community events calendar january/february 2016 … · community events calendar community events...

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CoMMuNITy EVENTs CaLENDar Community events are provided as a courtesy, based on information submitted by the public. Norris Public Power District is not responsible for errors. Events are subject to change, please check with sponsoring organization for updated information. To have a community event published on this page, please submit the event information to [email protected] or by calling Vicky at 1-800-858-4707. Norris Public Power District reserves the right to accept or decline event submissions and to edit material submitted due to space availability limits. With a bi-monthly publication, calendar items must be submitted on a timely basis to ensure that the event will be published. If the deadline is missed for publication, the event will be in the current list of community events on our website at www.norrisppd.com. Look for the Community Events Calendar on the right hand side of your screen. FRIDAY, JANUARY 15th Wymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed Stag Fish fry and ham Serving 5:30 p.m. - ??? SATURDAY, JANUARY 16th Gage County Relay For Life Kickoff Breakfast Valentino’s, 7th & Court Streets, Beatrice Serving 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. www.relayforlife.org/gagecone SUNDAY, JANUARY 17th (Storm Date – January 24th) Tobias Firemen’s Annual Brunch Tobias Fire Hall Serving 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. FRIDAY, JANUARY 22nd Barneston American Legion Fish Fry Serving 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks SATURDAY, JANUARY 23rd 3rd Annual Winter Blues Festival – Brews, Blues & BBQ Beginning at 4:00 p.m. The Tasting Room, 508 E Street, Fairbury Proceeds will benefit the Bonham Theatre Project For information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000 SUNDAY, JANUARY 24th Hallam Area Foundation Annual Soup Supper Serving 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Hallam Auditorium, Hallam Serving various soups, sandwiches, desserts and drinks Free will offering – proceeds for trees at the park SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6th Diller Opera House Shrimp Feed Opera House, Diller Serving 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. Shrimp, beef fries, ham, coleslaw, potatoes and drinks Tickets available in advance or at the door SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13th Odell Legion Fish Fry Serving 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. All you can eat fish, ham salads, potatoes and drinks FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19th Wymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed Stag Beef fries and ham Serving 5:30 - ??? SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20th Liberty Shrimp Feed American Legion Post 346, Liberty Serving 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26th Barneston American Legion Fish Fry Serving 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27th Hoopla 10th Annual Youth Basketball Tournament Boys and Girls grades 3rd – 8th Register by January 29th Contact Gage County Tourism at (402) 205-3292 or [email protected] SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28th Pleasant Dale American Legion Breakfast Serving 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits/gravy and drinks SATURDAY, MARCH 5th Gage County Classic Film Institute Presents “Quo Vadis” Starring Filley and Gage County native, Robert Taylor Community Players Theater – 412 Ella Street, Beatrice 1:00 p.m. Ticket information contact Gage County Museum at 228-1679 or [email protected] SATURDAY, MARCH 12th Odell Legion Fish Fry Serving 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. All you can eat fish, ham salads, potatoes and drinks SATURDAY, MARCH 12th Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk/Crawl Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. at Chuckles Run/Walk/Crawl begins at 11:00 a.m. Live music from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. For information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000 FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH Wymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed Stag Turkey fries and fish Serving 5:30 p.m. - ??? SATURDAY, MARCH 19th 10th Annual Jefferson County Spring Expo 4-H and Merchants Buildings, Jefferson County Fairgrounds 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. For information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000 FRIDAY, MARCH 25th Barneston American Legion Fish Fry Serving 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

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CoMMuNITy EVENTs CaLENDarCommunity events are provided as a courtesy, based on information submittedby the public. Norris Public Power District is not responsible for errors. Eventsare subject to change, please check with sponsoring organization for updatedinformation.

To have a community event published on this page, please submit the eventinformation to [email protected] or by calling Vicky at 1-800-858-4707.Norris Public Power District reserves the right to accept or decline eventsubmissions and to edit material submitted due to space availability limits.

With a bi-monthly publication, calendar items must be submitted on a timelybasis to ensure that the event will be published. If the deadline is missed forpublication, the event will be in the current list of community events on ourwebsite at www.norrisppd.com. Look for the Community Events Calendar onthe right hand side of your screen.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15th Wymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed StagFish fry and hamServing 5:30 p.m. - ???

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16thGage County Relay For Life Kickoff BreakfastValentino’s, 7th & Court Streets, BeatriceServing 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.www.relayforlife.org/gagecone

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17th(Storm Date – January 24th)Tobias Firemen’s Annual BrunchTobias Fire HallServing 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22ndBarneston American Legion Fish FryServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23rd3rd Annual Winter Blues Festival – Brews, Blues & BBQBeginning at 4:00 p.m.The Tasting Room, 508 E Street, FairburyProceeds will benefit the Bonham Theatre ProjectFor information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24th Hallam Area Foundation Annual Soup SupperServing 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Hallam Auditorium, HallamServing various soups, sandwiches, desserts and drinksFree will offering – proceeds for trees at the park

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6thDiller Opera House Shrimp FeedOpera House, DillerServing 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.Shrimp, beef fries, ham, coleslaw, potatoes and drinksTickets available in advance or at the door

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13thOdell Legion Fish FryServing 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat fish, ham salads, potatoes and drinks

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19thWymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed StagBeef fries and hamServing 5:30 - ???

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20thLiberty Shrimp FeedAmerican Legion Post 346, LibertyServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

January/February 2016 Vol. 61 No. 1

Electric News MagazineFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26thBarneston American Legion Fish FryServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27thHoopla 10th Annual Youth Basketball TournamentBoys and Girls grades 3rd – 8thRegister by January 29th Contact Gage County Tourism at (402) 205-3292or [email protected]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28th Pleasant Dale American Legion BreakfastServing 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits/gravy and drinks

SATURDAY, MARCH 5thGage County Classic Film Institute Presents “Quo Vadis”Starring Filley and Gage County native, Robert TaylorCommunity Players Theater – 412 Ella Street, Beatrice1:00 p.m.Ticket information contact Gage County Museum at 228-1679or [email protected]

SATURDAY, MARCH 12th Odell Legion Fish FryServing 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat fish, ham salads, potatoes and drinks

SATURDAY, MARCH 12th Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk/CrawlRegistration begins at 10:00 a.m. at ChucklesRun/Walk/Crawl begins at 11:00 a.m.Live music from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.For information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000

FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH Wymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed StagTurkey fries and fishServing 5:30 p.m. - ???

SATURDAY, MARCH 19th10th Annual Jefferson County Spring Expo4-H and Merchants Buildings, Jefferson County Fairgrounds9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.For information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000

FRIDAY, MARCH 25thBarneston American Legion Fish FryServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

Norris

Community K9To Serve and Protect

CoMMuNITy EVENTs CaLENDarCommunity events are provided as a courtesy, based on information submittedby the public. Norris Public Power District is not responsible for errors. Eventsare subject to change, please check with sponsoring organization for updatedinformation.

