Fall17Generator_trial

Fall 2017

HURRICANE

IRMA

Linemen travel to Florida

BOARD OF SUMMER 2017
DIRECTORS
4 UK-based marketing team visits Powerhouse
Mike Fleming 6
Chairman Linemen respond to Florida following
Rich Aerni Hurricane Irma
First Vice Chairman
Larry Zach 12 Public Power pride at Columbus Days
Second Vice Chairman 14
Francis Sand Student creates Columbus-area memorial
Secretary brochure for Eagle Scout project
Dick Tooley
Treasurer 16 Habitat for Humanity completes sixth house
Bob Cerv 18
Jim Donoghue Loup receives grant from
Alan Drozd Nebraska Environmental Trust
Ross Knott
Chris Langemeier 20 Employee recognition
22
EXECUTIVE Around the District
STAFF
On the cover: A Loup truck beside a palm tree in Ocala, Florida. Photo by Tyler Klaahsen.
Neal Suess
President/ CEO Loup Power District Service Area
Walt Williams
Vice President, For more than 80 years,
Administrative Loup Power District
Services has provided reliable,
David Bell
Vice President, low-cost electricity to
Development/ our customers.
Marketing The District also
Ron Ziola
Vice President, provides economic
Engineering development and
Dan Hellbusch recreational services.
Vice President,
Operations For feedback, story ideas and submissions:
Stacy Wemhoff, Communications Coordinator | 402-562-57111 | [email protected]
The Loup Generator is
published quarterly
as a service for Loup
employees, families,
friends and associates.

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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Security of the District’s assets is getting more
and more scrutiny by the federal government

I am sure that many of you have heard the term “cyber our equipment and facilities,
security” over the past several years. In addition, such as our Service Center
“physical security” is also a term that is getting more and substations as well
and more use in the electric utility industry. as at the powerhouses in
Columbus and Monroe. It also
Both of these terms affect the District in very distinct includes cameras that watch
ways, and I want to take some time to explain some of these areas for those wanting to damage District
the issues associated with each of these. equipment.

Cyber security refers to protecting the devices/systems Additionally, the District places signs around all of our
that are controlled by computers District employees facilities warning potential trespassers that they would
use in their daily activity. be subject to penalty if they trespass on property not
open to the public.
These include: (1) the personal computers on which
employees perform their daily tasks; (2) the District The District has many places, including our parks
system server, which protects the files stored by users and lakes, that are open to the public. However, we
of the District’s computer system; (3) the District’s must fence off those properties that help us control
supervisory control and data acquisition system, which the electric grid, such as substations with large
allows the District to monitor equipment in the field, transformers located within the premises.
such as distribution lines and substations; and (4) the
control systems, which allow the District to operate Both cyber security and physical security of the
the hydroelectric facilities. District’s assets is getting more and more scrutiny
by the federal government. This, in turn, causes the
Each of these systems, as well as other systems used District to spend more and more money associated
by the District, is subjected to potential compromise with protecting our assets.
from individuals and machines outside the control of
District personnel. As mentioned previously, we work closely with NPPD
on a number of these, which adds more costs to our
Through the use of software, user protocol and operations. We try to be good stewards with the
other methods, the District’s information technology money we have. However, government regulation
team protects these assets from outside attacks. It requires we meet minimum standards.
is amazing at how often and how many attacks have
occurred, but the District’s systems have remained You will be seeing more and more of these cyber
safe. This is not an easy task, as those trying to attack security and physical security efforts in the upcoming
our systems and get data become more sophisticated years from the District. We are working to make these
each day. as painless as possible for those that visit our facilities.

In addition to the District’s However, sometimes there is not
information technology team, much District employees can
District personnel also work do. It is a function of
with others whom we our industry to have
interact with — including requirements for some of
our partners at NPPD — these activities.
to protect our assets from
cyber attacks. District management and
the Board of Directors try
As you can tell from the to make all of the District’s
description above, cyber employees and customers
security is really a behind-the- feel safe and secure when you
scenes effort that is rarely seen visit our facilities
by the public and is hard to put
a finger on. All of these efforts will help
in the future, and hopefully
However, trust me — it is ongoing everyone understands why we are
and getting more complex each day. making these changes.

Physical security is more easily — NEAL SUESS
detectable. This includes fencing around President/CEO

FALL 2017 3

United Kingdom-based marketing
team visits Monroe powerhouse

A marketing team from England Claire Webster (left) and Paul Gonella look at film of the Monroe Powerhouse.
visited the Monroe Powerhouse last
week. Videographer Paul Gonella films the new water filtration system at the MPH.

Claire Webster serves as Marketing the site, but Loup needed additional “It’s a lot cheaper to put in this
Manager for Wartsila’s Seals capacity to supply lube water to the filtration system than it would be to
and Bearings Division. She was bearings. Several well test sites were go off site and dig a well,” Morton
joined by Paul Gonella, a freelance unsuccessful. said.
videographer and photographer with
Strong Island Media. Wartsila has a water filtration Overall, Morton said the
system that is commonly used on partnership with Wartsila has been
Webster said the film will be used ships and suggested that it would mutually beneficial.
to highlight the company’s work at work at the MPH. The system takes
the Powerhouse as Wartsila works water from the canal and enhances Wartsila gained a customer it can
to expand its business in the United the quality for use as a bearing use as a reference. Loup received free
States. The pair also visited the Genoa lubricant. engineering work and a discount on
Headworks. the entire project.

Wartsila and Loup have been
working together for about three
years. The company caught the
attention of Hydro Superintendent
Brad Morton during a conference in
2014. At the time, Morton was looking
for a way to reduce or eliminate
time-consuming bearing work at the
powerhouse.

