September / October - Nebraska Public Power District

September / October 2012
Volume 5
Current news about
after
Issue 5
Nebraska Public Power District
Cultivating Partnerships
DAYS OF DROUGHT
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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
Ronald Larsen, Chairman
Gary Thompson, First Vice Chairman
Edward Schrock, Second Vice Chairman
Mary Harding, Secretary
Wayne Boyd
Jerry Chlopek
Virgil Froehlich
Ken Kunze
Larry Linstrom
Thomas Hoff
Dennis Rasmussen
Senior Manager, Government and
Public Relations
Beth Boesch
Executive Editor
Brenda Sanne
Managing Editors
Cassie Behle, [email protected]
Jill Novicki, [email protected]
Contributors
Mark Miller
Photography
Gary Pelster
Graphic Design
Bill Haack
Dan Zastera
Reporters
Darla Wait, Chadron
Kathy Fadschild, Columbus
Drew Niehaus, Cooper Nuclear Station
Kathy Nelson, Doniphan Control Center
Lynn Phagan, Gerald Gentleman Station
Carol Johnson, Lincoln
Kathy Eaton, McCook
Helen Hinz, McCook
Kay Nichols, North Platte
Connie Knapp, Ogallala
Lottie Kellison, Plattsmouth
Colleen Mathewson, Scottsbluff
Cindy Holsing, Sheldon Station
Kris Cross, South Sioux City
Pam Hoeft, York
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3 Sudden Danger
Deer come out of hiding at dusk
and dawn. Prevent run-ins with
the animal by following these
simple steps.
4 President’s Message
President and CEO Pat Pope
discusses the impact of this
summer’s weather on NPPD’s
customers and operations.
6 Scottsbluff Power
Plant Demolished
Former Scottsbluff Generating
Station employees recall the
glory years of the now fallen
building.
8 Take 5: Roy Steiner
Take five minutes and read
what Vice President of Human
Resources and Corporate
Support Roy Steiner listed as
five of his favorite things.
10Public Power’s
Progress
Check out current industry
happenings and photos to learn
more about NPPD’s recent
activities.
12 News From Around
the State
Read about activities and
accomplishments of employees
and their immediate family
members.
14 Calendar of Events
See what’s on the agenda
for the third quarter of 2012,
and, if you’re a retiree, plan on
attending a meeting near you.
16 Retiree News
Retired Columbus Business
Analyst Jackie Head promotes
the importance of breast cancer
exams...one billboard at a time.
17 Customer News
Polk County RPPD, Norris PPD
and the city of Beatrice see
changes in leadership.
18 We Will Remember
Fondly remembering family and
friends who recently passed
away, including Cooper Nuclear
Station Administrative Assistant
Lynn Rech.
About the Cover:
Columbus Engineering Specialist
Dave Groteluschen stands amid his
440-acre cornfield, located 12 miles
northeast of Columbus and served by
Cornhusker PPD. Devastating loss of
agriculture occurred statewide due to
this summer’s historic drought, skyrocketing temperatures and recordsetting demand for electricity. NPPD
partnered with customers to reduce
energy at peak times and run local
generation. Read more on pages 4-5.
E N E R G Y
It’s autumn and the days
are getting shorter. Dawn may
approach as you head into work
and dusk linger as you run your
final evening errands. These
two times of day are notorious
for encountering deer along the
roadside, making the season a
prime time for animal/vehicle
collisions.
According to 2011 National
Highway Traffic Safety
Administration statistics, there are
about 1.5 million car accidents
with deer each year, resulting
in $1 billion in vehicle damage,
about 150 human fatalities,
and more than 10,000 personal
injuries.
Pay attention to the signs:
Deer breeding season runs from October through early
January, during which time
they are highly active and
on the move. Deer/vehicle
collisions are at their peak
throughout these months.
Though deer may wander into
suburban neighborhoods, they
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are most frequently found on
the outskirts of town and in
heavily wooded areas.
As pack animals, deer almost
never travel alone. If you see
one deer, you can bet there are
others nearby.
Practice these tips to avoid
being caught in a collision
course with a deer:
Deer crossing signs are
there for a reason. The signs
indicate a designated area in
which deer are often spotted.
Slow down and err on the side
of caution.
Periodically scan the roadway
from side-to-side, watching for
deer or other animals.
Use high-beam headlights
when driving in deer territory
to increase your vision and
reaction time in the event a
deer is hiding on the roadside.
If you see a deer on the road,
honk your horn and flash
your headlights to scare it
away. You should slow down
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and expect it to dart onto the
road. If possible, stop for the
animal and wait patiently while
it moves off the road.
Never swerve to miss a deer.
Most deaths and injuries occur
from doing so and hitting other
objects. If a deer is in your
path, break assertively (after
checking your rearview mirror)
and hold the wheel straight.
Always wear a seatbelt. The
most severe injuries in deer/
vehicle collisions usually result
from failure to use a seatbelt.
Watch for the shine of
eyes along the roadside and
immediately begin to slow if
eyes are spotted.
If you do collide with a
deer (or large animal), call
emergency services if injuries
are involved, or the local
police if no one is injured, but
damage has been caused to your
property or someone else’s.
Never touch an animal that is in
the roadway.
