Holdrege Community Guide - Nebraska Public Power District

Holdrege
N E B R A S K A
JustThePlaceNebraska.com
PhelpsCountyNE.com
Economic Development
Certified Community
COMMUNITY
GUIDE
2
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
The Table of Contents and section headings are hot linked within this Community
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ABOUT
The following pages contain
basic information about Holdrege,
Nebraska. This information was
compiled by the Phelps County
Development Corporation and
Nebraska Public Power District
in order to promote community
development and quality of life.
Holdrege
N E B R A S K A
If you were looking for someplace that embodied the kind of values
America was built on—hard work, education, common sense, care for
others­­—you wouldn’t have to look farther than Holdrege, Nebraska.
Located near the geographic midpoint of the country, Holdrege may
be the perfect Midwestern town—big enough to attract business and
maintain a strong economy, but small enough to foster a feeling of
Contacts
community among its residents; old enough to give you a real sense of
Monica Boyken
Executive Director
Phelps County Development Corporation
Holdrege, Nebraska 68949
Office: (308) 995-4148
Cell: (308) 991-3296
Email: [email protected]
PhelpsCountyNE.com
history, but modern enough to compete in the world today.
2014 U.S. Census Population
Bob Rager
City Administrator
City of Holdrege
Holdrege, Nebraska 68949
Office: (308) 995-8681
Cell: (308) 991-2422
Email: [email protected]
CityOfHoldrege.org
Carol Rapstine
Executive Director
Holdrege Area Chamber of Commerce
Holdrege, Nebraska 68949
Office: (308) 995-4444
Cell: (308) 991-9082
Email: [email protected]
HoldregeChamber.com
Rick J. Nelsen, CEcD
Economic Development Manager
Nebraska Public Power District
Columbus, Nebraska 68602-0499
Office: (402) 563-5534
Cell: (308) 627-6746
Email: [email protected]
econdev.nppd.com
Cover photo courtesy of
Christensen Photography
Holdrege
5,508
Phelps County
9,187
Table of Contents
Local Government
3Geography
20
4Economic
Development
22Education
8Labor
30Community
Services
11
Market Access
13Infrastructure
17Communications
18
Tax Structure
24
32
Quality of Life
Agriculture & Raw
Materials
34Climate
H O L D R E G E
Geography
●
N E B R A S K A
3
North
Location
Holdrege, the county seat of Phelps
County, is located 25 miles south of
the east‑west geographic center of the
United States. U.S. Highways 6/34 and
183 intersect in Holdrege. Nebraska
Highway 23 enters Holdrege from the
northwest.
Situated in the south‑central area of
the state, Holdrege is 17 miles south
of Interstate 80, 82 miles southwest
of Grand Island, 217 miles southwest
of Omaha, and 361 miles northwest of
Denver.
Elevation
Holdrege is 2,310 feet above sea level.
WYOMING
SOUTH DAKOTA
IOWA
COLORADO
Holdrege
MISSOURI
KANSAS
4
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Economic Development
Phelps County’s and Holdrege’s economy are based
on a robust agriculture and diversified manufacturing
economy.
The largest employers, Becton Dickinson (BD) and
Allmand Bros., Inc., have both recently expanded.
Allmand Bros., a manufacturer of lighting, heating, and
safety equipment for the construction industry, added
40,000 square feet to their existing facility in 2011.
And, BD’s Holdrege plant, the world’s largest producer
of insulin syringes, added 14,000 square feet and a
diabetic infusion set to its product line in 2014.
Companies supplying the agriculture industry with
goods and services have also expanded. Cargill’s
local grain facility completed a $36‑million expansion
in 2013. Part of the expansion included a rail build‑out
necessary for loading 100‑car shuttle trains and grain
storage, increasing its capacity to 5 million bushels. In
2012, AgWest Commodities completed a move to a
new location, building a professional center to meet the
company’s expansion needs. AgWest’s other lot was
sold to Orscheln’s Farm and Home store in 2015 to set
the stage for a new store with 32,000 square feet, twice
the sales floor space of its former building.
In 2014, the Phelps County Development Corporation
purchased 134 acres of farmland for the development
of the Phelps County Business & Industry Park.
The site can be served by Omni‑Trax from the
Nebraska‑Kansas‑Colorado short-line. A Phase I
environmental assessment has been conducted and
utilities extension to the site have been engineered.
The development of the Business & Industry Park
was just one of the Holdrege amenities that secured
the city’s recognition as an Economic Development
Certified Community in 2014. The certification process
ensures that communities are “prospect ready” and
have the resources necessary for responding to their
inquiries and taking action as the prospect makes a site
location decision.
Firms with retail sales tax permits in Holdrege reported
2014 net taxable retail sales of $94,855,280, while
Phelps County reported retail sales of $101,791,727.
Economic Development Organization
Services for All Types of Businesses
The Phelps County Development Corporation,
known locally as the PCDC, is a 501(c)6 not-for-profit
organization formed to lead the economic development
efforts in Phelps County. The PCDC not only offers
a number of programs for local businesses and
entrepreneurs but also serves as the single contact
point for businesses considering a new site in south
central Nebraska.
Single Point of Contact
Operational businesses aspiring to have a new location
in south central Nebraska need look no further than
Phelps County. The PCDC is a full-service single point
of contact. With a broad network of resources, PCDC
is able to:
• Provide location options, identifying feasible sites
or buildings
• Close on a Business & Industry Park land
purchase within 30 days
• Ensure timely utilities deployment
• Customize a local incentives package
• Coordinate dignitaries’ speeches at
ground‑breaking and ribbon‑cutting events
• Assemble local, regional, and state resources for
other needs
Start-Up Guidance
The PCDC is a catalyst for entrepreneurs, individuals
who aspire to go into business for themselves.
One‑on‑one guidance is available and accompanies
online resources, traditional classroom-style training,
and networking with other entrepreneurs.
Business Supported by Community
The service does not stop after a business sets up
shop in Phelps County. The PCDC supports a healthy
business and community climate for growth and
expansion, too. As business’ concerns are flushed out
in confidential meetings, the PCDC collaborates with
other community agencies to implement the necessary
improvements. This means businesses can efficiently
and effectively carry out their mission with less red
tape, fewer hurdles, and more support.
Organization’s Stability
To carry out its mission to encourage business
retention and promote economic development while
preserving the quality of life, the PCDC leadership
funds the organization through a public/private
partnership. Public sector support includes an annual
H O L D R E G E
investment from the villages, city, and county agencies
at $2 per citizen plus the proceeds of a local option
municipal sales tax. Private sector funding is secured
during a campaign conducted every five years. The
2012 campaign resulted in $1.3 million in pledges. At
year‑end 2014, the organization had $1.9 million in net
assets and is funded at $500,000 each year.
Approximately 228 acres in and adjacent to Holdrege
are zoned for industry and range in price from $15,000
to $35,000 per acre.