To have a community event published on this page, please submit the eventinformation to [email protected] or by calling Vicky at 1-800-858-4707.Norris Public Power District reserves the right to accept or decline eventsubmissions and to edit material submitted due to space availability limits.

With a bi-monthly publication, calendar items must be submitted on a timelybasis to ensure that the event will be published. If the deadline is missed forpublication, the event will be in the current list of community events on ourwebsite at www.norrisppd.com. Look for the Community Events Calendar onthe right hand side of your screen.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15th Wymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed StagFish fry and hamServing 5:30 p.m. - ???

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16thGage County Relay For Life Kickoff BreakfastValentino’s, 7th & Court Streets, BeatriceServing 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.www.relayforlife.org/gagecone

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17th(Storm Date – January 24th)Tobias Firemen’s Annual BrunchTobias Fire HallServing 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22ndBarneston American Legion Fish FryServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23rd3rd Annual Winter Blues Festival – Brews, Blues & BBQBeginning at 4:00 p.m.The Tasting Room, 508 E Street, FairburyProceeds will benefit the Bonham Theatre ProjectFor information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24th Hallam Area Foundation Annual Soup SupperServing 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Hallam Auditorium, HallamServing various soups, sandwiches, desserts and drinksFree will offering – proceeds for trees at the park

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6thDiller Opera House Shrimp FeedOpera House, DillerServing 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.Shrimp, beef fries, ham, coleslaw, potatoes and drinksTickets available in advance or at the door

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13thOdell Legion Fish FryServing 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat fish, ham salads, potatoes and drinks

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19thWymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed StagBeef fries and hamServing 5:30 - ???

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20thLiberty Shrimp FeedAmerican Legion Post 346, LibertyServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

January/February 2016 Vol. 61 No. 1

Electric News MagazineFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26thBarneston American Legion Fish FryServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27thHoopla 10th Annual Youth Basketball TournamentBoys and Girls grades 3rd – 8thRegister by January 29th Contact Gage County Tourism at (402) 205-3292or [email protected]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28th Pleasant Dale American Legion BreakfastServing 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits/gravy and drinks

SATURDAY, MARCH 5thGage County Classic Film Institute Presents “Quo Vadis”Starring Filley and Gage County native, Robert TaylorCommunity Players Theater – 412 Ella Street, Beatrice1:00 p.m.Ticket information contact Gage County Museum at 228-1679or [email protected]

SATURDAY, MARCH 12th Odell Legion Fish FryServing 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat fish, ham salads, potatoes and drinks

SATURDAY, MARCH 12th Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk/CrawlRegistration begins at 10:00 a.m. at ChucklesRun/Walk/Crawl begins at 11:00 a.m.Live music from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.For information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000

FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH Wymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed StagTurkey fries and fishServing 5:30 p.m. - ???

SATURDAY, MARCH 19th10th Annual Jefferson County Spring Expo4-H and Merchants Buildings, Jefferson County Fairgrounds9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.For information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000

FRIDAY, MARCH 25thBarneston American Legion Fish FryServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

Norris

Community K9To Serve and Protect

NorrIsELECTrIC

NEWs“Dedicated to serving you”

(USPS-391-880)Published Bi-Monthly by

NORRIS PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT606 Irving Street, P.O. Box 399

Beatrice, NE 68310-0399Phone: 402-223-4038

www.norrisppd.comemail: [email protected]

Subscription Rates:Fifty cents per issue

Postmasters: Send noticesand returns to:

Norris Public Power DistrictP.O. Box 399

Beatrice, NE 68310-0399

Periodicals Postage Paid at Lincoln, Nebraska and additional offices

Board Meeting InformationUnless otherwise provided by resolution ofthe Board of Directors, regular meetings of

the Board of Directors shall be held monthlyon the first Wednesday of each month. The

Directors shall hold their meetings at theprincipal office of the District, or at such

other place or places as the Board may fromtime to time determine. Notice of regularmeeting shall be given as provided by law.

Officers and DirectorsRodney Heinrichs, President, Carleton

Stewart Huneke, Vice-President, WilberJohn Novotny, Secretary, Odell

Randy Steinhausen, Treasurer, LincolnDennis Buel, HickmanMark Knobel, FairburyGary Kroese, Adams

Kenneth Myers, HolmesvilleRoger Rada, Tobias

Bruce Tegtmeier, JansenBerneal Warner, Waverly

On the Front Cover:Ginger Pittman’s 6th grade students

at Tri County Public Schoolswelcome Toro, Community Based K9,

and Officer Anthony Chisanoin their classroom.

TabLE of CoNTENTs

3 Watt’s Up At Norris Public Power District

Paperless Promotion WinnersHoliday Ham Winners

4-5 District News

Norris Public Power District Board of Directors Approve WholesalePower Contracts with Nebraska Public Power DistrictMessage from Bruce Vitosh, General Manager/CEO

6-7 2016 Rate Schedules

Norris Customers See NO Rate Increase in 2016

8-9 Community Based K9

All In A Day’s Work

10 Dedicated Years of Service

Darin Anderson, Mark Kujath and Matthew Harvey

11 Diller Locker Company

Proudly Serving Our Community

12 Affordable Energy

Keeping Energy Affordable

13 Operation Warm

Firefighters Warm Small Hands, Heads and Hearts

14-15 Environmental Sustainability

Public Power Provides More Than Power

16 Community Events Calendar

NorrIs PubLIC PoWEr DIsTrICT CoNTaCT NuMbErs

Main Office – Area IIIBeatrice: 402-223-4038Toll Free: 1-800-858-4707Hours: M-F 7:30 AM–4:30 PM

Area IHebron: 402-768-6515Toll Free: 1-800-827-8099Hours: M-F 8:00 AM–4:30 PMClosed each day from12:00 PM–12:30 PM

Fairbury: 402-729-3835

Area IIRoca: 402-423-3855Toll Free: 1-800-743-3899Hours: M-F 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Crete: 402-826-2517

Vicky JurgensNorris Electric NewsMagazine [email protected]

Emily ShockleyAdministrative [email protected]

Michelle JunkerManager of Corporate [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter Like us on FacebookConnect on Linkedin

Bruce VitoshGeneral Manager/[email protected]

Jerry EnnsManager of [email protected]

Randal EvansManager of Operations and [email protected]

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the nation’s Corn Belt, encompassing several states includingNebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Seed-ings take place after the first frost. Open soil works to broad-cast seed, allowing for seed to soil contact. In December, theBeatrice site was seeded with 35 different nectar and flower-ing flora and milkweed, along with native grasses. Monarch butterflies hibernate in Mexico over the winter, andbegin their long journey north in February or March. In thespring, Monarchs return to settle in the flyway. Once there,the Monarchs reproduce, laying their eggs only on milkweed(the only plant their caterpillars can eat). One caterpillar eats20 – 25 milkweed leaves and without those leaves, Monarchscannot survive. As adults, Monarchs and other pollinators eatwildflower nectar. Subsequent generations will return to Mexico in the fall.There are up to five successive generations of Monarchs bornbefore the migration begins. It is still unknown how the Mon-archs find their way back to Mexico each year, and their mi-gration remains one of the Earth’s great animal mysteries.

