ColumbusCOMMUNITYGUIDE

www.loup.comwww.columbusne.us

www.thecolumbuspage.com

N E B R A S K A

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E2

The following pages contain basic information about Columbus, Nebraska. This information was compiled by the City of Columbus, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, Loup Power District, and Nebraska Public Power District in order to promote community development and quality of life.

ContactsDavid Bell, Co-ChairColumbus Economic CouncilVP of Development/MarketingLoup Power DistrictColumbus, NebraskaPhone: (402) 564-3171 Ext. 257Cell: (402) 910-8903Email: dbell@loup.comwww.loup.com

Tara VasicekCity AdministratorCity of ColumbusColumbus, NebraskaPhone: (402) 562-4233Email: tara.vasicek@columbusne.uswww.columbusne.us

K.C. BelitzPresidentColumbus Area Chamber of CommerceColumbus, NebraskaPhone: (402) 564-2769Cell: (402) 270-9119Email: kbelitz@megavision.comwww.thecolumbuspage.com

Mary M. Plettner, CEcDEconomic Development ManagerNebraska Public Power DistrictColumbus, NebraskaPhone: (402) 563-5534Cell: (402) 750-1907Email: mmplett@nppd.comecondev.nppd.com

ABOUTColumbus

N E B R A S K A

If you like moving forward, you’ve come to the right place! Columbus, Nebraska is hard at work, building our future. Physical structures are being built from one end of Columbus to the other....in fact, more construction is

3 Geography 4 Economic Development 7 Labor10 Market Access12 Infrastructure17 Communications19 Tax Structure

21 Local Government23 Education28 Quality of Life38 Community Services40 Agriculture & Raw Materials42 Climate

Table of Contents

going on right now than at any other time in our history! At the same time, many partners are working to build the future of our businesses and families in a variety of avenues.

Columbus is home to some 6,000 manufacturing jobs with companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small, homegrown enterprises. We have low unemployment, but still have talented people looking for greater opportunities. Approximately half of the people commute to work from a 50-mile radius around Columbus, making this a true regional hub.

As we commonly say, Columbus is where collaboration lives. If you like working together toward a common goal; then you’ll fit right in here. In 2007, a group of organizations came together to discuss needed facilities. They agreed more success could be accomplished working together. That group has met every month since, and in the past year celebrated the opening of two of the four projects they identified: the East-Central District Health Department headquarters and the Columbus Wellness Center housing the Columbus YMCA. Project number 3, the STEM Academy will open in the newly built Columbus High School next year and the last project, a new library and arts center is in the design stage.

Columbus is proud of what we have to offer and proud that others have recognized those strengths. Columbus has been named as one of the Top 100 best places to live by CNN/Money Magazine twice in the past decade. But we’re not resting...in fact, we are building an even better future and we hope you’ll be part of it.

2015 U.S. Census Population

Columbus 22,797Platte County 32,847

The Table of Contents and section headings are hot linked within this Community Guide. Clicking on the section headings will return you to the Table of Contents.

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 3

LocationColumbus, the county seat of Platte County, is located in the east-central part of Nebraska near the confluence of the Platte and Loup Rivers. U.S. Highways 30 and 81 intersect in the city. Columbus is 75 miles northwest of Lincoln and

S O U T H D A K O T A

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M I S S O U R I

Geography

Columbus

85 miles west of Omaha. The Columbus Micropolitan Statistical Area consists of Platte County.

ElevationColumbus is 1,447 feet above sea level.

North

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E4

Firms with retail sales tax permits in Columbus reported 2015 net taxable retail sales of $393,926,007, while Platte County reported retail sales of $418,392,787.

Economic Development OrganizationsEconomic development activities for the Columbus region are carried out by the Columbus Economic Council (CEC), a committee of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. The committee has 41 members representing major manufacturers, bank presidents, and city and county officials.

CEC provides three primary services (recruitment, retention, and technical assistance) to new and existing Columbus companies. The focus is primarily on industrial development with an emphasis on manufacturing, technology, back office operations, and food processing. Several sites are available in the industrial park and typically one or more vacant buildings are ready for immediate occupancy.

Columbus has an Economic Development Incentive Plan (840 Plan) to assist businesses in start-up and/or expansion projects.

Economic Development

Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 5

BD Medical - Pharmaceutical Systems BD Medical - Medication & Procedural Solutions

Columbus’ Top Ten Manufacturing Employers

Employees

BD Medical - Medication & Procedural Solutions ..........................1,038Hypodermic needles & syringes

BD Medical - Pharmaceutical Systems ...................................................732Glass syringes

Behlen Mfg. .............................................650Steel buildings, agricultural & livestock equipment

Vishay Dale Electronics .........................616Electronic components

CAMACO, LLC ........................................485Automotive seats & frames

ADM Corn Processing (Columbus) ...........430Wet corn milling, corn starch, fructose, ethanol

FLEXcon ..................................................158Pressure sensitive plastic fi lm, decals, package labels, holograms, adhesive nameplates

Valmont....................................................150Steel transmission structures for utility industry

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

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

Columbus’ Top Ten Nonmanufacturing Employers

Employees

Columbus Community Hospital ............650Medical

Columbus Public Schools .....................595Education

Central Community College .......................456 (Columbus) Education

Nebraska Public Power District ............379Electric utility

City of Columbus ....................................185Government

Lakeview Community Schools ..............183Education

Platte County ..........................................175Government

State of Nebraska (Platte County only) .......127Government

Educational Service Unit 7 ......................84Education

Jacobs Field Services ..............................83Engineering & construction maintenance

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E6

FLEXconCargill Value Added Meats

Columbus Hydraulics Co., Inc.

Behlen Mfg. Vishay Dale Electronics

CAMACO, LLC ADM Corn Processing

Valmont

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 7

UnionizationNebraska 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 Labor Unions ● Central Community College - Columbus

○ Nebraska Education Association ● City of Columbus (police & fi re only)

○ International Association of Fire Fighters ○ Fraternal Order of Police

● Columbus Public Schools (teachers only) ○ Nebraska State Education Association

● Educational Service Unit 7 (ESU 7) (teachers only) ○ Nebraska State Education Association

● Lakeview Community Schools (certifi ed staff only) ○ Lakeview Education Association

● State of Nebraska - Platte County (hourly employees only) ○ National Association of Public Employees ○ American Federation of State, County, and

Municipal Employees ● U.S. Post Offi ce

○ American Postal Workers Union ○ National Association of Letter Carriers ○ National Rural Letter Carriers Association

Source: Nebraska Department of Labor

Nonfarm Wage & Salary Employment, Platte County,

2015 Annual Average

Platte County Labor Supply Annual Average 2015

Platte & ContiguousCounties*

Platte County

Non-farm wage and salary workers .................... 56,148 18,509Total employment ............... 60,383 16,464Labor force population ....... 61,995 16,928

ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL LABOR SUPPLYCounty high school graduates annually ................................................. 366Commuting out of county (2014) ............. 5,606Unemployed .......................................... 464Total ...................................................... 6,436NOTE: Does not include estimated number of homemakers, seasonal &

part-time workers, and workers who would shift from low-paying jobs who could be expected to work for industry.

*Contiguous counties include Boone, Butler, Colfax, Madison, Merrick, Nance, Polk, and Stanton Counties in Nebraska.

Unemployment RateAnnual Average 2015

Platte County 3.0%

Nebraska 3.0%

United States 5.3%Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Labor

Information

1.4%

Transportation,

Warehousing &

Utilities incl RR

3.3%Other Services

4.6%

Wholesale Trade

5.4%

Financial Activities

6.1%

Professional &

Business Services

6.6%

Goods-Producing

10.2%

Education &

Health Services

12.2%

Total Government

16.6%

Leisure & Hospitality

16.8%

Retail Trade

17.0%

2009-2014 Percent ChangeValue Added Per Dollar

Manufacturing Production Worker Wages Nebraska, Surrounding

States & U.S.