The three turbine guide bearings
at the Monroe Powerhouse did their
job for nearly 80 years thanks in large
part to the crew that maintained
them. But time wears down machines
and employees were replacing the
custom seals on the bearings often —
a difficult and time-consuming task.

Morton spoke with Wartsila
representatives at the conference and
they thought they might be able to
help.

The company is known for diesel
engines as well as shafts, propellers,
bearings and seals.

Last summer, after two
years of planning, designing
and corresponding, the hydro
maintenance crew successfully
installed a new water-lubricated
bearing on one of the three turbines
at the Powerhouse.

Turbine bearing retrofit on the last
unit will be completed next summer
following the routine dewater
inspection work.

Just last week, Loup also installed
a new water filtration system at the
MPH.

The new, environmentally friendly
bearings are lubricated by water,
rather than oil. There is one well at

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2017 LINEWORKERS RODEO

NEBRASKA
STATE FAIR

Grand Island
8/26/17

(L to R): Adam Babl, Trent Konwinski, Tommy Wemhoff and Dominic Zoucha competed in
the LIneworkers Rodeo.

Ron Christo (center) volunteered to judge Trent Konwinski and Dominic Zoucha placed
at the event. 2nd out of 11 teams in the Alley Arm Insulator
Changeout competition.

Adam Babl and Tommy Wemhoff Sandi Meays, Rhonda Rogers, Shari Cromwell, Nikki Brunken, Walt Williams, and Lynette June
compete in the Hurtman Rescue event.
volunteered at the event. Photos by Sandi Meays

FALL 2017 5

Loup employees met up with crews from Lincoln Electric System
and the City of Grand Island in Lincoln early on September 9 before
making their way to Florida. Photo from Lincoln Electric System.

Linemen travel to Florida following

HURRICANE IRMA
Like most people around the country, Loup CEO Neal Suess, Hellbusch talked with Shop and
employees watched the news as Hurricane Irma Transportation Superintendent Jim Shanle to
barreled through the Caribbean and headed see how many of Loup’s trucks would be able to
toward Florida. make the long trip.

The storm was expected to be the worst in He also reached out to Loup linemen to see
the state’s history. who was interested in helping with Florida’s
recovery. He explained that they would have to
On Thursday, Sept. 7 — while Irma was commit for up to two weeks.
pummeling the Turks and Caicos islands —
Loup received a call requesting mutual aid. Many were surprised by the request since
Florida was so far away. They had little time
Vice President of Operations Dan Hellbusch to make the decision and by that evening, 13
was a little surprised at first. But years of employees expressed their desire to respond.
experience have taught him that it is better
to stage first responders ahead of a disaster Loup supervisors analyzed how they could
instead of waiting until after the damage is function shorthanded for a long-term period
done. and decided it could be done with the hard work
of those staying home.
“Everybody wants to be ready,” he said.
After discussing the request with President/ Hellbusch said the shop/mechanics team

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Jared Hoefelman (left) and Chase Davis
(right) work to restore electricity in swampy
conditions near Ocala, Florida.
Photo by Trent Konwinski.

worked very hard the following day, “There was a lot of anticipation LINEMEN WHO
inspecting trucks and putting on about what we could run into,” said TRAVELED TO FLORIDA
new tires to ensure they would safely Arborist Foreman Trent Konwinski.
make the trip of nearly 4,000 miles to “It was the first time any of us had Mike Brabec
Florida and back. experienced a hurricane.” Tyler Klaahsen
Brandon Ramaekers
When Loup responds to mutual Not only that, but because the
aid requests, it is not on the hook for hurricane hadn’t hit Florida yet, Andy Wallin
the associated costs. Instead, it is the they had no idea how extensive the Trent Konwinski
responsibility of the requesting utility damage would be.
to reimburse Loup for wages, meals, Chase Davis
fuel, lodging and more. “We didn’t know what we were Josh Siebrandt
going to be dealing with,” said Joe Hubenka
The group left for Lincoln early on Lineman Cam Knopik. Jared Hoefelman
Saturday, Sept. 9. They met up with
crews from Lincoln Electric Systems They packed cots and tents, soup Adam Babl
(LES) and the City of Grand Island cans and snacks just in case. Cam Knopick
before heading south to work in Dominic Zoucha
Tallahassee and Ocala, Florida. “On the way down, there were a Aaron Sundberg
lot of thumbs up,” said Journeyman
The trip down was strange for the Lineman Chase Davis. “Someone FALL 2017 7
convoy of trucks from Loup, LES and made a sign that said ‘God bless you,
Grand Island. They were almost alone linemen’ and put it in their window.
in the southbound lanes, while it was That was really cool to see.”
bumper-to-bumper traffic heading
the opposite direction away from Line Foreman Mike Brabec said
Irma. he noticed the same response, even
before leaving for Florida.

— continued on page 8

IRMA, continued from page 7

When he went to Liebig Meat Processing in Platte
Center to pick up snacks for the road, they didn’t charge
anything and told the crew to be safe.

The linemen made it to Paducah, Ky., Saturday night
and Montgomery, Ala., on Sunday night.

Irma made landfall that Sunday as a Category 4.
Though not as strong as feared, the storm still took a
huge toll on the state’s electrical systems, leaving nearly
7 million without power by Monday.

