Summer 24 Generator

GENERA OR 

a publication of Loup Power District SUMMER 2024 

Behind the Scenes: 

Power Restoration 

2024 Retail Rates 

EnergyWise Incentives

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Bob Cerv 

Chairman 

Jim Donoghue 

First Vice Chairman 

Mike Fleming 

Second Vice Chairman 

Rich Aerni 

Secretary 

Dick Tooley 

Treasurer 

Alan Drozd 

Steve Heesacker 

Larry Zach 

EXECUTIVE STAFF 

Neal Suess 

President/CEO 

Walt Williams 

Vice President, 

Accounting & Finance/CFO 

Todd Duren 

Vice President, 

Corporate Services 

Korey Hobza 

Vice President, Engineering 

Dan Hellbusch 

Vice President, Operations 

The Loup Generator is 

published quarterly 

as a service for Loup 

employees, families, 

friends, and associates. 

For feedback, story ideas, 

and submissions, contact: 

Stacy Wemhoff 

Communications Coordinator 

402-562-5711 

swemhoff@loup.com 

Smart devices can improve comfort, 

convenience and efficiency 

Smart home technologies are transforming 

how we live, making our homes more 

comfortable, convenient and energy efficient 

than ever before. 

These smart devices communicate with 

each other to automate everyday tasks and 

functions around the home, like heating and 

cooling, lighting, and security. They also enable 

consumers to manage and monitor their 

energy consumption through device scheduling 

and control. 

With just a tap on your phone or a voice 

command to your virtual assistant (like Alexa 

or Siri), you can conveniently control many 

aspects of your home environment. 

One of the best and most inexpensive 

places to start is with a smart bulb or plug. 

Smart LED bulbs allow you to control home 

lighting remotely through a smartphone app 

or voice commands. You can set schedules 

to automatically turn lights off or on, which 

help you save energy and boost home security. 

Smart plugs are another inexpensive 

option that allow you to set schedules and remotely 

control power to lamps, small appliances, 

and electronics, minimizing standby 

energy consumption and maximizing convenience. 

For example, you can sync the timing 

of your bedside lamp, alarm, speakers, and 

coffee maker to turn on at the same time 

each morning. 

If Alexa or Siri is already part of your 

household, you can build on your existing 

“tech ecosystem” by adding a smart hub, like 

Amazon Echo or Apple HomePod. Voice assistants 

that are synced to smart devices like 

bulbs and plugs provide additional options 

for device management and allow family 

members to interact with the various devices 

through voice control rather than individual 

apps. 

Home heating and cooling account for a 

significant portion of energy use, so one of 

the best investments you can make in smart 

tech is a smart thermostat. While traditional 

programmable thermostats can be set to your 

schedule and preferences, a smart thermostat 

takes this one step further by learning 

and adjusting to your routine and building a 

schedule around it. 

Smart security systems are popular options 

for homeowners looking for advanced 

security solutions that incorporate cameras, 

sensors, and cloud-based video recordings. 

These systems provide convenient, flexible 

ways to monitor homes (and businesses) 

while you're away. 

If you’re considering smart tech for your 

home, start by defining your goals. Is saving 

energy your top priority, or are you aiming to 

improve home security? Either way, keep in 

mind that these internet-connected devices 

require a stable Wi-Fi connection. You'll also 

need strong passwords for your router and 

individual devices. 

Whether you’re looking to automate every 

aspect of your home or simply want to try a 

device or two, smart technologies have the 

power to transform your living space into a 

home where comfort and convenience reign 

supreme. 

2 | GENERATOR 

ON THE COVER: Repair work following a storm in May that downed trees around Columbus. 

Photo by Chase Davis.

president’s message 

Artificial intelligence impacting 

electric utility industry 

I recently attended the national American 

Public Power Association (APPA) conference 

in San Diego. This is a great place to network 

with colleagues and to discuss ongoing trends 

in the electric utility industry. 

One major trend and discussion item at 

this meeting is the inclusion of artificial 

intelligence, or AI, into the workplace and 

whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. 

Obviously, to the extent AI can assist all 

of us in our daily work, and make us more 

productive, this is a good idea and can be 

beneficial. However, there are some caveats 

that need to be maintained. 

First, if a product, such as a report, comes 

from an individual and that individual relies on 

AI to help write some or all of the report, that 

individual has a duty to make sure the words 

and references are accurate and true. 

I have heard horror stories from those who 

have taken an AI written article as fact, and 

then later found out it was based on some 

speculative data that was found within the 

parameters of the research. 

I am old school and have not turned to AI to 

perform tasks yet; however, I can see some 

benefit. If AI can assist in developing a faster 

spreadsheet and can do some tasks faster, then 

this would help productivity. But the results 

must be sustainable and reasonable. Just 

because AI might help do something faster, 

doesn’t mean that it is better or correct. 

Part of this trend is what is driving load in 

various areas of Nebraska and the United 

States. 