Source: GEICO.com
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from the
PRESIDENT
& CEO
Patrick Pope
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Living in the Midwest, we are subject to all types of weather conditions. As a Nebraska
electric utility, maintaining reliable service during extreme weather conditions means preparing
for normal and worst case scenarios and coordinating with customers to address events. High
water levels as a result of historic flooding along the Platte and Missouri River systems last
year presented us unique power plant and energy delivery challenges. Now, only 12 months
later, hot and dry weather has contributed to just a trickle of water along stretches of these same
waterways, as well as record electricity usage across our service area.
Because volatile weather scenarios will always impact our business, it’s important we
rely on customer partnerships and the contingency programs and plans we have in place to
address events that come our way. After all, our goal is to ensure electricity is “there when our
customers need it,” even as we face electricity demands not expected for at least another decade
or two.
he unprecedented summer weather pattern
resulted in 24 days in July 95 degrees or
warmer and record-low precipitation, resulting
in the worst July drought on record in the
United States. NPPD set a new billable peak (with
load management in effect) 7 percent higher than 2011
electrical loads and a new anytime peak (without load
management) more than 16 percent higher than last year.
This record energy usage impacted NPPD in three main
ways:
unavailable when system loading was at its highest. As we
finalize our integrated resource plan the first of next year,
we will take a closer look at additional generation needs on
our system.
2) Transmission Limitations. NPPD’s
transmission system operators worked around-the-clock
to manage the unprecedented demands on our energy
delivery system. Where we faced the most difficulty was
in the north central portion of the state, which included
about 33 percent of our total connected irrigation load.
1) More Generating Capacity. The demand
Record energy usage in this area resulted in transmission
for energy in our service area this summer surpassed the
line loading, at times, reaching capacity limits. One
previous record set in 2006 a total of 40 times between
way we helped address this is by regularly requesting
June 27 and Aug. 14. While we had
additional peaking generation by
sufficient generation to meet the
local communities and installing
load, we ran plants that haven’t
Billable Peak (with load management in effect)
temporary mobile generators.
2012 Actual Peak (7/19/12)
2,708
operated in a couple of years,
3) Extensive Load
2012 (Normal Weather) Forecasted Peak
2,438
had others operating much more
2012 (Severe Weather) Forecasted Peak
2,565
Management. Despite
than normal, and purchased
Previous Record Peak (2011)
2,526
these record loads, our system
energy from the market. While
performed relatively well. While
Anytime Peak (with NO load mgmt. in effect)
energy generated from wind
we called for more than double
2012 Actual Peak (7/25/12)
3,062
farms helped at times during
the normal number of billable
2012 (Normal Weather) Forecasted Peak
2,638
this summer’s heat, it cannot be
hours in our load management
2012 (Severe Weather) Forecasted Peak
2,775
dispatched and was frequently
Previous Record Peak (2006)
2,671
program, we worked through this
Peaks (in megawatts)
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Historic and unrelenting hot, dry weather put an extraordinary demand for electricity on NPPD’s system this
summer. On July 25, we set a new, record anytime peak of 3,062 megawatts, which is 391 megawatts more than
our previous record peak set in 2006. In fact, from June 27 through Aug. 14, we exceeded our prior record peak 40
times. While we did not anticipate seeing electricity demands at these levels for another 10 or 20 years, our system
performed relatively well overall, aside from some challenges we are addressing in north central Nebraska.
issue with teamwork and creative problem-solving between
NPPD and many of our customers. We continue to have
discussions over the growing difference between the size
of system peaks set with and without load management and
are working with impacted customers to review our energy
curtailment programs, as necessary. We will also analyze
the impact of customers who opted out of an “anytime”
control rate after this summer’s events.
Planning for extremes
As a summer peaking utility, our unique billable
demand/load management program allows us to see
voluntary energy reductions by customers, primarily
irrigators, of more than 500 megawatts during peak energy
times. This program has proven its value year after year,
but this summer’s unique weather exposed its limitations,
causing challenges for certain customers. On July 20, our
Board approved modifications to this program allowing
NPPD to expand the number of hours in which we could
seek up to 12 hours of load reductions at different times
throughout the day and night by customers in north central
Nebraska. Doing this helped better manage transmission
system limitations in this area while providing additional
watering opportunities for irrigators.
On top of the billable demand program, we were
often forced to implement our transmission emergency
relief message program to request load reductions by
customers above and beyond that realized through the
billable demand program. Load reduction accomplished
through this contingency program provided further energy
reductions when we needed it.
Going Forward
NPPD is taking several steps to ensure we continue
to provide our customers with the reliable electric service
they expect and deserve. As of this writing, we are
developing a comprehensive transmission investment plan
that will include accelerating project work, where needed.
We will also continue working with the Southwest Power
Pool, our regional transmission operator, to discuss the
increase in transmission line loading within the overall
region and the need to further collaborate on future
projects.
We are meeting with customers to provide feedback
on potential changes to our load management processes,
as well as potential future changes associated with SPP
moving to an integrated market in 2014. Customers
will be asked to more thoroughly review the electricity
demands in each of their areas as we take a closer look
at the forecasting process we use to plan for transmission
additions.
On top of that, we will update our integrated resource
plan, which looks at our future energy supply for the next
20 years, to determine any additional generating needs
based on this summer’s abnormally high peaks, as well as
discuss existing rate structures to determine if changes are
needed in tracking and allocating costs.
As we continue to compile lessons learned from
this summer, we will meet with customers to improve
our processes and ensure we remain a preferred service
provider for years to come.