And they didn’t have to use their cots or tents.
“The towns took care of us pretty well,” Konwinski
said. “By the time we got down there, they had a lot of
their power grids back up so hotels had power again.”
They weren’t so lucky finding a place to eat their first
night in Tallahassee.
“There were only a few places we could find to eat and
the lines were three blocks long to get in,” Knopik said.
Luckily, they had packed plenty of snacks.
It did not take long to notice the cultural and
environmental differences between Florida and Nebraska
— they had to work to understand some deep southern
accents, ate grits and worked in swamps.
Crew members were especially surprised by Florida’s
vegetation.
“Their trees and vines grow 365 days a year, so
everything is overgrown,” Konwinski said. Some
alleyways seemed like jungles.
“The vegetation was unreal to us,” said Journeyman
Lineman Andy Wallin. He said much of the trees and
vegetation was trimmed back three feet or less, leading
to a lot of destructive damage from the winds.

— continued on page 10

Andy Wallin, Trent Konwinski, Chase Davis,
Josh Siebrandt, Brandon Ramaekers,
Tyler Klaahsen, and Mike Brabec.
Photo by Andy Wallin.

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Jared Hoefelman and Joe Hubenka (right)
analyze damage. Courtesy photo.

A local couple watches as Loup Chase Davis (climbing) and Joe
employees work near Ocala, Fla. Hubenka rehang conductor.
Photo by Trent Konwinski.
Photo by Trent Konwinski.
Andy Wallin
gets a quick
lunch before
heading back
to work.
Photo by Jared
Hoefelman.

FALL 2017 9

IRMA, continued from page 8

It was hot and humid as well, with heat indexes Loup employees take a picture with Ocala’s utility workers.
reaching up to 105° F. Humidity levels were higher than Loup’s employees are (back row) Chase Davis,
90 percent. Cam Knopik, Joe Hubenka, Adam Babl, Jared Hoefelman,
and (front row) Trent Konwinski. Photo by Trent Konwinski.
That didn’t mean they got a lot of breaks. Most days,
the crews worked from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Brandon Ramaekers
cleans red dirt off an
Surprisingly, they said they rarely got tired. Fatigue did auger as the crew
set in during short lulls between jobs. works to replace a pole.
Photo by Chase Davis.
“The excitement kind of kept me upbeat,” Wallin said.
“You got done with one job, you never knew where you
were going to get sent next, what you were going to do.”

The Nebraska linemen worked with local utility crews
in the restoration effort. There was a bit of a learning
curve when it came to terminology. What Nebraska crews
called cutouts, Florida crews called jacks. Extendos were
pogos. They got it figured out and began to work together
more easily.

Another difference between Nebraska and Florida was
the wildlife — including spiders, snakes and large insects.

“I saw the biggest frog of my life in that swamp,”
Davis said.

Everyone asks them about alligators, but there were no
dangerous encounters.

“We didn’t see any of the stuff that they warned
us about — the rattlesnakes, cottonmouths, water
moccasins, gators,” Brabec said.

The Floridians were appreciative of the Nebraska
crews’ hard work.

“People were running out of food and water and they
were still coming out to give us their rations,” said
Journeyman Lineman Chase Davis.

The Ocala Electric Utility released Loup on Sept. 18. The
group was torn about whether they wanted to come home.

“We were ready for more work if they had it,” said
Journeyman Lineman Brandon Ramaekers. “But at the
same time, when they released us, we wanted to get
home.”

They made it back the evening of Sept. 21.
Looking back, it is easy for them to reminisce about the
trip. They can laugh now about the heat, the spiders, the
hard work.
Wallin said crew members worked together well despite
those hardships and 16-hour days.
“It was probably one of the most fun experiences we’ve
had,” he said.

Dominic Zoucha and Andy Wallin. Photo by Dominic Zoucha.

10 GENERATOR

Visitor Posts Loup crews were surprised by how
overgrown the vegetation was in Ocala,
Florida. Photo by Trent Konwinski.

Dr. Mr. Suess,
I wanted to take a moment to thank you
for your team’s assistance in restoring
our system following the impacts of
Hurricane Irma. While Tallahassee was
spared some of the significant damages
many of our peers downstate experienced,
your team was instrumental in our
returning the Tallahassee community to
normal operations in very short order. Our
customers and our team appreciate your
support and aid.
Thanks again for your support and let us
know when we can return the favor.
Yours truly,
Robert E. McGarrah
General Manager — Electric
City of Tallahassee

Loup employees saw plenty
of large spiders in Florida.
This spider is a golden silk
orb-weaver, also commonly
called a banana spider.

FALL 2017 11

Above: Avery and Brooklyn Ainsworth (children of Loup Journeyman Lineman
Kyle Ainsworth) are all smiles as they prepare to ride with their dad in Loup's
bucket truck during the parade.
Right: Louie the Lightning Bug and Solar Sam delight Dane Hanson and
Dawsyn Jacobi, sons of Cornhusker Public Power District employees Derek
Hanson and Michael Jacobi.

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COLUMBUS DAYS PARADE

Loup Power District, Cornhusker Public Power District and Nebraska Public Power
District showcased their unity at the 2017 Columbus Days Parade on August 20. The
“Powering the Good Life” parade entry featured Loup and Cornhusker trucks as well as
NPPD's Chevy Volt, an electric hybrid car.

Clay Gibbs, Cornhusker Public Power District CEO/General Manager, and Neal Suess, Loup President/CEO, carry a banner in the parade.
They are followed by the utilities' vehicles, employees and helpers.

FALL 2017 13

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Square and Pawnee Park, but never paid much attention
to them.

He drove by others around Columbus countless times
without ever realizing it.

That's all changed following an Eagle Scout project
the Scotus Central Catholic School junior completed this
summer.

A brochure titled “A Tour Map and Guide of Memorials
and Points of Interest” is the result of more than 75 hours
of work over the past few months.

It lists 28 memorials in Columbus along with their
addresses, GPS coordinates, brief descriptions and an
optimal driving route.

“Between work and Boy Scouts and all the other
activities that I'm involved in, it took up a lot of time,”
Obal said.