Because of the use of data and research in the 

AI world, data centers and their massive loads 

are becoming more and more widespread and 

are looking for new homes. This is a growing 

trend in our industry and all parties are 

looking for solutions to benefit everyone. 

I am not sure where this trend will go in the 

future but know that it is here to stay. It is 

not going away. Artificial intelligence will 

likely become more and more prevalent in our 

everyday lives. 

We want our customers to know that Loup 

Power District is looking out for all our 

customers regarding AI and how it will affect 

and possibly improve our quality of life. 

NEAL SUESS 

President/CEO 

SUMMER 2024 | 3

MAY STORMS 

CAUSE DAMAGE 

BY POWERHOUSE 

4 | GENERATOR

Two powerful spring storms hit 

the Columbus area just a few days 

apart in May. 

Equipment at the Columbus 

Powerhouse recorded wind speeds 

of more than 90 miles per hour in 

a storm that hit in the early hours 

of May 21. 

Those winds downed trees at 

the Columbus Powerhouse and 

Powerhouse Park was closed for 

several days to facilitate cleanup. 

Another storm early on May 

24 damaged the 34.5 kV 

subtransmission line and 

distribution underbuild on 3rd 

Avenue just south of the Columbus 

Powerhouse. Sixteen poles were 

snapped. 

The storm also downed trees 

around Columbus causing some 

outages throughout the city. 


ELLIE FREDERICK 

Shelby-Rising City High School 

— 

Plans: Nursing at York University 

Daughter of Justin and Sheila Frederick, 

Service Center Coordinator 

CONNOR BLASER 

Twin River High School 

— 

Plans: Rangeland & Livestock Management 

at Chadron State College 

Daughter of Gina and Jon Blaser, 

Customer Service Supervisor 

CARLY WEMHOFF 

Schuyler Central High School 

— 

Plans: Math Education 

at Wayne State College 

Daughter of Mark and Stacy Wemhoff, 

Communications Coordinator 

CONNOR OLMER 

University of Nebraska at Kearney 

(December 2023) 

— 

Bachelor of Science Degrees 

in Criminal Justice and Political Science 

Son of Tom and Ann Olmer, 

Customer Service Representative 

TESSA KLEVEMANN 

Columbus High School 

— 

Plans: Business at Southeast 

Community College in Lincoln 

Daughter of Heidi and Brian Klevemann, 

Storekeeper 

DYLAN CRUMLEY 

Columbus High School 

— 

Plans: Pre-Medicine at the University of 

Nebraska at Kearney & Loper Track Team 

Son of Shana and Trent Crumley, 

Canal Lead 

6 | GENERATOR

Area students earn scholarships 

LINKAGES/STEM/STEAM SCHOLARSHIPS 

LOUP POWER DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIPS 

Five high school graduates were awarded Linkages/STEM/STEAM 

Scholarships for their work in 

science, technology, and engineering courses at 

their high schools. 

Scholarship recipients: Columbus High School 

—Tanner Esch, Victoria Dannelly, Collin Jaster; 

Lakeview High School —Jack Burns; Scotus 

Central Catholic — Luke Chard. 

The Linkages/STEM/STEAM Programs are recognized 

nationally, supporting high schools offering 

quality programs. The Columbus Economic 

Council, Loup Power District, and local businesses 

provide support for the program. 

The following local sponsors provided important 

financial support to this year’s program: ADM 

Corn Processing, Behlen Mfg., Columbus Bank 

and Trust Company, Columbus Community Hospital, 

Duo Lift Manufacturing, Pinnacle Bank, and 

TORIN Products, Inc. 

Since its beginning in 2004, the Linkages Program 

has awarded 216 scholarships totaling $75,575. 

Loup Power District awarded scholarships to eight 

area students who are attending Central Community 

College in Columbus this fall. 

Scholarship recipients are: Columbus High School 

— Silvia DeLeon; Fullerton High School — 

Jerrod Land; Humphrey High School — Jarrod 

Abernathy; Lakeview High School — Juan Garcia 

Alarcon; Riverside Public High School — Ashtyn 

Heikes; Schuyler Central High School — Hector 

Cruz; Scotus Central Catholic — Kamren Kudron; 

Twin River High School — Ryder Kleckner. 

Loup Power District has presented scholarships to 

high school graduates in Nance, Boone, Colfax and 

Platte counties and a portion of Madison County for 

more than 50 years. We present these scholarships 

to students in hopes they remain in this area to 

further their education and plan careers here after 

college. 

Selection is based on academic achievement, 

employment and school activities, personal statement, 

application, and recommendations. 

Electrical safety an important 

consideration for college students 

Students heading off to college are often excited 

to shop for dorm room supplies, décor, and other 

back-to-campus items. But one essential parents and 

students may overlook is electrical safety. 

“There is a tendency for college students to want 

to bring everything they own,” said Kyle Ainsworth, 

Loup’s Director of Safety and Training. “The limited 

number of electric outlets in student rooms can tempt 

many students to use multiple extension cords and 

power strips, which can cause cords to overheat, creating 

shock and fire hazards.” 