0.0

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov

Surrounding states include data for states contiguousto Nebraska as a group, including Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

U.S. SurroundingStates

Nebraska

1.4%

3.5%

9.6%

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E8

Fringe Benefi tsLocal industries estimate fringe benefits range from 20 to 60 percent of wages.

Nebraska Public Power District

Loup Power District

Cornhusker Public Power District

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 9

U.S. AverageNEBRASKA

CaliforniaColorado

IllinoisIndiana

IowaKansas

MichiganMinnesota

MissouriPennsylvania

Wisconsin

Average Hourly Earnings for Production Workers, 2015

0 $5 $10 $15

$21.96$17.73

$21.35$26.54

$19.78$18.90$19.00

$18.88

$20.22$19.62

$19.32$18.96

$20.80

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)

$20 $25

U.S. AverageNEBRASKA

CaliforniaColorado

IllinoisIndiana

IowaKansas

MichiganMinnesota

MissouriPennsylvania

Wisconsin

$0 $100 $200 $300 $500

$370$130

$443$323

$476$276

$292$365

$379$274

$466$627

$428

Source: Values calculated by Ken Lemke, Nebraska Public Power District, from U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Average Employer Contribution Rates by State, 2014. http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov

$400 $600

Average Annual Unemployment Insurance Contribution Per Covered Employee, 2015

$700

$30

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

WorkforceThe Nebraska Department of Labor serves employers and job seekers across Nebraska through its “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 Innovation and Opportunity Act partners. To access Nebraska Department of Labor’s One-Stop for Jobs, go to neworks.nebraska.gov

Standard Occupational Code Title10th

Percentile50th

Percentile90th

PercentileAccountants and Auditors 18.32 27.70 46.26

Computer Programmers 13.63 30.46 44.83Registered Nurses 20.74 27.38 36.82

Retail Salespersons 8.58 10.67 20.49Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical 10.63 14.15 19.03

Customer Service Representatives 9.33 13.59 22.18Office Clerks, General 8.76 11.96 18.42

Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other* 9.90 15.00 20.47Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand 9.90 13.82 18.57

Machinists 10.37 18.13 24.56Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers 13.20 17.39 22.98

Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters 14.28 17.47 19.57Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers 13.09 18.83 27.73

Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters/Operators 12.89 16.07 20.28Electricians 13.73 19.48 28.80

Tool and Die Makers 17.59 24.08 30.17*Wage information taken from Nebraska StatewideSource: Nebraska Workforce Development, Occupational Employment Statistics Program, Third Quarter 2016

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E10

RailColumbus is served by a main line of the Union Pacific Railroad with 50 freight trains passing through the city daily. Switching is performed by a local switch crew in rail yards and train crews on the main line.

The BNSF Railway Company has a branch line that serves Archer Daniels Midland Monday through Saturday.

Nebraska Central Railroad, a short-line railroad, operates lines in Columbus and communities north of the city.

Amtrak provides Lincoln, 75 miles southeast of Columbus, with rail passenger service throughout the United States. Additional Nebraska Amtrak stations are located in Hastings, Holdrege, McCook, and Omaha. For more information, visit www.amtrak.com.

Market Access

AirThe Columbus Municipal Airport is utilized by both commercial and private aircraft. Air freight and air express services are available.

Facilities at the Columbus Municipal Airport include a full service FBO (fixed base operator) offering 100 low-lead octane and jet A fuel, full instrument landing capabilities, nonprecision approach, full maintenance, tie downs, rental cars, aircraft rental and sales, crop spraying, and flight instruction. One of the 40 private planes hangared at the airport is available for charter. The airport is operational from dawn to dusk as well as on call. The elevation at the airport is 1,447 feet, the latitude is 41-26-55.4N, and the longitude is 097-20-27.4W.

Source: Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Legal Trucking Distances from North Platte, Nebraska [maps], 2016. Generated by Andrew Eckerson using ESRI Business Analyst Desktop.

Bus LinesArrow Stage Lines, in Norfolk 43 miles north of Columbus, provides daily passenger service to Omaha with one bus, Monday through Friday.

HighwaysEast-west U.S. Highway 30 and north-south U.S. Highway 81 intersect in Columbus. Truck restrictions apply for off streets unless they are making deliveries. Interstate 80 is 54 miles south and Interstate 29 is 85 miles east of Columbus.

U.S. Highway 81 is four-laned from seven miles south of Columbus to north of Norfolk. U.S. Highway 30 is four-laned from Columbus to Schuyler, 18 miles east.

TrucklinesMore than 13,500 licensed motor carriers with worldwide connections are based in Nebraska and serve businesses throughout North America.

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 11

WaterBarge service is not available near Columbus.

PipelineNuStar LP operates a terminal seven miles east of Columbus.

Runway Identifi cation

Number Length Surface Lighted14/32 6,781' Concrete Yes02/20 4,135' Turf No

Nearest Commercial Air Service

Central Nebraska Regional AirportGrand Island .............................64 miles, 70 minutes

Lincoln AirportLincoln ......................................75 miles, 75 minutesEppley Airfi eldOmaha ......................................85 miles, 95 minutes

Airport Administration Building

Columbus Airport

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E12

Nebraska HighlightsEnergy 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.

lower, incentivized EDR, a customer must be served by an NPPD wholesale customer or NPPD’s Retail Division. The project must add new or additional electric load of at least one megawatt, have a minimum monthly load factor of 60 percent and the customer must also enter into a written agreement with the State of Nebraska or any political subdivison 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.

Creston Wind Farm

Beatrice Power Station

Gerald Gentleman Station

Cooper Nuclear Station

NPPD’s Sources of Energy - 2016(Native Load + Nonfi rm Sales)

Infrastructure

Wind 6.9%

Nuclear 32.3%

* Hydro 6.8%

Power Purchases

4.5%Gas & Oil 1.5%

Coal 48.0% *Hydro includes WAPA

Carbon Free Resources 46%Carbon Emitting Resources 54%

NPPD has a wholesale Economic Development Rate (EDR) for customers with qualifying projects of new or additional electric load. To be eligible for the

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.

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 13

Columbus UtilitiesElectricityLoup Power District (www.loup.com), a wholesale power customer of Nebraska Public Power District (www.nppd.com), provides electric service to Boone, Colfax, Nance, and Platte Counties, and a portion of Madison County. Loup Power District provides wholesale service to the communities of Leigh and Schuyler. Loup Power District, Nebraska Public Power District, Cornhusker Public Power District (www.cornhusker-power.com), and the Nebraska G & T are headquartered in Columbus.

The Columbus area receives power from three sources: (1) the Columbus Hydro substation, located one mile northeast of Columbus and adjacent to a Loup 45 MW hydroelectric plant, which is tied to the statewide transmission grid system with seven 115 kV lines;

(2) Columbus West 230-34.5 kV substation serves the west side of Columbus; and (3) Columbus East 345/230/115-34.5 kV substation serves the east side of Columbus and the east industrial area.

Two 37 MVA and four 56 MVA transformers feed into eleven 34.5 kV subtransmission lines, which form a 34.5 kV grid around and through the city and adjacent industrial areas. The distribution system voltage throughout Columbus and the surrounding area is 12,470 volts.

