accident management guidelines which are
procedures that cover accidents beyond the normal
design basis of the plant, including complete loss of
normal and emergency cooling water systems.
Procedures for maintaining the plant in a safe
condition even in the event of a loss of control of
(or severe damage to) portions of the plant or site.
Cooper also adheres to an emergency response
plan that includes periodic drills, role-plays of mock
scenarios to practice that emergency response plan.
Natural phenomenon (e.g. earthquakes, floods,
tornados) are included in the emergency classification
levels of the emergency preparedness plan and are
frequently a part of drill scenarios.
These exercises occur multiple times throughout
the year and often involve Missouri and Nebraska
emergency management agencies. More than 300
site employees are members of Cooper’s emergency
preparedness organization. In addition, the NRC
periodically evaluates the effectiveness of Cooper’s
performance during these exercises.
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Mission Critical: A Crucial Delivery
Tech. Sgt. Don Baily was one of several
the aircraft, which came from Joint Base LewisVandenberg Air Force Base airmen who helped
McChord, Wash.
transport boric acid to Japan following the devastating
While the pallets sat on rollers, it still took some
natural events that shut down the Fukushima Daiichi
human strength — three airmen for some of the stacks
nuclear plant on March 11.
— to push them inside the cargo plane.
Boric acid mixed with water slows down the
Asked what it took to ready for the plane’s arrival,
nuclear fission process and helps cool the nuclear
Baily, noncommissioned officer-in-charge of airfield
reactor. The mission to send the acid to Japan was
management operations at Vandenberg, answered
done with less than 24 hours notice. The boric acid
simply, “A lot of phone calls.”
was trucked to Vandenberg from Pacific Gas and
The mission kicked off with one phone calling
Electric’s Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant on
warning of the upcoming arrival of boric acid.
the California Coast. In all, some
“That started the ball rolling,”
34,000 pounds or 17 tons were
Baily said.
placed on the plane headed for
Being the military, short-notice
Japan.
missions aren’t unusual.
The C-17 Globemaster plane,
“It really all depends on the
which boasts a wingspan of nearly
mission. Being a contingency
170 feet, can carry up to 170,900
mission anything can happen.
pounds of cargo, the Air Force
We’ve just got to be ready for
said. While being used as troop
anything that happens,” Baily said.
transport, the craft can cart 102
At some bases, preparations can
people.
involve hunting down a parking
For the Vandenberg
space for the huge plane. For
airmen involved, the
Vandenberg, which
mission was the same
doesn’t have any aircraft
despite the destination or
regularly assigned there,
cargo.
room to park is seldom a
After the plane landed,
problem,
he noted.
Tech. Sgt. Don Baily
crews efficiently loaded the
Those working at the
stacks of bags holding the
space base were thrilled to
chemical, using a Tunner
see the aircraft sitting at the
60K Loader — named
airfield, but the mission
for Lt. Gen. William H.
had special meaning for
Tunner, former commander
Baily.
of U.S. Air Forces in
“I love it. It’s really
Europe and considered the
cool for me. ...,” he
outstanding authority on
said, adding he was
military airlift missions.
stationed in Japan from
The long and low
2000 to 2004, and
carrier holds up to six
called news of the tragedy
pallets or 60,000 pounds, and
the country faces heartbreaking.
can drive on and off the various
“I’ve got a real soft spot for Japan.
military cargo planes, according to a
Anything I can do to help.”
military fact sheet.
Baily is the son of Scottsbluff Customer
Once the plane came to a stop, fuel trucks
Services Leader Melody and Don L. Baily.
and the pallet-carrying vehicle moved near
Source: SantaMariaTimes.com
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An invitation,
a lot of
discussion,
and the
promise of
common
purpose
There are many quotes in the business world about serving customers better to achieve
customer satisfaction, but there are few that say, “Show your customers what you are
up against. Involve them in your strategic planning process.” Yet, that is exactly what the
Nebraska Public Power District has done over the last seven months.
M
ore than 30 representatives from NPPD’s
retail and wholesale customer utilities served
as members of eight issue teams charged
with researching and debating eight primary topics
central to NPPD’s future. These issues were business
model options; changes to NPPD’s customer base and
power contracts; legislative and regulatory demands;
energy efficiency, smart grid, and emerging end-use
innovations; future generation technologies; energy
markets and transmission requirements; as well as
the corporation’s needs from liquidity and capital and
workforce perspectives.
And it is the collective customer
perspective which has benefited
NPPD the most.
“As it has been said on several
occasions, ‘we are all in this
together,’” said Jamey Pankoke,
general manager for Perennial
Public Power District. Pankoke
Jamey Pankoke
- PERENNIAL POWER
was a member of the Business and Governance Model
Team. “Working together on the key issues identified
in the process will better position all of us to meet the
challenges that lie ahead.”
Bruce Pontow, general manager
of the Nebraska Electric G & T
Coop., Inc. and member of the
Generation Technologies team
agreed.
“The process used by NPPD
is unique, but was one that
Bruce Pontow
- NE ELECTRIC G&T COOP, INC.
needed to happen,” he said. “The
active involvement of those who pay the bills – the
customers – was imperative, if we truly view our
industry as ‘public power.’”