Obal, the son of Doug and Kim Obal, has been involved Bureau said money in that fund visisuitsoerds ftoor Palcattitveit1Cieo6sutnhtayt. V
with Boy Scouts since elementary school. He knew he promote, encourage and attract
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wanted to become an Eagle Scout because it would be an Bsauir“deT.ahuewCaoslugmlabdutso/NVPb4ele1at°tae2te5rp.a7aC6nro7tsun’,’nWeFtr0lya9o7Cng°o2tPn1hov.i6sel0en0p’trioojnecatn,”d Visitors Th
asset when applying for colleges. Loseke ded
sits
“I figured it was worth all the time I was going to have After securing the support of the Historical Society mem
to put in,” he said. serv
and Visitors Bureau, the pair began to list all the area to th
To earn the Eagle rank, a Scout has to meet several

requirements including completion of a service wbabiOmnbrrbieoootPaWI“AmhccnullGfhhaititsohtrtuuetaheriaitrrrasiiaendeeahlccpld,.lC.oiyhshpsHsom,.ooamugeOpnnrhkbeaiaetnelmalynitswtmelhFnBn,doooaarwawugabtatfrcre1nupaethruiaramkh,aasiirt7snatelnuholeZnleo.athpdywd.eaTtghsTborohnhhrhteatei'eaipcicdhesdsnsouhmlielmbinfithttiesneuwotaGgmtetetrcfohhehdnlhoPowotpkeieiroconrSni,amaawidmePpSclnSldhiulisTloNveoioFhnanein,snhacseedctdttor4coicetsnriteidoroeKaeyt1crclittoeteonateuoo°ydhooanCnydFte,d2a,setndoVigimrCeklcstdonh6aauaeh,ratsifolne.nhbaapm6etfarZtOvcketylaeeh1ttgryepiuodNytobleell1rnhewCchlepem'Ztbs’habete,soobydtsWayfinIalnaPbrgfnhbiod'tvatevlsagofhdisec.a0userelecneoeurtdrk9hnhtssnhsa,rafem7rttptce.eoeieirCaom°SoitiacsmlvMrexdeontnh2policasmvuseme1teentetafeahnmIme.nunnr3smgtaiavobycodcr1Htslelt.rrleHrr,e,e1iiasiooiVima”gsitiaonp’simnatnaerlsectondtioleino.grtisraooittrwicohsecnrlafasaells

22

ame

N 41° 2

was Performance Printing in Columbus, which helped

with brochure design and printing.

The company printed 5,000 brochures and Obal

distributed them to several locations including the

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and Loup Power

District.

Obal said he enjoyed learning more about the rich

history of his hometown. He said he was surprised to

learn that the land for Agricultural Park was donated by a

family. One of his favorite memorials is the Frank Zybach

Memorial, named for the man who invented the center

pivot irrigation system.

“I thought it was interesting how someone from

Columbus invented such a pivotal part of the agriculture

industry,” he said.

To earn the rank of Eagle, Obal will go before a Board of

Review later this month.

Loup Power District's Columbus Powerhouse is number 24 on the tour.