Potentially older wiring in student housing and 

apartments may not be able to handle the increased 

electrical demand of today’s college student. 

If an appliance frequently causes power to trip off, 

or if its power cord or the outlet feels hot, it should be 

disconnected immediately and reported to the landlord 

or campus housing staff. 

• Avoid overloading extension cords, power strips, or 

outlets. 

• Never tack or nail an electrical cord to any surface or 

run cords across traffic paths or under rugs where 

they can be trampled or damaged. 

• Use the correct wattage light bulbs for lamps and 

fixtures. If no indication is on the product, do not 

use a bulb with more than 60 watts. Use cooler, 

compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). 

• Keep all electrical appliances and cords safely away 

from bedding, curtains, papers, and other flammable 

material. 

• Unplug small appliances when not in use and all 

electronics when away for extended periods. 

• Do not put a cell phone under a pillow or place it on 

or under bedding. It could overheat or catch fire. 

• Do not hang decorative lights with nails or tacks; 

always use plastic hooks. 

Here are some additional electrical safety tips for college 

students: 

• Purchase and use electrical products with a safety 

endorsement label. UL certification means the product 

meets federal safety regulations. 

“Stress to students that in the event of a fire, it is 

important to follow safety procedures and get out 

of harm’s way immediately,” Ainsworth added. 

“Property and valuables can be replaced, but lives 

cannot.” 


COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT 

Petersburg 

The Community Builders group toured Petersburg in May. 

Tour stops included True Blue Electric, Rae Valley Street Rods, Petersburg Ag 

Supply Center, and Cedar Rapids State Bank, followed by dinner at 3C’s Knotty 

Pine. 

Community Builders is a group that supports local communities and 

businesses by sharing ideas and resources. Central Community College, 

Cornhusker Public Power District, and Loup Power District are the program 

partners. Tours are open to the public. 

TRUE BLUE ELECTRIC 

Build it and they will come. 

That’s sort of how it went for 

Jordan Anderson, owner of True Blue 

Electric. 

The Newman Grove native went 

off to Lincoln for 10 years after 

graduating. That was long enough in 

the city and so he moved back home 

and began commuting to Norfolk for 

work. Things were going well, but he 

felt there was something missing. 

“I really had 

a desire to own a 

business,” he said. 

An acquaintance 

put him in touch 

with the Petersburg 

Industrial 

Development 

Corporation. The 

group was planning 

a new building in the 

downtown area and 

was looking for an 

occupant. 

Anderson said 

after a few meetings, 

he knew the group’s 

members would support a new 

business and decided that it was time 

to pursue his goal in 2017. 

“It’s been a great opportunity for 

me,” he said. 

Today, the newly rebranded True 

Blue Electric has plenty of business 

in Boone County and the surrounding 

area. Anderson purchased his building 

and has three employees. 

The business has a strong focus 

on commercial projects but also does 

“ 

Jordan 

We’re really 

striving to be a 

premier company 

here in 

Boone County. 

residential work. 

Anderson said he is thankful that 

Petersburg and Albion residents have 

welcomed him to their communities. 

He also credits his wife, Kristi, for 

his success. She works as a part-time 

bookkeeper. 

“I couldn’t do it without her,” 

he said. “She’s been extremely 

supportive and she’s incredibly 

talented.” 

Anderson said 

the company 

is emphasizing 

leadership and 

development 

opportunities for 

employees as he 

begins to transition 

from working in the 

field at least four days 

a week to being in 

the office more. This 

will free up time to 

enhance customer 

relations, complete 

estimates, and handle 

other office and 

managerial tasks. 

“We’re really striving to be a 

premier company here in Boone 

County,” he said. 

Anderson said he is thankful that 

he has always had plenty of business. 

That, however, creates its own 

problems. 

“The biggest challenge is recruiting 

and keeping key talent,” he said. 

He’s committed to creating a 

positive atmosphere for his employees 

Anderson, owner of True Blue 

Electric, and the business' new logo. 

and a developing a great reputation 

among the public. He hopes that 

will ensure continued success going 

forward and allow him to attract that 

talent that is definitely out there. 

“I know there is a segment of 

people who want to get out of Omaha 

and Lincoln and experience smalltown 

life,” he said. “There’s a lot that 

rural America has to offer.” 

LEARN MORE: trueblue-electric.com 

8 | GENERATOR

PETERSBURG AG SUPPLY 

Doug Koch’s father stepped away 

from his job in the fertilizer industry 

in 1987 and bought a run-down 

building in downtown Petersburg. 

Windows were broken, it had a bad 

roof, and needed brick work. 

But soon, Marv Koch, had it all 

fixed up and opened a store selling 

sporting goods and guns. 

“He always loved those kinds of 

things,” Koch said. 

He said his father spent a lot of time 

fishing and hunting and wasn’t always 

at the store. 

One day, the pair were sitting 

together at the store when Marv asked 

Doug if he wanted to take over the 

business. 