York City Administrator Jack Vavra, who was a
member of the Liquidity and Capital Needs team, had
a different take. “I’m sure the results of this strategic
planning process would have been the same and
would have taken less time if customers had not been
included,” he said. “However, including customers
E N E R G Y
gave us some ownership of the
results and a renewed confidence
in the abilities and decision
making skills of NPPD’s Board of
Directors and the administrative
staff.”
Beatrice City Administrator
Neal Niedfeldt echoed this
Jack Vavra
- CITY OF YORK
opinion. “I was very impressed
with the [staff members and
executive team’s] understanding of
the issues and their concern for the
wholesale customers.” Like Vavra,
Niedfeldt was a member of the
Liquidity and Capital Needs team.
All of the customers providing
comment gave kudos to the
Neal Niedfeldt
- CITY OF BEATRICE
District’s operational excellence.
“In nearly all respects,” said Pontow, “NPPD
has an excellent staff to address the day-to-day
operations of the generation and transmission
services. These are areas that can be taken for
granted, and, if allowed to deteriorate, would negate
all of the work in addressing the issues identified in
the strategic plan.”
The customers identified one particular issue that
will be challenging.
“REGULATION, the cost of REGULATION,
the certainty of REGULATION, the uncertainty of
REGULATION, the timing of REGULATION,” said
Vavra.
Niedfeldt agreed, but took the issue further.
“Assessing and complying with future regulations
are only part of NPPD’s challenge,” he said.
“Communicating those impacts to the public and
wholesale customers to ensure our understanding of
their impacts will be extremely important.”
And the key impact of regulation for customers
is cost.
“The magnitude of investment that NPPD may
be required to make in the future for environmental
controls was certainly an eye-opener and will
challenge NPPD’s credit position,” said Niedfeldt.
“I believe the strength of NPPD’s low-cost structure
and broad customer base should help offset the
risks associated with an expected, large capital
improvements program.”
“From my perspective,” NPPD’s greatest
challenge in the future will be to determine
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how much investment to make in the existing
generation resources to comply with environmental
regulations,” said Pankoke. “These costs, as well as
the impact they would have on rates, is staggering.
And although [current power plants] are still
excellent resources, it will be difficult to know how
much to invest in this regard, unless NPPD has longterm contracts with customers and/or a potential for
significant load growth.”
In regards to what is certain, the customers are
generally confident in NPPD’s ability to tackle what
lies ahead.
“I am confident NPPD will be able to continue
to provide a very reliable source of power supply,”
Pankoke added. “NPPD’s capabilities in the area
of power production and transmission have been
excellent.”
“NPPD has identified transmission access
as imperative to selling excess energy into the
wholesale markets,” said Niedfeldt. “With the
transmission projects currently being planned, NPPD
will be well positioned to sell excess power into
those markets.”
Vavra’s assurance was more encompassing.
“NPPD is equipped to handle all issues,” he said.
“The hard part will be where to start and which
issues to address first.”
Regardless of where NPPD starts, the utility met
its goal to keep customers informed and participative
in the process.
“I think there was a new-found respect between
NPPD’s Board and the customers participating in
the various committees,” said Pontow. “The final
product has yet to be seen, but there is promise that
this is the beginning of a process that could bring
various groups with diverse opinions to the table
with a common purpose.”
At the end of March, each of the eight issue
teams had finalized a white paper NPPD’s Board
of Directors will use to develop the utility’s new
strategic plan. The white papers cover NPPD’s
current state, the drivers of change affecting NPPD’s
future, as well as the strategic options the teams
evaluated. In addition, the teams determined there
are four scenarios the District could face. It will be
up to the Board to determine on which of all the
strategic options NPPD should focus over the next
five, 10 and 20 years.
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Millie Anderson
Elmwood-Murdock H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
Nuclear Support
Julie Anderson
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Malia Arlt
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
GIS Tech.
John Arlt
Shandi Bricker
Haley Brummer
Paxton Consol. H.S. Norfolk Catholic H.S.
Dau. of
Dau. of
GGS
Norfolk Sr. Planner/
Material Controller
Scheduler
Scott Bricker
Jim Brummer
Dutch DeBuhr
Rock Port H.S.
Son of
CNS
Computer Tech.
Kim DeBuhr
Jacob Furnas
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS
Utility Service Tech.
David Furnas
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Dennis Becker
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Media Spec.
Mark Becker
Josie Beckner
Falls City H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
Field Supv. (LT)
Art Dean
Ben Billesbach
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS
Work Week Dir.
Doug Billesbach
Michael Bolan
Grand Island H.S.
Son of
Doniphan
Trainer
Shannon Bolan
Jordan Boruch
Shelby H.S.
Son of
CNS
HR Manager
Meshelle Ferguson
Kristen Boyle
Norfolk Catholic H.S.
Dau. of
Norfolk
Sr. Line Tech.
Rick Boyle
Heidi Caufield
Kearney H.S.
Dau. of
Kearney
Engineer
Jack Caufield
Treven Cerveny
Wilber-Clatonia H.S.