Creston Ridge Wind Farm, a four-turbine wind facility located between Creston and Columbus, begun operation in December of 2015. It is owned and operated by Bluestem Energy Solutions based in Omaha. Each turbine has a maximum capacity of 1.7 megawatts for a total of 6.8 megawatts. Bluestem sells the power generated by the turbines to Loup Power District.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2015 Annual

Nebraska’s Energy Costs

Are Among The Lowest In

The NationU.S. AverageNEBRASKA

CaliforniaColorado

IllinoisIndiana

IowaKansas

MassachusettsMichigan

MinnesotaMissouri

New JerseyNew York

OhioPennsylvania

TexasWisconsin

Natural Gas(Dollars per Thousand Cubic Feet)

Residential Commercial Industrial

10.38 7.91 3.918.86 6.40 4.56

11.39 8.04 6.418.27 7.47 5.747.97 7.29 5.478.92 7.61 6.368.51 6.50 5.28

10.17 8.87 4.2413.02 10.81 9.22

8.81 7.51 6.608.79 7.31 4.87

11.60 9.14 7.588.32 8.50 8.09

11.20 6.85 6.629.51 6.39 5.35

11.04 9.32 8.5910.62 6.95 2.89

8.54 6.78 5.65

Electric(Cents per Kilowatt Hour)

Residential Commercial Industrial

12.65 10.64 6.9110.60 8.67 7.5916.99 15.73 12.1712.12 9.88 7.4012.50 9.02 6.6711.57 9.78 6.8611.63 8.92 5.9012.34 10.10 7.6119.83 15.79 13.5414.42 10.55 7.0212.12 9.44 7.0211.21 9.16 6.4415.81 12.79 10.6418.54 15.31 6.3112.80 10.07 7.0213.64 9.60 7.2011.56 8.15 5.5914.11 10.89 7.58

2015 Average Retail Price of Energy Costs

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E14

Industrial Rates Subtransmission Delivery are also available.

Prospective customers should contact President and CEO, Neal D. Suess, Loup Power District, Columbus, Nebraska, (402) 564-3171, nsuess@loup.com, www.loup.com, for further information regarding electric rates and service.

Residential Service (LR1)

Customer Charge: $17.00 per monthSummer Winter$0.1175 $0.0815 per kWh for the fi rst

600 kWh used per month$0.0905 $0.0775 per kWh for all

additional useMinimum Bill: $17.00 per month

General Service (LG1) (Single Phase)

Customer Charge: $25.00 per monthSummer Winter$0.1090 $0.0965 per kWh for the fi rst

1,200 kWh used per month

$0.0970 $0.0915 per kWh for all additional use

Minimum Bill: $25.00 per month plus 50¢ per kVA transformer capacity above 25 kVA

Large Light & Power Service (LP)(distribution delivery from lines of 12,470 volts

or less and demand less than 300 kW)

Customer Charge: $450.00 per monthDemand Charge:Summer Winter$17.50 $12.25 per kW per month of

maximum or billing demand

Plus an Energy Charge of:$0.0490 $0.0400 per kWh

Minimum Bill: $450.00 per month plus 50¢ per kVA transformer capacity installedMaximum Bill:

Summer: The maximum cost per kWh after all adjustments or discounts will be $0.2160.Winter: The maximum cost per kWh after all adjustments or discoutns will be $0.2066

Large Light & Power Service (LP3)(distribution delivery from lines of 12,470 volts

or less and demand greater than 300 kW)

Customer Charge: $750.00 per monthDemand Charge:Summer Winter$17.25 $13.25 per kW per month of

on-peak maximum or billing demand

$5.25 $4.25 per kW per month of off-peak maximum or billing demand, which is above the on-peak demand

Plus an Energy Charge of:$0.0510 $0.0435 per kWh on-peak$0.0435 $0.0375 per kWh off-peak

Minimum Bill: $750.00 per month plus 50¢ per kVA transformer capacity installed

General Service (LG1) (Three Phase)

Customer Charge: $36.00 per monthSummer Winter$0.1090 $0.0965 per kWh for the fi rst

3,000 kWh used per month

$0.0970 $0.0915 per kWh for all additional use

Minimum Bill: $36.00 per month plus 50¢ per kVA transformer capacity above 25 kVA

Base Electric Rates—Loup Power District (effective 1/15/17)

Summer bills run from June 15 – October 14.Winter bills run from October 15 – June 14.

All rates are subject to application of a retail Production Cost Adjustment (PCA). All minimum billings include the customer charge.

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 15

Cornhusker Public Power District provides service to rural areas in six counties surrounding Columbus. For information regarding electrical services in the Cornhusker Public Power District service area, visit www.cornhusker-power.com or contact CEO/General Manager, Clay Gibbs, Columbus, Nebraska (402) 564-2821, clayg@cppd.us.

WaterThe municipal water system in Columbus is supplied by two water treatment plants (south and north) that are fed from 11 active wells, which have an average depth of 125 feet. The system, serving the entire city, has a combined pumping capacity of 15.0 thousand gallons per minute and an overhead storage capacity of 5.1 million gallons and 0.8 million gallons below ground. The average daily demand is 5.2 million gallons, and the historic peak daily demand is 14.2 million gallons. The system has a maximum capacity of 15.9 million gallons per day and the city’s wells can produce up to 18,000 gallons per minute. The static pressure is 55 pounds per square inch and the residual pressure is 40 pounds per square inch. The city has approximately 125 miles of water main line ranging in size from 4 inches to 30 inches in diameter.

The water table has not changed significantly in the past ten years. The quality of water does not necessitate a water treatment plant.

Water Rates (effective 10/1/16)

A $50.00 connection fee is charged for inside the city limits and a $110.00 connection fee for outside of the city limits.

Domestic and Non-Domestic Usersper 1,000 Gallons

UsesInside

City LimitsOutside

City LimitsResidential $1.33 $2.65

Commercial $1.20 $2.60

Industrial $1.18 $2.45

Plus a Monthly Service Charge (based on meter size)

Meter Size All Customers3/4" $ 6.72

1" $ 6.72

1-1/2" $ 20.15

2" $ 33.59

3" $ 67.18

4" $100.76

6" $201.53

8" $335.88

10" $503.82

12" $940.46

Loup Power House

Natural GasBlack Hills Energy is the retail supplier of natural gas in Columbus. The transmission provider is Northern Natural Gas. Black Hills Energy is a full-service natural gas distribution company with Nebraska headquarters in Lincoln.

Columbus is served by three different lines. The steel pipe lines are 4 inches, 6 inches, and 10 inches.

Natural gas, with an average value of 1,000 Btu per cubic foot, is available for residential, commercial, and industrial customers for base and peak use on a firm basis. Interruptible service is available for customers with alternate fuel capability. Annual curtailment of interruptible customers varies with the type of service selected by the customer. Rates vary slightly due to seasonal and commodity price fluctuation. Current rates for the commercial/light industrial class customer, as well as one year’s history for the Nebraska Area 3, can be found at www.blackhillsenergy.com.

Contact the Economic Development Department of Black Hills Energy at (800) 232-1850 for information regarding gas rates and service.

Other FuelsLP GasLP gas is available for residential, commercial, and industrial uses from Central Valley Ag; Ferrellgas, Inc.; and Sapp Bros. in Columbus.

OilOil is available in Columbus for residential, commercial, and industrial uses from Sapp Bros.

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E16

Domestic and Non-Domestic Usersper 1,000 Gallons

UsesInside

City LimitsOutside

City LimitsResidential $3.83 $5.51

Commercial $3.83 $5.51

Industrial $3.83 $5.51

Plus a Monthly Service Charge (based on meter size)

Meter Size All Customers3/4" $ 6.97

1" $ 6.97

1-1/2" $ 20.92

2" $ 34.87

3" $ 69.74

4" $104.61

6" $209.22

8" $348.70

10" $523.05

12" $976.37

SewerageColumbus has a municipal sanitary sewerage system and a storm sewer system. The gravity flow sanitary sewer system consists of 185 miles of sanitary sewers ranging in size from 6 inches to 33 inches in diameter. The sanitary collection system utilizes 21 lift stations.

The city’s activated sludge treatment plant was built in 1967 and updated in 1989 and 2003 with extended aeration facilities to treat domestic and industrial waste. Treatment capacity was added in 2015 to various treatment processes and in 2016 headworks facilities were upgraded. An industrial pretreatment program is in place.

The wastewater treatment plant has a daily capacity of 5,200,000 gallons per day and an average daily flow of 3,800,000 gallons per day.

Sewer-Use Charges (effective 10/1/16)A $50.00 connection fee is charged for new residential, commercial, and industrial services.