Holdrege’s Top
Manufacturing Employers
Employees
●
N E B R A S K A
Holdrege’s Top Ten
Nonmanufacturing Employers
Employees
LandMark Implement, Inc.......................227
Farm equipment, products & services
Phelps Memorial Health Center.............220
Medical
IES Commercial & Industrial..................215
Electrical design, construction &
maintenance
CHS Agri Service Center.........................200
Mixed‑grain feed & fertilizer
BD.............................................................534
Insulin syringes
Holdrege Public Schools........................168
Education
Allmand Bros., Inc...................................177
Portable light towers, arrow boards
& industrial heaters
Holdrege Memorial Homes.....................150
Long‑term care/retirement center
Hawkins Manufacturing, Inc.....................18
Farm implement tools
Nebraska Star Beef.....................................8
Beef processing
Earth Science Laboratories, Inc.................7
Algaecide and bactericide used in the
treatment of lakes, ponds, potable water,
pools, spas & hot tubs
Holen One Farms.........................................2
Spices, marinades & BBQ sauce
BD
Christian Homes Care Community........130
Long‑term care/retirement center
Central Nebraska Public Power &
Irrigation District......................................102
Electric utility
Phelps County...........................................90
Government
Mosaic........................................................70
Services for developmentally disabled
Allmand Bros., Inc.
5
6
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Hawkins Manufacturing, Inc.
Holen One Farms
LandMark Implement, Inc.
CHS Agri Service Center
Central Nebraska Public Power &
Irrigation District
Earth Science Laboratories, Inc.
Nebraska Star Beef
IES Commercial & Industrial
The Corner Nugget - Mosaic
MMI International
H O L D R E G E
Pro Building Supply
DeWald Deaver Law Firm P.C. LLO
Shelter Insurance
Shopko Hometown
●
N E B R A S K A
7
Rite Way Milk
Principal Financial Group
Woods & Durham Certified Public Accountants
Stephanie’s / Phelps County Title Company
8
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Labor
Nonfarm Wage & Salary Employment,
Phelps County,
2014 Annual Average
Professional and
Business Services
3.2%
Financial Activities
4.7%
Other Services
2.9%
Information
0.7%
Unemployment Rate
Annual Average 2014
Phelps County
2.7%
Nebraska
3.3%
United States
6.2%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Goods-Producing
22.6%
Leisure and
Hospitality
7.8%
Total
Government
17.0%
2008-2013 Percent Change
Value Added Per Dollar
Manufacturing Production Worker
Wages Nebraska, Surrounding
States & U.S.
25.0
Education and
Health Services
19.6%
Trade, Transportation,
and Utilities
21.5%
20.0
17.1%
15.0
Source: Nebraska Department of Labor
10.0
6.3%
Phelps County Labor Supply
Annual Average 2014
5.0
0.0
Phelps &
Contiguous
Counties*
8.1%
Phelps
County
Non-farm wage and
salary workers.....................
50,053
4,592
Total employment................
55,618
4,952
Labor force population........
57,285
5,087
U.S.
Surrounding
States
Nebraska
Surrounding states include data for states contiguous
to Nebraska as a group, including Colorado, Iowa,
Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov
ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL LABOR SUPPLY
County high school graduates
annually..................................................
89
Commuting out of county (2013)..............
1,776
Unemployed...........................................
135
Total.......................................................
2,000
NOTE: Does not include estimated number of homemakers, seasonal and
part-time workers, and workers who would shift from low‑paying
jobs who could be expected to work for industry.
*Contiguous counties include Buffalo, Dawson, Franklin, Furnas, Gosper,
Harlan, and Kearney Counties in Nebraska.
AgWest Commodities
H O L D R E G E
●
N E B R A S K A
9
Unionization
Fringe Benefits
Nebraska has a right to work provision in its
constitution. In 2012, 6.0 percent of Nebraska’s wage
and salary workers were members of labor unions
compared to a national figure of 11.3 percent.
Local industries estimate fringe benefits to range from
56 to 58 percent of wages.
Local Labor Unions
BNSF Railway Company Standard Railroad Unions
Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
CenturyLink Communications Workers of America
City of Holdrege International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Progressive Nutrition
Holdrege Police Department Fraternal Order of Police
Holdrege Public Schools Nebraska Education Association
SourceGas Communications Workers of America
U.S. Post Office National Association of Letter Carriers
Cargill
Sargent Irrigation
Livestock Feeders Service
Holdrege Irrigation
Fairbanks International Inc.
10
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Average Hourly Earnings for Production Workers, 2014
U.S. Average
NEBRASKA
California
Colorado
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
$20.61
$17.53
$21.07
$25.76
$19.74
$18.85
$19.34
$18.56
$20.78
$19.95
$19.74
$18.78
$19.31
0
$5
$15
$10
$20
$25
$30
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)
Average Annual Unemployment Insurance
Contribution Per Covered Employee, 2013
U.S. Average
NEBRASKA
California
Colorado
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
$446
$352
$612
$321
$454
$344
$557
$299
$599
$544
$0
Source:
$435
$167
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$640
$700
Values calculated by Ken Lemke, Nebraska Public Power District, from U.S. Department of Labor,
Employment and Training Administration. Average Employer Contribution Rates by State, 2014.
http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov
Wage Sampling: Hourly wage rates for various occupations, Central Region, Nebraska
Standard Occupational Code Title
Workforce
Hourly 10th
%tile
Hourly 50th
%tile
Hourly 90th
%tile
Accountants and Auditors
17.89
24.78
46.85
Computer Programmers
11.20
26.50
37.28
Registered Nurses
19.93
26.12
35.13
Retail Salespersons
8.07
9.73
18.56
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical
10.57
14.61
18.96
Customer Service Representatives
9.24
13.64
18.31
Office Clerks, General
8.24
11.15
16.65
Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other*
9.86
15.28
19.35
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
8.77
12.27
19.03
Machinists
12.40
18.81
23.42
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
11.98
15.27
22.31
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters*
11.61
17.21
22.60
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
12.98
19.91
29.37
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators
13.13
16.37
18.82
Electricians
11.98
19.31
29.31
Tool and Die Makers
16.66
25.04
29.54
*Wage information taken from Nebraska Statewide
Source: Nebraska Workforce Development, Occupational Employment Statistics Program, Second Quarter 2015
The Nebraska Department of Labor serves employers
and job seekers across Nebraska through its “One‑Stop
Career Centers” located across the state. Services
for employers include employee recruitment and
screening, posting job openings, tax credit information,
and labor market and labor law information. Job
seekers can find a full array of employment and training
related services including on‑site services provided
by a network of mandatory Workforce Investment
Act partners. The nearest One‑Stop Career Center is
located in Lexington, 40 miles northwest of Holdrege.
To learn more about these and other services, visit
neworks.nebraska.gov.
H O L D R E G E
●
N E B R A S K A
11
Market Access
Highways
East-west U.S. Highway 6/34 and north‑south
U.S. Highway 183 intersect in Holdrege. Nebraska
Highway 23 enters Holdrege from the northwest. No
local load restrictions exist. Interstate 80 is 17 miles
north and Interstate 70 is 110 miles south of the
community. Four‑lane U.S. Highway 281 is 54 miles
east of Holdrege.
Trucklines
More than 13,500 licensed motor carriers with
worldwide connections are based in Nebraska and
serve businesses throughout North America.
Bus Lines
Burlington Trailways serves
northeast of Holdrege.
Kearney,
31 miles
Public Transportation is provided through the Phelps
County Senior Citizens Center in Holdrege.
Rail
The BNSF Railway Company main line serves
Holdrege with approximately 20 freight trains daily.
Switching is completed daily by train crews. For further
information regarding BNSF Railway Company, visit
www.bnsf.com.
Local trucking companies include DX Trucking LLC,
N‑N Transfer, Phoenix Trucking, and Ron Johnson
Trucking.