Son of
Sheldon Station/BPS
Plant Mgr.
Chris Cerveny
Kaleb Clifton
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS
Buyer
Margaret Clifton
Dyllan Coop
Lakeview H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Pilot
Chris Coop
Lance Cross
So. Sioux City H.S.
Son of
So. Sioux City
Dist. Support Spec.
Kris Cross
Spencer Dagerman
Norfolk H.S.
Son of
Norfolk
T&D Asset Mgr.
Joel Dagerman
Brittany Driskell
Rock Port H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
AA/FFD Analyst
Scott Driskell
Kristin Drog
Lakeview H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Insurance Asst.
Lori Muhle
Daniel Dykstra
Farragut, IA, H.S.
Son of
CNS
Sr. Engineer
Jim Dykstra
Amber Ewers
Scotus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Sr. Systems Analyst
Gary Ewers
Aaron Francis
Holdrege H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Electrical Drafter
Arlen Francis
Rachel Henry
Auburn H.S.
Dau. of
CNS Nuclear Support
Shawna &
Mech. Spec.
Todd Henry
Megan Herron
Seward H.S.
Dau. of
YOC
Fleet Tech.
Bob Herron
Landon Holmes
Sutherland H.S.
Son of
GGS
Electrical Tech.
Brian Holmes
Kelsey Dixon
Christopher Donoghue
Auburn H.S.
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Son of
CNS Material Planner
Columbus
Michelle
Custodian
& Outage Supv.
Susan Donoghue
Joe Dixon
Drew Gay
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Architect
Barb Gay
Brant George
Hastings H.S.
Son of
Doniphan
Tech. Analyst
Tammi George
Tim Jackson
Marina Karel
Columbus H.S.
Scotus H.S.
Son of
Dau. of
Columbus
Columbus
Pricing & Rates Supv. Environmental Spec.
Scott Jackson
Keith Karel
E N E R G Y
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Ben Keller
Maxell H.S.
Son of
North Platte
Engineering Spec.
Bob Keller
Logan Killion
York H.S.
Son of
YOC
Contract Spec. &
Analysis
Lori Richter
Kaitlyn Kinney
Park Avenue
Christian Academy
Dau. of
Norfolk
Dispatch Analyst
Mike Kinney
Amanda Kirkland
Kearney H.S.
Dau. of
Kearney
Lineman
Russell Kirkland
Kendra Lammers
Nicholas Lee
Cedar Catholic H.S. Doniphan-Trumbull
Dau. of
H.S.
Hartington
Son of
Lead Line Tech.
Doniphan
Ron Lammers Contr. & Analysis Supv.
Joel Lee
Jake Martin
Fillmore Central H.S.
Son of
YOC
Fleet Service Tech.
Phil Martin
Jessica Marvin
O’Neill H.S.
Dau. of
O’Neill
Dist. Supv.
Mike Marvin
Jacob Matteson
Lakeview H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Accounting Analyst
Michele Matteson
Jessica McCann
Falls City H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
Security Officer
Diane McCann
Tyler Mundhenke
O’Neill H.S.
Son of
O’Neill
Sr. Line Tech.
Kevin Mundhenke
Kaitlin Pearson
Gretna H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Sr. Systems Analyst
Kevin Pearson
Kaylee Reimers
Battle Creek H.S.
Dau. of
Norfolk
Lead HVAC Tech.
Darrin Daly
Andrew Robinson
Nebraska City H.S.
Son of
CNS
Engineer
Thomas Robinson
MiKayla Ruhl
Exeter-Milligan H.S.
Dau. of
YOC Building
Services Supv.
Rusty Ruhl
Kelsey Schuettler
Columbus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus Tech.
Analyst Lisa & Safety
Team Leader
Kip Schuettler
Garrett Schwindt
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS
Nuclear Instructor
Warren Schwindt
Erin Seidl
Statesboro H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
Engineer
Bryan Seidl
Jordan Shea
Sterling H.S.
Son of
Sheldon Station
Unit Operator
Jeff Shea
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Kyle Ligenza
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Custodian
Sue Ligenza
Ashley Martin
Sutherland H.S.
Dau. of
GGS
I&C Tech.
Aaron Martin
Patrick Murphy
Rock Port H.S.
Son of
CNS Eng. Spec.
Marie & Sr. Reactor
Operator
Chuck Murphy
Wade Oelsligle
Elkhorn H.S.
Son of
Norfolk
Distr. Support Spec.
Jeanne Oelsligle
Zack Packard
York H.S.
Son of
YOC
Planner/Scheduler
Linnea Packard
Dru Sauer
Ogallala H.S.
Son of
Ogallala Sub.
Support Spec.
Judie Sauer
Emily Schieffer
Scotus H.S.
Dau. of
Columbus
Corporate Comm.
& PR Mgr.
Jeanne Schieffer
Ryan Schnell
Lakeview H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Aviation Mgr.
Randy Schnell
Emily Schoening
York H.S.
Dau. of
YOC
Substation Supv.
Dale Schoening
Jacob Swanson
Hastings
St. Cecilia’s H.S.
Son of
Doniphan
Gen. Strategies Mgr.