Solid Waste DisposalThe city operates a solid waste transfer station, collecting and handling municipal solid waste (msw) received from solid waste haulers, residences, and contractors. The city transfers these msw to the Northeast Nebraska Solid Waste Coalition landfill in Stanton, Nebraska, 40 miles northeast of Columbus. A free drop off yard waste and lawn clippings site is provided to city residences. Wood waste and brush is chipped on-site and available to the public free of charge.

Water & Sewer DepartmentTransfer Station

Shred Monster

RecyclingPrivate contractors handle recycling options within the community. The following places provide recycling programs in the community: Shred Monster, Columbus Telegram, and Waste Connections, along with several schools and churches.

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 17

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 telecommunication networks.

Telecommunications & InternetEagle Communications is upgrading networks throughout the communities it serves, in many cases bringing fiber to those communities to allow for next generation communication services. Eagle Communications provides Ethernet transport; PBX, PRI, and SIP architecture; VOIP options; unlimited local and nationwide calling; DIA service–5 Mb to 10 Gig; PRI/SIP or ISDN trunks; and bulk video services.

Frontier Communications is the local exchange carrier in the Columbus area with a Lucent GTD-5 digital central office, served via an OC48 and an OC3 fiber optic system. Frontier is capable of providing T3s, T1s, ISDN, frame relay, voice mail, and equal access which can service all long distance companies and digital class calling features. Telecommunication/fiber needs are adjacent to site.

Great Plains Communications, founded in 1910, and is the largest independent telephone company in Nebraska with 220 employees state-wide and serving 90 communities in Nebraska. Services include Internet access for small and medium-sized businesses and direct Internet access for large businesses from 5 Mb to 10 Gig Internet bandwidth. Managed Ethernet Service allows businesses to connect across Columbus or across the State of Nebraska, from 5 Mb to 10 Gig or more of bandwidth. Fiber connects to Omaha in the east and Denver in the west. Great Plains Communications owns, manages, and maintains a fiber optic network with two fiber routes across the state.

Spectrum offers business class services including phone with local, in-state, or interstate long distance call; cable television; Ethernet with point-to-point connectivity between two business locations; a range of bandwidth speeds on a Hybrid Fiber Coax network; and dedicated Internet access that delivers a protected link between your network and the Internet.

InternetCommunity Internet / Megavision and its rural wireless subsidiary, Wire Free Nebraska, provide 56K dial-up, high speed Internet, DSL, dedicated point-to-point connection, full web hosting, and email services.

CellularColumbus has numerous cell phone providers in the city.

Post Offi ceThe U.S. Postal Service in Columbus provides house-to-house delivery service and has two mail receipts and one dispatch daily. Currently 48 people with 12 city routes and 11 rural routes are employed in Columbus. More than 13,000 mailboxes are served in the area.

Communications

Frontier

Spectrum

Post Offi ce

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Stations Carrying Local News

Call Letters Channel LocationColumbus News Team

48 Columbus

KMTV 3 Omaha

WOWT 6 Omaha

KETV 7 Omaha

KOLN/KGIN 10/11 Lincoln/Grand Island

KLKN 8 Lincoln

Stations Carrying Local News

Call Letters Frequency LocationKTTT-AM 1500 KHz Columbus

KJSK-AM 900 KHz Columbus

KKOT-FM 93.5 MHz Columbus

KLIR-FM 101.1 MHz Columbus

KZEN-FM 100.3 MHz Columbus

Package Delivery ServiceFederal Express, United Parcel Service, and the U.S. Postal Service provide package delivery services in the Columbus area.

NewspaperThe Columbus Telegram, the local daily newspaper, has 5,000 daily subscribers, 7,000 weekend edition subscribers, the Columbus Telegram prints 15,000 copies of the Columbus Area Choice Shopper. The Columbus Telegram website reaches as many as 150,000 visitors monthly. Other papers delivered locally are the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star.

Columbus Telegram

Columbus News TeamRadio

Television

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 19

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

○ qualifi ed 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 IncentivesNebraska’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.

Tax Structure

2015

www.NebraskaAdvantage.com

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E20

Columbus 2016 Tax Rates

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

2016 Actual Valuation Columbus, Nebraska

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

Total: $1,462,262,669

Special (Railroads & Utilities)Personal PropertyReal Estate

$1,397,255,215

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

Agricultural Society

$0.009418

Educational Service Unit

$0.015574

Natural Resource District

$0.031512

Community College

$0.095112

County

$0.198464

City

$0.315186 School District

$1.252000

City Hall Courthouse

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 21

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

Platte County has 18 townships and is governed by seven county commissioners, who are elected by popular vote for four-year terms. The actual county budget for 2015–16 was $37,928,858. The county belongs to the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District along with 16 other counties.

Fire ProtectionFire protection and ambulance services are provided in Columbus by 15 full-time and 60 volunteer fire fighters. Fourteen members are registered Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) 2 full-time and 12 volunteer and 13 full-time paramedics and 1 volunteer.

Columbus has three fire stations that serve approximately 100 square miles and 1,211 fire hydrants. The fire insurance classification inside the city limits is 3; outside it is 8. Columbus is part of the Big 8 Mutual Aid and Mid-Nebraska Mutual Aid and responds to any request for assistance.

Annual expenditures for fire protection for the past three years averaged $1,900,000.

Local Government

Law EnforcementThe Columbus Police Department employs 36 full-time police officers, 2 full-time and 1 part-time animal control officers, and 15 support staff. The patrol division equipment consists of standard equipment. Regular protection is provided to existing industries in the area. Annual expenditures for police protection for the last three years averaged approximately $4,500,000.

2014 Crime Rates (per 1,000 population)

Violent Crimes

Property Crimes

Columbus 0.9 17.2Platte County 0.8 14.5Nebraska 2.5 24.7U.S. Total 3.7 26.0Source: www.ncc.state.ne.usFire Department

Rural Fire Department

Hazmat Trailer

Columbus Police Department

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E22

SheriffThe Platte County Sheriff’s Department is staffed by a sheriff, 19 sworn officers, 1 part-time sworn officer, and 50 support staff. Equipment in the department includes standard equipment, dive team equipment, and boat. Dive team consists of sheriff’s officers and members of the Columbus Police Department. Regular protection is provided to existing industries in the area.

The Platte County Detention Center, located in the Columbus East Industrial Site, is designed to hold 144 inmates. The facility replaces the old Platte County Jail which was located in the courthouse. The old jail is still used on a daily basis for persons sentenced from court until they can be picked up and those transported to the courthouse from the Detention Facility for court appearances. The Corrections Division is operated under the Office of the Sheriff. The detention center provides a secure holding facility for persons legally confined in Platte County, including pre-trail, pre-sentence, and sentenced adult male and female inmates. Currently Platte County contracts with several area counties for holding their adult inmates. The Detention Facility books an average of 3,000 inmates a year.

State PatrolTroop B of the Nebraska State Patrol is headquartered in Norfolk, 46 miles north of Columbus. Nine patrol officers are stationed in Columbus.

StreetsColumbus has 176 miles of streets; 166 miles are hard-surfaced with concrete. There are load restrictions for truck traffic using off streets unless they are making deliveries. Ninety percent of the streets have curbs and 80 percent have sidewalks.

The maximum axle limit for licensed garbage haulers/truck routes exists on the following roads: 18th Avenue, 23rd Street, 33rd Avenue, Howard Boulevard, Lost Creek Parkway, and East 6th Avenue.

Building RegulationsThe 2012 International Residential Code, 2012 International Building Code, 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code, and the 2014 National Electrical Code are enforced in Columbus.

PlanningColumbus has a nine-member planning commission. Members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the City Council to serve three-year terms.