The following trucking map is based on Kearney,
Nebraska, 31 miles northeast of Holdrege.
NKC Railnet, Inc., a short line, runs from Holdrege
across the border to Colorado. NKC Railnet connects
to BNSF in Holdrege. For more information regarding
NKC Railnet, Inc., visit www.omnitrax.com.
Amtrak provides Holdrege with rail passenger service
throughout the United States. Additional Nebraska
Amtrak stations are located in Hastings, Lincoln,
McCook, and Omaha. For more information, visit
www.amtrak.com.
Source: Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Legal
Trucking Distances from Kearney, Nebraska [maps]. 2014.
1:26,000,000; generated by Melissa Trueblood; using ESRI Business
Analyst Desktop 10.2.1 Software and Data.
12
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Air
Water
Brewster Field Airport, the municipal airport in Holdrege,
serves as a regional facility that is often used by medical,
agricultural, and commercial organizations to meet
the needs of Phelps and surrounding counties. The
airport features one lighted 4,071‑foot hard-surfaced
runway and one 1,769‑foot turf runway. Aviation fuel
and airfcraft maintenance services are also available
during normal buisness hours and at other times with
prior arrangements. A heated hangar, suitable for
small‑ to medium‑sized corporate jets, is available for
long‑ and short‑term aircraft storage. The elevation at
the airport is 2,313 feet, the latitude is 40‑27‑07N, and
the longitude is 099-20‑11W.
Barge service is not available near Holdrege.
Nearest Commercial Air Service
Kearney Regional Airport
Kearney.....................................35 miles, 40 minutes
Janssen & Sons Ford
Central Nebraska Regional Airport
Grand Island..............................79 miles, 81 minutes
Lincoln Airport
Lincoln...................................156 miles, 144 minutes
Eppley Airfield
Omaha...................................220 miles, 204 minutes
Lee Janssen Motor Company
Brewster Field Airport - Holdrege
Spady New & Used Cars
H O L D R E G E
●
N E B R A S K A
13
Infrastructure
Nebraska Highlights
Energy costs are often a considerable part of any
business’ operational budget. These costs can vary
greatly between states, but in Nebraska (the only state
in the nation where all electric utilities are publicly
owned) electric costs are passed to consumers at
low, cost-of-service rates. As a result, the state claims
industrial rates well below the national average.
Nebraska electric utilities are able to offer low rates, in
part, because they draw from a balanced and efficient
“mix” of generation resources. This mix includes
coal, natural gas, oil, diesel, and methane along with
carbon‑free generation, like nuclear power, wind power,
and hydropower.
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is the state’s
largest electric generating utility in terms of chartered
territory, which includes all or parts of 86 of Nebraska’s
93 counties. NPPD relies upon nine major generating
facilities, more than 5,000 miles of high‑voltage power
lines, approximately 260 substations, and thousands
more miles of distribution lines. Because the system
is interconnected to electrical grids in other states,
NPPD works with regional utilities and industry entities
to ensure power is delivered safely and dependably to
Nebraskans.
NPPD has a new wholesale Economic Development
Rate (EDR) for qualifying projects. To be eligible for the
new, low EDR, a project must be a customer of NPPD’s
Retail Division or an NPPD wholesale customer,
generate a new or additional electric load of at least
one megawatt, have a minimum monthly load demand
factor of 60 percent, and end‑use customer enters
into a written agreement with the State or any political
subdivision to provide an economic development
project pursuant to state or local law.
NPPD is the state’s leader in generating electricity
with renewable resources. NPPD owns and operates
three hydropower facilities and a 36‑turbine,
60‑megawatt wind energy facility. NPPD has invested
millions in the state’s development of wind power
during the past 13 years. Knowing that it would be
more economical for ratepayers, NPPD recently
signed 20‑year, multi‑million‑dollar agreements with
private wind developers to purchase power generated
from community‑based, wind‑powered generation
facilities. In addition, NPPD continues to explore other
opportunities to add more wind power to its generation
portfolio in the next ten years.
With a proven not‑for‑profit power system, strong
infrastructure, a commitment to renewable energy, and
a plan for meeting customers’ needs well into the future,
Nebraska’s public power utilities help make Nebraska
an excellent location for industries.
Natural gas in Nebraska is also attractive to industry
for service, supply, and price. A gas‑producing state,
Nebraska is close and well‑connected by pipeline to
the major gas fields of the central and southern plains.
The state’s average cost of industrial gas is less than
both the regional and national averages.
The pipelines of two major companies, Northern Natural
Gas and Kinder Morgan, provide an ample supply of
natural gas to most areas of Nebraska. Depending on
usage requirements, natural gas is offered both on a
“firm” and “interruptible” basis.
Beatrice Power Station
Cooper Nuclear Station
NPPD’s Sources of Energy - 2014
(Native Load + Nonfirm Sales)
Gas & Oil
1.1%
Gerald Gentleman Station
Ainsworth Wind Facility
Hydro
5.3%
Coal
51.7%
* Purchases
5.5%
Wind
6.5%
Nuclear
29.9%
* Hydro includes WAPA
Carbon Free Resources 58.3%
14
C O M M U N I T Y
Nebraska’s
Energy Costs
Are Among
The Lowest In
The Nation
G U I D E
2013 Average Retail Price of Energy Costs
Electric
Natural Gas
(Cents per Kilowatt Hour)
Residential
Commercial
(Dollars per Thousand Cubic Feet)
Industrial
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
U.S. Average
12.12
10.29
6.82
10.32
8.08
4.64
NEBRASKA
10.31
8.62
7.22
8.39
6.49
4.72
California
16.39
14.57
11.17
9.92
7.81
6.57
Colorado
11.87
9.87
7.22
7.82
7.25
5.90
Illinois
10.25
7.88
5.73
8.20
7.57
6.00
Indiana
10.84
9.48
6.59
8.43
7.59
6.54
Iowa
11.15
8.47
5.66
8.99
6.97
5.43
Kansas
11.56
9.54
7.07
10.19
9.10
4.85
Massachusetts
15.73
14.51
13.09
13.60
11.29
10.31
Michigan
14.59
11.07
7.78
9.09
7.82
6.97
Minnesota
11.94
9.53
7.06
8.19
6.86
4.94
Missouri
10.52
8.72
6.14
10.88
9.00
8.19
New Jersey
15.72
12.80
10.71
10.89
9.55
8.19
New York
18.84
15.23
6.29
12.49
7.98
7.44
Ohio
11.91
9.38
6.10
9.46
6.20
6.14
Pennsylvania
12.82
9.26
7.00
11.58
10.15
9.21
Texas
11.37
8.03
5.93
10.50
7.25
3.92
Wisconsin
13.70
10.84
7.54
8.65
7.07
6.02
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2013 Annual
Holdrege Utilities
Electricity
The Holdrege Municipal Electric System retails
electricity in the city. All power is purchased from
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) with
the exception of the city’s Western Area Power
Administration (WAPA) allocation. The Holdrege electric
system is connected to the statewide grid by means
of an NPPD 115/34.5 kV substation. This substation
has four 115,000 volt transmission lines entering from
various locations throughout the state. The 115 kV grid
system is interconnected with the 34.5 kV transmission
system through various substations. The 34.5 kV lines
provide ties to NPPD’s Cooper Nuclear Station, Gerald
Gentleman Station, and other power plant facilities and
are interconnected with the WAPA transmission system
in South Dakota.