“I looked him right in the eyes and 

I said, ‘Can I make a living doing it?’ 

and he said ‘absolutely not’ and here I 

am,” Koch said with a laugh. 

Today, he sells guns, ammo, and 

other hunting and sporting goods 

from the small store that is open 

mainly by appointment. 

He describes the business as a small 

Scheels or Cabela’s. 

The store also features a taxidermy 

collection including a wolf, fish, deer, 

birds, and a lynx. 

Koch joked that he wanted to be a 

taxidermist in the eighth grade and 

even dabbled in the trade. 

“It was terrible,” he said. “These 

were not even close to what a fish 

should look like.” 

Koch said the Internet and social 

media has really helped smalltown 

businesses grow and attract 

customers. 

Even so, he doesn’t focus much on 

that. 

“I’ve hit that age where I really 

don’t want to be that busy,” he said. 

LEARN MORE: petersburgagsupply. 

com and on Facebook 

Petersburg Ag 

Supply owner 

Doug Koch. 

CEDAR RAPIDS STATE BANK 

Cedar Rapids State Bank (CRSB) President John Morrow 

was a little surprised when Petersburg resident Ross Knott 

approached him about opening a branch in Petersburg. 

The small bank had two other locations in Cedar Rapids 

and Spalding. 

Knott explained that there was a unique opportunity to 

open a branch on a well-traveled highway in a progressive 

town. Before long, Morrow was sold on the idea. 

The bank built a new office and has been in business for 

a little more than two years. 

Knott serves as Vice President and Senior Loan Officer. 

Morrow said he’s a Lincoln native who worked as a 

financial advisor in Omaha before coming to CRSB. Since 

then, he has worked hard to diversify the bank’s portfolio. 

To do that, CRSB hired a team to help originate 

mortgages as well as a commercial lender. 

Seven years ago, the bank had assets of about $30 

million. Today, that number is about $150 million. 

Morrow said while CRSB is “an ag bank at heart,” it 

made sense to add services to better serve customers and 

improve stability. 

“It’s helped with the long-term safety of the bank,” he 

said. 

Morrow said the community banking doesn’t mean what 

it once did. 

“Community is not just about a map,” he said. 

Knott agreed, saying technology has helped service 

customers all over the country. 

“When you call here, you’re still going to talk to a live 

John Morrow 

(left) and 

Ross Knott. 

human who can help you,” he said. “But we can help 

anybody anywhere. We do business from coast to coast, 

from North to South.” 

Still, Knott said there are some things that haven’t 

changed since he started in the industry in 1986. 

“The brick and mortar doesn’t mean much,” he said. 

“And to me it never did.” 

Instead, it’s the people and service that matter. 

“That’s what our goal is — to be the people that you 

want to do business with,” he said. 

LEARN MORE: cedarrapidsstatebank.com and on Facebook 


RAE VALLEY STREET RODS & FABRICATION 

Chase Preister started his auto 

restoration business three years ago. 

LEARN MORE: Rae Valley Street Rods 

& Fabrication on Facebook 

As a kid growing up in Humphrey, 

Chase Preister would often peek in the 

windows of Boesch Auto to check out 

the hot rods inside. 

“You always wanted to see what 

“ 

It was always 

a dream of mine 

to open a 

restoration shop 

was in there,” he said. 

He was inspired by 

those glances to get 

into auto body work 

himself. And today, 

kids can peek in Rae 

Valley Street Rods to 

see what he’s working 

on. 

“It was always a 

dream of mine to own 

a restoration shop,” 

Preister said. 

He moved to 

Petersburg with his family in 2004 

before going off to college in Lincoln 

to learn the trade. After college he 

worked for a few shops and really 

enjoyed the work and the mentorship 

he found there. 

But after a few years, he knew he 

wasn’t where he wanted to be. 

“I just wanted to come back home,” 

he said. “I didn’t like the city.” 

He moved home and worked for his 

father, Scott, for about a year. In 2020, 

he built his shop with Scott’s help. 

It features exposed well casing pipe 

trusses and large front windows so 

people can check out the cars inside. 

It took about a year to finish the 

building and he marked his third 

year on business the same day as the 

Community Builders 

tour. 

In addition to a large 

work area, the building 

also has a paint booth. 

“Metalwork is 

probably my favorite 

thing to do,” he said. 

If you go by his shop, 

you’ll likely see a 1955 

Dodge Coronet and a 

1972 GMC Jimmy inside 

in various stages of 

restoration. 

Preister said projects can take 

months and up to a year to complete. 

He does some collision work but 

prefers the classic restorations. He has 

not advertised and business comes his 

way by word of mouth. 

He had a part-time employee for 

a time who eventually moved on to 

another job. 

Preister said he’s very particular 

about the quality of his work and these 

days he enjoys working alone. 

“It’s hard to find someone who 

knows how to do this stuff,” he said. 

10 | GENERATOR

NOAA recognizes Loup for 60 

years of weather reporting 

The operators at Loup 

Power District’s Columbus 

Powerhouse have been 

reporting the weather for 

more than 60 years. 