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

Viaduct Mall in Columbus

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 23

Columbus Public School DistrictPublic Schools Students Teacher/Pupil Ratio Computer/Pupil Ratio

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

Education

Centennial School

Emerson School

Lost Creek School

North Park School

West Park School

Columbus Middle School

Columbus High School

School District No. 71–0001 in Columbus (Platte County) and a small portion of both Butler and Polk Counties covers 56.2 square miles and had a 2015–16 actual valuation of $1,738,226,160, with an actual valuation per student of $457,910 per Pre-K through 12th grade student enrolled in the Columbus Public School System. The valuation is made up of 99.43 percent of valuation that is located in Platte County with 0.51 percent in Butler County, and 0.07 percent in Polk County. This Class III school is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education and AdvancED.

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

Report Card 2014–15

ACT Test CompositeColumbus High School 19.8Lakeview High School 22.4Scotus Central Catholic High School 25.9Nebraska 21.5National 21.0Source: Nebraska Department of Education

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E24

Voters of Columbus demonstrated their support for the District by passing a $50,000,000 bond issue in May 2013. The bond proceeds, combined with other District funds, will be used for a series of building improvements that will benefit students and the community well into the future.

The first project is the construction of a new high school building at the north end of Columbus. This new high school will have a capacity of 1,400 students and provides modern educational facilities for all subject areas including state of the art instructional spaces to support our focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Occupancy of the new building will take place in March 2017.

The second project is remodeling the current high school building to make it our new middle school. A number of instructional spaces will be converted from their current use to functions more suited to middle school programs. Incorporation of 5th graders in the

Lakeview High School

Public Schools Students Teacher/Pupil Ratio Computer/Pupil Ratio

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

Lakeview Community School District

The 2015 valuation of the land was listed at $1,404,624,503, with an actual valuation per student of $1,644,759. This Class III school is accredited by the Nebraska Department of Education and AdvancED. The 2014–15 school operating expenses totaled $9,766,477, with an average cost per pupil of $12,602.

middle school when it opens in September 2017, and some of the remodeling is being done to reflect different educational approaches for 5th and 6th graders with those more suitable for 7th and 8th graders. Moving 5th graders to the middle school eliminates overcrowding in 3 of the 5 elementary buildings. When these two projects have been completed, all District facilities will have had significant investment within the past 15 years.

Our strategic planning process includes a sequence of building and grounds projects as well as funding for those projects. This planning process is intended to keep all District facilities in good shape throughout their expected years of service. A major project within the strategic plan is the conversion of the east and north portions of the current middle school into a pre-kindergarten education center for central office facilities housing all those functions under one roof.

School District No. 71-0005 surrounds the city of Columbus on the north, east, and west side and includes the town of Platte Center in the northwest section of the district. The land estimated at 220 square miles is located mainly in Platte County with a small portion in Butler and Colfax Counties.

New High School

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 25

Parochial Schools Students Teacher/Pupil Ratio Computer/Pupil Ratio

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

Columbus Christian School Scotus Central Catholic High School

St. Bonaventure School

Immanuel Lutheran School

St. Anthony School

St. Isidore School

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E26

Colleges & UniversitiesFrequently Attended by

Columbus High School GraduatesMiles

Columbus —Central Community College – Columbus

Norfolk 46Northeast Community College

Fremont 49Midland University

Seward 52Concordia University

Milford 64Southeast Community College – Milford

Nebraska Voc Rehab is part of a nation-wide program that assists people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment while helping businesses recruit, train, and retain employees with disabilities.

Versatile Support Services, Inc. provides diversified support to people with developmental disabilities. Versatile Support Services Inc. will strive in its vision to provide and maintain the highest degree of quality, dignity, and self-worth to our individuals.

Early Head Start and Head Start provide childhood programs, enrollment for pregnant women, infants, toddlers, and children ages 3–5. These programs promote family strengths by recognizing individual values, encouraging team work and creating links in the community through Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership.

Higher EducationAn 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.

Specialized ServicesRegion V is an employment first agency that provides desired training and support that promotes interdependence and relationships within the community and lessens reliance upon agency services.

NorthStar Services is an employment first agency with the belief that employment in the community is possible for everyone. NorthStar Services respects the personal opinion and preference of the person receiving services.

Support is provided for people in a variety of options, which may include one or several of the following:

● Community employment ● Self-employment ● Volunteer work in the community

In addition to employment services, NorthStar also offers support for community involvement, residential services, and respite care. These services are individualized to support the person as much or as little as they desire. The support encompasses a wide variety of activities including support to access health care, receive medications per doctor orders, transportation, opportunities for recreation and leisure, support in daily routines, and opportunities for organized sports.

Educational Service Unit 7

Educational Service UnitEducational Service Unit 7 (ESU 7), headquartered in Columbus, serves seven counties including Platte County. ESU 7 provides leadership, service, and support to school districts in its service area. ESU 7 provides State Legislated core services including staff development, technology, and media; Federal and State grant facilitation; special education services; and production and art media services.

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 27

Colleges & UniversitiesFrequently Attended by

Columbus High School GraduatesMiles

Wayne 72Wayne State College

Lincoln 78Nebraska Wesleyan UniversitySoutheast Community College, LincolnUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln

Omaha 87Bellevue UniversityClarkson CollegeCollege of St. Mary’sCreighton UniversityMetropolitan Community CollegeNebraska Methodist CollegeNebraska Wesleyan University– Wesleyan AdvantageUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterUniversity of Nebraska at OmahaHastings 90Central Community College – HastingsHastings CollegeKearney 115University of Nebraska at KearneyPeru 148Peru State CollegeChadron 367Chadron State College

Central Community College

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E28

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

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

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

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

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

Quality of Life

Columbus Community Hospital

Medical Offi ce Building

Columbus Wellness Center

Wiggles & Giggles Therapy

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 29

ClinicsVarious medical specialty clinics are held in Columbus to serve a variety of medical needs in the area. Some of the clinics are outreach programs from other cities.

East Central District Health Department (ECDHD) provides services such as environmental health, tobacco and youth substance abuse prevention programs, public health emergency response services, health promotion and health education. Each of these services compliments other community services in order to increase the quality of life in our service area.

Good Neighbor Community Health Center (GNCHC) is a federally qualified health center that provides quality, affordable, preventative medical, dental, obstetric and gynecology, behavioral health and reproductive health care to improve the health of our community. GNCHC is a patient-centered medical home which is a team-based model that allows better access to care, improves patient experience and satisfaction, and focuses on quality patient care in order to obtain maximum health outcomes for patients.

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

East Central District Health Department & Good Neighbor Community Health Center

Midwest Medical Transport Company - Midwest MedAir, has three ambulances and one helicopter, which includes 4 pilots and 8 paramedics/nurses, and employs 7 paramedics, 10 emergency medical technicians, and 15 support personnel. Ground transportation to local hospitals is provided along with critical care helicopter transports.

LibraryThe Columbus Public Library contains more than 100,000 unique titles and has an average annual circulation of more than 200,000. The Columbus Public Library, with the help of the bookmobile, provides library services to Platte County residents. The library provides both print and electronic resources and both in-person and online services and tools. In addition to traditional library offerings, patrons have access to public computers, copy machines, fax services, meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, and outreach. Additionally, the library donates space to the Columbus Art Gallery. The library truly does connect people and ideas. The City of Columbus is working towards the construction of a new library/cultural arts center in downtown Columbus.