John Swanson
Jordan Thomas
Rock Port H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
Security Officer
Billy Thomas
Lyndsee Thompson
Aurora H.S.
Dau. of
Doniphan
Energy Mgr.
Ronald Thompson, Jr.
Michael Tremel
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Procurement Mgr.
Karla Tremel
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Patrick Tremel
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Procurement Mgr.
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Preston Wendt
Leigh H.S.
Son of
Columbus
Accountant
Lori Wendt
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Jonathan Wenzl
Johnson-Brock H.S.
Son of
BPS
Plant Tech.
Gary Wenzl
Aaron Wiese
Lincoln Southwest
H.S.
Son of
Lincoln
Corporate Proj. Mgr.
Art Wiese
Adam Willson
Kearney H.S.
Son of
Kearney
Admin. Asst.
Lisa Willson
Brooke Wissler
Auburn H.S.
Dau. of
CNS
Nuclear Support
Jennifer Wissler
Jason Wright
Auburn H.S.
Son of
CNS
Engineering Spec.
Keith Wright
Blayne Wurdinger
Columbus H.S.
Son of
Columbus
HR Assistant
Kathleen Bonk
Alexandra Bartels
Nebraska Wesleyan
Dau. of
Columbus
Process Coordinator
Jeanne Bartels
Jessica Bender
CCC-Grand Island
Dau. of
Doniphan
Sr. Systems Analyst
Ron Bender
Kendra Bender
Doane College
Dau. of
Doniphan
Sr. Systems Analyst
Ron Bender
Courtney Billesbach
UN-Omaha
Dau. of
CNS
Work Week Dir.
Doug Billesbach
Logan Brei
UN-Lincoln
Son of
North Platte
M&E Tech.
Mike Brei
Samantha Brennan
UN-Kearney
Dau. of
GGS
Scheduler
Phil Pearson
Bryce Buhr
NECC-Norfolk
Son of
McCook/Ogallala
Operations & Maint.
Supt.
Brian Buhr
Arlen Francis
Concordia U.
Columbus
Drafter
Ryan Hier
UN-Lincoln
Son of
Sheldon Station
Condition Based
Maint. Tech. Owner
Gregory Hier
Austin Kuta
Wayne State College
Son of
Columbus
Legal Secretary
Elaine Kuta
Cody Larsen
NECC-Norfolk
Son of
Columbus
Records Analyst
Stephanie Larsen
Austin Lentfer
UN-Kearney
Son of
Columbus
Adm. Asst.
Marlene Lentfer
Jon Hongsermeier
Natasha Horn
Mikayla Karel
Betsy Klahn
UN-Lincoln
Wayne State College
CCC-Columbus
UN-Kearney
Son of
Dau. of
Dau. of
Dau. of
GGS
CNS
Columbus
Doniphan
Water Quality Tech.
Design Eng. Mech. Environmental Spec. Trans. System. Coord.
Randy Hongsermeier
Supv.
Keith Karel
Chris Sullivan
Gerald Horn
Bobbie Meints
Peru State College
Dau. of
CNS
Lead Planner
Josh Whisler
Tyler Micek
UN-Omaha
Son of
Columbus
Records Analyst
Gina Micek
Katie Michaelsen
UN-Lincoln
Dau. of
Columbus
HR Services Asst.
Kathy Michaelsen
Keven Neujahr
Peru State College
Kearney
Fleet Tech.
Kendra Kratz
Peru State College
Dau. of
CNS
Security Officer
David Kratz
Kelli Oelsligle
UN-Kearney
Dau. of
Norfolk
Dist. Support Spec.
Jeanne Oelsligle
E N E R G Y
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Justin Petska
UN-Lincoln
Son of
GGS
Material Handler
Gary Petska
Alyssa Rogge
Doane College
Dau. of
CNS
Nuclear Support
Jana Rogge
Katie Schoening
CCC-Hastings
Dau. of
YOC
Substation Supv.
Dale Schoening
Lindsey Shannon
UN-Lincoln
Dau. of
Columbus
Sr. Systems Analyst
Mark Shannon
Anthony Sjuts
UN-Omaha
Son of
Columbus ITT Contr.
Admin. Spec. Lynn &
Oper. Contract Coord.
Robert Sjuts
Michael Snell
UN-Lincoln
Son of
Plattsmouth
Journey Line Tech.
Mick Snell
David Waddell
UN-Lincoln
Son of
CNS
Simulator Support
Brian Waddell
Colin Ward
UN-Lincoln
Son of
CNS
Scheduler
Mark Ward
Amy Jo Wenzl
Stephen’s College
Dau. of
CNS
Sr. Project Mgr.
Russ Wenzl
Danny Zach
Briar Cliff U.
Son of
Columbus
Energy Eff. Consult.
Steve Zach
Ryan Zinnel
UN-Kearney
Son of
Kearney
Journey Line Tech.
Dan Zinnel
Jacob Zlatkovsky
Doane College
Son of
Cozad
Irrigation Tech.
David Zlatkovsky
Ashley Arlt-Bloebaum
Joseph Cass
Concordia U.
Bellevue U.