That milestone was 

recognized with a Special 

Service Award from the 

National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration. 

The award recognizes the 

service this provides to the 

National Weather Service 

(NWS). 

Service Hydrologist David 

Pearson and Meteorologist 

Katie Gross from the NWS 

office in Valley presented the 

award on May 9. 

There is an on-duty 

operator at the Powerhouse 

24 hours a day, 7 days 

a week. Each day, the 

operators note the day’s 

high and low temperatures, 

barometric pressure, 

precipitation, and snow 

depth. They report this to 

the NWS office through an 

online portal. 

They also note hourly 

wind speeds and sky 

conditions. 

Loup is one of nearly 

9,000 volunteers in the 

NWS Cooperative Observer 

Program throughout the 

nation. The program was 

created in 1890 to provide 

observational meteorological 

data, and to provide that 

data in real time to support 

forecast and warning programs. 

Left to Right: David Pearson, NWS Service Hydrologist; Brad 

Morton, Hydro Superintendent; Tony Miller, Plant Operator; 

Blane Konwinski, Plant Operator; and Katie Gross, NWS 

Meteorologist. 

Locally, there are 67 volunteer observers throughout 

eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. Of those, Loup 

provides the most data. 

“Nobody else is doing anything close to this,” he said. 

“The amount of detail you provide is amazing.” 

Hydro Superintendent Brad Morton said employees 

at the Genoa Headworks also report river conditions 

beginning in the fall. 

“We’re the eyes and ears out there,” he said. 

These reports include slushy or icy conditions at the 

Headworks. They also note how much water is flowing into 

the canal versus going down 

the river. 

Pearson said those reports 

help NWS employees keep 

everyone informed. 

For example, he said ice 

movement is usually an 

alarm that prompts them to 

alert downstream counties 

and emergency managers 

that ice jams and flooding 

could be coming. 

Morton said before 

online reporting, operators 

recorded conditions on paper 

and physically sent them 

in. After that, the NWS gave 

Loup a special phone to call 

in the daily reports. 

The NWS isn’t the only 

entity that relied on Loup’s 

information over the years. 

At one time, the Powerhouse 

got calls from television and 

radio stations asking about 

precipitation, snowfall, or 

temperatures. 

That went away with the 

advent of the internet and 

social media. 

In addition to reports 

from the Powerhouse, the 

NWS also collects data from 

automated equipment at the 

Columbus Municipal Airport. 

Reports from official 

weather observers in the 

Columbus area go back about 

150 years. In 1928, Harold 

Kramer was appointed 

weather observer for 

Columbus. 

Kramer was instrumental in the development of the 

Loup Power District project in the 1930s and served as 

Loup’s first General Manager. He also helped develop the 

American Public Power Association. 

It is likely that Kramer’s connection with weather 

observation influenced Loup’s early employees to 

recommend that the Powerhouse continue the service. 

Morton said that while the weather reports benefit the 

NWS, they also help Loup’s operations teams. 

"Weather conditions are very important for all of our 

day-to-day decisions,” he said. “We are happy to partner 

with the National Weather Service.” 


employee notes 

MARK ROMBERG 

Senior Engineering Technician 

Mark Romberg retired from Loup Power 

District after 34 years of service. 

Romberg joined 

Loup in 1990 as 

an Engineering 

Technician II at the 

Columbus General 

Office and was 

promoted to Engineering 

Technician I 

in 1993. In 2006, he 

was promoted to his 

current position of 

Senior Engineering 

Technician. 

Romberg’s primary duties included 

designing transmission and distribution 

lines and substations, right-of-way 

acquisition, surveying, purchasing 

materials, and writing work orders. 

Romberg is a graduate of Albion 

High School and earned an associate 

degree in electrical technology 

from Southeast Community College 

in Milford. He and his wife, Tammie, 

are the parents of two children, Josh 

and Jaclyn. They have two grandsons, 

Jackson and Jax. 

CLINT ALBRACHT 

Engineering Technician II 

Clint Albracht 

was promoted to 

Engineering Tech in 

April. 

In his new role, 

Albracht works on 

substation design. 

He coordinates 

the construction 

and inspection of PROMOTION 

District projects, 

orders materials to 

ensure they meet Loup’s specifications, 

and assists with engineering projects 

throughout the District. Other duties 

include designing distribution and 

transmission lines and surveying. 

Albracht is a graduate of Lakeview High 

School. He earned a degree in Mechanized 

Systems Management from the 

University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He and 

his wife, Kelli, live in Columbus. 

12 | GENERATOR 

RETIRED 

ARIC ALT 

Engineering Technician I 

Aric Alt was promoted 

to Engineering 

Tech I in April. 


Alt’s primary duties 

include the design 

of transmission and 

distribution lines and 

substations. This 

includes buying 

right-of-way, surveying, 

designing, 

purchasing materials, 

and writing work orders. 