14 GENERATOR

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oam&CafnoelIdTGunmmoutPbuueoiosrd,rriNmeeineabstraolatssspfkeV2abheohewvshmdt6er4rpeeFeloeij.1ieocdu2CsrWhcHra°ereesmo9PaeioVNttnCaoa2let2hnrwpuosFultius6id4oaono’aorrVutWm,ihos.asam1lrntWn3iceuodltonnebgd°otl3.etuiiscueeogeenhu202Ist6eVdesnfrdaSmatMCoaawpNTLCroaapfrbmn059oes1’oeoi,viaoTteetti0gsfnrsnnc.7tffrtiaifhh9tWhwfhneroo8orahaetob7affeomatyo°0tbetrwiddtN31har“A(CLYCWitaaiihhtehrarIsihthikl9jnlnro1bte0thtia8ccofLsi0hneutdnmloniteoIe4ehhhefdnyeeadnh9c9nseslaaveaziehre’neehlo7sto,ver1eiCaitmaoVsrsa.r7ttqtnarVieaeCcecpWre7seriecbnio1oeefm°ouesiedFyCrwd°iamFrslkoomrSiuFttlr4Tfrnsdnt.amvTslFW2sereitanstbNaWsnr2ptpleiesJomm0dvhsiw0sMeeuereahouerlwaenttiw6ttreopdrn1ncetle9iadbss,dj4’veaePnlmehnaiatesPeir.ssubisKashPvnCrin.on37sarneeeeug1odnsh7teoaodinJmnltrnnsueUmrteePasbrfifs2°tasaoFfsntna°fon0takkTintrtyegisieommele.ynnuy1ktsootamleoroTteo82afiparos2Nthi4pwmsadlPretstaeim.hibst.lss8nnrtfrrtH3rehah’1o'oorarihtgdenn5tte,’ThuhtianionKesi9isNntt47anoosnoaeeCeeennwW,.eaoFlanhahk.ntfnie5jeai9eedlye09ehmagll1dmdadomhwcrtnnpofdstieUerealrlroPiriSn9,seo4.etgc5gmeoPa°unoe0sesuidowtfrnerswamilaniioecTacrshor7eocUgcwn4snDy2oienns9aaa,wtdbacatuaosaiatlohrhgiutiech’trwwho”ntrfP’adtbnnh5iudnni7S,nhcteiffehiafivhoyoiontnbnhlulleneietcieisWldrdme.rdqooshts°eseoiseiodeuc7faaeidaieihatvcrhiaCraidngeuepSsiss2nrttslrtdrose8,—isesfDwhtinnsoafios0saatiete.'rthrtrtSem1tntCd.nd2.ia7het)eeiusPhrusaLp9hbenotaldinuncuMe.en0c9oce’pdatowr5mFtrydtc,her7sthoomuerhed1httsesColdcoedaWoiaorn3atlt°airafafiyeh5ieimoDmdnoytuhitueanuirun'ncfio6nafroat2o.risuaodchurnasM0auhpecedceg’oadtmimht1ecnumsnntrinaeneme9gsEweiaelitsmlDle.Le.hcntegmasobaeyeap8nk7l.emotbhreyrusmbie,raorbomtati2sfism°tasiavpingsstroopsonnhhtlttuntr.awfbomes0k2,Heteobesgoorsheieeotibef,oust1caoni’sn1eceudketeierKhaaacrhceopisCd8tkeomr.taleplllmbdotMtt6snsiiPtirsn5efndhoelfholavosteel0rIlnh6taoemiriryutbainga,oeybhhtlfeetre4oi.h1bwzwCorsgarctifcWeynbias,hnan8t’tatlilotaeneaywfiiahsnwToosohet.NanplstecdlHnhlsie6tCeddchhuhirhrmaiitsrtkr..satltc4leemeiea5enTlDhioo,hiceteas1drrfddihiehbCpaeomortneuTl°oha.neNhuuoiaPrnhuisoohfneoi2bfngestls.lssofo4tnhureiroae5uhmchenrdCoei1nemfrCort.tsgtaSaHtttmhhdih1h“ttcioeteosoc3aruedePt°tjnonnhchhhhhor9nembohoroohrbmpTcfWeirbI.rr0iaeolwmoie2leilgeTsusubuoestoesgavpuhttaeieei3hma8nsnoelmdopvu5aLthSH“HB“I“nhhusnasinsne'brewmsobpnoghnyeet1’0ntabhtuunut.,ooesdegsesdeerNehIfieif6TWIlCVueny'oeagonshmWlbiptoeelbersor7snnmszevserAetstyaroinwcrt2ratum4wffevtyaorhitoetrfejnnuthcrsesoooehhrtngaatmaa1eosdscueeco1Chltlawtk0eepwnCstalieHtuoruteepme1wiraedd°sedaereelomterctntarneop’csdaihfenM9ppetnse,onehadnearis,na2ooosCctvsinedrhriaCdo5nhaArasraadgeaTeoWorawntcauetknartNd7lrou5tdtorpdnsgoueOeones.hdoelaeehhtrvoidei'emrtdpn№mknsrlecaerdias.tbiyltausooeal°uwaetb4seedraru7temensevenshhhzmetonstiebrsTarlai“e0yigWnteNsto.sds1sn,nuttmenetyfet6elWt2en.ecsrdsuemgthuyOaaSi8wcesrnh1oieAfhalhe”foetoom°i9aHoSaeitresrs7eroitIhHpopaqo40bbedeeswpn4asHtdttdapwtehCistiproap2ortretnnaomlrnert’n3u7lltbbdracnuyt,efuhnhnhnolh“avonud.o.losiacuae5i’dt1eihorrpneaaWaeo8ieKeaoWasn'lfsratnu’ada°qecatleoeeeusdtteooklPosituta1f.,roehrLduFmits-dst°egp7dnntohovuaa0loolPonJjbictfscddyeai2SegrriimascnTozmmsr8sS0rhnatanoidndios7sNflelnCincAltptCATod2lWbelriooyuelne9N.ceehorrehlfoiidyFa9ahCr0fimncnehRloevsi0aofgibirsuoweiwompohdtphnenkmwouutc-melwlmc5ateoyscttsd’i7odatto4neteia.rurnnln4a’ndeteoua.dinleaggrt,roeeealuayuyMignleureoehmchehha4.iNunTtawt.°isiunWyeehraenilpgl1yvcvtld1eeosTlnt5rsmjBkhhetrblraophdrlaipNmieneeWcgnnovldmtashfd2ii8JPsoilomyt°esroea1toehlCPetsHeirclroaneTa.yWo°aahLeacenrtessa9FrteahbplNhes,ebeea0nm,eu1Jliisayif2ob.,Pire1yCmloceuhVaes8rNwP.gyioahaasmg.nsnra4tdsnrscaouenncoab2gr9evkunid1ooa.tkegldns”6ecaat4icDgratnwlcae6sdtieir6sCetlek’lghusmnhOhaatnwedb7tem1alauohetatfrontelan25fiLlart.yCe1’dy’sofpba0rCawemridms,erwa61ziooeIiyriiahnuclutnwhroS°etJneeeooZlepinss0aksstn°rteyneo°emia.utuit0rleWenhaaosc-1egiipeDrs.Mtclia2tpbibk8mihnwoe3rtcwgaNhrmtrbvn.yeyTtsa2MutiFpsune2nmaa’yacsioaniCsNpyhd1ngme7Lllnosau1tDrnenae6hklyor”khohcet,wndma9ihevrte.qeotu5lZsaesthnlolemvbrnutcos’uc7esuiiuyeteate.T.n0h”sot,ctmrCw4sFenuub,6e5aeynedeeiIyefii.hthr3cemmomtSshrndreeWovhhdeirtt7wIdmgwlisodsOce.AaaaiP1pPbrao9at7aeoonroatnebiBdesaesscd7rketfeaomesttsdoaft’otfl6rtrd-tieuilmRrhlna,l°rSayerb8odu.hssslifacithaasnycri7una1Cepo0oubtsmsourw,dFjpmu2srbiiho7xoohoooec,eWtgsnuaihu2t’ikitsinrkusytd9PLaottmywtrdeu”ts9wehaaleditri°ehnn“tn’.ontetjrenmnellieeesga3hle,asuo5apsiadatfea8Wmtnesehheuhilweaaet7anslbPleetoreWaoMaqwacr2eotnyfn,ii.FStine60’rsuIlcneoclDortd3nCrlfrct°hbmSo,uusgnt1rHrsuylioneebiwhrProtesqtlsnoeeMmerht.y0ncoetaaoudMoemeHtWtp49di2e,iUi0atlar59hpumursny.eaaiobismerahrwDi1srsrtsHan.pigirumuosomasafia.1ee2e1t1ses9vetiIe0prmca7.oilirlr,t33nutmorgmhwnnyltIyly”seucmtissttdetnwmaetem’ior.ri8e7t6r8Hni,ad0ioeud-tnmhVw3Jlmte°o,cow13wteWtst4hoiiabsaerlcWamyse°oeuud.mnoso5oeoaott6decasy,i51tH8w9aWerniranyi2mpae”8dyaoeftiawC2arHhrrsrlasoihsmreirnr56lanrmrs0w1vraspe-inidrsouc.aali70tiacehsimtaeplin0as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o1rtaaftr2Tp4o2dihNlre.aitthrtars3sfnrr’8aoome,h1uhha’ih5Tiidtgenne7nnsosna9oW4naeConeeta.aFhl.tjki50gml9id9eedcealhdo1tsteponberfrPUal4.eS9,5oo0cPeeu°siwusfodrariiTicnucohcUCorw7es49cgnabwaan2cnatthashotilurrt’inehnP’7otnisnudod,5ciSivoanfiuyoelnlbtisedcnlWd°rriemiq.ososcaiufedeVac7enCrsr2iisupSnterwdefDo,ss8nfi0ooittsat1is.t2tdnsdehaeePa7buiu9rsha.t2n0ueMen5icdpreat’trm7eyr,tt1emhohdCctsoedaaWoo1o°f5feieDotnnuHarefinc2t.orouMdardncca0hum1ueisminitnn1enm9sestDle.Ftnegey8spatmB7tysbee9uibroAmr2ioptit°avpngoonulsnfhe0Hesomb2oetrLrsueiectrs,1i’cetnii1aiLseecokpC8tarol.lbetots6ssni5ialafohselvlt206lhnyitrtaeiglbuaothlih.o40bsacorfctWSean’lnatei1i0iwtonoHhtaplnsCn8har7hriitc/.sltneooaeeT2lhii2faddrrid0hpeontelrTeNoh1.aeirPh7uatohoisoffn7etynoflo.4ntehriaumhn1droe1inCtseoe2tcuedrP°ojhrn5cmrroeohbrr.Til2lo5eeseluTtobtuouhaieonv5hunahsnnawsmsgee2nob.tusesnede6fesnyheeibslporrevAne42tarceortefuroesrotgaetnC1deswlepwmuiardrdemlr’Mida,efo