Nebraska Public Power District helpsserve an estimated 600,000Nebraskans in 86 of the state’s 93counties with retail or wholesaleelectric power and energy-relatedproducts and services.

Rocky Plettner, Environmental Specialist - NebraskaPublic Power District

Mary Harding, Board of Director – Nebraska Public Power District (left) and Jen-nifer Duerr, Outreach Coordinator – Save Our Monarchs Foundation (right) sowseeds to support habitat restoration.

Save Our Monarchs Foundationwww.SaveOurMonarchs.org/donate

facebook.com/saveourmonarchstwitter.com/saveourmonarchs

For questions regarding theFoundation contact:Randall Gilbert, Program Director at:

[email protected]

Randall Gilbert

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Public Power ProvidesMore Than Power

Debbie Ferguson of Wymore, Scott Nason of Lincoln and SusanBeaderman of Adams are each a winner of a $100 prepaid Visa Gift Cardin Norris Public Power District’s recently concluded contest to promotepaperless billing. Norris thanks all customers who have enrolledtheir accounts to receive their monthly statementselectronically. If you are not yet enrolled in thepaperless billing program, simply call a CustomerService Representative at 1-800-858-4707 for details.

Paperless Billing Promotion WINNERS

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Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and the Save OurMonarchs Foundation (Foundation) have joined together inan effort to provide a viable location to encourage the growthof the Monarch butterfly and other invertebrates. The popu-lation of monarch butterflies has declined so dramatically inrecent years that the iconic insect is being considered for theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species list. Ef-forts are underway to determine the scope of the decline inNebraska, a stop on the monarch migration route, and also asignificant area for their summer breeding.

NPPD Board of Director, Mary Harding, was first approachedby the Foundation about the possibility of utilizing any avail-able NPPD land. “This is a worthwhile environmental projectthat will help the Monarch population in Nebraska into thefuture,” said Mary. NPPD initially worked with the Founda-tion to find a location that would be suitable and provide alarge enough area to develop a new habitat. The Foundation assessed different parcels of land owned orcontrolled by NPPD in several distinct ecosystems throughoutthe state. “In many locations where we have power plantswe also have land that is not being used and acts as a bufferarea,” said Rocky Plettner, Environmental Specialist forNPPD. John Walker, Jr. (right) receives his holiday ham

from Rick Volmer, Staking Technician

Jack Heckman receives his holiday ham fromNadine Hibbert, Customer Service Representative

Cooperatively, NPPD and the Foundation selected approxi-mately 50 acres of unused land, along the Big Blue River,west of NPPD’s Beatrice Power Station. The land adjacentto the power station to be utilized was previously used as aquarry, and contains both sandy and silty soils. The Beatricelocation will be the first site of intensive, high-density seedingof native milkweed and pollinator plants created to serve asan example of the habitat restorations that other public land-holders in Nebraska could undertake. “Nebraska sits in the heart of the Monarch flyway, and is asignificant reproductive and migratory area for these iconicinsects. Monarchs and other pollinators play a powerful rolein the cycle of life that sustains us, while healthy, balancedecosystems of native plants provide vital benefits to Ne-braskans, from the clean water we drink to the clean air webreathe,” said Program Director for the Save Our MonarchsFoundation, Randall Gilbert. “Finding available land from apublic entity where we could plant the necessary seeds formilkweed and other pollinator plants was our program’s goal.The willingness of NPPD to assist us is invaluable to our or-ganization. Actions like these will help make a significantimpact on the recovery of the Monarch butterfly population.”The Foundation received a grant from the TransCanada Com-munity Investment Fund for the Beatrice seeding, which ispart of the national goal to plant one and a half billion milk-weeds along the Monarch’s flyway that runs mainly through

Lucas Imig, Volunteer (left) and Jennifer Duerr, Outreach Coordinator- Save Our Monarchs Foundation (right), broadcast a mixture con-taining seeds for wildflowers, milkweed and native grasses on landwest of NPPD’s Beatrice Power Station.

“We as public power employees are engines for ourcommunities. We provide power for more than lightbulbs.” Mary Harding, Board of Director

Nebraska Public Power District

Congratulation

s

To Our Winners!

Lee Ann Mumm receives her holidayham from Lucy Wegener, CustomerService Representative

Clyde Naber receives his holiday hamfrom Patty Folkerts, Customer ServiceRepresentative

HOLIDAYHAM

WINNERS

Debbie Ferguson (left) receives her gift card from PamGarrison, Customer Service Representative

Scott Nason receives his gift card from Julie Yeager,Customer Service Representative

Susan Beaderman (right) receives her gift card fromKaren Schwarz, Consumer Accounting Assistant

Over the past 36 months, Norris Public Power Districthas completed a review and negotiation process with sev-eral other large rural electric systems, municipalities andthe Nebraska Electric Generation & Transmission organ-ization regarding a new 20-year Wholesale Power Con-tract for future power and energy requirements withNebraska Public Power District (NPPD). Over this timeperiod, the District has separately performed its due dili-gence to explore and consider alternative wholesalepower providers and participated in numerous wholesalemeeting discussions, workshops and other events to de-termine the optimal wholesale power provider for theDistrict. After considering other possible wholesaleproviders, the District has determined that it remains inits best interests to continue utilizing NPPD for its powersupply.

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Contracts with Nebraska Public P

bruce Vitosh

General Manager/CEo

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Members of Local 1098 Beatrice Professional Firefighters“Since purchased power costs are more than 70% ofthe District’s costs, the choice of power suppliers isone of the most important decisions the Directorsmay ever make while being on the Board. TheDistrict has been very thorough in analyzing ourpower supply options and the Board believes thatprovisions included in this contract with NPPDallows for flexibility and more renewable energyoptions. Ultimately, we want what is best for ourcustomers and believe that continuing ourrelationship with NPPD meets that expectation.”

Rod Heinrichs, Board PresidentNorris Public Power District

near Hallam. Monolith officials have stated that one ofthe major reasons for locating in Nebraska is due to low-cost electricity and the good mix of power generation fa-cilities that NPPD has available.In the February 1988 edition of the Norris Electric News,Norris Director Herman Freese of Plymouth stated “Iwould like to say that when the year 2016 comes aroundthat both management of NPPD and Norris and their Di-rectors could look back and say that these gentlemensigned a fine contract back in 1987. I would hope thatwe continue to work together and that the electrical in-dustry can always look favorably upon us for what wehave done.” Mr. Freese made these comments when Nor-ris approved a Wholesale Power Contract with NPPD inNovember 1987, which preceded the Wholesale PowerContract that the District has been utilizing over the last14 years. Mr. Freese and the other Directors and man-agement made a great choice in selecting NPPD as theDistrict’s power supplier. Norris customers have bene-fitted from low cost and reliable electric power since thattime. As the electric industry continues to evolve and withmany potential opportunities and challenges comingwithin the electric industry, the Norris Board and man-agement team thoroughly evaluated future power supplyoptions.