Alt joined Loup in 2009 as a temporary 

part-time Drafting Technician. He was 

named full-time Drafting Technician II 

in 2011. In 2020, he was promoted to 

Engineering Technician II and stayed in 

that role until this promotion. 

Alt is a graduate of Shelby Public High 

School and has an Associate of Applied 

Science degree in Drafting Technology 

from Central Community College in 

Columbus. 

HARRISON WEYERS 

Drafting Technician 

PROMOTION 

Harrison Weyers was promoted to 

Drafting Technician in May. 

His duties include revising distribution 

and rural maps using AutoCAD 

software; assisting 

with line and substation 

projects; and 

revising structural, 

mechanical, and 

electrical technical 

design drawings. 

Weyers is a graduate 

of Columbus 

High School. He 

took classes at 

Milford and UNL 

and earned an 

associate degree in 

mechatronics from Central Community 

College. 

PROMOTION 

Weyers joined Loup in 2022 as a parttime 

employee and was working for 

the engineering department before his 

promotion. 

CHASE DAVIS 

Journey/Line/Service Technician 

Chase Davis transferred 

to Journey/ 

Line/Service Technician 

in June. 

In his new position, 

Davis maintains 

street lights, 

conducts electrical 

locates, and works 

with customers 

during outages and 

during the installation 

of new electric 

services. 

Davis joined Loup in 2007 as an 

Apprentice Line Technician in Columbus. 

He was promoted to Line Technician 

later that year. In 2012, Davis 

transferred to Arborist/Lineman and 

was promoted to Journey Line Technician 

in 2014. 

Davis is a graduate of Columbus 


degree in utility line from Northeast 

Community College. He and his wife, 

Tiffany, are the parents of four daughters, 

Hadley, Ellowyn, Cooper, and 

Lettie. 

DREW GRAHAM 

Monroe Powerhouse Chief Operator 

Drew Graham joined 

Loup in 2019 as a 

Utility Technician 

at the Columbus 

Service Center. 

In 2020, he was 

promoted to Monroe 

Powerhouse Chief 

Operator. 

TRANSFER 

Graham is responsible 

for the operation, 

monitoring, 

5 YEARS 

and maintenance 

of the Monroe Powerhouse including 

generators, auxiliaries, substation, and 

structures. 

Graham is a graduate of Twin River 

High School. He earned an associate 

degree in heating ventilation and 

air conditioning/refrigeration from 

Northeast Community College. He and 

his wife, Jordan, live in Monroe.

RICK PRATER 

Supervisor of Safety & Training 

Rick Prater retired 

from Loup Power 

District after more 

than 33 years of 

service. 

Prater joined Loup 

in 1990 as a Line 

Technician at the 

Columbus Service 

Center. He was promoted 

to Journey 

RETIRED 

Line Technician in 

1992. In 1996, he 

was promoted to Supervisor of Safety 

and Training. 

Prater was responsible for all safety 

concerns and training throughout the 

District. He also co-chaired Loup’s 

Wellness Program. 

Prater is a graduate of Norfolk High 

School and has an associate degree in 

utility line from Northeast Community 

College in Norfolk. 

He and his wife, Susan, have three children 

and two grandchildren — Joshua 

and his wife, Ashley, and their two 

children, Liara and Jaxon; Dillon and his 

wife, Rachel; and Brianna O’Neill and 

her husband, John. 

KYLE AINSWORTH 

Supervisor of Safety & Training 

Kyle Ainsworth was promoted to Supervisor 

of Safety/Training in May. 

Ainsworth joined Loup in 2012 as a 

Line Technician. He was promoted 

to Journeyman Lineman in 2014 and 

transferred to Journey/Line/Service 

Technician in 2018. 


Ainsworth is 

responsible for all 

safety concerns and 

training throughout 

the District. He 

also co-chairs the 

District’s Wellness 

Program. 

PROMOTION 

Ainsworth is a graduate of Columbus 

High School and earned an Associate 

of Applied Science Degree in 

Utility Line from Northeast Community 

College. He and his wife, Jill, are the 

parents of three children: Brooklyn, 

Avery, and Emery. 

CALEB BUNDY 

IT Network Coordinator 

Caleb Bundy joined 

Loup in 2023. 

He is responsible 

for support and 

maintenance of 

Loup’s computer 

network, including 

switches, routers, 

and the firewall. 

He also ensures 

the District’s 

digital security and 

provides technical 

support to Loup employees. 

Bundy is a graduate of Grand Island 

Senior High School and has an Associate 

Degree in Information Technology 

Systems-Networking from Central 

Community College. He and his fiancée, 

Sierra, have three children, Navy, 

Lucian, and Evren. 

GINNY JOHNSON 


Ginny Johnson 

joined Loup in 

1994 as a part-time 

Customer Service 

Representative at 

the Genoa office. 

She was promoted 

to a full-time 


Representative in 

2018 and works at 

both the Genoa and 

St. Edward offices. 

1 YEAR 

30 YEARS 

Her responsibilities include greeting 

customers; processing payments; setting 

up, transferring, or closing service; 

taking service calls; and preparing 

reports. 