Family works alongside volunteers to build new home, new hope

Stacey Gronenthal's trailer home home for a walk through. Jaina and Avri will share a room
had a leaky roof. The floor was giving A few weeks after Christmas, she for a short time until Jaina graduates
way in spots and there was mold in in May.
the kitchen. received the call that her family was
selected as the recipients of the next Gronenthal was surprised at the
The poor insulation and drafty Habitat home. number of people who gave up their
windows were contributing to electric weekends to help strangers build a
and gas bills of around $200 month. “You could've knocked me over home.
with a feather,” she said.
“It was killing me,”she said. “They're amazing people,” she
Edie Ryba, a coworker at ADM in Her children — Jaina, 17; Avri, 12; said.
Columbus, was aware of Gronenthal’s and Malikai, 6 — were thrilled.
troubles. In 2015, Ryba suggested Overall, Gronenthal couldn't have
that she apply for a Habitat for Gronenthal said one of the asked for a better experience.
Humanity home, knowing how much biggest hurdles of the process was
it would benefit the single mother of explaining to people that she will “The whole process has been very
three children. have a mortgage like many other overwhelming,” she said. “But it's
Gronenthal agreed, but never homeowners.
followed through. been a 'good' overwhelming.”
Last fall, Ryba again prompted her “A lot of people think this is a
to attend an informational meeting. free home,” she said.
This time, Gronenthal listened to
the advice, attended the meeting and The only difference is that
filled out the application. this mortgage has zero interest.
“I figured it wouldn't hurt to fill Gronenthal will pay the
it out,” she said. “You don't know homeowner's insurance
unless you try.” and property taxes.
After making it through the initial
application process, the local Habitat Habitat recipients
for Humanity board members started are also required
looking at Gronenthal's income to help build their
and payment history. homes.

Then two board members The family
visited her moved in to their
new three-
bedroom, one
bath home
earlier this
month.

16 GENERATOR

'At least 250 hands touch the home in one way or another'

Mike Smith has always enjoyed groups from Columbus area Snyder said Habitat’s mission is to
building. businesses, churches and service eliminate poverty — but that doesn’t
organizations. mean giving families free homes.
When he heard that the local
Habitat for Humanity was looking for “At least 250 hands touch the Single-parent families must
volunteers, it didn't take long for him home in one way or another,” said invest 200 hours of ‘sweat equity’
to grab a hammer and get to work. Jamie Snyder, Executive Director of with two-parent families giving 400
Habitat for Humanity of Columbus. hours.
As an added benefit, Smith said
volunteering for the organization Volunteers not only help build Home recipients must take classes
fits the core values of his employer, the home, but also provide food for and the Habitat board considers an
Becton Dickinson. workers or help with fundraisers. applicant’s ability to pay a mortgage.