Norris looks forward to working together with NPPD inproviding low cost, reliable power and other related serv-ices to our customers for many years into the future. Noone can say for certain what the future will bring. How-ever, if our decision to sign a Wholesale Power Contractwith NPPD is as successful as the decision made backin 1987, Norris customers will be very satisfied with theresults.

The first year Local 1098 members participated in the program, 20coats were given to area children. This year, the second year ofparticipating in the nation-wide program, firefighters were able totriple the number of children that received a winter coat. The daythe coats were distributed, firefighters arrived in a fire truck and anambulance with 66 coats, hats and gloves to be given to children inneed. Each child was personally greeted by a firefighter who as-sisted the child with trying on their brand new coat, hat and gloves.Smiles on the firefighter’s faces were as large as the smiles on thefaces of the children who received coats.Children and family members were able to ask firefighters ques-tions, as well as given the opportunity to see the inside of an am-bulance and even to sit in one of the many seats inside the large firetruck. One child told Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Hays, “I bet youget to take long lunches!” Jeff’s response was, “Sometimes we do,sometimes we do not get to go to lunch until late and sometimeswe do not get lunch at all.” Local 1098 Firefighters teamed up with Courtney Shalla, Supervi-sor/Family Advocate with Beatrice Community Preschool and HeadStart, who identified children from families within the Head Startprogram who could benefit from receiving a coat. Head Start is anational government program with a commitment to give every vul-nerable child an opportunity to succeed. Courtney also coordinatedthe sizing of the coats to ensure that each child’s coat fit properly.

Jeff Hays, BeatriceFirefighter/Paramedicshows Paige the insideof the fire engine afterreceiving her new coat.

Courtney Shalla, Super-visor/Family Advocate –Beatrice Community Pre-school and Head Startwatches Xander giveJustin Theasmeyer, Beat-rice Firefighter/Para-medic a high five afterreceiving his new coat.

Operation Warm is a national program which was launched in 1998,distributing new coats to children in need through partnerships withorganizations such as schools, shelters and social service agencies.In 2012, Operation Warm partnered with the International Associ-ation of Firefighters (IAFF). Since the inception of the program,approximately two million children nation-wide have receivedcoats. Additional coats were given to teachers as classroom coats. Court-ney said, “Classroom coats are just as they sound. Classroom coatsare kept in a teacher’s classroom and are given to children whocome to school without a coat to wear during recess. After recessis over, the child returns the coat to the classroom for another childto use if needed.”

Facing a cold Nebraska winter without a warm coat to wear is onething no child should ever have to endure. The International As-sociation of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 1098 members, volunteeredtheir time and resources to ensure that local children were protectedfrom the harsh Nebraska winter winds and cold temperatures. In addition to their personal donations, IAFF Local 1098 membersreached out to local community friends and businesses to raisefunds for the Operation Warm Program. Donations that were col-lected were used to purchase brand new, American-made, wintercoats for children. “A tremendous amount of community supportwas shown and given towards this program,” said Justin Theas-meyer, Beatrice Firefighter/Paramedic.

Firefighters Warm Small Hands,Heads and Hearts

Donations may be made online at:http://www.operationwarm.org/beatrice

For questions regarding Operation Warmor to make a donation contact:Josh Hesson at 402-432-1626

or Justin Theasmeyer at 402-806-0709

At the monthly board meeting on December 7, 2015, theNorris Board of Directors approved the Wholesale PowerContract offered by NPPD, which went into effect on Jan-uary 1, 2016. The Norris Board of Directors also ap-proved a separate Wholesale Power Contract with NPPDthat includes provisions for providing power to MonolithMaterials, a carbon black manufacturing company thatplans to construct a facility near NPPD’s Sheldon Station

Ultimately, it was determined that continuing theexcellent business relationship between Norrisand NPPD is the best option for our customers.

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Wholesale Power Contract Highlights• 20-year term effective January 1, 2016.• Demand and energy is provided at cost-based rates.• Local renewable generation, such as wind and solar

opportunities, is allowed up to 10% of the District’speak demand.

• A performance standard requires NPPD to keeppower costs low or allow Norris flexibility with fu-ture power purchases.

• Norris is designated as one of twelve wholesalecustomers who serve on the Power Resource Ad-visory Board which provides NPPD input on gen-eration resources.

• Norris is designated as one of twelve wholesalecustomers who serve on the Rate Review Commit-tee which provides NPPD input on revenue re-quirements and rate design.

NPPD Services in addition to Low Cost, Reliable Power• Storm recovery and operations assistance.• Equipment and parts access.• Equipment testing and support.• Engineering services and electric system design.• Customer support for unique requests and issues.• Economic development and energy efficiency pro-

grams.• Voice in state and federal legislative issues.• Education and training programs.

of Directors approve Wholesale Power

ower District

Gary Thompson, Board of Director – Nebraska Public Power Dis-trict (left) and Rod Heinrichs, Board President – Norris PublicPower District (right) share a moment of appreciation for the solidworking relationship that has been shared between the two utilitiesfor many years. They look forward to many successful years workingtogether in the future to keep customer rates stable and affordable.

“We believe that Norris Public Power Districthas taken a significant step in assuring reliableand low cost electricity to its customers bysigning the new contract with NPPD. In doingso, Norris has also reaffirmed its commitmentto the traditions and values of public power inNebraska which are strengthened through themutual benefits encompassed in this agreement.We are proud to have Norris as a continuingpartner with us, and look forward to many yearsof service together.”

Gary Thompson, Board of DirectorNebraska Public Power District

KEEPING ENERGYAFFORDABLE

Electric co-ops and public power districtsare looking out for you by working hard to

provide affordable electricity.

Electric utilities exist toprovide safe, reliable andaffordable energy tomembers in the communitiesthey serve – not to makeprofits for shareholders.

Through programs, such as ActionCommittee for Rural Electrification (ACRE)and the Cooperative Action Network, weensure lawmakers understand the impactchanges they propose could have on thecost and reliability of electricity. 31,000eligible supporters back ACRE with an

average contribution of $56.

Through advanced meteringtechnology and renewable energyprojects, electric utilities are findingways to improve the affordabilityand reliability of electric service.