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Scottsbluff Power
In the end, it took only a moment or two for the old
Scottsbluff Generating Station at 1st Avenue and 9th Street
to collapse to the ground.
“It breaks my heart,” Scottsbluff Distribution Support
Specialist Colleen Mathewson said, giving word to her
feelings about demolition of the community’s iconic power
plant. “I’ve lived in Scottsbluff all my life, and the station’s
been around as long as I have.”
M
athewson began her career with NPPD in
1986 as a general clerk in the Accounting
Department. Over the years, a lot of good
people worked at the power plant, she said. As she
looked at the nearly vacant place, barely two blocks
from NPPD’s current Scottsbluff Service Center, she
said, “It’s like some part of you is missing.”
As dust – accumulated from more than a halfcentury of service – dispersed into the wind, the
remaining pile of corrugated tin and twisted steel
clearly illustrated the power plant’s time had passed.
But it was a good run
“I worked in the power plant 24 years,” said Rod
Dowell, a retired plant operator who began his NPPD
employment at Scottsbluff in 1958. His relationship
with the Scottsbluff Generating Station is a ragsto-riches tale. “I started as a janitor and worked
my way up to operator,” he said. “I had a good life
there, raising three kids from the money I earned. I
especially enjoyed the different people I worked with.”
Even so, Dowell said he understands the need to
move on. “It (the power plant) was getting kind of
old,” he said, admitting, with a laugh, that it’s bound
to happen to all of us. “Things change,” he said.
Built on the site of an old ice house, the Scottsbluff
Generating Station began operation in 1940 with
the installation of Unit 1, capable of producing 2.6
megawatts. It was adequate at meeting the area’s
demand for electric energy in those early days, when
most people’s electricity needs consisted of one or
two light bulbs in a home. To put the numbers into
perspective, today, consider that Unit 1 at Gerald
Gentleman Station can generate 665 megawatts.
Times have indeed changed
In 1947, a second unit (Unit 2, at 6 megawatts)
was added at Scottsbluff. Unit 3, 8.3 megawatts, and
Unit 4, 27.5 megawatts, came on-line in 1952 and
1963, respectively. Over the life of the station, the four
units produced more than 5 million megawatt-hours,
lighting homes, cooking meals and powering industry.
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Plant Demolished
As the electric utility industry in Nebraska
modernized and evolved over the decades, running the
Scottsbluff station became less and less economical.
Unit 1 was retired in 1977, and after 1980, the power
plant generated power only occasionally, its wires and
substation used primarily to provide regional electric
transmission system support.
In 1983, Unit 3 had mechanical problems and was
removed from service. In 1989, the area’s transmission
system was modernized, and the Scottsbluff
Generating Station no longer had a viable role to play
in either generation or delivery of electric energy. It
ceased operation later that year.
Dick Paulsen worked for NPPD for 28 years,
beginning in 1972. His first two years on the job,
Paulsen was an operator at the Scottsbluff Generating
Station. “A lot of good memories there,” he said. “It
was an old plant, but it served its purpose.”
In his 39 years with NPPD, Canaday Station Plant
Technician Ray Bernal has had an opportunity to do
many jobs, including a stint at the Scottsbluff station.
“I was there 15 years,” Bernal said. “That’s where I
got my start, on April 1, 1974.” Bernal admitted he has
mixed feelings about the station’s demise. “I had a lot
of good times there with a lot of great people. It was a
solid plant. I’m sorry to see it go. Sad, actually.”
Don Koralewski, retired local manager in
Minatare, echoed the wistful and slightly nostalgic
feeling of those whose lives were entwined with the
old power station. “It looks strange to see it taken
down,” he said. “It’s been there for so many years. It’s
kind of a historical site, but that’s progress.”
Prior to the station’s July 12 demolition, the
building was gutted. It is expected that salvage will
help defray the nearly $1 million cost of the station’s
demolition. The entire project, including cleanup,
is scheduled to be completed by the end of this fall.
NPPD intends to maintain ownership of the property.
In addition to the station reaching the end of its
usefulness, having the building torn down eliminated
the need to maintain and keep it secure.
“Demolition work and disposal were done in
accordance with applicable local, state and federal
regulations, and the safety of the workers and the
public has been a constant consideration,” said Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer Tom Kent.
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Take five minutes and read
what Vice President of Human
Resources and Corporate
Support Roy Steiner listed as
five of his favorite things and
why.
Family Probably like you, my family is
clearly the most important part of my life. My wife,
Jeannine, and I met in Seattle, Wash. and have been
married 29 years. We have three grown children and
we all moved to Nebraska 14 years ago. Jake is now a
lawyer in Kearney, Austin a grad student, and Anna an
undergrad at UNL. We believe moving to a new state
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ney Rock
ne, visit Chim trip.
ni
an
Je
,
ife
w
weekend
Roy and his
Memorial Day
during a 2011
helped keep us close as the kids were growing up.
We didn’t have long-time friends or family to rely on
here, so we relied on one another. Now Jeannine and I
share the home with two spoiled shelter-dogs.
Bikes
One of my favorite activities is bike riding – both
bicycles and motorcycles. I was fortunate to meet
some friends who got me started riding distances on a
road bicycle. It’s a lot of fun, is terrific exercise, and
I’ve now pedaled through parts of Nebraska I may not
have seen otherwise. I suppose motorcycle riding is
Enjoying each other’s company and great food! From left: daughter, Anna; son, Austin; son, Jake; Roy; and wife, Jeannine.