“It helps us get into the The organization has provided “This is not a free house,”
community and demonstrate our core six Habitat homes in Columbus and she said. “It has a no-interest
values,” Smith said. “It's obviously Cheloha hopes that number continues mortgage.”
very positive for everyone.” to grow.
Mortgages for Columbus’ Habitat
Loup Power District’s Engineering “We’re behind other communities homes run about $85,000.
Supervisor Chuck McCumber was a of our size,” he said. “It’s long
member of the 2007-08 Leadership overdue for Columbus to get to this This year’s recipient, Stacey
Columbus class that helped launch point.” Gronenthal, was paying upwards of
the organization in Columbus $200 per month on utilities.
Finding lots can be challenging,
Loup’s New Business Supervisor but Habitat was able to purchase That burden should ease with this
Rick Cheloha, also a Leadership a large parcel of property on new home.
Columbus alum, offered to serve 45th Avenue, ensuring that the
on the Habitat board and became organization will have space to build “They’re built to an energy-star
Construction Manager — a position for a number of years. level and are very efficient,” Cheloha
he’s held ever since. said.

Smith and Cheloha are only a few Snyder said the board and
of volunteers who come together volunteers work very well together
to help build homes for needy to ensure that families continue to
families. benefit from the organization.

Many are part of “It’s a fine-tuned machine
larger volunteer and it works really well,”
she said.

At Left: The Gronenthal Thrivent Financial
family moved into their partners with Habitat
for Humanity in a
new home Sept. 30. program called Thrivent
The family includes Builds.

Malikai, 6; Stacey; Local house sponsors
Avri, 12; and Jaina, 17. included B-D
Construction, Inc,
Loup Power District Cargill, First National
employees who have Bank, BD Medical, and
volunteered or donated Pinnacle Bank.
to Habitat for Humanity
include Chuck McCumber, For more information
Rick Cheloha, Marie Zach, about volunteering
Aric Arlt and Tim Recek. or donating, call
402-910-4182 or visit
www.hfhcolumbusne.org.

FALL 2017 17

PROTECTING

WILKINSON

WILDLIFE

Loup receives Nebraska Environmental Trust grant

The Nebraska Environmental Trust awarded In the spring of 2016, three endangered adult
$14,132 to Loup Power District for a project Whooping Cranes stopped at the Wilkinson
that will ensure the safety of cranes and WMA during their migration and stayed for 12
other migratory birds at the Wilkinson Wildlife days.
Management Area (WWMA) near Platte Center.
The cranes’ presence raised serious concerns
Last year, the District installed bird diverters because a portion of the WWMA where the
on a 34.5kV powerline shield wire at Wilkinson birds frequented is bisected by a powerline
to increase visibility and prevent potentially that runs through the interior of the wetland.
fatal collisions. The diverters were provided by The powerline was erected when the area was
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service office in Wood farmed.
River.
Following the crane sighting, Loup Power
This fall, a 12.5kV powerline located in the District, the Nebraska Game and Parks
interior of the wetland complex will be buried to Commission, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
protect the birds. Service developed a plan to completely remove
the power line from the interior of the wetland.
Nebraska’s wetlands provide critically-
important habitat for an abundance and This single action will eliminate a potential
diversity of migratory waterbirds including source of bird mortality and is necessary to
waterfowl, cranes, shorebirds, and others. continue to restore this portion of the wetland.

18 GENERATOR

Loup’s Vice President of Engineering
Ron Ziola (center) accepted the District’s
grant at a ceremony in April. He is
pictured with Mark Brohman, Executive
Director of The Nebraska Environmental
Trust, and Marilyn Tabor, Grants
Administrator for the Trust.

WHAT IS THE NEBRASKA ENVIRONMENTAL TRUST?

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska recycling programs in Nebraska. The Nebraska
Environmental Trust in 1992. Using revenue from the Environmental Trust works to preserve,
Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided over $265 protect and restore our natural resources for future
million in grants to over 2,000 projects across the state. generations.

Anyone — citizens, organizations, communities, Loup’s project is one of 85 projects receiving a total
farmers and businesses — can apply for funding to of $16,680,000 in grant awards from the Nebraska
protect habitat, improve water quality and establish Environmental Trust this year.

Journeyman Lineman Zach Reicks installs a bird
diverter (see close-up above) on a power line at
Wilkinson Wildlife Management Area near Platte
Center last fall.

The rest of the project will be completed this fall.

FALL 2017 19

employee notes

25 Years SCOTT SNYDER

Dredge Operator

Scott Snyder of Genoa joined Loup in 1992 as a Maintenance Man at the Genoa
Headworks. He was promoted to Dredge Operator in 1998 and continues in that
position today.

As a Dredge Operator, Snyder is a member of the team that operates and
maintains the District’s dredge at the Genoa Headworks. Located six miles
southwest of Genoa, the Headworks is where the District diverts water from the
Loup River into the District’s 35-mile power canal. The dredge is a floating pump
that vacuums sand from the settling basin at the Headworks. Dredging the sand
allows water to flow into the canal to the powerhouses at Monroe and Columbus
for electricity generation.

Snyder is a native of Genoa and a graduate of Genoa High School. He and his
wife, Rose, are the parents of a daughter: Tanya.

Loup presents lease payment
checks to area communities

Loup Power District officials recently presented lease payment
checks totaling more than $1.3 million to area communities.

The payments represent 10 percent of the retail revenue
generated by the sale of electric power in the communities. Some
communities are paid quarterly and others are paid biannually.