Electric utilites promoteenergy efficiency andknowledge of energy usethrough various programs.

norrisppd.com

Norris Customers see No rateIncrease In 2016

Customer rates are designed to charge customers for theirshare of District costs. The District made minor changesto customer charges in 2016 for certain customers. Res-idential and small commercial customers will see aslightly higher monthly customer charge that will gener-ally be offset by a lower energy charge. Energy chargesfor schools and churches will increase slightly. However,

the higher energy charges will generally be offset bylower demand charges. Annual service customers willexperience a small decrease in energy charges.Collections due to the minor customer rate adjust-ments net out to zero and therefore will not increasethe overall collections from customers in 2016.

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Summer and Winter RatesSummer rates will apply to customer bills rendered between June 15th and October 15th. The winter rates will applyto the remaining months of the year.

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Proudly ServingOur Community

A family-owned and operated meat processing company is nowopen for business in Diller. Diller Locker Company opened itsdoors during deer season on November 14, 2015. During the firstdeer season, the locker processed 325 deer, surpassing its first yeargoal of processing 300 deer. At the time of this article, late seasondeer carcasses and boneless meat were still arriving to beprocessed. The locker also received its first elk to be processedand packaged. “We are very proud to have built our facility inDiller, and to serve the needs of not only our local producers butalso to serve the needs of surrounding communities,” said ShellySmith, who co-owns Diller Locker Company with her husbandJesse.

Follow UsOn Facebook

“Our Mission at Diller Locker is to give ourcustomers the highest quality processing possible,matched with exceptional service from pen to plate.”

With endless appreciation and gratitude, Norris PublicPower District thanks Jesse for his many dedicated yearsserving our great nation. Thank you for your bravery,service and commitment to protecting our freedoms.

Diller Locker Company’s new building leaves an 8,500 square footfootprint on downtown Diller. The building contains numerousindividual rooms which include space for slaughtering, carcasscoolers, cutting and deboning, sausage processing and packaging,smokehouse ovens, two additional storage coolers, and a 1,000square foot freezer. The locker currently has six employees. Theyplan to expand their staff in the near future.After serving in the Marine Corp for eight years, Jesse’s future ca-reer goal was to develop his own company, own his own brandand to keep it all local. When C & C Processing in Diller, whichis owned by Shelly’s brother Chad Lottman and his wife Courtney,discontinued slaughtering and processing for consumers, an op-portunity immediately presented itself to Jesse. Jesse had manyother business ideas, but they would not have worked in Diller.“There is a high demand for meat processing in southeast Ne-braska for local producers and hunters. If a processing facility wasnot reopened in Diller, the business would have moved elsewhere,”said Jesse. The Smiths are happy to keep the processing business

available to consumers locally and they hope to retain C & C’sprevious customers. They have obtained C & C’s customerrecords with past processing orders and instructions, which willmake the transition easier for the consumer.Shelly is a lifelong resident of Diller. She graduated from UNLwith a Bachelors of Journalism, with an emphasis in Advertisingand Public Relations. Shelly was previously employed at LottmanCarpenter Construction, which is also alocal family-owned business inDiller, for three years prior todeploying her own companywith her husband Jesse.“Having family membersprovide their expertiseand guidance to Jesseand I has been a tremen-dous resource as webuild our business. Weare all extremely happy tokeep everything in Diller,”said Shelly.Diller Locker is a full service meat processing plant. They beganprocessing beef and pork products in December 2015. Beefslaughter is scheduled each Monday and pork is scheduled forevery third Wednesday. Even as the slaughter operations continueto grow for Diller Locker Company, it is just a stepping stone, asthe Smiths have numerous other goals and options to expand theirbusiness in the future. With a new addition to their family, sched-uled to arrive this summer, the Smith family will grow along withtheir new business in downtown Diller.

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Diller Locker CompanyJesse and Shelly Smith, Owners

601 Commercial Street • Diller, NE 68342www.dillerlocker.com • (402) 793-5840“Exceptional service from pen to plate.”

It LocalKeep

Norris Customers see No rate Increase

In 2016

Customer rates are designed tocharge customers for their shareof District costs. The Districtmade minor changes to cus-tomer charges in 2016 for cer-

tain customers. Residential and small commercialcustomers will see a slightly higher monthly customer

charge that will generally be offset by a lower energycharge. Energy charges for schools and churches will in-crease slightly. However, the higher energy charges willgenerally be offset by lower demand charges. Annualservice customers will experience a small decrease in en-ergy charges.Collections due to the minor customer rate adjust-

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This is a limited listing of Rate Schedulesoffered to customers of Norris PublicPower District. For a complete listing ofavailable rates, please visitwww.norrisppd.com or contact aCustomer Service Representative at1-800-858-4707.

7norrisppd.com

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Jan/Feb 2016norrisppd.com

Milestone service anniversaries

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Construction ForemanRoca

Maintenance andStores Assistant

Beatrice

Meter ReaderBeatrice

Darin Anderson – 20 YearsDarin was raised on a small farm in northeast Nebraska near Newcastle. Darin graduated from NortheastCommunity College in Norfolk in 1993 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Utility Line. Aftergraduating from college, Darin worked for Kayton Electric and Northeast Nebraska Public Power District(NeNPPD) in Wayne, Nebraska. After working at NeNPPD for approximately two years, a job opportunitycame open at Norris Public Power District in the Crete office. Darin was hired as an Apprentice Linemanand began working for the District on January 15, 1996.In 1998, Darin transferred to the District’s office located in Roca where he worked on the construction crewas a Journeyman Lineman. Darin was promoted to the position of Chief Area Serviceman in 2001 and re-ceived his second promotion in 2005 to his current position of Construction Foreman.Darin and his wife Becky have one son, Braden, who is three years old. The Anderson family live on anacreage in the Hallam area. They enjoy and are involved in the United Church of Christ in Hallam. In Darin’sspare time, he enjoys traveling to his hometown area and working on the family farm. His hobbies are hunting,fishing and pretty much anything that involves the outdoors.“Norris has been a very good fit to my life. I feel Norris is a company that the more you put into it, the morerewarding your career is.”

Mark Kujath – 10 YearsMark began working at Norris Public Power District on January 23, 2006 as a Right-of-Way Operator and inJuly 2015 transferred to the position of Maintenance and Stores Assistant.Mark is responsible for all general maintenance of buildings and grounds at the District’s offices located inBeatrice. Mark assists the Purchasing Manager and Stores Supervisor in the District’s main warehouse withreceiving shipments, handling of materials and maintenance of the warehouse and inventory yard areas forefficient material storage and handling. Mark makes frequent deliveries to District offices located in Crete,Fairbury, Hebron and Roca and to numerous construction sites when service personnel are in need of mate-rials, tools and supplies.Mark and his wife, Judy, live on an acreage north of Beatrice and have three children. Sheri and Mike Waggeof Berthold, North Dakota, Shaun and Michelle Pagel of North Platte, Nebraska and Shelly and Eric Carboof Minot, North Dakota. Mark and Judy have nine grandchildren ranging in age from one month to seventeenyears old. Judy is a Registered Nurse and is Director of Nursing at Parkview Haven Nursing Home in Deshler.Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, attending auctions and toy shows, spend-ing time in “The West Pasture” which is a finished barn that houses his large collection of pedal tractors, andcollecting farm toys and die cast race cars.“I truly enjoy each and every day at work. Every day is a new day. In the six months that I have been re-sponsible for maintenance, each day has been different. I work for different people and departments takingcare of a multitude of tasks, keeping my coworkers productive and happy, which I thoroughly enjoy. I takegreat pride in maintaining the properties of the District to keep customers safe that visit our office.”