M-Education
M-Inst. & Design &
Dau. of
Development
Columbus
CNS
Desktop Support Spec. Sr. Engineer
Kay Arlt
Tony Michaelsen
UN-Lincoln
M-Arts
Son of
Columbus
HR Assistant
Kathy Michaelsen
Ashley Molacek
Bellevue U.
M-BA
Columbus
PT Environmental
Clerk
Deniece Petersen
UNMC
Dr. of Physical
Therapy
Dau. of
Norfolk
Distr. Support Spec.
Jeanne Oelsligle
Morgan Pillen
UN-Kearney
M-Science, Speech
Pathology
Dau. of Columbus
Sr. Project Coord.
Tom Pillen
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Russ Snyder
Bellevue U.
Beatrice Power
Station
Plant Operator
Kristine GehringNicole Horn
John Humphrey
Ohrablo
Nebraska Wesleyan
Bellevue U.
Oregon State U.
M-Forensic Science
M-Arts
M-Radiation Health
Dau. of
Columbus
Physics
CNS
Operations Program
CNS
Design Eng. Mech. Supv.
Manager
Chemistry Tech.
Gerald Horn
Scott Vincent
UNMC
Dr. of Medicine
Son of
YOC Account
Manager
Craig Vincent
Nit Tut Wang
Doane College
M-Arts, MangementLeadership Spec.
Doniphan
System Control
Engineer
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Molly Strom
NECC-Norfolk
Dau. of
Oakland
Meter Reader
Vanessa Strom
Ryan Kunhart
Creighton U. School
of Law
Son of
Columbus Office
Services Supv.
Mark Kunhart
Congratulations
to the
Class of 2011
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BILLS ON WHEELS
Seventy-Seven employees opt for early retirement
S
eventy-seven NPPD employees signed on
the dotted line by the deadline of March 31,
choosing to take the District’s voluntary retirement
incentive program. Those employees taking the
incentive retired on or before April 30, 2011.
“NPPD has been working on reducing staff
levels through attrition,” said interim President and
CEO John McClure in a note to employees on
April 1. “This incentive program has accelerated
our attrition efforts so we can meet anticipated 2012
budgets.”
Management is reviewing the vacated positions
to determine which positions will be refilled, and
looking for opportunities to modify how work is done.
The program was available to approximately
360 non-nuclear employees. Employees who report
up through the vice president and chief nuclear
officer at Cooper Nuclear Station were not included
in the program, because NPPD was not seeking to
reduce staff at the nuclear plant. Instead, the nuclear
business unit will look for savings through contractor
reductions.
Recycle your inefficient refrigerator
T
hree years ago, NPPD and its wholesale
customers began removing old, inefficient
refrigerators and freezers. Since then, more than 3,000
of these kilowatt-grabbing units have been disposed
of and recycled in an environmentally friendly manner
through a Refrigerator Recycling Program.
The program is back in operation for its third
year and the process for removing those units is very
simple: electric customers of any participating utility
can take advantage of the program by calling 866444-9160 or visiting www.jacoinc.net to schedule a
free pick up. A list of participating utilities can also
be found at www.nppd.com/Energywise/refrigerator_
utilitylisting.pdf. Customers should have their utility
bill in hand when scheduling. Refrigerators or freezers
must be between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size and be
operational at the time of pick-up. NPPD has a limit
of two units per residential unit that can be picked up
and removed.
For each unit removed, the owner receives a
$35 incentive check plus the eventual reduction of
electrical use and lowering of the home’s electric bill.
Kenneth Young, who manages NPPD’s
refrigerator recycling program, says
retiring a second refrigerator or
freezer can result in savings of up to
$100 a year on energy bills. “Today’s
units are much more energy efficient,
while refrigerators manufactured before
1990 can use as much as 1,500 kilowatt hours of
electricity a year, almost three times as much as new
models today,” he explained.
NPPD uses the services of JACO Environmental,
a leading, national provider of appliance recycling
service, to pick up and recycle the old units. Nearly
95 percent of each refrigerator – the metals, plastic,
oils, and foam insulation is recycled. In fact, the foam
removed is incinerated and the heat generated is then
used to create new energy.
The refrigerator recycling program is funded
by the Waste Reduction and Recycling Incentive
Grant Program of the Nebraska Department of
Environmental Quality and NPPD. The program is
available to residential customers of NPPD and its
wholesale utility customers on a first-come, first-serve
basis.
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Another successful Lineworker Rodeo
T
hree hundred utility lineworkers from all
over the United States competed in the 11th
annual Public Power Lineworker’s Rodeo March
18 in Nashville, Tenn. A total of 55 journey lineman
teams and 77 apprentice line technicians competed
in the event, sponsored by the American Public
Power Association. The events are graded on safety,
workmanship, teamwork and speed.
The journey lineman team finished with an overall
score of 496/500, while the apprentice line technicians
were scored as individuals. Humboldt Apprentice Line
Technician Michael McLaughlin brought home two
trophies, placing second in the Written Test with a
score of 98/100 and second in the All-Around Event.
He finished with an overall score of 498/500. Also
of note is York Apprentice Line Technician Jared
Rojewski, who finished with an overall score of
486/500.