Two 34.5 kV substransmission lines deliver power
from the NPPD 115 kV transmission substation to the
city’s seven distribution substations. The city’s 34.5 kV
subtransmission substation is a ring bus configuration
thereby providing redundancy for the entire city. The
seven 13.8 kV substations provide distribution voltage
throughout the city. The seven distribution substations
serving the city have a total capacity of 40,000 kVA and
can be served from two or more directions.
Base Electric Rates (effective 1/1/14)
Summer bills run from June–September.
Winter bills run from October–May.
Customers who are served from distribution facilities for
which NPPD has a Lease Payment or Debt Service obligation
and/or a Gross Revenue Tax obligation will have the Base
Rate adjusted to include such obligations.
All rates are subject to application of a Production Cost
Adjustment (PCA) and Base Rate adjustments. All minimum
billings include the customer charge.
H O L D R E G E
Residential Service
Customer Charge: $8.00 per month meter
fee
Summer
Winter
0.085¢
0.085¢
per kWh for the first
800 kWh used per month
0.085¢
0.077¢
per kWh for all
additional use
General Service
Customer Charge:
Single Phase
$12.00 per month
Three Phase
$20.00 per month
Summer
Winter
0.090¢
0.090¢
per kWh for the first
500 kWh used per month
0.090¢
0.085¢
per kWh for all
additional use
Commercial Electric Space Heating
Customer Charge:
Single Phase
Summer
Winter
0.090¢
0.087¢
$12.00 per month meter
fee
per kWh per kW of
demand used per month
Commercial Demand rates are subject to various
adders and discounts depending upon the customer’s
requirements, metering, etc.
Prospective customers should contact Bob Rager, city
administrator, Holdrege, (308) 995‑8681, brager@
cityofholdrege.org, www.cityofholdrege.org for further
information regarding electric rates and service.
The Southern Power District and Twin Valleys
Public Power District, wholesale power customers of
Nebraska Public Power District, serve some of the rural
areas surrounding Holdrege. For information regarding
electrical services in Southern Power District’s
service area, contact Neal Niedfeldt, president/
CEO, Grand Island, Nebraska, (308) 384‑2350,
www.southernpd.com. For information regarding
electric services in the Twin Valley Public Power District’s
●
N E B R A S K A
15
service area, contact Jim Dietz, general manager,
Twin Valleys Public Power District, Cambridge,
Nebraska, (308) 697-3315, www.twinvalleysppd.com.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is supplied to Holdrege by SourceGas
Distribution, LLC through a 10‑inch transmission
pipeline with an operating pressure of approximately
500 pounds per square inch and a 12‑inch transmission
pipeline with an operating pressure of approximately
700 pounds per square inch.
SourceGas is the retail distributor of natural gas within
the community, serving approximately 2,300 residential,
commercial, and industrial customers. Choice Gas is
available to natural gas customers in Holdrege.
Natural gas is available for residential and commercial
uses. Availability of natural gas for industrial uses is
subject to individual situations. As specific requirements
of an industrial prospect become available, information
on gas service availability and applicable rates can
be obtained from SourceGas’s Service Center at
(800) 563‑0012 or (308) 995‑4451.
Other Fuels
LP Gas
LP gas is available in Holdrege for residential,
commercial, and industrial uses at Bosselman Energy
and CHS Agri Service Center.
Oil
Oil is available in Holdrege for residential, commercial,
and industrial uses at CHS Agri Service Center and
Bosselman Energy.
16
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Water
Sewer-Use Charges (effective 12/16/2011)
The municipal water system in Holdrege is supplied by
ten wells, which have an average depth of 288 feet.
The system, serving the entire city, has a combined
pumping capacity of 5,193 gallons per minute and an
overhead storage capacity of 750,000 gallons. The
average daily demand is 2,500,000 gallons, and the
historic peak daily demand is 4,700,000 gallons. The
system has a maximum capacity of 8,227,920 gallons
per day. The static pressure is 60 pounds per square
inch and the residual pressure is 50 pounds per square
inch.
The city’s wells produce up to 7,500,000 gallons of
water per day. The water table has not changed
significantly in the past five years. The quality of water
in Holdrege does not necessitate a water treatment
plant.
Water Rates (effective 1/1/2014)
A water connection fee of $35–$60 is charged for water
services. A $500 tapping fee deposit plus time and
material is charged for new service.
Residential, Commercial & Industrial
Customer Charge:
$0.0925 per cubic foot
Minimum Bill:
$15.80 per month
Charges include deposit, time, and materials for
connection fee and new service tapping fee for
residential, commercial, and industrial customers.
Residential
Customer Charge: $5.00 per month
$0.0235 per cu. ft. of domestic water flow
times 100 percent of November to April
water consumption
Commercial & Industrial
Customer Charge: $5.00 per month
$0.0235 per cu. ft. of total water flow for the
quarter or as sewage sampling indicates
(industrial use), 3-month average
Solid Waste Disposal
Privately owned waste removal services are available
in Holdrege. The city owns Prairie Hills Landfill located
one mile south of Holdrege.
Solid Waste Removal Rates
(effective 12/2009)
Sewerage
Holdrege has a gravity fed municipal sanitary sewerage
system with two lifts and a storm sewer system with
surface and gravity pipe. The activated sludge and
trickling filter treatment plant, with a daily capacity of
1,900,000 gallons, was built in 1930 and updated in the
1940s, 1958, 1967, 1977, and 1998. The waste water
treatment plant was updated to include UV disinfection
in 2011. The average daily flow is 519,000 gallons.
Residential
$15.00 per month
Commercial
Rates vary, starting at $15.00 per month
Recycling
Mid‑Nebraska Individual Services operates the
recycling program at the landfill. Recyclables accepted
include cardboard, newspaper, tin, and aluminum.
There are two collection sites located in Holdrege. The
recycling center also picks up recyclable materials from
local businesses.
H O L D R E G E
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Communications
Nebraska is the first state to be served totally by
digital switching, and continues to be served by one
of the nation’s most advanced telecommunications
networks.
Telecommunications
Newspaper
The Holdrege Daily Citizen, the local daily newspaper,
has approxinmately 2,700 subscribers. Other
newspapers delivered locally are the Bertrand Herald,
Kearney Hub, Hastings Tribune, Lincoln Journal Star,
and Omaha World‑Herald.
Telecommunications services are provided locally by
CenturyLink, Charter Communications, and Vonage.
Services include local, long distance, and international
phone service and VoIP. CenturyLink also provides
cellular phone service.
Internet
Internet services are provided by Charter
Communications, Glenwood Telecommunications, and
CenturyLink.
Post Office
The U.S. Postal Service in Holdrege provides
house‑to‑house delivery service and has one mail
receipt and one dispatch daily.
Holdrege Daily Citizen
Radio
Stations Carrying Local News
Call Letters
Frequency
Location
KUVR-AM
1380 KHz
Holdrege
KMTY‑FM
97.7 MHz
Holdrege
Television
Stations Carrying Local News
U.S. Post Office
Call Letters
Channel
Location
KHAS
5
Hastings
Package Delivery Service
KGIN
11
Grand Island
KHGI
13
Kearney
Federal Express, United Parcel Service, and the U.S.
Postal Service provide package delivery services in the
Holdrege area.