Matthew Harvey – 10 YearsMatthew began working for Norris Public Power District on February 1, 2006 as a Meter Reader in the AreaIII office located in Beatrice.Matthew and his wife Carla live on an acreage near Beatrice. Matthew and Carla have four children, Jetta,Josiah, Margee Jane and Andrew. In Matthew’s time away from work, he enjoys spending time with his fam-ily, helping his kids with 4-H projects and their math homework, working on any little handyman projectsaround the house that his wife might have for him and a recent obsession of reading American history.“I appreciate being able to work in the public power industry. Working with great people and getting toknow customers around the community is what I enjoy most about my job. My Dad worked for a rural electriccoop on the power generation side for 35 years before retiring and I realized from watching him the benefitsthat can come from working in the power industry such as stability and job satisfaction. It truly is an effortof many people doing their jobs, and doing them well that makes it possible to have such reliable electricityday in and day out. It is a great privilege to be a part of that process.”

98 Jan/Feb 201688 norrisppd.com

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Officer Chisano and Toro meet students at Tri County School who donateditems to the Humane Society during the schools Humane Campaign.

All In A Day’s WorkIn October 2015, Beatrice Police Officer Anthony Chisanoachieved two new rankings, New Father and K9 Handler. Allwithin forty-eight hours, Officer Chisano and his wife, Laura,brought home their newborn son, Graham, and a six week oldyellow British Lab puppy, named Toro. The Chisano family andToro reside within Norris Public Power District’s five-countyservice territory. Toro will be trained to serve as a Community Based K9 Officer.Officer Chisano is an experienced K9 handler, as he previouslyserved as a K9 handler in Illinois and Nebraska. Officer Chisanois the only certified K9 handler at the Beatrice Police Departmentand is responsible for Toro and his care, while they are on andoff duty.

Chisano. A Non-Community Based K9 is not approachable byanyone other than their handler and tends to be extremely ag-gressive in nature. Officer Chisano and Toro will soon be attending training inOmaha for six weeks. Toro will be fully trained and ready to beplaced in service by the summer of 2016. An interesting dogtraining tip is that Officer Chisano does not use treats for trainingor rewarding Toro for his good behavior. “If you use treats, thedog becomes accustomed to and expects treats,” said Chisano.The training that Toro is receiving uses positive reinforcementand affection instead of treats.

Toro on school property, both indoors and outdoors, Toro wascurious of objects he found that were randomly left by studentssuch as a shoe, a book bag and torn sheets of paper in the hallway.All these items, even a trash can, were new experiences to Torowho quickly stopped to check them out while continuing to greetevery student and staff member that passed by him. These be-haviors reinforce that Toro has the traits and abilities to be anoutstanding narcotics dog and also a great community friend atthe same time. Toro’s community debut and socialization train-ing sessions were as successful as Officer Chisano knew theywould be.Toro’s presence creates an invisible bridge that connects an offi-cer to an individual. Many times people avoid officers becauseof a predetermined attitude they have towards law enforcement.The calming influence Toro has on most individuals makes theirdemeanor immediately change when approached by Toro. There-fore, he forms a bridge for communication and cooperation.While visiting Beatrice and Tri County Schools, Toro encoun-tered individuals, who prior to meeting Toro were hesitant or re-sistant to communicate with law enforcement. Almostimmediately, all predisposed feelings towards law enforcementwere melted away with Toro’s sweet, kind and warming de-meanor. In an instant, the encounter went from standoffish tolaughing, joking and great conversation between Officer Chisanoand the individuals, all thanks to Toro.Toro also made many friends with children with special needs.One encounter really stuck out with one young boy who wasafraid of dogs. The staff members responsible for that student

told Officer Chisano they knew the boy would not approach Toro.However, Toro had a different idea and over several minutes hegot to know the boy and approached him and offered the boy hisfavorite ball. In a short amount of time, the boy was laughing,petting and throwing the ball for Toro. Toro’s outgoing person-ality makes him hard to resist, unlike a Non-Community BasedK9 who can have an aggressive non-friendly demeanor.

A fundraiser was held and the organization or individual thatraised the most money was able to choose the name for the newK9 Officer. Officer Chisano’s only rule to naming his new part-ner was that the chosen name had to begin with the letter T. ToroFoundation, the parent company of Exmark Manufacturing inBeatrice, raised the largest amount of donations, won the fundraising challenge and received the honor of naming the new four-legged officer. For the employees of the Toro Foundation, therewas only one suitable name - Toro.Officer Chisano said, “Beatrice Police Chief, Bruce Lang, wasthe true driving force behind the direction of the CommunityBased K9 program from day one. Chief Lang recognizes theneed for a K9 Officer and the community connection needed notonly in the city of Beatrice but also by other law enforcementagencies and individuals during their time of need.”

K9 Pledge

I promise to be worth every cent it took to train me.

I promise to track down criminals who threaten and harm our community.

I promise to stand with you against the violence that penetrates our society.

I promise to sniff out the drugs being advertised to your children.

I promise to stay resolved and focused upon the success of our mission.

No matter what happens, I will be by your side . . .

Your loyal companion until the very end.

I will never leave your side . . . I will never waiver . . . I will never give up.Author - Unknown

If you would like to make a donation to theCommunity Based K9 Program, donations may bemade payable and sent to:

City of BeatriceATTN: Beatrice Police Department K9 Fund

201 N. 5th StreetBeatrice, NE 68310

Officer Chisano did not choose his new K9 partner. He was in-terviewed by a high-end breeder in southern Kansas that special-izes in breeding dogs for service work and hunting. Theinterview process helped the breeder pinpoint required traits tomeet law enforcement’s expectations and fulfill the position ofCommunity Based K9 Officer. When Toro was two days old,the breeder determined that his pick of the litter was a match tobe Officer Chisano’s new partner and serve as a CommunityBased K9. The chosen puppy displayed two required traits,which are high energy that is needed in patrol and rescue workand an easygoing personality that is required when workingaround young children and elderly individuals.