Johnson is a graduate of Genoa High 

School and took accounting and 

computer courses at Central Community 

College in Columbus. She and her 

husband, Don, are the parents of four 

sons: J.J., Andy, Craig, and Scott. They 

have six grandchildren. 

MATT KATHOL 

Hydro Electrical/Mechanical Technician 

Matt Kathol joined 

Loup as Meter, 

Relay, and Equipment 

Technician II 

in 2009. In 2018, he 

transferred to the 

Hydro department 

and began working 

as Hydro Electrical/ 

Mechanical Technician. 

Kathol maintains 

and repairs equipment 

at the Columbus and Monroe 

Powerhouses. 

Kathol is a graduate of Norfolk High 

School and earned an associate degree 

in electromechanical technology 

from Northeast Community College in 

Norfolk. He and his wife, Ashley, are 

the parents of three sons, Eli, Owen, 

and Lane. 

CINDY GASPER 

Accounting Clerk 

Cindy Gasper 


Accounting Clerk in 

April. 

15 YEARS 

In her new role, 

Gasper is responsible 

for paying 

District bills; filing 

reports; registering 

all District vehicles; 

and keeping 

PROMOTION 

inventory of office 

supplies for District 

personnel. She also serves as a courier 

for the District’s Columbus locations 

— General Office, Columbus Service 

Center, and Powerhouse. 

Gasper joined Loup as a Customer 

Service Representative at the Columbus 

General Office in 2018 and stayed 

in that position until this promotion. 

Gasper is a graduate of Humphrey 

St. Francis and attended Wayne State 

College. 

She and her husband, Greg, have four 

children: Lindsey, Levi Mikayla, and 

Michael. They also have a granddaughter, 

Olivia. 


JOYCE GUENTHER 

Customer Billing Coordinator 

Joyce Guenther 

retired from Loup 

Power District after 

more than 23 years 

of service. 

Guenther joined 

Loup in 2000 as a 


Representative 


General Office. 

RETIRED 

She was promoted 

to Lead Customer 

Service Representative in 2015 and to 

Billing Coordinator in 2017. 

Guenther’s responsibilities included 

reviewing and processing all of the District’s 

billings; coordinating readings, 

billings, and delinquencies; reconciling 

District meter inventory; and assisting 

staff and customers with inquiries. 

Guenther is a graduate of Schuyler 

Central High School. She and her 

husband, Larry, are the parents of two 

children, Casey and Dylan. They have 

two grandchildren. 

SHARI CROMWELL 

Customer Billing Coordinator 

Shari Cromwell 


Customer Billing 

Coordinator in April. 


she is responsible 

for reviewing and 

processing all of the 

District’s billings; 

coordinating 

readings, billings, 

PROMOTION 

and delinquencies; 

reconciling District 

meter inventory; and assisting staff and 

customers with inquiries. 

Cromwell joined Loup in 2014 as 

Customer Service Representative at 

the Columbus General Office. In 2017, 

she was promoted to Lead Customer 

Service Representative and stayed in 

that position until this promotion. 

Cromwell is a graduate of Monroe 

High School. She and her husband, 

John, are the parents of two married 

children: Austin (Paige) Cromwell and 

14 | GENERATOR 

Aiden (Jennifer) Cromwell. Aiden and 

Jennifer have two children, Drake and 

Gwendolyn. 

RHONDA ROGERS 

Lead Customer Service Representative 

Rhonda Rogers was promoted to Lead 



April. 


she is responsible 

for organizing the 

daily activity of the 


Representatives 


General Office. 

This includes 

procedures and system operations 

scheduling, payment processing and 

service orders, and account balancing. 

Rogers joined Loup in 2015 as a Customer 

Service Representative at the 

Columbus General Office and stayed in 

that position until this promotion. 

She is a graduate of Columbus High 

School and attended Spencer School 

of Business and Central Community 

College-Columbus. She has two sons, 

Aaron and Alec. Aaron and his wife, 

Sierra, have one daughter, Ayla. 

BLAKE GROSSNICKLAUS 


Blake Grossnicklaus 

joined Loup as a 



the Columbus General 

Office. 

Her responsibilities 

include greeting 

customers, processing 

payments, 

setting up and 

closing service, and 

answering phone 

calls. 

PROMOTION 

WELCOME 

Grossnicklaus is a graduate of Shelby- 

Rising City Public Schools and attended 

Southeast Community College in 

Lincoln and Metropolitan Community 

College in Omaha for business administration. 

She and her boyfriend, Blake 

Eller, live in Silver Creek. 

JACI NICHELSON 


Jaci Nichelson 

joined Loup as a 



the Columbus General 

Office. 

Her responsibilities 

include greeting 

customers, processing 

payments, 

setting up and 

closing service, and 

answering phone 

calls. 

WELCOME 

Nichelson is a graduate of Scotus Central 

Catholic High School and earned 

an associate degree from Central 

Community College. 