KTVG
17
Grand Island
18
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Tax Structure
Nebraska Highlights
●● Nebraska assesses income tax based upon the
amount of federal taxable income
●● No state property tax
●● No inventory tax
●● No personal property tax on intangibles
●● No sales tax on:
○○ raw materials when used as ingredients or
component parts in manufacturing operations
○○ sales of energy for processing or
manufacturing purposes
○○ water used exclusively in manufacturing and
processing
○○ qualified agricultural machinery and
equipment
○○ manufacturing machinery, equipment, and
related services
●● Sales and use tax refunds are available on
qualifying air and water pollution control equipment
●● Sales and use tax refunds are available on
property qualifying for certain investment
incentives
The Nebraska State Government is financed by an
individual income tax, corporate income tax, 5.5 percent
sales and use tax, corporate occupation tax, and
selective excise taxes (liquor, tobacco, motor fuels, etc.).
Local governments are financed primarily by property
taxes, although some cities and counties collect a local
option sales tax of between 0.5 and 2.0 percent.
Property taxes are levied against real and personal
property by local political subdivisions such as
counties, cities, school districts, fire districts, etc., to
provide for local services. All real property except
agricultural land is assessed at actual or market value.
Agricultural land is assessed at 75 percent of actual
value. Personal property is assessed at net book value.
Tax rates are expressed in dollars and cents for each
$100 of actual value.
Market value is determined by each county assessor
through professionally accepted mass appraisal
methods, which include, but are not limited to:
●● Comparison with sales of real property of known
or recognized value, taking into account location,
zoning, current functional use, and other statutory
guidelines (sales comparison approach)
●● Earning capacity of the real property (income
approach)
●● Cost less depreciation (cost approach)
Nebraska Tax Incentives
Nebraska’s performance‑based tax incentive programs
demonstrate the state’s commitment to creating a
favorable business environment for your business
expansion or location. Known collectively as the
“Nebraska Advantage Package,” this multi‑tiered
program provides investment credits, wage credits,
sales tax refunds based on investment and job creation
in Nebraska. Qualified companies, large and small can
take advantage of these benefits. For more information
on the qualifications and potential benefits available
to your company, contact the Nebraska Department
of Economic Development, (800) 426‑6505 or visit
www.neded.org.
www.Nebrask
aAd
vantage.com
2015
H O L D R E G E
2014 Actual Valuation
Holdrege, Nebraska
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N E B R A S K A
Holdrege 2014 Tax Rates
Personal Property
$9,193,534
Educational Service Unit
$0.015000
Special
(Railroad & Utilities)
$6,640,692
Natural Resource District
$0.034185
Community College
$0.110459
County
$0.233351
Real Estate
$243,792,703
Airport $0.010592
Agricultural Society
$0.006012
Community
Redevelopment Authority
$0.003000
School District
$1.203000
City
$0.405967
$259,626,929
Total: Total:
$259,626,929
Total: $2.021566
(dollars and cents per $100 of actual value)
Local Bonded Indebtedness
As of 10/01/2014:
City Revenue Bonds
$2,020,000
City General Obligation Bonds
$ 290,000
Phelps County Courthouse
19
20
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Local Government
Holdrege, a first‑class city, has a mayor‑council form of
government with a city administrator. The mayor and
council members are elected to serve four‑year terms
and the city administrator is appointed. The 2015–16
actual budget is $22,069,128.
Phelps County has 13 precincts and is governed by
seven county commissioners, who are elected by
popular vote for four‑year terms. The actual county
budget for 2015–16 is $17,892,985. The county
belongs to the South Central Economic Development
District.
Law Enforcement
The Holdrege Police Department employs ten full‑time
police officers, five dispatchers, and one support
staff. Standard equipment is used in the department.
Regular patrol is provided to existing industries in the
area. Annual expenditures for police protection for the
last three years averaged $1,075,000.
Sheriff
The Phelps County Sheriff’s Department has 6 sworn
full‑time officers, 2 part‑time officers, and 15 support
personnel. Standard equipment in the department.
Regular patrol by the sheriff’s department provide
protection to the existing industries in the area.
State Patrol
Troop D of the Nebraska State Patrol is headquartered
in North Platte, 99 miles northwest of Holdrege. A local
office is located in the Phelps County Courthouse.
Seven patrol officers are stationed in Holdrege.
Holdrege City Building
Fire Protection
2013 Crime Rates (per 1,000 population)
Fire protection is provided to the city by a 28‑member
volunteer fire department; 12 members are certified
emergency medical technicians. The Fire Department
provides mutual aid with communities in Phelps and
surrounding counties.
Holdrege has one fire station that serves 625 square
miles and 200 fire hydrants. The fire insurance
classification inside and outside the corporate limits is
5. Annual expenditures for fire protection for the past
three years averaged $110,000.
Violent
Crimes
Property
Crimes
Holdrege
1.1
22.0
Phelps County
0.6
16.1
Nebraska
2.4
25.3
U.S. Total
3.7
27.3
Source: www.ncc.state.ne.us
Holdrege Fire Department
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Streets
Planning
Holdrege has 75 miles of streets; 68 miles are
hard‑surfaced with concrete and 2 miles are hard‑surfaced
with brick. Ninety percent of the streets have curbs and
sidewalks. There are no local load restrictions.
Holdrege has a nine‑member planning commission.
Members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by
the City Council to serve three‑year terms.
Building Regulations
The Comprehensive Plan for Holdrege was prepared
by Hanna:Keelan Associates of Lincoln, Nebraska, in
2007.
The 2009 International Building Codes are enforced in
Holdrege.
Retail Businesses
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C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Education
Holdrege Public Schools
Public Schools
Early Childhood Education (PK)
Students
Teacher/
Pupil Ratio
Computer/
Pupil Ratio
49
1:10
1:10
Elementary (K–4)
378
1:13
1:2.5
Middle School (5–8)
354
1:14
1:1.5 (Grade 5)
1:1 (Grades 6, 7, 8)
High School (9–12)
373
1:13
1:1
School District No. 69‑0044 in Phelps and Harlan
Counties covers 214.4 square miles and has a
2015–16 actual valuation of $1,117,636,342, with an
actual valuation per student of $968,489. This Class 3
school is accredited by the Nebraska Department of
Education and AdvancEd District Wide Accreditation.
ACT Test
The 2015–16 school operating expenses totaled
$15,767,000, with an average cost per pupil of $11,396.
Report Card 2013–2014
Composite
District No. 69‑0044
22.5
Nebraska
21.5
National
20.9
Source: Nebraska Department of Education
Holdrege Elementary School
Holdrege Middle School
Holdrege High School
H O L D R E G E
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Parochial Schools
All Saints Catholic School
Students
Teacher/
Pupil Ratio
Computer/
Pupil Ratio
A total of 20 computers are
available for student use,
1 in each of the 4 classrooms
and 16 in the computer lab.
Pre‑Kindergarten
30
1:15
Kindergarten
10
1:10
Grades 1–4
22
1:11
Educational Service Unit
Educational Service Unit 11 (ESU), headquartered in
Holdrege, provides educational services to 13 school
districts in south‑central and southwestern Nebraska.
Colleges & Universities
Frequently Attended by
Holdrege High School Graduates
Miles
Holdrege, NE
--
Central Community College - Holdrege
Kearney, NE
31
Central Community College - Kearney
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Hastings, NE
Educational Service Unit 11
Higher Education
An abundance of public colleges and universities are
available in Nebraska. There are also a number of
community colleges as well as private colleges and
trade schools. A large number of degree programs
are available and some institutions offer courses and
workshops specially tailored to meet specific training
needs of industry, education, and business.