Toro will also be utilized by neighboring county law enforcementagencies if the need arises. Currently, Jefferson County has a K9Officer; however, the K9 is not trained or serving as a Commu-nity Based K9. The difference between a Community Based K9and a Non-Community Based K9 is that a Community Based K9is a community companion that socializes and interacts with thepublic, either while in the community or while engaged in asearch and rescue mission. “Toro perceives his work as fun andas long as his work is fun, he will continue to work until his sub-ject whether it is narcotics or an individual is located,” said

If you have questions regarding the CommunityBased K9 Program, are interested in schedulingan appearance by Toro at your school or in yourcommunity, or to schedule a presentation on drugawareness, please contact:

Officer Anthony Chisano, K9 HandlerPhone: 402-223-4080

Email: [email protected]

“There is strict obedience training and good obedi-ence training and there is a difference. You do notneed strict obedience to have good obedience,” saidOfficer Chisano.

Prior to attending training in Omaha, Toro’s training started withsocialization and integration into the community. “By limiting adog’s exposure to people, they can naturally develop an appre-hensive and aggressive tendency,” said Officer Chisano. Chisanorecently introduced Toro to students at Beatrice Public Schoolsand Tri County Public Schools, near DeWitt. Toro was given theopportunity at the schools to interact with large groups of chil-dren and school administrators. As Officer Chisano observed

Toro will be trained to search for and locate narcotics andalso tracking individuals. In unfortunate situations wherea child or an elderly person may wander off and get lost,Toro will have the ability to track and locate the individual.

“When there is a relationship between community membersand law enforcement officers, we work better as a team tofight crime. The community has provided an overwhelmingamount of support to the Community Based K9 Program,”said Officer Chisano.

Toro, in action, meeting new friends at Beatrice HighSchool. From left: Officer Chisano, Ireland Rash,Toro, Callie Lamkin and Indi Rash.

Officer Chisano and Toro meet first grade studentsin Cammy Weichel’s class at Tri County School.

98 Jan/Feb 201688 norrisppd.com

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Officer Chisano and Toro meet students at Tri County School who donateditems to the Humane Society during the schools Humane Campaign.

All In A Day’s WorkIn October 2015, Beatrice Police Officer Anthony Chisanoachieved two new rankings, New Father and K9 Handler. Allwithin forty-eight hours, Officer Chisano and his wife, Laura,brought home their newborn son, Graham, and a six week oldyellow British Lab puppy, named Toro. The Chisano family andToro reside within Norris Public Power District’s five-countyservice territory. Toro will be trained to serve as a Community Based K9 Officer.Officer Chisano is an experienced K9 handler, as he previouslyserved as a K9 handler in Illinois and Nebraska. Officer Chisanois the only certified K9 handler at the Beatrice Police Departmentand is responsible for Toro and his care, while they are on andoff duty.

Chisano. A Non-Community Based K9 is not approachable byanyone other than their handler and tends to be extremely ag-gressive in nature. Officer Chisano and Toro will soon be attending training inOmaha for six weeks. Toro will be fully trained and ready to beplaced in service by the summer of 2016. An interesting dogtraining tip is that Officer Chisano does not use treats for trainingor rewarding Toro for his good behavior. “If you use treats, thedog becomes accustomed to and expects treats,” said Chisano.The training that Toro is receiving uses positive reinforcementand affection instead of treats.

Toro on school property, both indoors and outdoors, Toro wascurious of objects he found that were randomly left by studentssuch as a shoe, a book bag and torn sheets of paper in the hallway.All these items, even a trash can, were new experiences to Torowho quickly stopped to check them out while continuing to greetevery student and staff member that passed by him. These be-haviors reinforce that Toro has the traits and abilities to be anoutstanding narcotics dog and also a great community friend atthe same time. Toro’s community debut and socialization train-ing sessions were as successful as Officer Chisano knew theywould be.Toro’s presence creates an invisible bridge that connects an offi-cer to an individual. Many times people avoid officers becauseof a predetermined attitude they have towards law enforcement.The calming influence Toro has on most individuals makes theirdemeanor immediately change when approached by Toro. There-fore, he forms a bridge for communication and cooperation.While visiting Beatrice and Tri County Schools, Toro encoun-tered individuals, who prior to meeting Toro were hesitant or re-sistant to communicate with law enforcement. Almostimmediately, all predisposed feelings towards law enforcementwere melted away with Toro’s sweet, kind and warming de-meanor. In an instant, the encounter went from standoffish tolaughing, joking and great conversation between Officer Chisanoand the individuals, all thanks to Toro.Toro also made many friends with children with special needs.One encounter really stuck out with one young boy who wasafraid of dogs. The staff members responsible for that student

told Officer Chisano they knew the boy would not approach Toro.However, Toro had a different idea and over several minutes hegot to know the boy and approached him and offered the boy hisfavorite ball. In a short amount of time, the boy was laughing,petting and throwing the ball for Toro. Toro’s outgoing person-ality makes him hard to resist, unlike a Non-Community BasedK9 who can have an aggressive non-friendly demeanor.

A fundraiser was held and the organization or individual thatraised the most money was able to choose the name for the newK9 Officer. Officer Chisano’s only rule to naming his new part-ner was that the chosen name had to begin with the letter T. ToroFoundation, the parent company of Exmark Manufacturing inBeatrice, raised the largest amount of donations, won the fundraising challenge and received the honor of naming the new four-legged officer. For the employees of the Toro Foundation, therewas only one suitable name - Toro.Officer Chisano said, “Beatrice Police Chief, Bruce Lang, wasthe true driving force behind the direction of the CommunityBased K9 program from day one. Chief Lang recognizes theneed for a K9 Officer and the community connection needed notonly in the city of Beatrice but also by other law enforcementagencies and individuals during their time of need.”

K9 Pledge

I promise to be worth every cent it took to train me.

I promise to track down criminals who threaten and harm our community.

I promise to stand with you against the violence that penetrates our society.

I promise to sniff out the drugs being advertised to your children.

I promise to stay resolved and focused upon the success of our mission.

No matter what happens, I will be by your side . . .

Your loyal companion until the very end.

I will never leave your side . . . I will never waiver . . . I will never give up.Author - Unknown

If you would like to make a donation to theCommunity Based K9 Program, donations may bemade payable and sent to:

City of BeatriceATTN: Beatrice Police Department K9 Fund

201 N. 5th StreetBeatrice, NE 68310

Officer Chisano did not choose his new K9 partner. He was in-terviewed by a high-end breeder in southern Kansas that special-izes in breeding dogs for service work and hunting. Theinterview process helped the breeder pinpoint required traits tomeet law enforcement’s expectations and fulfill the position ofCommunity Based K9 Officer. When Toro was two days old,the breeder determined that his pick of the litter was a match tobe Officer Chisano’s new partner and serve as a CommunityBased K9. The chosen puppy displayed two required traits,which are high energy that is needed in patrol and rescue workand an easygoing personality that is required when workingaround young children and elderly individuals.