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

Columbus Public Library

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E30

Skilled Nursing/Rehabilitation

Brookestone Acres Four - 20 bed resident households -

skilled nursing care/short term rehabilitationEdgewood Vista 12 beds - memory care assisted livingColumbus Care & Rehabilitation Center, LLC 153 beds - assisted living/skilled nursing/

Alzheimer/dementia care/rehabilitationMory’s Haven 48 beds - skilled nursing

Independent / Assisted Living

Cottonwood Place 39 beds - independent through assisted livingMeridian Gardens 67 apartments - licensed assisted living/

16 memory support apartmentsPrairie Village Retirement Center 36 assisted and 32 independent beds

Brookstone Acres

Edgewood Vista

Golden Living Center

Morys Haven

Cottonwood Place

Heritage Meridian Gardens

Prairie Village

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 31

Low Cost and/or Retirement Housing

Arbor Place 24 unitsColumbian Village 62 unitsColumbus Place Apartments

60 units

Crown Villa 60 unitsHeritage House 84 unitsJackson Meadows 22 unitsOakwood Apartments 23 unitsRealife 20 unitsVillage Apartments 24 unitsWestport Congregation Housing for Elderly 26 unitsWestwood Three 6 units

ChurchesDenomination

● Assembly of God ● Baptist ● Berean ● Catholic ● Christian Church ● Church of Christ ● Episcopalian ● Evangelical ● Jehovah Witness ● Lutheran ● Methodist ● Latter-Day Saints ● Nondenominational ● Presbyterian ● Seventh-Day Adventist

RecreationThere are 18 parks in Columbus covering 400 acres. Pawnee Park known as “The Picnic Capital of Nebraska,” encompasses approximately 153 acres adjoining the Loup River and Van Berg Golf Course. It offers a living tree museum, rose garden, 1904 Union Pacific steam locomotive, bell tower, Andrew Jackson Higgins Memorial, Pawnee Plunge Water Park, a skate/bike facility (designed for skateboards, in-line skates, and BMX freestyle bikes), family recreation playground areas, sand volleyball courts, fishing, 9-hole disc golf course, horseshoe pits, tennis courts, 2,000-seat stadium with a lighted football field, and eight-lane all weather running track, one large picnic shelter for seating 850 people, and one small shelter seating 250. This park is also the home of the American Legion and high school baseball programs.

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

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

Columbus Housing Authority

Heritage House

Reallife

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E32

Wilderness Park is a 42-acre complex with ten regulation-size soccer fields along with rest rooms, concession stand, shelter, and bleachers. American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO), club, and high school soccer are played there.

Gerrard Park is a 28-acre park featuring a softball complex (six diamonds) with lights, six tennis courts,

Pawnee Park

American Legion Baseball Field

playground equipment, shelter area, two rest rooms and two concession stands.

Bradshaw Park is an 18-acre softball/football complex featuring four lighted softball/baseball diamonds, and two football fields (one regulation and one eight-man). Youth and high school softball and midget football leagues are scheduled there. There is one concession stand with rest rooms and a playground area.

Skate Park

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 33

The Pawnee Plunge Water Park offers a full day of fun for the entire family with activities from relaxing in the Lazy River and splashing in the zero depth pool, to racing down water slides or surfing the FlowRider. Pawnee Plunge opened in 2006 with a recreational pool filled with interactive play features and a lily pad walk, a Lazy River for patrons to float on tubes and relax, four large invigorating water slides—the Swirl Bowl, Speed Slide, Curve Slide, and Tube Slide— each slide giving its own unique and exhilarating ride, and a full concessions area. In 2015, the Pawnee Plunge doubled in size. The zero depth pool received a makeover with an interactive play ship for toddlers and a shaded bench area (in the water) where parents and little ones can splash and play in the shade. The new addition added multiple ADA pool entrances/exits; a private room that can be rented to hold meetings or parties; a splash area that has water shooting from the pool deck; basketball hoops; and a 25-yard swimming pool with a diving well that has a 3-meter diving platform, 1-meter spring board, and a climbing wall. The most popular and talked about addition is the FlowRider. This attraction appeals to a variety of board-sports athletes—surfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, skimboarding, skateboarding—and the learning curve takes time, but is steep as riders’ progress from riding in a prone position on bodyboards, to standing up on flowboards,

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

The Columbus Aquatic Center is an eight lane pool, 100 feet by 64 feet, with depth ranging from 2 1/2 feet to 12 feet. The pool is equipped with ADA compliant steps, ramp, and portable aquatic lift. The 12-foot area has lap swimming lanes, two one-meter diving boards, and a double flume slide. The shallow area has a walking lane, toddler slide, and a basketball hoop. A variety of activities are offered year round to meet the needs of the community including: adult lap swimming and exercises, water aerobics, water Zumba, infant/preschool swim classes, family fun nights, and many other exciting activities. The Aquatic Center offers American Red Cross Swim Lessons, Lifeguard classes, and Water Safety Instructor training. The Aquatic Center is home to the Columbus Discoverers swim team from mid-November through February.

Pawnee Plunge Water Park

Aquatic Center

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E34

The Columbus Bark Park is located south of Lake Babcock on the west side of 18th Avenue next to the Bob Lake Trail. This non-smoking 6.2 acre park is a great place to exercise your dog from sunrise to sunset all year. There are three sections to the park — one for large dogs, small dogs, and an activity area to open soon with toys and agility equipment. The park is equipped with fencing, lighting, benches, signs, water, and pet waste stations. The city’s park department takes care of mowing the grass at the park.

Van Berg Golf Course is nestled in a quaint part of the city along the Loup River, where you will find the first golf course built in Columbus. Located in historic Pawnee Park, Van Berg Golf Course was built in 1928 on property donated by Marion Van Berg, holder of horse racing’s most career wins by an owner.

The golf course has well-conditioned fairways with small, faster than average greens. The 5,800-yard layout makes Van Berg Golf Course the perfect place for beginners, juniors, super seniors, and anyone else wanting to get in a quick nine.

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

Bark Park

tees which start out at 5,200 yards. From the tips the 7,200-yard layout is a quality test of ability and course management for even the most accomplished player. The Quail Run Golf Course is open to the public with a very accessible tee time policy (7 days in advance).

Van Berg Golf Course

Quail Run Golf Course

Elks Country Club Golf Course is a traditional tree-lined private course, and is well known for its manicured course conditions. The club has hosted the Nebraska Open since 1993, which has become the second largest annual golf tournament in Nebraska. The club also offers a full practice facility including: driving range, chipping, and putting greens; full sized and kids pool; lounges; full restaurant; and pro shop. The Elks Country Club also offers a full food service banquet room with seating for up to 250 people for hosting events and receptions. Numerous membership options with amenities are available for the whole family.

Elks Country Club Golf Course

Quail Run Golf Course opened in 1991 and has matured into one of the top ranked public golf courses in Nebraska. With its tempting par 5s, deceiving par 3s, and fare but demanding par 4s, the course, carved through towering cottonwoods and nestled along the Loup River and Old Mormon Trail, offers players a unique experience. Quail Run offers five sets of

Loup Power District Parks are among some of the most popular spots for boating, camping, and other outdoor activities. The lakes and parks are developed and maintained by Loup Power District in conjunction with its canal system. All are open to the public free of charge.

Containing 265 acres of land and 1,100 acres of water, these parks and recreation areas are open to the public from May 1 to November 1 (weather permitting). More than 150,000 people visit each year. Visitors have an opportunity to water ski, swim, boat, jet ski, sail board, camp, fish, bike, hike, or picnic. Electrical hook-ups for camping are free with a limit of seven days per month (in a 30-day period) in the Loup Park system.

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 35

Camping at Loup Park/Lake Babcock

Lake North Park (14 acres)—One of the premier family-orientated parks in northeast Nebraska. Lake North Park offers camping, boating, skiing, fishing, and swimming as well as picnic areas. Electrical hook-ups and primitive camping are available during the summer. There also is playground equipment, potable water, picnic tables, and grills. During the fall and spring migrations, Lake North becomes a favorite place for bird watching and viewing beautiful sunsets. In the northeast corner of the park is the trail head for the scenic Two Lakes Trail that runs along the north side of Lake North and Lake Babcock.

Powerhouse Park (4.5 acres)—With an impressive view of the Columbus Powerhouse and the Loup Canal, the Powerhouse Park offers relaxed family fun with playground equipment. Powerhouse Park offers picnicing, grilling, and fishing. A limited number of primitive camping sites are available during the summer. Graveled paths offer an opportunity for short walks around the park.