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Work and
Community
Roy and Col
umbus Busin
ess Analyst
Doug Olson
take the road
less traveled
.
kind of like re-living my youth. I just try to be a lot
more careful and cautious now than I was back then!
Music
Music is a big part of our family life,
and it starts with Jeannine, who is a talented pianist.
I’m a less-talented guitar and banjo player. Between
all of us, we can cover keyboard, guitar, bass,
percussion, trumpet, french horn, a little violin and
singing. At one time, we alone were the musicians for
a church praise team – kind of like our own version of
the Partridge family.
r. From left: son, Jake;
with their grandmothe
er
eth
tog
r
re.
the
ga
en
Roy’s childr
r-in-law, Marjorie Lefev
Anna; and Roy’s mothe
r,
hte
ug
da
;
stin
Au
,
son
I really enjoy being at NPPD and the people
I get to work with on a daily basis. It’s
easy to do your best when you think about
how important NPPD is to the people and
economy of Nebraska. I’ve also tried to do
things in Columbus to get to know other
people and help out some. Teammates has
been a terrific experience, and I highly
recommend it. I’ve tutored adult reading
students and recently joined the Columbus
Area United Way Board. One thing I know
for sure about these activities is that if you
put your best into them, you’ll get back an
even larger return.
Oakland A’s
Baseball
The college I went
to in California
doesn’t even have
a football team
anymore, so
we’ve become
committed
Husker fans.
However, my
first sports loyalty
is to the Oakland
A’s. I grew up in
Northern California,
went to lots of A’s games,
and followed the team on a daily basis every
year. Using the Internet and satellite radio,
I still follow the team every day during the
season. We usually travel once each year to
Kansas City, Denver or Minneapolis to see
the A’s live. I’m the guy in green and yellow
rooting for the visitors.
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NPPD Board candidates face off in upcoming election
T
he 2012 General Election – to be held on
Nov. 6 – is just around the corner, and NPPD’s
Board of Directors will see change next year.
David Dowling of Hartington is running against
Burt County Public Power District board member
Fred Christensen for a seat in Subdivision 11. The
David Dowling
Fred Christensen
winner will replace long-time NPPD Board member
Wayne Boyd. NPPD Board member Tom Hoff is
running unopposed in Subdivision 5, where he was
appointed director in January 2011. Finally, Eric
Boudreau (not pictured) of Upland is running against
NPPD Board member Ed Schrock in Subdivision 6.
Tom Hoff
Ed Schrock
Report discloses NPPD’s strong culture of compliance
M
embers of the North American Transmission
Forum (NATF) toured NPPD from June
25-29, conducting a full peer review of NPPD’s
reliability practices. Throughout the week,
forum members held interviews, participated in
demonstrations and training simulations, and listened
to presentations to sufficiently review and provide
informed recommendations for District operations
in six areas: compliance, operator tools, operator
training, vegetation management, system protection,
and system security.
NATF Director of Peer Reviews Mark Fidrych
stated in his report that NPPD has a strong culture of
compliance with many dedicated and knowledgeable
employees working throughout the organization.
Also noted were NPPD’s widespread use and
documentation of procedures and good use of its
enterprise-wide business application, SAP.
NATF teams shared a number of observations
that highlighted noteworthy practices and
recommendations NPPD may choose to implement
into day-to-day business activities to make its
operations even more effective.
“Based upon what I saw, these were mostly tweaks
in our processes that can help us move from good
to great in our operations,” said Doniphan System
Control Manager Ron Gunderson.
As a NATF member, NPPD regularly collaborates
with likeminded peers to openly share information
regarding practices, peer reviews, and metrics
and benchmarking. Together, members learn
beneficial ways to advance excellence in the electric
transmission system.
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NPPD well-represented in national Lineworkers Rodeo
judged on work practices, neatness,
ability, equipment handling and
timely event completion.
Teams competed at both levels
for NPPD. Plattsmouth Senior
Line Technician Brian Caba,
South Sioux City Journey Line
Technician Brent Bennett, Bassett
Local Manager Todd Keller and
Lexington Senior Line Technician
Ray Boston were part of the
journeyman team. The team scored
a total of 498 points out of a
possible 500 points, and was one of
45 journey teams competing in the
Back row, from left: Todd Keller, Brent Bennett, Ray Boston, Trevor Roth and Mike
event.
Damon. Front row, from left: Brian Caba, Jordan Walsh and Jared Rojewski.
Apprentice competitors York
Operations
Center Apprentice Line
he 12th consecutive American Public Power
Construction Technician Jordan Walsh and YOC
Association Lineworkers Rodeo was held
Line Technician Jared Rojewski also represented
April 13-14 in Cleveland, Ohio. The rodeo, a national
NPPD extremely well. Walsh earned first place in the
event in which NPPD has participated 11 years in
Obstacle Course, third place in the Written Test, and
a row, is the foremost showcase of the skills and
took home the second place All Around trophy, while
knowledge public power line workers must possess.