She and her husband, Mark, have two 

children: Cade and Brandon. Brandon, 

and his wife Morgan, have two children, 

Kelce and Maddux. 

MARIE ZACH 

Administrative Assistant — Engineering 

Marie Zach joined 

Loup in 1999 as 

a Cashier at the 

District’s Columbus 

General Office. She 


Computer Operator 

in 2001 and to Lead 



2011. She was promoted 

to Administrative 

Assistant for 

the Engineering Department in 2014. 

25 YEARS 

Zach provides support to the Vice 

President of Engineering and other 

department personnel. She maintains 

work order files, state and federal 

forms, consultant materials, internal 

reports, and more. 

Zach is a graduate of Humphrey St. 

Francis High School and she earned 

an Associate of Applied Science 

Degree in Business Administration and 

a Management Diploma from Central 

Community College in Columbus. 

Zach and her husband, Steve, are the 

parents of four grown children: Wes, 

Austin, Danny, and Laura. They have 17 

grandchildren.

CAMERON KNOPIK 

Journey Line Technician 

Cameron Knopik 


2014 as a Line 

Technician in Albion 

and was promoted 

to Journey 

Line Technician in 

2017. 

Knopik is a 

member of the 

line crew that is 10 YEARS 

responsible for 

the construction, 

operation, and maintenance of 

Loup’s electrical transmission and 

distribution system in the Albion 

Division. 

Knopik is a graduate of Fullerton 



Community College in Norfolk. 

JACOB CZARNICK 


Jacob Czarnick 

of Columbus was 

promoted to Journey 

Line Technician 

in March. He 

also marked his 

five-year anniversary 

in May. 

Line technicians 

must 

work through 

PROMOTION 

a progression 

schedule demonstrating 

competence in the field in 

order to earn the promotion. 

Requirements include length of 

employment, work performance, 

supervisor’s recommendation, and 

appropriate test scores. 

Czarnick joined Loup Power District 

as a line technician in 2019. He is a 

member of the crew that is responsible 

for the construction, operation 

and maintenance of electric transmission 

and distribution systems in 

the Columbus area. 

Czarnick graduated from Columbus 

High School and earned his Utility 

Line degree from Northeast Community 

College. 

BEAU SCHOMMER 


Beau Schommer joined Loup in 2019. 

He is a member 

of the crew that 

is responsible for 

the construction, 

operation and 

maintenance of 

electric transmission 

and distribution 

systems in 

the Columbus 

area. 

Schommer 

graduated from 

Norfolk Catholic High School and 

earned his Utility Line degree from 

Northeast Community College. 

ZANDER ZIETTLOW 

Engineer 

Zander Ziettlow 


June. 

Ziettlow plans, 

designs, and 

implements 

additions to 

Loup’s electric 

system to service 

expanding and WELCOME 

new loads. He 

also performs 

engineering system studies, works 

on reliability plans, and helps order 

equipment. 

Ziettlow is a graduate of North Bend 

High School and earned a bachelor’s 

degree in electrical engineering 

from the University of Nebraska- 

Lincoln. He and his fiancée, Julia 

Knapp, live in North Bend. 

MASON HINZE 

Line Technician 

Mason Hinze 

has joined Loup 

Power District as 

a Line Technician 

based out of the 

Columbus Service 

Center. 

Hinze is a member 

of the crew 

that is responsible 

for the 

5 YEARS 

WELCOME 

construction, operation and maintenance 

of electric transmission and 

distribution systems in the Columbus 

area. 

He is a graduate of Lakeview High 

School and earned an associate 


Community College. 

Hinze has worked as a temporary 

part-time line technician for Loup 

since 2022. 

Loup pays area 

communities 

$1.6 million 

Loup Power District recently delivered 

lease payments totaling more than $1.6 

million to area communities. 

Each of these communities owns their 

electric distribution systems. These 

payments compensate them for the use 

of those systems for the first quarter of 

2024. 

Communities use the funds for a variety 

of public projects. 

The payments were: 

Columbus — $1,190,266.13 

Platte Center — $15,145.04 

Monroe — $14,673.39 

Tarnov — $2,199.83 

Creston — $8,803.86 

Humphrey — $35,023.60 

Lindsay — $57,389.10 

Cornlea — $2,400.25 

Newman Grove — $22,216.22 

Duncan — $19,022.18 

Fullerton — $37,833.04 

Genoa — $29,591.12 

Belgrade — $4,048.26 

Richland — $3,941.03 

Howells — $25,950.97 

Leigh — $20,070.56 

Clarkson — $23,658.54 

Albion — $59,154.01 

Cedar Rapids — $20,803.35 

Primrose — $1,817.89 

Petersburg — $11,160.73 

St. Edward — $21,585.86 

Total — $1,626,754.96 


2404 15th Street | PO Box 988 

Columbus, NE 68602-0988 

Repair work following a May storm that 

damaged the 34.5 kV subtransmission line 

and distribution underbuild on 3rd Avenue 

just south of the Columbus Powerhouse. 

Sixteen poles snapped.

Summer 24 Generator

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