2017 SECOND QUARTER PAYMENTS 1 Year

Columbus — $832,038.14 STACY WEMHOFF
Genoa — $16,572.08
Creston — $5,152.92 Communications Coordinator
Lindsay — $38,791.67
Newman Grove — $14, 164.74 Stacy Wemhoff of Schuyler joined
Loup Power District in August 2016 as
2017 FIRST HALF PAYMENTS Communications Coordinator at the
Columbus General Office.
Primrose — $3,183.07 Albion — $87,337.03
St. Edward — $36,879.37 Cedar Rapids — $28,236.69 As Communications Coordinator, she
Humphrey — $37,029.75 Richland — $4,442.64 is responsible for writing news releases,
Cornlea — $3,441.16 Belgrade — $6,630.87 creating newsletters and advertisements,
Monroe — $17,803.06 Fullerton — $57,801.39 and other communications activities.
Tarnov — $2,858.61 Duncan — $34,196.33
Platte Center — $21,752.67 Howells — $39,000.20 Wemhoff is a graduate of Humphrey
Petersburg — $17,125.28 Clarkson — $37,498.36 St. Francis High School. She earned a
journalism degree from Midland Lutheran
Each of these communities owns their electric distribution College in Fremont
systems.  These payments compensate them for the use of those
systems. Communities use the funds for a variety of public She and her husband, Mark, are
projects. the parents of three children — Carly,
Lauren, and Bo.

20 GENERATOR

2nd Quarter of 2017

ALVIN MEYER 20 Years

Journeyman Lineman

Alvin Meyer of Albion joined Loup in 1997 as a Lineman at the Albion Retail
Operation. He was promoted to Journeyman Lineman in 2003 and continues in
that position today.

As a Journeyman Lineman, Meyer is member of the crew that is responsible
for the construction, operation, and maintenance of electric transmission and
distribution systems and substations in the Albion Division. The Albion Division
includes the northern part of Boone and Platte counties, and the southwest corner
of Madison County.

Meyer is a native of Winnetoon, Neb., and a graduate of Creighton High School.
He earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Utility Line from Northeast
Community College in Norfolk.

Meyer and his wife, Jenny, have three grown stepchildren; a son, Hunter; and
three granddaughters.

1 Year 5 Years

NIKKI BRUNKEN GREG BADSTIEBER

Customer Service Representative Engineering Technician I

Nikki Brunken of Columbus joined Greg Badstieber of Columbus joined Loup Power District
Loup Power District in July 2016 as a in 2012 as an Engineering Technician II in the Engineering
Customer Service Representative at the Department at the Columbus General Office. He continued
Columbus General Office. in that position until 2015 when he was promoted to
Engineering Technician I.
As Customer Service Representative
Brunken’s responsibilities include As Engineering Technician I, Badstieber primarily works
greeting customers; processing payments on substation design. He coordinates the construction and
made by mail, dropbox, or drive up inspection of District projects, orders materials to ensure
window; setting up, transferring, or they meet Loup’s specifications and assists with engineering
closing service; taking service calls; and projects throughout the District. Other duties include
preparing reports. designing distribution and transmission lines and surveying.

A native of Silver Creek, Brunken is a Badstieber is a graduate of Columbus High School. He
graduate of Silver Creek High School. She attended Southeast Community College in Lincoln, where
attended Central Community College - he earned an Associate of Applied Science degree. He also
Columbus and earned a Certificate in IT. attended Peru State College where he earned a Bachelor of
Science degree in Business Management.
Brunken and her husband, Rob, are the
parents of a daughter, Taylor, and son, Badstieber and his wife, Sandi, are the parents of two
and Grant. daughters, Elle and Ayla.

FALL 2017 21

around the District

‘REPIER’ WORK

Employees from Diamond Engineering worked to repair diversion gate support piers at the Genoa Headworks this summer. First, they removed
damaged concrete and then added rebar and concrete along with galvanized angle iron. This will protect the new concrete and help break up ice
chunks during the winter. At left is a damaged support pier that needs repair. At right are some of the piers that have been fixed.

Loup Additions

Emery Lynn Ainsworth

Born May 12
8 lb & 20.5 inches
Siblings: Brooklyn, 5, and Avery, 3
Parents: Kyle and Jill Ainsworth. Kyle is
a Journeyman Lineman in Columbus.

A LINEMAN LIKE DAD Brayden Eugene Konwinski

Brantlee Babl, 5, is was ready to help his dad Born June 24
following Hurricane Irma. He is the son of 7 lb, 15 oz & 21 inches
Adam and Ashley Babl. Adam is a Journeyman
Lineman in the Albion Division. Parents: Trent and Joni Konwnski.
Trent is an Arborist Foreman in
Photo submitted by Ashley Babl. Columbus.

22 GENERATOR

GROUP TOURS LOUP DREDGE ON THE PONTOON . . .

Headworks Supervisor Gary Pearson leads a tour of the dredge Genoa Headworks crew members repaired parts of the dredge
for a group during Nebraska Public Power District's 2017 annual pontoon in August. Pictured above are Bob Anderson, Scott Snyder,
customer meeting and appreciation event Aug. 24. Randy Prososki and James Reeg.

IRRIGATION COUNCIL MEMBERS VISIT LOUP

About 50 members of the 4 States Irrigation Council visited the Genoa Headworks and Columbus Powerhouse in August. The visit was part of

the council’s annual summer tour. According to their website, the Four States Irrigation Council was established in 1952. It serves as a forum

for irrigators to exchange ideas and information, to discuss specific irrigation-related problems, and to learn if solutions to those

problems have been explored by other members. The council’s member states are Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska and Wyoming. tyhoaun!k
“Thank you for allowing the 4 States summer tour to visit your facility. Our group was more than impressed

and so appreciative of the time you all spent with us.” — 4 States Irrigation Council

FALL 2017 23

Loup Power District

2404 15th Street
PO Box 988
Columbus, NE 68602-0988

Loup Power District trucks line up as crews get ready to work
in Tallahassee, Florida. Photo by Trent Konwinski.