Rojewski missed placing in two events by just tenths
It hosts two levels of competition – journeyman (four
of a second.
years or more of experience in the electric utility
Out of the 59 apprentice competitors at the event,
trade) and apprentice (four years or fewer).
one or both of NPPD’s apprentices either placed in the
Throughout the two-day competition, both sectors
top three or finished in the top 10 in all five events.
competed for professional recognition, attended
The APPA is a national service organization for the
training courses, and practiced essential skills in a
nation’s more than 2,000 community- and state-owned
safe environment. Events differed at each level, with
electric utilities serving 46 million people.
the journeyman team taking on challenges such as the
12-kV Arrestor Event Change Out, Cross Arm Change
Out and Hurtman Rescue, and the apprentice team
completing events like the 3-Phase Fuse Replacement,
Written Exam and
Obstacle Course.
Competitors were
T
Jordan Walsh (left, on right) participates in the Obstacle Course event, while Ray Boston (upper middle) and Todd Keller (lower
middle) work together during the Transformer Change Out event. Jared Rojewski (right) participates in the Street Light Change Out.
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from around the state
Lincoln / Carol Johnson, Administrative Assistant /
[email protected]
Columbus / Kathy Fadschild, Community Relations
Beatrice Asset Management
Specialist Tim Cerveny earned
Certified Maintenance and Reliability
Professional certification in May.
This certification is earned through
a test developed by the Society
for Maintenance and Reliability
Tim Cerveny
Professionals, which is accredited
by the American National Standards Institute. The
test is designed to indicate a prescribed level of
competency in the areas of business and management,
manufacturing process reliability, equipment
reliability, organization and leadership, and work
management.
The 12-year-old
Columbus Mariners
team earned second
place in the Seward
tournament, won
the Jacob Budler
Sportsmanship
award in the
Columbus Mariners
tournament, and Logan and Matt Mueller, and Jake Novicki
placed second
in the AAA silver division of the USSSA state
tournament. The team also won the Spirit Grand
Champion Award across all classes at the Cowtown
Showdown tournament in Kansas City. Team
members include Logan Mueller, son of Financial
Planning Leader Staci and Matt Mueller, and Jake
Novicki, son of Senior Communications Specialist
Jill and Mike Novicki. Both Logan and Jake were
nominated to play in the Nebraska All-Star Showcase
baseball game in Omaha in July. Matt served as the
team’s head coach.
Cooper Nuclear Station / Drew Niehaus,
Nuclear Communications Coordinator / [email protected]
Fire Marshal Kent Newcomb successfully
completed the professional designation of
“Fire Marshal” by the center for Public
Safety Excellence in June. The designation
makes him one of only 37 people in the
world with the official title. The Center’s
Commission on Professional Credentialing
only confers the title to individuals who
meet stringent criteria. The process
includes assessment of an individual’s
Kent Newcomb
education, experience, professional
development, technical competencies, contributions
to the profession, and community involvement. A
comprehensive peer review model is also used to
evaluate candidates.
York / Pam Hoeft, PBX Operator/
Receptionist / [email protected]
Lane Meier, son of
Transmission Supervisor
Greg Meier, earned first
place and the title of Grand
Champion in the 4-H BB
Gun Competition at the York
County Fair in August.
Lane Meier
Coordinator / [email protected]
The Columbus
Mariners 9-yearold team took
first place in
the Columbus
Mariners
Tournament and
the Grand Island
Summer Slugfest
Tournament, and
Front: Kaden Young, Kade Wiese
and Alex Novicki; Back: Scott Loseke finished third in
the Major division
of the USSSA State Tournament. They ended the
season with a 37-16 record. The team was coached
by Resource Planning and Risk Management Team
Leader Scott Loseke. Team members include Kaden
Young, son of Corporate Planning Coordinator Joel
and Mary Young, Kade Wiese, son of Wholesale
Billing Specialist Christi and Gerry Wiese, and Alex
Novicki, son of Senior Communications Specialist
Jill and Mike Novicki.
E N E R G Y
Planning
Analyst Shari
Watts earned
a gold medal
in her age
division at
the 5K Earl
‘Helge’ Byleen
Road Race in
Stromsburg
Danica and Shari Watts, and John Arlt
on June 15.
In August, Shari earned a silver medal in her age
division at the Bellwood Daze River Run. Shari’s
four-year-old daughter, Danica Watts, ran in the
½ mile kids run that same day and also placed,
winning silver in her age division. Geospatial
Information System Technician John Arlt earned a
gold medal in his age division at the same event. In
addition to his newest gold medal, John has run in
three separate events this summer. In his age group,
he earned first place in the Prague Run-2-Rescue,
second in the YMCA Splash & Dash, and third in
the Downtown Runaround.
David Meister
David Meister, son of
Engineering Operations
Assistant Joy and Brian
Meister, received his Eagle
Scout Award in March.
David’s Eagle Scout Project
consisted of pouring concrete
and installing a bike rack
at the Centennial Baseball
Park. David graduated from
Columbus High School and is
now enlisted in the Marines.
Kadren Miller, son of Senior
Communication Specialist
Mark Miller, competed at
the Pawnee City Summer
Invitational Track Meet.
Kadren finished first in the
sub-Bantam age group (8 and
under) long jump and third in
the 400-meter dash.
Kadren Miller
I N S I G H T
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The 6-7 year-old Giants
baseball team won the
Coach Pitch League
with a record of 11-1
this year. The team
went undefeated during
the league tournament.
Trenton Cielocha, son
of Geospatial System
Administrator Tim
Cielocha, played several
positions for the team, of
which Tim was the head
coach.
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Trenton and Tim Cielocha
Customer Service
& Delivery
Administrative
Assistant Donna
Jaixen was selected
to sing the National
Anthem at Werner
Park in Papillion.