Several of Nebraska’s universities are ranked as
national leaders at making quality education affordable.
55
Central Community College - Hastings
Hastings College
Mary Lanning School of Nursing
Grand Island, NE
75
Central Community College - Grand Island
Colby, KS
137
Colby Community College
Milford, NE
141
Southeast Community College - Milford
Seward, NE
141
Concordia University
Lincoln, NE
156
Hamilton College
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Southeast Community College - Lincoln
Union College
University of Nebraska‑Lincoln
Omaha, NE
Bellevue University
Clarkson College
Nebraska Wesleyan University Wesleyan Advantage
University of Nebraska Medical Center
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Central Community College
216
23
24
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Quality of Life
Health Care
Hospital
Phelps Memorial Health Center (PMHC) is a private,
nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation. PMHC is a 25‑bed
critical access hospital and stands alone from the local
clinics in Holdrege. The hospital was built in 1968 with
major additions in 1981, 2003, and 2012. Facilities
include an intensive care unit, surgery services,
respitory care, physical therapy, occupational therapy,
emergency, obstetrics, laboratory, radiology, dietary,
pharmacy, home health, mammography, computerized
tomography (CT), echo cardiography, anethesia,
outpatient surgery, cardiac rehab, social services,
pulmonary, MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound,
emergency transport services, and early childhood
development. PMHC operates an advanced life support
ambulance for hospital patient transfer.
Visting specialists lease space from PMHC’s specialty
clinic. Services include cardiology; ear, nose, throat;
general surgery; pain management; nephrology,
obstetrics and gynecology; oncology; orthopaedics;
spine; podiatry; psychiatry; pulmonary; orology; and
wound treatment.
Local patrons also utilize CHI Health Good Samaritan
Hospital and Kearney Regional Medical Center
located in Kearney, 31 miles northeast of Holdrege.
Phelps Memorial Health Center
Clinics
Family Medical Specialties provides a wide range
of services including family practice, pediatrics,
obstetrics, internal medicine, sports medicine, allergy
clinic, laboratory, radiology, and referral services.
High Plains Medicine provides pediatric care, geriatric
care, total family healthcare services, health screens,
minor emergency care, occupational health, physical
and preventative healthcare, x-ray and laboratory
services, hormone replacement therapy counseling,
and women’s health.
High Plains Medicine
The VA Holdrege Outpatient Clinic brings health
care closer to home for veterans from the Holdrege
area, central Nebraska, and north‑central Kansas. The
clinic has multiple exam rooms, videoconferencing
services for group and special clinics, and a minor
procedure room. Services include: primary care services,
mental health services, personal care, laboratory, and
prescriptions.
VA Holdrege Outpatient Clinic
Rescue Squad
Family Medical Specialties
PMHC Emergency Medical Services, with
one ambulance, employs 10 full‑time and 4 support
personnel. There are 11 emergency medical technicians
trained in Advanced Life Support. EMS Team provides
advanced medical skills including the administration of
H O L D R E G E
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N E B R A S K A
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IV and oral medications, advance airway adjunts, and
advanced defibrillation techniques. Through working
with area volunteer units, PMHC is able to bring a level
of care to the citizens of this area that was previously
unavailable. This service has been provided by PMHC
since August 2000.
Holdrege Memorial Homes
Low Cost and/or Retirement Housing
PMHC Emergency Medical Services
Nursing Homes
Christian Homes Care Community
86‑bed facility
Holdrege Memorial Homes
85‑bed facility
Assisted Living
Christian Homes Care Community
30‑bed facility
Holdrege Memorial Homes
46‑bed facility
Independent Living
Christian Homes Care Community
18‑bed facility
Burlington Place Apartments
One-, two-, and three‑bedroom
apartments with income limits as
well as market rent units
32 units
Chrisoma Villa
One- and two-bedroom
ground‑level apartments;
residents purchase units for
long‑term residence
13 units
Erlandson Square
One-, two-, and three‑bedroom
units with community room
and services; all units are
owner‑occupied
16 units
Heritage Apartments
Two‑bedroom units provided
to persons 62 years of age
or more with 60 percent of
the county’s median income
8 units
Sunrise East, LLC
Income‑based housing for ages
55 plus
16 units
Sunrise View
Low‑income housing facility for
the elderly and handicapped/
disabled
48 units
Westport Congregate Housing
Income‑based housing for the
elderly
25 units
Note: The Holdrege Housing Authority provides
Section‑8 Vouchers for rental assistance in the private
market to income‑eligible families.
Christian Homes Care Community
Sunrise View
26
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Library
Recreation
The Holdrege Area Public Library is the center for
life‑long learning in the community and the place people
come to experience the joys of reading, discovering
new ideas, and to be empowered with free access
to information of all types. Books, magazines, public
computers, and free Wi‑Fi are just some of the services
at the library. Holdrege Area Public Library contains
60,775 volumes and has an average annual circulation
of 109,795.
There are two parks in Holdrege covering 65 acres.
Activities include story time for toddlers (18 months
to 3½ years) and preschoolers (3½ years to
kindergarten); summer reading programs for children,
teens, and adults; early literacy computer with more
than 28 learning games; Lego Club; Gamer Day; and
BFF Club.
South Park includes a swimming pool, tennis courts,
lighted baseball and softball diamonds, exercise trails,
horseshoe pits, disc golf, picnic areas, playground
equipment, shelter house, and rest rooms.
North Park has tennis courts, exercise trails, boating,
fishing, picnic areas, playground equipment, splashpad,
shelter house, and rest rooms.
Holdrege recreation programs include, but are not
limited to, softball, baseball, football, basketball,
volleyball, swimming, bowling, track and field, soccer,
wrestling, Holdrege Gun Club, skeet and blue rock
shoots, saddle and roping clubs, gymnastics, and 4‑H.
Many of the youth recreation programs are sponsored
by the Holdrege Optimist Club, Prairies Sports
Association, and the YMCA.
Holdrege Area Public Library
Churches
Denominations
●●
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Assembly of God
Baptist
Catholic
Episcopalian
Evangelical
Jehovah Witness
Lutheran
Methodist
Mormon/Latter‑Day Saints
Nondenominational
Presbyterian
Seventh‑Day Adventist
South Park
H O L D R E G E
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The YMCA of the Prairie is a non‑profit organization
that works to strengthen the community through its
three areas of focus: youth development, healthy
living, and social responsibility. Members from more
than 30 communities find opportunities for health and
wellness in the 40,000‑square‑foot facility built in 2006.
In addition to group exercise classes and top‑of‑the‑line
strength and cardio equipment, the YMCA offers
support through programs such as personal training,
weight‑loss classes, exercise challenges, and Fit
Farmers. Youth are helped to develop good character
and healthy bodies through youth sports leagues like
flag football, basketball, and soccer. Programs such
as Lego Club, Y‑Kids Art, the After‑School Program,
and Summer Day Camps help enrich their minds.
Community members are served with programs
like the Kids Cafe free summer lunch program,
Healthy Kids Day, and the Kids Fun Run. Families
are strengthened through fun family programs and
events like the Daddy‑Daughter Date Night Snowflake
Ball. Generous donors make it possible to offer
membership and program assistance, which ensures
that everyone can belong to the YMCA regardless of
income.