Tailrace Park (9.5 acres)—Located at the confluence of the Loup Canal and the Platte River, Tailrace Park offers excellent fishing and beautiful views of the water flow over the Tailrace weir. Tailrace Park is popular for family fun with children’s playground equipment and a picnic area. A limited number of primitive camping sites are available during the summer. Entry via foot traffic only, no motor vehicle access.

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

Columbus Area Recreational Trails (CART)—Columbus has an extensive system of recreational trails throughout the city and adjoining areas. Columbus Area Recreational Trails provides coordination of funding and the maintenance of a master plan of development for these trails. CART continues to work on new trails in and around the Columbus area.

These trails provide local residents and visitors a safe setting for the healthy activities of hiking, biking, running, and roller blading. All trails are open to the public at no charge.

Two Lakes Trail (2.4 miles long, 8 ft. wide concrete)—This trail entertains recreational opportunities for bike riders, runners, walkers, roller bladers, nature enthusiasts, bird watchers, and wheelchairs. The scenic trail runs along the north side of two lakes (Lake North and Lake Babcock) and winds through the tree lined Lake North Park, Loup Park, and a wildlife refuge along 83rd Street between 18th Avenue and 48th Avenue.

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

Bob Lake Trail (1.3 miles long, 9 ft. wide crushed limestone)—For biking, walking, and jogging, the Bob

Camping, Boating and Fishing at Lake North

Loup Park/Lake Babcock (31 acres)—Along the north and west shores of Lake Babcock, Loup Park is one of the best known family camping facilities in northeast Nebraska. Loup Park offers camping, picnicing, grilling, trails, and nature walks. Electrical hook-ups and primitive camping are available during the summer. Amenities include playground equipment, potable water, picnic tables, and grills. Plant wildlife and bird watching during fall and spring migrations make Lake Babcock and Loup Park a pleasant camping and relaxed recreational experience. The scenic Two Lakes Trail runs along the north side of Lake North and Lake Babcock. At the west end of Loup Park is Castner’s Crossing Bridge that crosses the Loup Canal and connects the Two Lakes Trail with the Bob Lake and Robert White Trails, which continues along the west and south perimeters of Lake Babcock.

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E36

Lake Trail follows the southwest perimeter of Lake Babcock. A trailhead is located at the junction of Bob Lake Trail and the Robert White Trail, which is across the street from the east entrance of Central Community College.

Robert White Trail (1.5 miles long, 9 ft. wide crushed limestone)—Great for biking, walking, and jogging, the Robert White Trail follows the southern perimeter of Lake Babcock from the Bob Lake Trail to 18th Avenue. There is parking at the east and west ends of the trail.

Monastery Trail (1.5 miles long, 10 ft. wide concrete)—The Monastery Trail runs parallel to 18th Avenue and connects the Robert White Trail with the Wilderness Park Trail.

Wilderness Park Trail (1.5 miles long, 10 ft. wide concrete)—All ages can walk, jog, bike, and rollerblade on the trail around the perimeter of the Wilderness Park Soccer Complex.

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

Volkswalk (6.2 miles long)—Columbus has two Volkswalk Year Round Events (YRE). One route includes the Two Lakes Trail that is part of the CART system. The second route goes through downtown, residential areas, and city parks. These 6.2 mile routes are noncompetitive and participants can walk at their own pace, thus making it an excellent recreational opportunity for the entire family. Maps and patches for this activity are available at Casey’s General Store and Lake Stop.

Other activities include miniature golf; fishing and air boating on two rivers just south of Columbus; hunting; and stock car racing.

The Columbus Community Center works directly with Northeast Nebraska Area on Aging and offers health-related programs, caregiver support, nutrition education, social activities, interaction, and volunteer and leadership opportunities. The nutrition program is specifically designed to help meet the daily nutritional needs of adults 60 plus years of age. The weekday Congregate Meal Program and Home Delivery Meal Program are well received. Health Clinics are available regularly at the Community Center and currently includes free blood pressure checks, hearing checks, and foot care clinics.

Speakers provide pertinent information regarding nutrition and health topics. Family caregiver support is available through the center. Senior fitness opportunities are offered as individual or group

exercise. Scheduled informational club and social activities, and entertainment include craft and card clubs, movies, programs, volunteer opportunities for individuals and service groups, and meeting rooms for business/retirement groups.

Columbus Races run for 16 days each year with year-round simulcasting of races of pari-mutuel thoroughbred horses.

Cultural activities in Columbus are provided by a variety of groups.

The Platte County Historical Museum consists of three buildings with historical displays of artifacts and photos depicting life in Platte County through the years. The museum is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons from 1–4 p.m. from mid-May until Labor Day or by appointment. The office is usually open weekday mornings year around.

Platte Valley Playhouse presents four plays throughout the year with a dinner theatre in May.

Columbus Art Gallery located in the Columbus Public Library has art exhibits and a gift shop.

Platte County Fair exhibits materials and foods from schools, children, and adults; showmanship of animals and poultry; a midway; and entertainment.

Friends of Music presents musical programs during fall, winter, and spring months at Columbus High Nantkes Performing Art Center.

Consonnaires Women’s Choir performs throughout the year for various events.

Platte County Kin Seekers is a non-profit organization funded through donations. Funds paid for research completed by members of the group. The purpose is to unite people interested in the pursuit and study of genealogy and family history. The goal is to increase

Platte County Historical Museum

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 37

Annual Celebrations

SPRING Easter Egg Hunt

MAY–OCTOBER

Farmer’s MarketFresh vegetables and fruit, crafts, and baked items

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

JUNE–AUGUST

Lawnchairs on the SquareConcerts in Frankfort Square

JULY Red, White, KaBoomIndependence Day fi reworks display

Platte County FairAnnual county fair featuring 4-H exhibits, midway show, and entertainment

Downtown RunaroundRunners/walkers of all ages competing in races

Sidewalk SaleSale outside of businesses

AUGUST Columbus DaysMusic, dancing, Bar-B-Que, turtle races, wiener dog races, fi re fi ghters water fi ght, church service, parade, outdoor movie, and foam dance for kids

OCTOBER High School Band Marching FestivalOver 20 high school bands from various communities competing in band contests

Taste of ColumbusLocal food vendors and distributors, silent auction

NOVEMBER Downtown Columbus Christmas StrollCarriage rides, business stroll, visiting santa, and live nativity

the interest in genealogical research by means of educational programs, workshops, and publications. Platte County Kin Seekers encourages and instructs members in promoting the collection, preservation, and utilization of manuscripts, documents, and materials of genealogical and historical value. The group is totally funded through donations and funds paid for research completed by members of the group.

Financial Institutions ● Bank of the Valley ● Bank of the West ● BankFirst ● Columbus Bank and Trust Co. ● Columbus Federal Credit Union ● Cornerstone Bank ● First National Bank ● First Nebraska Bank ● Great Western Bank ● Nebraska Energy Federal Credit Union ● Pinnacle Bank ● US Bank

HousingOne hundred and eighty-three new homes were constructed in the past three years and it is estimated 70 homes will be built in 2017. The cost of new home construction averages $160 per square foot.

New Home Construction

Community Celebrations

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E38

With a business climate full of opportunity, Columbus continues to expand its retail choices and offers many services to its residents. It offers an ideal blend of small town living with large city amenities. The residents of Columbus have combined talent and a strong work ethic to create an ideal setting in which to work and live.