Donna sang before
the Omaha Storm
Chasers and Iowa
Donna Jaixen
Cubs game in July.
She was selected from more than 200 people who
attended tryouts in April.
Terry Warth,
manager of
advocacy
group relations,
accepted a
special award
for longevity
of partnerships
from Nebraska
Sports Council
Executive
Terry Warth and Nebraska Sports Council
Director Dave
Executive Director Dave Mlnarik
Mlnarik. NPPD
has been the Greater Nebraska Media Partner of the
Cornhusker State Games for 20 years.
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Scottsbluff/ Colleen Mathewson, Distribution Support Specialist / [email protected]
Service Support Specialist Katie Grimm-O’Brien
and Journey Substation Technician Josh O’Brien
wedded on June 9 in front of family and friends
consisting largely of NPPD employees. An NPPDinspired groom’s cake acknowledged the couples’
appreciation of their “work family” (pictured below).
Back row, from left: Dennis
Wademan, Lynda Roland,
Seth Andersen, Doug
Wendt, Russ Crouch, Josh
O’Brien, Andy Beckman,
Katie Grimm-O’Brien, Rick
Gable, Bryce Stoltenberg
and Rob Pedersen.
Front row, from left: Ryan
Hochstein, Lad Kocer, Don
Peterson, JT Cawley, Ken
Eckland and Jim Barbee.
(Photo courtesy of Bella
Photography)
OCTOBER
of events
SEPTEMBER
11-12 NPPD Board Meeting
Columbus
19 Rate Review Committee/Power
Resources Advisory Board
Customer Meeting
Grand Island
3
Labor Day Holiday
12-13 NPPD Board Meeting
Columbus
1
3-16 Nebraska Open
Golf Tournament
Elks Country Club
Columbus
NOVEMBER
8-9 NPPD Board Meeting
Columbus
12 Veteran’s Day Holiday observed
22-23 Thanksgiving Holiday
E N E R G Y
on the
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Nathan Cowley, non-licensed nuclear plant operator,
Cooper Nuclear Station, to fix-it-now team supervisor.
Jason Karlin, plant operator, BPS, to plant
technician—mechanic.
Scott DeRosier, operations training superintendent
(temporary assignment), CNS, to operations training
superintendent.
Timothy Kirkendall, electrician, CNS, to planner
Khalil Dia, system engineering manager (temporary
assignment), CNS, to system engineering manager.
Douglas Dorn, operations specialist, Sheldon Station,
to plant operator, Beatrice Power Station.
Steven Dunkin, shop supervisor, York, to fleet
technician supervisor—field.
Meshelle Ferguson, emergency preparedness
manager-in-training, CNS, to emergency preparedness
manager.
Jason Fritz, apprentice substation construction
technician, York, to apprentice line construction
technician.
Chad Gaedeke, journey substation technician, York,
to senior substation technician.
Mark Gonnella, control room operator, CNS, to
senior performance improvement analyst.
Lynn Hartzell, station operator, Sheldon Station, to
plant operator, Beatrice Power Station.
Jeff Jacobson, planner/scheduler (temporary
assignment), Sheldon Station, to planner/scheduler.
R E T I R E E
Columbus Energizers will meet Oct. 18
and Nov. 15 at 8:15 a.m. at Stack ‘N Steak.
Bernard Anderson, (402) 563-2431,
[email protected]
Klassy Kilowatts will meet Oct. 15 and
Nov. 19 at 12:30 p.m. CST at the North Platte
Airport.
Tom Pendleton, (308) 532-5040,
[email protected]
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Craig Korth, instrument and control technician,
CNS, to substation technician, Kearney.
Brandon Levander, system control engineer,
Doniphan, to transmission system control supervisor.
Erin Miller, customer contact specialist, Norfolk, to
human resources assistant, Columbus.
Dave Montgomery, emergency preparedness
manager, CNS, to senior performance improvement
analyst.
Bryce Obermeier, station operator, Gerald
Gentleman Station, to unit operator.
Christopher Schultz, material controller, GGS, to
station operator.
Travis Schweer, fleet technician, York, to fleet
technician supervisor—shop.
Thomas Talbott, station operator, Sheldon Station, to
station operator, GGS.
Robert Urban, station operator, GGS, to instrument
and control technician.
Adam Wenzl, radiological protection technician,
CNS, to non-licensed nuclear plant operator.
Low Voltage Panhandlers will meet
Oct. 16 at 9 a.m. at the Finish Line Restaurant and
Dec. 4 at 9 a.m. at Perkins Restaurant.
Don Koralewski, (308) 783-1851,
[email protected]
NPPD Antiques will meet Oct. 1 and Nov. 5 at
8:30 a.m. at Country Cooking in Beatrice.
Dot Cornelius, (402) 228-0494
Northern Lights and Retired & Rewired
have no meetings currently scheduled.
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Retiree billboard promotes breast cancer awareness
R
etired Columbus Business Analyst Jackie
Head put herself out there to increase
breast cancer awareness and the importance of a
yearly mammogram – literally! Driving west into
Columbus on Hwy. 30, Jackie can be spotted on
a large billboard located on the right and across
from Behlen Mfg. Co. Her mile-wide smile is one
derived from being free of breast cancer for two
years.
In June 2010, Jackie was diagnosed with
lobular carcinoma, an aggressive type of tumor
that affects only 10-12 percent of the population.