This is the third straight year that NPPD has had an
Apprentice Line Technician bring home at least one
trophy.
Snapshots of the
lineworker’s rodeo.
Attending this year’s lineworker’s rodeo were (standing) York Distribution
Superintendent Mike Damon, Plattsmouth Distribution Supervisor Trevor Roth,
Humboldt Local Manager Mike McLaughlin, York Apprentice Line Construction
Technician In-Training Jared Rojewski, South Sioux City Journey Line Technician
Brent Bennett, (kneeling) York Journey Line Technician Ray Boston, Plattsmouth
Journey Line Technician Michael Snell, and Bassett Local Manager Todd Keller.
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from around the state
Ogallala / Connie Knapp, Customer Services Support
Specialist / csknapp@nppd.com
Kearney / Lisa Willson, Administrative Assistant /
lmwills@nppd.com
NPPD colleagues demonstrate electric safety to
approximately 50 employees of the Hi-Line Co-op
in Elsie for the co-op’s annual safety day. Colleagues
participating in the demonstration were Sutherland
Local Manager Steve Derr; Senior Line Technician
Ron Harrison, Journey Line Technician Ray Diaz,
and Apprentice Line Technician Cory Boyle, all of
Ogallala.
Cole Brodine and Corey McIntosh
NPPD colleagues discuss electric safety with Hi-Line Co-op
employees during the co-op’s annual safety day.
“Our NPPD colleagues once again showed the
professionalism and expertise in the electrical
industry and explained the dangers of working around
power-lines,” stated Ogallala/McCook Distribution
Superintendent Brian Buhr. “Hi-Line Co-op
employees cover a large area in the Ogallala/Elsie/
Brule areas and are always exposed to the dangers
of working near overhead lines. It is a fact that in
today’s agricultural world, boom sprayers and other
ag equipment tend to be much bigger and taller. It
is important that they know and understand their
limitations when working around power lines. This
demo is a very good tool to show our customers the
importance of safety around energized power lines.”
Brian ended with comments pertaining to NPPD’s
commitment to safety.
Raising money for the Ft. Kearney Area Red Cross,
Engineers Cole Brodine and Corey McIntosh served
up some NPPD All Electric/No Gas Chili at the
University of Nebraska-Kearney Health and Sports
Center. Cooks not pictured: Account Manager Stan
Clouse, Desktop Support Specialist Lisa Gleason,
and Administrative Assistant Lisa Willson.
Columbus / Kathy Fadschild, Administrative Assistant /
klfadsc@nppd.com
Amber Ewers signed
a National Letter of
Intent to continue
her track and cross
country success at the
University of South
Dakota. The Scotus
Central Catholic High
School senior is the
daughter of Senior
Systems Analyst Gary
and Kathy Ewers.
Amber Ewers
E N E R G Y
Columbus
Morning
Rotary
Club
presented
its Service
Above
Self Award
to the
youngest
recipient
to receive
it in the
11 years
since the
recognition
was started.
Chelsea
Chelsea Haack
Haack,
17, was
presented with the volunteer award, which is given to
non-Rotarians who give to their communities through
volunteerism. Rotarian Mark Becker nominated
Chelsea. She initiated Project 5:16, in which she
organized a city-wide community service project for
youth. She was able to organize more than a dozen
city projects into a single day with more than 60
volunteers. Chelsea is the daughter of Art Services
Supervisor Bill Haack and his wife, Jody.
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Kendra Wiese, Faith Przymus and Shania Borchers
The Scotus Central Catholic fifth-grade girls
basketball team, the Saints, finished its season with
a record of 14 wins and 8 losses, earning second
place in the Fullerton tournament. Team members
include Kendra Wiese, daughter of Wholesale
Billing Specialist Christi and Gerry Wiese, Faith
Przymus, daughter of Communications Technology
Supervisor Clint and Beth Przymus, and Shania
Borchers, daughter of Systems Analyst Lisa and
Clete Borchers.
on the
Mark Baker, safety lead, Gerald Gentleman Station,
to human performance and safety coordinator, Cooper
Nuclear Station.
Roger Engler, senior line technician, McCook, to
planner/scheduler.
Marie Kapels, resource planning coordinator,
Columbus, to retail business manager.
Andrew Vaughn, control room supervisor, CNS, to
scheduler.
Brook Vincent, safety and technical training clerk,
Doniphan, to technical training support specialist.
Randy Weitzenkamp, network servers and desktop
support supervisor (temporary assignment), CNS, to
network servers and desktop support supervisor.
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Norfolk / Mindy Leaverton, Customer Services Support
Specialist / maleave@nppd.com
Journey Substation Technician
Delbert Morse is a member of
the Iron Butt Association (IBA).
The IBA is comprised of more
than 50,000 members dedicated
to safe, long-distance motorcycle
riding. Although the IBA is
based in the United States, there
are several thousand members
throughout the globe. One of the
IBA’s popular slogans is, “The
World Is Our Playground.”
On March 3, Delbert set out for
an adventure which would prove
the world is his playground.