North Park
Skydive Atlas provides professional skydiving
instruction to both business and recreational clients
throughout the Midwest. Skydive Atlas has a “dream
team” of certified instructors that can meet the needs of
virtually any event. With thousands of safely completed
jumps, Skydive Atlas can assure students and
venues with which it works a professional skydiving
experience.
Skydive Atlas
YMCA of the Prairie
28
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Nebraska Prairie Museum provides more than
65,000 square feet of displays and out buildings that
include a one‑room school house, late 1800 farm
house, and a Lutheran church.
Annual Celebrations
February Water Conference
Features notable speakers sharing
insights as well as opportunities for
everyone with a common interest in
water to network and interact
March Career Fair
Encourage students to explore
various careers and introduce them
to the opportunities that await them in
rural Nebraska
April Community Celebration Banquet
Nebraska Prairie Museum
The Tassel, a performing arts center, accomodates
theatrical performances, concert attractions, lectures,
and meetings. The Tassel can seat 685 individuals
on the main floor with an additional 150 seats in the
balcony level. The 30,000‑square‑foot facility offers a
sound room, lighting room, step‑down orchestra pit, a
50‑foot wide proscenium, dressing rooms, back stage
rest rooms, and a 52‑foot fly space. The hallmark of
this elegant facility is it superb acoustics.
Celebration of individuals,
businesses, and community
organizations
June Dala Days
Shoppers have the chance to
win $100 in Chamber Checks by
shopping at participating businesses
from June 1–18
Swedish Days
Celebration of Holdrege’s Swedish
heritage, featuring traditional meals,
games, activities, parade, car show,
and street festival
July Phelps County Fair
Features carnival, concert, demolition
derby, pedal pullers competition,
livestock shows, FFA & 4‑H exhibits,
and commercial booths
December Christmas Wonderland
Shoppers have the chance to win
up to $1,000 in Chamber Checks by
shopping at participating businesses;
also features free weekly movies and
sleigh rides with Santa
The Tassel
The Phelps County Senior Center is well known
for its lunch and public transportation programs. The
center also provides facilities for counseling and
information, educational activities and programs, tax
aids, recreational activities, and referrals.
Holdrege Country Club
H O L D R E G E
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Financial Institutions
●●
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●●
●●
●●
●●
Bruning State Bank
First State Bank of Holdrege
FirsTier Bank
Great Western Bank
Home Federal Savings & Loan Association
Lincoln Federal Savings Bank
Home Federal
Savings
Bruning State Bank
Lincoln Federal
Savings
Housing
Twenty‑five new homes were constructed in the past
three years and it is estimated five homes to be built
in 2015 and 16 homes in 2016. The cost of new home
construction averages $56 per square foot.
First State Bank of Holdrege
Lincoln Place Housing
FirsTier Bank
Great Western Bank
The Dale Loft Apartments & Business Center
30
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Community Services
With a business climate full of opportunity, Holdrege
continues to expand its retail choices and offers many
services to its residents. The residents of Holdrege
have combined talent and a strong work ethic to create
an ideal setting in which to work and live.
Professional
Architects..............................................................2
Attorneys..............................................................17
Auctioneers..........................................................1
Certified Public Accountants.................................11
Engineering Firms................................................2
Medical
Allergists............................................................3
Anesthesiologists...............................................1
Audiologists.......................................................1
Cardiologists......................................................6
Chiropractors.....................................................7
Dentists..............................................................5
Emergency Medicine.........................................4
Family Practice Physicians................................8
General Surgeons.............................................2
Hematologists & Oncologists.............................1
Internal Medicine...............................................10
Nurse Practitioners............................................1
Nurses, Registered............................................52
Obstetricians & Gynecologists...........................6
Optometrists......................................................3
Oral Surgeons...................................................2
Orthodontists.....................................................2
Ophthalmologists...............................................1
Orthopedic Surgeons/Sports Medicine..............5
Otolaryngologists (ear, nose & throat)...............1
Pediatricians......................................................5
Pharmacists.......................................................5
Physical Therapists...........................................5
Physician Assistants..........................................6
Podiatrists..........................................................2
Psychiatrists......................................................2
Psychologists.....................................................12
Pulmonologists..................................................2
Radiologists.......................................................8
Urologists...........................................................2
Veterinarians........................................................7
Business and Commercial
Accounting/Bookkeeping Agencies.................... 8
Agricultural Implement Dealers.......................... 2
Antique Shops.................................................... 2
Apparel Stores
Combination.................................................... 1
Women’s.......................................................... 2
Appliance Stores................................................ 2
Auto Body Repair & Services............................. 11
Auto Repair & Services...................................... 11
Auto Supply Parts............................................... 6
Automobile Dealers............................................ 6
Automobile Renting & Leasing........................... 1
Aviation Seeding & Spraying Services............... 4
Bakeries............................................................. 1
Banquet Facilities, Halls
Auditoriums & Meeting Rooms........................ 9
Beauty Salons/Barber Shops............................. 17
Bed & Breakfasts................................... (3 rooms) 1
Carpet and Rug Dealers..................................... 2
Caterers.............................................................. 10
Child Care Services............................................ 25
Computer Services............................................. 3
Contractors
Building............................................................ 7
Concrete.......................................................... 4
Electric............................................................. 7
Excavating....................................................... 2
Flooring............................................................ 4
General (residential & commercial)................. 16
Heating & Air Conditioning............................... 5
Painting............................................................ 1
Plumbing.......................................................... 5
Remodeling..................................................... 5
Roofing............................................................ 2
Well Digging.................................................... 4
H O L D R E G E
Convenience Stores........................................... 4
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Interior Decorators & Designers......................... 1
Copying & Duplicating Services......................... 2
Jewelry Stores.................................................... 1
Craft Stores........................................................ 1
Landscaping Equipment & Supplies................... 2
Dance Studios.................................................... 1
Laundromats...................................................... 1
Department Stores............................................. 1
Lawn Services.................................................... 3
Discount Stores.................................................. 2
Lumberyards...................................................... 2
Dry Cleaning & Laundries.................................. 1
Machine Shops................................................... 4
Electric Motor Repairs........................................ 1
Meat Processors................................................ 2
Farm/Ranch Supplies......................................... 2
Motels/Hotels....................................... (63 rooms) 2
Feed & Seed Dealers......................................... 8
Nurseries & Garden Centers.............................. 4
Feedlots.............................................................. 6
Office Equipment Sales, Service & Supplies...... 3
Fertilizer Suppliers/Applicators........................... 9
Pet Boarding/Grooming Services....................... 3
Floral Shops....................................................... 1
Pharmacies........................................................ 3
Funeral Homes................................................... 1
Photography Studios.......................................... 4
Furniture Stores.................................................. 4
Preschools.......................................................... 6
Gift Shops........................................................... 4
Printers............................................................... 2
Grain Dealers..................................................... 10
Real Estate Firms............................................... 5
Grocery Stores................................................... 2
Restaurants........................................................ 16
Hardware Stores................................................ 3
Service Stations................................................. 11
Health Clubs....................................................... 2
Theatres............................................................. 1
Heavy Equipment Repairs.................................. 2
Variety Stores..................................................... 2
Industrial Equipment & Supplies........................ 2
Welding Shops................................................... 4
Insurance Companies........................................ 16
Horizon Gymnastics
Holdrege Market Place
The Gallery
Gifts & Things /
Double D Cleaners
The 308 Boutique
32
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Agriculture & Raw Materials
In 2013 Nebraska ranked fourth among the states in
corn exports, third in total cash receipts from farm and
ranch marketing, and fifth in agricultural exports.