Beginning in July 2010, she underwent 12 weeks
of chemotherapy, alongside 33 radiation treatments.
An advocate for Susan G. Komen for the Cure,
Jackie applauds the organization for their intensive
research and data used to design specific treatments
for women with numerous types of breast cancer.
So, when the organization approached her to
publicize her belief in woman’s health, it was a nobrainer.
“Breast cancer is the most common type of
cancer in woman worldwide. Don’t get relaxed
Jackie’s billboard is a testament to the prevailing hope –
and enduring strength – that those fighting cancer possess.
with your mammogram appointments because early
detection can, and does, save lives,” she said.
As National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
approaches this October, Jackie’s billboard is a callto-action for women to take time and schedule their
yearly mammogram appointments.
The world is now Alan Brown’s playground
F
amily and friends gathered at Elks Country
Anderson; and brother-in-law, Roger and Kristy
Club in Columbus on June 15 to celebrate
Kapels.
the retirement of Engineering
President and CEO Pat Pope
Technical Lead – Substations
served as master of ceremonies
Alan Brown. Alan retired from
and presented Alan with his
NPPD on May 31, after 40 years
retirement gift, a Terry Redlin
of service. He began his career
Art Print. An additional cash gift
as a junior draftsman.
was given by colleagues, family
Special guests attending the
and friends.
party included his wife, Sharon;
Alan will continue to work
son and daughter-in-law, Aaron
part-time for NPPD in the T&D
and Lori, grandchildren,
Engineering – Substations
Ashlynn, Taylor and Austin;
department in Columbus. He is
son, Nathan; mother, Adeline;
excited to attend his grandkids’
mother-in-law, Donna Gosch;
events, exercise and play golf,
sister, Janelle Fischer; sistersas well as take many trips on his
Alan received many accolades from President
in-law, Deb Lujtens and Pam
Harley Davidson motorcycle.
and CEO Pat Pope during his retirement party.
E N E R G Y
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Grandchildren, horses await Sherry Gayler
C
ooper Nuclear Station Recruiter Sherry
Gayler retired from NPPD on May 3, after
nearly 27 years of service. Donuts for all CNS
employees were shared on her last day of work.
Sherry plans to spoil her grandkids and ride her
horses during retirement.
Human Resources
Manager Laurie Schilling
presents Sherry with
a signed memento of
NPPD’s appreciation.
Bruce Vitosh named Norris
PPD general manager, CEO
Burke new Polk County
RPPD general manager
ruce Vitosh of Odell,
Neb. was selected by the
Norris Public Power District Board
of Directors as the utility’s new
general manager and CEO. He
replaces Interim General Manager
Jay Schulz on Sept. 1.
Before his promotion to
Bruce Vitosh
general manager and CEO, Vitosh
joined Norris PPD in 2008 as manager of finance and
accounting.
Norris PPD is an NPPD wholesale customer. The
utility serves more than 18,000 customers in Gage,
Jefferson, Lancaster, Saline and Thayer counties in
southeast Nebraska.
he Polk County Rural Public
Power District Board of
Directors named Phil Burke the
utility’s new general manager. He
replaces George Lyons, who retired
June 30.
A Stromsburg native, Burke has
Phil Burke
32 years of experience under
his belt at PCRPPD. He began working as a lineman
from 1980-1990, director of customer services from
1990-1995, and finally as line superintendent until he
acquired his most recent position.
Polk County RPPD is an NPPD wholesale customer.
The utility serves more than 4,400 customers in Polk
and parts of Merrick, York, Nance and Butler counties.
B
T
Tempelmeyer appointed Beatrice city administrator
G
Tobias
Tempelmeyer
eneral Manager of the
Beatrice Board of Public
Works Tobias Tempelmeyer took on
the additional title of Beatrice city
administrator in June. Tempelmeyer
replaced Neal Niedfeldt, who
currently serves as the new general
manager at Southern Power District in Grand Island. A
graduate from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln,
Tempelmeyer began his career as an attorney with
John W. Carlson, P.C. in 2004 before becoming a city
attorney for Beatrice in 2008.
The city of Beatrice is an NPPD wholesale
customer.
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Cooper Nuclear Station Administrative Assistant
Lynn Rech passes away
C
Drafting Technician Dan; brothers, Steve
(Mary) and Don Jones; mother-in-law,
Dorothy Dowling, brothers-in-law and
sisters-in-law, Barbara (Bill) Thielen,
Theresa (Phil) Zimmers, Geraldine (David)
Zimmers, Patty (Dave) Holewinski, Ron
(Janice) Rech, Kathy (Darin) Hurlbut, and
Jackie (Mike) Thompson.
ooper Nuclear Station
Administrative Assistant Lynn
Rech, 54, passed away at her Rock Port
home on June 25 following a lengthy
illness. Lynn started as temporary nuclear
support at CNS in 1999. She became an
administrative assistant in 2011.
Lynn is survived by her husband, CNS
Lynn Rech
Retired Rushville General Clerk
Audrey Peck, 84, of Hay Springs
passed away July 29 at Pioneer
Manor Nursing Home. Audrey
joined the District in 1963
and retired in 1990. Audrey is
survived by her daughters, Leslie
(Paul) Olson and Jodene (David)
Audrey Peck
Pappas; son, Rev. Jerry (Arlene)
Peck; three grandchildren;
brothers, Jim (Jeannie) and Michael Laessle; sister,
Donna Keating; and one great-granddaughter.