Delbert left Norfolk in torrential
weather to make the 34-hour trek
across the United States to Key West, Fla. He was on
his way to conquer 2 IBA recognized endurance rides,
the Bun Burner Gold (1,500 miles in 24 hours) and
the Saddle Sore 2K Gold. Traveling through Kansas
City, St. Louis, Nashville, Atlanta and Jacksonville,
Delbert arrived in Key West only to find out he was 15
miles short of his 2,000 mile goal forcing him to head
back toward the mainland of Big Pine Key.
Delbert Morse
All IBA rides need to be verified through signatures
and receipts. Once Delbert’s rides are verified, he will
be one of 2,459 riders to complete the Bun Burner
Gold and only the second person to complete the
Saddle Sore 2K Gold. During Delbert’s travels he
was able to do some site-seeing, visit with family
members, and visit retired NPPD employees Dave
Blankenbaker and Sid Churchill, who reside in
Florida and Arkansas, respectively.
Journey Line Technician Gary and Dawn Nelson
are partnering with the Northeast Nebraska Humane
Society, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in
building a new facility for unwanted/misfortunate
pets in Northeast Nebraska. More than a year ago,
the couple’s young son, Stevie, was heartbroken
after his two charcoal Labrador Retrievers, Bo and
Luke, disappeared. The family posted reward signs
throughout Northeast Nebraska and spread the word
through radio and social media. It is believed the dogs
separated and were picked up miles down the road,
near a highway that crosses northern Nebraska. Now,
six-year-old Stevie is committed to doing everything
he can to raise money and supplies for “lost” pets. At
left, Stevie is pictured with his dog, Gage.
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South Sioux City / Kris Cross, Distribution Support
Specialist / kccross@nppd.com
Makayla Murphy
The Homer Lady Knights basketball team captured
the Class C2 title at the Nebraska state basketball
tournament at the Bob Devaney Sports Center in
Lincoln. Homer downed Crofton 49-45 in the state
finals for the championship despite being the wildcard
entry in the class. This is the first time in school
history the Lady Knights made it to state. Makayla
Murphy, a freshman, was a member of the team. She
is the daughter of Homer Local Manager Tim and
Penny Murphy.
NPPD has energy experts with
insights on topics such as...
...Public Power, Wind, Renewables,
Energy Careers, Rates, Strategic Planning
& Energy Efficiency to name just a few.
And now, with a click of a button
you can arrange through our speakers bureau
to have our experts speak to community
Send Around the State
items to your local
reporter, found on the
inside cover of Energy
Insight, or to Managing
Editor Jill Novicki.
organizations, civic groups and schools within
our service area.
www.nppd.com
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Line Technician Training
of events
MAY
6
Annual Spring NPPD Auction
York County Fairgrounds
York
12-13 NPPD Board Meeting
Columbus
24 Rate Review Committee /
Power Resources Advisory Board /
Customer Meeting
York Holiday Inn
30 Memorial Day Holiday
JUNE
9-10 NPPD Board Meeting
Columbus
2
8 Rate Review Committee /
Power Resources Advisory Board /
Customer Meeting
JULY
4
NPPD Holiday
14-15 NPPD Board Meeting
Columbus
22 Rate Review Committee /
Customer Meeting
If you are interested in any of the following
training sessions, please contact Joe Sunday at
402.362.7355 or Nick Ayers at 308.236.2220.
Registration will be handled on a first come, first
serve basis.
AUGUST
Underground Residential Distribution Aug. 30-Sept. 1 at York
8:30 a.m. – Noon
Cost - $445
SEPTEMBER
Personal Protective Grounding School
Sept. 7 at Kearney
8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost - $199
NOVEMBER
Meter Theory
Nov. 1-2 at York
8:30 a.m. - Noon
Cost - $250
DECEMBER
Transformer Theory
Dec. 6-8 at York
8:30 a.m. - Noon
Cost - $350
Note: Dates, times and locations
are subject to change due to
number of attendees.
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g
The Annual Spring NPPD Auction will
be held Friday, May 6th at 10 a.m.
at the York County Fairgrounds
in York, Nebraska
Listings will be available online six weeks before the auction at...
Can’t make it to the
auction? Go online and
stockauctionco.com
bid from your computer on the
larger items!
RETIREES
Columbus Energizers
Low Voltage Panhandlers
NPPD Antiques will meet
will meet May 18 and June 16 at
8:30 a.m. at Stack ‘N Steak.
Paul Badje, (402) 564-8863
tailor@neb.rr.com
will meet June 21 at the Farm and
Ranch Museum for a 6 p.m. carry
in dinner.
Don Koralewski, (308) 783-1851
donaldkoralewski340@gmail.com
May 2, June 6 and July 5 at 8:30
a.m. at Country Cooking in
Beatrice.
Dot Cornelius, (402) 228-0494
Klassy Kilowatts will meet
May 16, June 20 and July 18
at 12:30 p.m. CST at the North
Platte Airport.
Tom Pendelton, (308) 532-5040
tmpen@hamilton.net
Northern Lights have no
Retired & Rewired have no
meetings currently scheduled.
meetings currently scheduled.