Nebraska’s farms and ranches utilized 45.3 million
acres or 92 percent of the state’s total land area. Cash
receipts from farm markets in 2013 contributed more
than $23 billion to the state’s economy and 5.9 percent
of the U.S. total. Food processing is the state’s
largest manufacturing sector and foreign markets are
important for many of the state’s manufacturers.
Sources: Nebraska Agriculture Rankings - USDA ERS,
USDA NASS; Food Processing Status - Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
The Ogallala Aquifer underlies 174,000 square
miles in parts of eight states. The Ogallala Aquifer
within Nebraska contains approximately 65 percent
of the water in storage in the entire aquifer. With the
implementation of more efficient irrigation systems
and other water management measures, the Ogallala
Aquifer will remain a valuable resource in Nebraska.
Nebraska’s Natural Resource Districts (NRDs) have
responsibility for managing groundwater resources. The
Nebraska Department of Natural Resources maintains
responsibility for administration of surface water rights.
In locations where groundwater and surface water
are connected, the responsibility is shared among the
NRDs and the state for achieving a sustainable balance
between water supplies and water use.
Nebraska’s Rank Among States
1st...
Beans, Dry Edible, Great Northern, 2014
Cattle on Feed, Jan. 2015
Cropland, Irrigated Acres, 2012
Popcorn, 2012
Red Meat Production, Commercial, 2014
2nd...
Beans, Dry Edible, Light Red Kidney, 2014
Beans, Dry Edible, Pinto, 2014
Bison, 2012
Cattle and Calves, All, Jan. 2015
Milet, Proso, 2014
3rd...
Cash Receipts from Farm Marketings, 2013
Corn for Grain, 2014
Dry Edible Beans, All, 2014
4th...
Beef Cows, All, Jan. 2015
Land in Farms, 2014
On Farm Grain Storage Capacity, Dec. 2014
Off Farm Grain Storage Capacity, Dec. 2014
5th...
Beans, Dry Edible, Black, 2014
Sorghum for Grain, 2014
Sorghum for Silage, 2014
WYOMING
Soybeans, 2014
SOUTH DAKOTA
Winter Wheat, 2014
6th...
NEBRASKA
Sugarbeets, 2014
Cropland, 2012
Hay, All, 2014
KANSAS
COLORADO
Hogs and Pigs, All, Dec. 2014
Principal Crops, Harvested, 2014
7th...
Hay, Alfalfa, 2014
Hay, Other, 2014
NEW
MEXICO
Principal Crops, Planted, 2014
OKLAHOMA
8th...
Wheat, All, 2014
Sunflower, All, 2014
TEXAS
10th...
Corn for Silage, 2014
Potatoes, Fall, 2014
Source: Nebraska Department of Agriculture - USDA, NASS,
NFO, and NBA
H O L D R E G E
●
N E B R A S K A
33
Phelps County
2012 Statistics
Phelps County
State of Nebraska
Number of Farms......................................................................................... 405.............................. 49,969
Land in Farms (acres)........................................................................... 331,390....................... 45,331,783
Average Size of Farms (acres)..................................................................... 818................................... 907
Market Value of Agricultural Products Sold.................................. $738,795,000.............. $23,068,756,000
Market Value Per Farm..................................................................... $1,824,185.......................... $461,661
Total Acres Irrigated............................................................................... 231,896......................... 8,296,573
Percent of Farmland Irrigated...................................................................70.0%............................... 18.3%
Source: 2012 Census of Agriculture
Five-Year Average Production of
Leading Crops (2010–2014)
Phelps County
State of Nebraska
Corn for Grain.............................................................................33,744,600 bu............... 1,502,660,000 bu.
Hay, Alfalfa....................................................................................... 18,920 tons....................3,002,600 tons
Soybeans.....................................................................................5,868,200 bu.................. 256,058,000 bu.
Winter Wheat...................................................................................142,460 bu.................... 58,984,000 bu.
Five-Year Average
Livestock Population (2011–2015)
Phelps County
State of Nebraska
All Cattle................................................................. .............................. 168,000 ...........................6,340,000
Phelps County ranked in the top 10 counties in the state in the production of corn for grain three years during the
past five years and in the production of soybeans twice during the past five years. Phelps County also ranked
seventh each of the past five years in the number of cattle.
Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service
Raw Materials
There are no metallic minerals in the area; however, nonmetallic minerals of sand and gravel are available in
commercial quantities.
Soft wood and cottonwood lumber are available along the Platte River. Scotch, Ponderosa, and Austrian pines are
available for Christmas trees.
Produce including tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, potatoes, pumpkins, sunflowers, and sweet corn are grown and
marketed in the area. White corn is grown, harvested, and cleaned, and then shipped to Frito‑Lay in Gothenburg.
Scoular Grain
34
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Climate
Annual Maximum Temperature (F)
Nebraskans enjoy four distinct
seasons...
spring, summer, fall, and winter
Nebraska has a continental climate, with hot summers
and cold winters. Temperatures are highly variable from
season to season and year to year. The majority of the
state has an average annual maximum temperature
of 60ºF to 65ºF with average annual minimum
temperatures in the 30ºF to 40ºF range. State
temperature records are -47ºF and 118ºF. The average
number of days in excess of 100ºF range from
5 (northeast) to 11 (southwest) with most of the state
between 6 and 9 days. Minimum temperatures below
zero occur on average 7 days per year in southeast
Nebraska to 20 days in north-central Nebraska.
72
69
66
63
60
NEBRASKA
57
54
51
48
Annual Minimum Temperature (F)
Precipitation
48
45
42
Precipitation is also variable and ranges from an
annual average of 15 to 20 inches in the west to 30 to
35 inches in southeast Nebraska. Approximately
75 percent of the precipitation falls as rain from April to
September. Annual average snowfall ranges from
20 inches in the southeast to 50 inches in the
northwest. Snowfall usually increases during late
winter and reaches a maximum in March.
39
36
NEBRASKA
33
30
27
24
21
Growing Season
The growing season fluctuates in length, but on
average it ranges from 120 days in the extreme
northwest to 170 days in the southeast. The average
date of the last freeze in spring varies from April 25
in extreme southeast Nebraska to May 21 in extreme
northwest. The first fall freeze typically occurs from
September 20 in the extreme northwest to October 6
in the southeast part of the state.
Annual Precipitation (inches)
45
40
35
30
NEBRASKA
25
20
15
10
Based on 30-year. climate normals 1981–2010 data from the High Plains
Climate Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Source: www.hprcc.unl.edu
H O L D R E G E
Holdrege
community websites:
●
N E B R A S K A
N E B R A S K A
JustThePlaceNebraska.com
PhelpsCountyNE.com
Just The Place
Nebraska
35
Holdrege
N E B R A S K A
November 2015
www.nppd.com
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Nebraska’s largest electric utility, assists in the economic development
of the areas it serves. For more information on NPPD’s economic development assistance, contact the Economic
Development Department, 1414 15th Street, PO Box 499, Columbus, NE 68602-0499, (800) 282-6773, Ext. 5534,
email: [email protected], or visit our website at econdev.nppd.com.
© Nebraska Public Power District, 2015
8C36C936