Retired York Operations Center Technologies
Advisor Glenn Porath, 73, of York passed away
on Aug. 1 in Lincoln. Glenn began his career at
the District in 1963 and retired in 1996. Glenn is
survived by his wife, Lois; sons, Mark (Kelly), Scott
(Catherine) and Matthew; daughter, Cheryl Huckeba;
seven grandchildren; brother, Duane (Carolyn); and
sister, Karen (Bill) Potter.
Retired York Building Maintenance Technician
Lee Keldsen, 80, of Malcolm passed away on
June 17. Lee began his career with the District in
1979 and retired in 1995. He is survived by his wife,
Norma; sons, David, Steven, Dan and Jim Ferguson;
sister, Doris McPhail; 10 grandchildren, and 11
great-grandchildren.
Retired CNS Mechanic Clinton Bantz, 73, of
rural Auburn passed away on July 25 at the Good
Samaritan Society. Clinton started his utility career
in 1984 and retired in 2005. Clinton is survived by
his wife, Glenny; daughters, Genie (CNS Mechanic
Steve Boden) and Rhonda Yoesel; six grandchildren;
brother, Lee; brother-in-law, Steve Allgood; and two
great-granddaughters.
Retired Sheldon Station Station
Operator Forrest “Roger”
Davison, 70, passed away on
June 18 at Bryan LGH West in
Lincoln. Roger began his NPPD
career in 1977 and retired in 1998.
Roger is survived by his wife,
Judy; daughters, Laura (Chris)
Swanson and Rose (Jeff) Weilage;
sister, JoAnne (Butch) Pruit;
Roger Davison
sister-in-law, Lil Davison; four
granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren.
Retired Columbus Administrative Secretary Bev
Schaefer, 76, of Columbus passed away on July 17 at
Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha. Bev
joined the District in 1968 and retired in 2000. Bev is
survived by her sons, Clark (Peggy) Evans and Randy
(Sheila) Evans; step-daughters, Diane and Karen;
step-sons, Michael, Tim and Scott; five grandchildren;
brother, Dean Egger; sister, Patty (Rich) Green; seven
great-grandchildren; and many step-grandchildren and
step-great-grandchildren.
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We will
remember
our sympathies go out to the following families
Richard Maine, Cooper Nuclear Station planning
superintendent, on the death of his father, Harold
CNS Security Officer Sonny Cook and CNS
Administrative Assistant Cheryl Cook, on the death
of his father and her father-in-law, Arthur “Sonny”
Cook Sr.
Jeff Von Bergen, CNS heating, ventilation and air
conditioning technician, on the death of his mother,
Jean
Todd Chinn, Sheldon Station environmental
coordinator, on the death of his grandmother, Jeanette
Beck
Joel Lee, Doniphan energy supply operator, on the
death of his father-in-law, Dale Gaston
Deb Mohrman, Columbus ITT contract
administration specialist, on the death of her father-inlaw, Vernon
Joel Smith, CNS maintenance welding coordinator,
on the death of his mother, Annabelle Lee
Aurora Customer Support Specialist ReBecca Allen
and Aurora Local Manager Bill Allen, on the death of
her mother and his mother-in-law, Beryl Toof
CNS Security Shift Field Supervisor Bob Dishong
and CNS Security Shift Supervisor Jeff Beatty, on
the death of Bob’s mother and Jeff’s grandmother,
Delores “Lori” Dishong
Brian Rush, South Sioux City senior line technician,
on the death of his mother, Ramona
Pat Kraft, CNS security shift supervisor, on the death
of his father-in-law, George McCracken
Jared Meikle, Norfolk journey line technician, on the
death of his sister, Heather Albright
Dave Mazankowski, Columbus financial controlling
process lead, on the death of his father-in-law, Gene
Beck
Shannon Bolan, Doniphan training specialist—
system control, on the death of his father-in-law,
Jacob Taenzler
Sheila Grieb, York account management coordinator,
on the death of her mother, Arlene Larson
Ben Baldwin, Norfolk journey line technician, on the
death of his grandmother, Irene
Vanessa Strom, Oakland meter reader, on the death
of her brother, Michael Beck
Matt Konz, Columbus asset management geospatial
information system technician, on the death of his
grandmother, Lorene
Gaylen Thomsen, YOC material coordinator, on the
death of his mother, Norma
Steve Boden, CNS mechanic, on the death of his
father-in-law, retired CNS Mechanic Clinton Bantz
Mike Parr, Columbus project manager, on the death
of his father, Anthony
Jennifer Armbruster, Norfolk dispatch specialist, on
the death of her father, Tom
Chad Scholl, CNS security officer, on the death of his
father, Wayne
Jim Hendrickson, Kearney distribution engineering
manager, on the death of his father-in-law, William
Groskopf
Tim Ommert, CNS control room operator, on the
death of his grandfather, Earl
19
P.O. Box 499
Columbus, NE 68602-0499
Address Service Requested
NPPD 7.5x5 September 2012 INSIGHT Ad
FARM SAFETY
IS ALWAYS
IN SEASON
Overhead power lines are common on the farm or in the field.
However, failure to notice them can be a deadly oversight. Look
up and look out for overhead power lines whenever you operate
augers, move irrigation pipe or any other farm equipment.
Scan to learn
more about
electrical safety
around the farm.
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