Bob Anderson, (402) 494-6843
sweetrusty5961@yahoo.com
Make plans to attend your local retiree meeting.
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We will
remember
our sympathies go out to the following families
CNS Electrical Superintendent Roger Alexander and
CNS System Engineer Eric Fulton on the death of
their mother and grandmother, respectively, Janice
Alexander
Mort Hough, York account manager, on the death of
his mother, Vera
Retired CNS Operating Experience Specialist David
Shrader, CNS Energy Supply Fire/Safety Lead
John Shrader, and CNS Maintenance Mechanic Ty
Shrader, on the death of David and John’s father and
Ty’s grandfather, Charles
Tom Zimmerman, Columbus procurement specialist,
on the death of his father, Vernon
Glenn Keizer, Kearney planner/scheduler, on the
death of his brother, Leon
Kevin O’Brien, Bloomfield local manager, on the
death of his father, Larry
Jeanne Schieffer, Columbus corporate
communications and public relations manager, on the
death of her mother, Ann Christensen
Ron Bender, Doniphan senior systems analyst, on the
death of his father-in-law, Ben Czaplewski
Dan Buman, CNS director of engineering, on the
death of his mother, Irene
Jim Webster, CNS nuclear projects manager, on the
death of his father,
Mark Baker, CNS human performance and safety
coordinator, on the death of his mother, Letty Fought
Mike Jorgensen, Kearney area storekeeper, on the
death of his father-in-law, Lynn Youngquist
Randy Carlock, Canaday Station plant technician,
on the death of his father-in-law, Lucas “Caddy”
Memmelaar
Eric Fulton, CNS system engineer, on the death of
his grandmother, Joan Fulton
Bob Slama, CNS maintenance shop specialist, on the
death of his father, Albert
Retired Sheldon Station Shift Leader Dave Ellison
and Sheldon Station Engineering Specialist Mat
Ellison, on the death of Dave’s father and Mat’s
grandfather, Marvin
Deborah Dunn, CNS senior engineering scheduler,
on the death of her mother, Doris Ziska
Helen Rosendahl, retired Columbus accounts payable
specialist, on the death of her husband, Gerald
Mike Siedlik, YOC construction services engineer, on
the death of his mother-in-law, Rita Dworak
Bill Kosch, Lincoln assistant fossil fuels manager, on
the death of his mother-in-law, LaVina Voboril
E. Lee Sauter, Sheldon Station operations training
specialist, on the death of his father-in-law, Kenneth
Fees
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Former Board Member Les Taylor Passes Away
Former Board member Les Taylor, 79, of York, died Feb. 26 in Phoenix, Ariz.
Taylor was a member of NPPD’s Board of Directors from 1979 through 2002,
serving as Chairman in 1984 and 1993.
Les is survived by his wife, Jan; daughters, Lesley Langner and Sandra Goodman;
eight grandchildren; and a sister, Lois Bradley.
Les Taylor
Retired Columbus
Transmission and
Distribution Standards
Supervisor Bill Wrenn,
92, of Columbus, passed
away Feb. 7. Bill joined
the District in 1975 and
retired in 1990. He is
survived by daughters,
Susan (William) Haney
and Anne (Frederick
Bill Wrenn
Smalley) Wrenn; two
grandchildren and four
great-grandchildren; and a brother, Albert (Shirley)
Wartchow.
Retired Aurora Meter Reader Carl Procter, 75, of
Aurora, passed away Feb. 17. Carl began his NPPD
career in 1963 and retired in 1993. He is survived
by wife, Alice; sons, Richard and Casey Procter, and
Mike (Ann) Vettel; three grandchildren; mother,
Ophelia Neal; brother, Charles Neal; and sister-in-law,
Jerilyn Daughtery.
Retired Kearney Customer Care Supervisor Raymond
Gembala, 88, of Kearney, passed away Feb. 27. Ray
began his utility career in 1957 and retired in 1987. He
is survived by his wife, Rita; son, Ray Jr. (Marilyn);
daughters, Mary Ellen (Craig) Burchess, Kathy (Bill)
Mizner, and Cindy (Bobby) Hugg; 10 grandchildren
and six great-grandchildren; sister, Irene Klausen; and
brother, Jim.
Retired York Project
Inspector Lee Hamling, 74,
of York, passed away
March 17. Lee began his
NPPD career in 1961
and retired in 1999. He
is survived by wife,
Joyce; sons, Dave (Lori),
Dean (Sherry), John, and
Lee Hamling
Brian (Reneé); daughter,
Nancy (Dave) Dickey; 12 grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, one great-grandson, and two stepgreat-grandchildren; mother and step-father, Clara and
Bob Schmitz; and brother, LeRoy. 23
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBUS NE
PERMIT NO. 3
P.O. Box 499
Columbus, NE 68602-0499
Address Service Requested
This spring,
LOOK BEFORE
YOU LEAF.
You can help minimize power outages by simply taking care to select and plant the right sized trees
near overhead power lines and padmount transformers. Your wise decision now will support growth
of easily maintained, healthy trees, and prevent future removal of mature trees.
Download a FREE Energy Landscaping Guide
at nppd.com/treeprogram
Together with your local public power utility.