Loup Generator — Fall 2020
The Ruthie cabin cruiser makes a big splash in 1939, the Lake Babcock Amusement Resort works to develop the lake into a "boating mecca", protecting the piping plover and interior least tern at the Genoa Headworks.
The Ruthie cabin cruiser makes a big splash in 1939, the Lake Babcock Amusement Resort works to develop the lake into a "boating mecca", protecting the piping plover and interior least tern at the Genoa Headworks.
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE<br />
Covid-19 update: business<br />
as usual is anything but<br />
As we enter the fall season, the entire world is still wrestling with the impact of<br />
the coronavirus and the Covid-19 pandemic. The District has responded in many<br />
different ways to this pandemic.<br />
Early on, the District closed its offices to the public, and went to half staffing most<br />
days. This was done in order to limit contact between individuals and provide the<br />
opportunity to keep the workplace clean. As the pandemic went on, the District<br />
went back to full staffing, but still kept the public out of our buildings. Again, this<br />
was done as a precaution to protect both employees and our customers.<br />
Finally, in early July, the District reopened the offices to the outside public, with<br />
some specific restrictions regarding traffic patterns for the public and meetings<br />
with outside individuals. These restrictions are still in place today.<br />
Many people have asked when things will get back to “normal.” I am not sure what<br />
normal is, and I am not sure we will ever get back to the way it was prior to this<br />
pandemic <strong>—</strong> at least not until a vaccine is developed and accessible to everyone.<br />
by NEAL SUESS<br />
President/CEO<br />
District employees are continuing to go about their daily activities during this<br />
pandemic, but it is definitely different. Most meetings are virtual, and I even<br />
attended the American Public Power Association (APPA) annual convention<br />
virtually. The APPA annual convention has always been a great convention for<br />
<strong>Loup</strong> Power District. This allows our Board and management to meet with other<br />
utility executives, as well as consultants and vendors, who provide products for the<br />
District. Having this convention virtually was very different. Being unable to meet<br />
people in person is very difficult for all of us.<br />
District crews continue to work on numerous projects, and new construction<br />
activity continues throughout the District’s service territory. This is one thing that<br />
has amazed me during the pandemic <strong>—</strong> the construction just keeps on going. This<br />
truly shows the mindset of individuals in Nebraska.<br />
During the midst of the pandemic, the District also finalized the move into our new<br />
Service Center in Columbus along Lost Creek Parkway. Many of you want to see<br />
what this looks like, and we are planning an open house as soon as the pandemic<br />
allows. The new Service Center has really helped the District and has improved our<br />
response to customers’ needs, as well as improved the efficiency of the District as a<br />
whole.<br />
Everyone has responded to the pandemic in different ways, and the District is no<br />
different. We will continue to respond as conditions warrant and continue to let the<br />
public know about our plans. All of us at <strong>Loup</strong> Power District hope you and your<br />
families continue to stay safe and be careful, as we do want to see and get back<br />
together with you when this is over.<br />
Until next time, be happy and stay safe!<br />
FALL <strong>2020</strong> 3