ProfessionalArchitect Firms ..................................................... 3Attorneys ............................................................. 33Auctioneering Firms............................................. 4Certified Public Accountants ................................ 23Engineering Firms ............................................... 6Medical Allergists ........................................................... 1 Anesthesiologists .............................................. 4 Audiologists ...................................................... 1 Cardiologists ..................................................... 8 Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists ........... 15 Chiropractors .................................................... 3 Cosmetic Surgeon ............................................ 1 Dentists ............................................................. 10 Dermatologists .................................................. 1 Emergency Medicine ........................................ 6 Endochrinologists ............................................. 1 Family Practice Physicians ............................... 12 General Surgeons ............................................ 3 Hematologists & Oncologists ............................ 3 Hospitalists ....................................................... 6 Infectious Disease ............................................ 2 Internal Medicine .............................................. 1 Maternal-Fetal Medicine ................................... 2 Nephrologists .................................................... 2 Neurologists ...................................................... 1

Neurosurgery .................................................... 1 Nurse Practitioners ........................................... 7 Nurses, Registered (Hospital only) .......................148 Obstetricians & Gynecologists .......................... 6 Ophthalmologists .............................................. 1 Optometrists ..................................................... 4

Oral Surgeons .................................................. 5 Orthodontists .................................................... 3 Orthopedic Surgeons/Sports Medicine ............. 4 Otolaryngologists (ear, nose & throat) .............. 2 Pain Management Specialists .......................... 3 Pathologists ...................................................... 1 Pediatricians ..................................................... 5 Pharmacists ...................................................... 7 Physical Therapists........................................... 16 Physician Assistants ......................................... 5 Plastic Surgeons ............................................... 1 Podiatrists ......................................................... 3 Psychiatrists/Psychologists .............................. 3 Pulmonologists ................................................. 2 Radiologists ...................................................... 3 Radiation Oncologists ....................................... 1 Rheumatologists ............................................... 2 Urologists .......................................................... 4 Vascular Surgeons............................................ 2Veterinary Clinics ................................................. 5

Business and CommercialAccounting/Bookkeeping Agencies ................... 11Advertising Agencies ......................................... 3Agricultural Implement Dealers ......................... 12Antique Shops ................................................... 4Apparel Stores Children’s ........................................................ 5 Combination ................................................... 7 Men’s .............................................................. 7 Women’s ......................................................... 11Appliance Stores ............................................... 3Auto Body Repair & Services ............................ 8Auto Renting/Leasing ........................................ 4Auto Repair & Services ..................................... 39Auto Supply Parts .............................................. 7Automobile Dealers ........................................... 20Aviation Seeding & Spraying ............................. 4Bakeries............................................................. 7

Community Services

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 39

Banquet Facilities, Halls Auditoriums & Meeting Rooms ....................... 9Beauty Salons/Barber Shops ............................ 28Caterers ............................................................. 8Carpet and Rug Dealers .................................... 11Child Care Services (licensed and nonlicensed) ............................. 15Computer Services ............................................ 4Contractor Carpentry ........................................................ 4 Concrete ......................................................... 2 Electric ............................................................ 8 Excavating ...................................................... 3 Flooring ........................................................... 4 General (commercial) ..................................... 6 General (residential) ....................................... 30 Gravel ............................................................. 5 Heating & Air Conditioning .............................. 7 Painting ........................................................... 6 Plumbing ......................................................... 6 Remodeling .................................................... 2 Roofing ........................................................... 3 Well Digging.................................................... 12Convenience Stores .......................................... 18Copying & Duplicating Services ........................ 6Craft Stores ....................................................... 7Dance Studios ................................................... 3Department Stores ............................................ 4Discount Stores ................................................. 8Dry Cleaning & Laundries.................................. 2Electric Motor Repair ......................................... 3Farm/Ranch Supplies ........................................ 10Feed & Seed Dealers ........................................ 5Feedlots (commercial & private) ........................ 19Fertilizer Suppliers/Applicators .......................... 14Floral Shops ...................................................... 6Funeral Homes .................................................. 2

Furniture Stores ................................................. 7Gift Shops .......................................................... 7Grocery Stores .................................................. 4Hardware Stores................................................ 6Hatcheries ......................................................... 1Health Clubs ...................................................... 3Industrial Equipment & Supplies........................ 14Insurance Companies........................................ 24Interior Decorators & Designers ........................ 3Jewelry Stores ................................................... 3Landscaping Services, Equipment & Supplies .. 9Laundromats...................................................... 1Lawn Services ................................................... 3Lumberyards...................................................... 4Machine Shops .................................................. 8Meat Processors................................................ 1Motels/Hotels .......................................... (610 rooms) 8Nurseries & Garden Centers ............................. 2Office Equipment Sales, Service & Supplies ..... 3Pet Boarding/Grooming Services ...................... 3Pharmacies........................................................ 8Photography Studios ......................................... 9Preschools ......................................................... 9Printers .............................................................. 7Real Estate Firms .............................................. 12Restaurants ....................................................... 45Service Stations................................................. 1Shoe Stores ....................................................... 7Shoe Repair Stores ........................................... 1Television & Radio Repair Shops ...................... 1Theatres ................................................. (7 screens) 1Tool & Die Makers ............................................. 7Travel Agencies & Bureaus ............................... 2Upholstery Shops .............................................. 1Variety Stores .................................................... 4Welding Shops .................................................. 5

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E40

NEWMEXICO

TEXAS

OKLAHOMA

COLORADO

KANSAS

NEBRASKA

SOUTH DAKOTAWYOMING

Agriculture & Raw MaterialsNebraska’s Rank Among States

1st...Cattle on Feed, Jan. 2016

Beans, Great Northern, 2015

Commercial Cattle Slaughter, 2015

Commercial Red Meat, 2015

Beef and Veal, 2014

Cash Receipts from Meat Animal, 2014

Irrigated Acres of Cropland, 2012

Popcorn, 2012

2nd...Cattle and Calves, All, Jan. 2016

Beans, Light Red Kidney, 2015

Beans, Pinto, 2015

Millet, Proso, 2015

Bison, Dec. 2012

3rd...Corn for Grain, 2015

Cash Receipts from All Farm Commodities, 2014

Corn, Exports, 2014

4th...Beans, Dry Edible, 2015

Beef Cows, Jan. 2015

Hay, Alfalfa, 2015

Sorghum for Grain, 2015

Soybeans, 2015

Cash Receipts, All Crops, 2014

Cash Receipts, All Livestock and Products, 2014

Land in Farms and Ranches, 2014

5th...Hay, All 2015

Agricultural Exports, 2014

Soybeans Exports, 2014

6th...Hogs and Pigs, All, Dec. 2015

Principal Crops, Harvested Acres, 2015

Sugar Beets, 2015

7th...Hog Slaughter, Commercial, 2015

Sunfl ower, 2015

8th...Oats, 2015

Winter Wheat, 2015

Source: Nebraska Department of Agriculture - USDA, NASS, NFO, and NBA

In 2014 Nebraska ranked third among the states in corn exports, third in total cash receipts from all farm commodities, 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 2014 contributed more than $25 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.

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 41

Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service

Platte County ranked in the top nine counties in corn four out of the last five years, soybeans in the top seven all five years, and cattle in the top ten all five years.

Raw MaterialsSand and gravel, nonmetallic minerals, are available in commercial quantities; however, metallic minerals are not found in the Columbus area.

Cottonwood timber, suitable for crating, dunnage, veneers, etc., is available in limited quantities.

Platte County

2012 Statistics Platte County State of Nebraska

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

Five-Year Average Production ofLeading Crops (2011–2015) Platte County State of Nebraska

Corn for Grain (bushels) ......................................... .........................37,151,400.................... 1,547,390,000Soybeans (bushels) ................................................ ...........................6,976,400....................... 263,424,000

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

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

C O M M U N I T Y G U I D E42

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

Source: www.hprcc.unl.edu

Nebraskans enjoy four distinct seasons...spring, summer, fall, and winterNebraska 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.

PrecipitationPrecipitation 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.

Growing SeasonThe 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 Maximum Temperature (F)

NEBRASKA

48

51

54

57

60

63

66

72

69

Annual Minimum Temperature (F)

21

24

27

30

33

36

39

45

42

48

NEBRASKA

Annual Precipitation (inches)

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

NEBRASKA

Climate

C O L U M B U S ● N E B R A S K A 43

Columbus N E B R A S K A

www.loup.com www.columbusne.us www.thecolumbuspage.com

community websites:

C I T Y O F P O W E R A N D P R O G R E S S

W h e r e C o o p e r a t i o n L i v e s

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

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FEBRUARY 2017