Toro will also be utilized by neighboring county law enforcementagencies if the need arises. Currently, Jefferson County has a K9Officer; however, the K9 is not trained or serving as a Commu-nity Based K9. The difference between a Community Based K9and a Non-Community Based K9 is that a Community Based K9is a community companion that socializes and interacts with thepublic, either while in the community or while engaged in asearch and rescue mission. “Toro perceives his work as fun andas long as his work is fun, he will continue to work until his sub-ject whether it is narcotics or an individual is located,” said

If you have questions regarding the CommunityBased K9 Program, are interested in schedulingan appearance by Toro at your school or in yourcommunity, or to schedule a presentation on drugawareness, please contact:

Officer Anthony Chisano, K9 HandlerPhone: 402-223-4080

Email: [email protected]

“There is strict obedience training and good obedi-ence training and there is a difference. You do notneed strict obedience to have good obedience,” saidOfficer Chisano.

Prior to attending training in Omaha, Toro’s training started withsocialization and integration into the community. “By limiting adog’s exposure to people, they can naturally develop an appre-hensive and aggressive tendency,” said Officer Chisano. Chisanorecently introduced Toro to students at Beatrice Public Schoolsand Tri County Public Schools, near DeWitt. Toro was given theopportunity at the schools to interact with large groups of chil-dren and school administrators. As Officer Chisano observed

Toro will be trained to search for and locate narcotics andalso tracking individuals. In unfortunate situations wherea child or an elderly person may wander off and get lost,Toro will have the ability to track and locate the individual.

“When there is a relationship between community membersand law enforcement officers, we work better as a team tofight crime. The community has provided an overwhelmingamount of support to the Community Based K9 Program,”said Officer Chisano.

Toro, in action, meeting new friends at Beatrice HighSchool. From left: Officer Chisano, Ireland Rash,Toro, Callie Lamkin and Indi Rash.

Officer Chisano and Toro meet first grade studentsin Cammy Weichel’s class at Tri County School.

Norris Customers see No rate Increase

In 2016

Customer rates are designed tocharge customers for their shareof District costs. The Districtmade minor changes to cus-tomer charges in 2016 for cer-

tain customers. Residential and small commercialcustomers will see a slightly higher monthly customer

charge that will generally be offset by a lower energycharge. Energy charges for schools and churches will in-crease slightly. However, the higher energy charges willgenerally be offset by lower demand charges. Annualservice customers will experience a small decrease in en-ergy charges.Collections due to the minor customer rate adjust-

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(5=>:)-E5::54=)P5?A<)Q(-PR)GC)D8::)(8E7! FNH2L)

This is a limited listing of Rate Schedulesoffered to customers of Norris PublicPower District. For a complete listing ofavailable rates, please visitwww.norrisppd.com or contact aCustomer Service Representative at1-800-858-4707.

7norrisppd.com

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Milestone service anniversariesD

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Construction ForemanRoca

Maintenance andStores Assistant

Beatrice

Meter ReaderBeatrice

Darin Anderson – 20 YearsDarin was raised on a small farm in northeast Nebraska near Newcastle. Darin graduated from NortheastCommunity College in Norfolk in 1993 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Utility Line. Aftergraduating from college, Darin worked for Kayton Electric and Northeast Nebraska Public Power District(NeNPPD) in Wayne, Nebraska. After working at NeNPPD for approximately two years, a job opportunitycame open at Norris Public Power District in the Crete office. Darin was hired as an Apprentice Linemanand began working for the District on January 15, 1996.In 1998, Darin transferred to the District’s office located in Roca where he worked on the construction crewas a Journeyman Lineman. Darin was promoted to the position of Chief Area Serviceman in 2001 and re-ceived his second promotion in 2005 to his current position of Construction Foreman.Darin and his wife Becky have one son, Braden, who is three years old. The Anderson family live on anacreage in the Hallam area. They enjoy and are involved in the United Church of Christ in Hallam. In Darin’sspare time, he enjoys traveling to his hometown area and working on the family farm. His hobbies are hunting,fishing and pretty much anything that involves the outdoors.“Norris has been a very good fit to my life. I feel Norris is a company that the more you put into it, the morerewarding your career is.”

Mark Kujath – 10 YearsMark began working at Norris Public Power District on January 23, 2006 as a Right-of-Way Operator and inJuly 2015 transferred to the position of Maintenance and Stores Assistant.Mark is responsible for all general maintenance of buildings and grounds at the District’s offices located inBeatrice. Mark assists the Purchasing Manager and Stores Supervisor in the District’s main warehouse withreceiving shipments, handling of materials and maintenance of the warehouse and inventory yard areas forefficient material storage and handling. Mark makes frequent deliveries to District offices located in Crete,Fairbury, Hebron and Roca and to numerous construction sites when service personnel are in need of mate-rials, tools and supplies.Mark and his wife, Judy, live on an acreage north of Beatrice and have three children. Sheri and Mike Waggeof Berthold, North Dakota, Shaun and Michelle Pagel of North Platte, Nebraska and Shelly and Eric Carboof Minot, North Dakota. Mark and Judy have nine grandchildren ranging in age from one month to seventeenyears old. Judy is a Registered Nurse and is Director of Nursing at Parkview Haven Nursing Home in Deshler.Outside of work, Mark enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, attending auctions and toy shows, spend-ing time in “The West Pasture” which is a finished barn that houses his large collection of pedal tractors, andcollecting farm toys and die cast race cars.“I truly enjoy each and every day at work. Every day is a new day. In the six months that I have been re-sponsible for maintenance, each day has been different. I work for different people and departments takingcare of a multitude of tasks, keeping my coworkers productive and happy, which I thoroughly enjoy. I takegreat pride in maintaining the properties of the District to keep customers safe that visit our office.”

Matthew Harvey – 10 YearsMatthew began working for Norris Public Power District on February 1, 2006 as a Meter Reader in the AreaIII office located in Beatrice.Matthew and his wife Carla live on an acreage near Beatrice. Matthew and Carla have four children, Jetta,Josiah, Margee Jane and Andrew. In Matthew’s time away from work, he enjoys spending time with his fam-ily, helping his kids with 4-H projects and their math homework, working on any little handyman projectsaround the house that his wife might have for him and a recent obsession of reading American history.“I appreciate being able to work in the public power industry. Working with great people and getting toknow customers around the community is what I enjoy most about my job. My Dad worked for a rural electriccoop on the power generation side for 35 years before retiring and I realized from watching him the benefitsthat can come from working in the power industry such as stability and job satisfaction. It truly is an effortof many people doing their jobs, and doing them well that makes it possible to have such reliable electricityday in and day out. It is a great privilege to be a part of that process.”

norrisppd.com

Norris Customers see No rateIncrease In 2016

Customer rates are designed to charge customers for theirshare of District costs. The District made minor changesto customer charges in 2016 for certain customers. Res-idential and small commercial customers will see aslightly higher monthly customer charge that will gener-ally be offset by a lower energy charge. Energy chargesfor schools and churches will increase slightly. However,

the higher energy charges will generally be offset bylower demand charges. Annual service customers willexperience a small decrease in energy charges.Collections due to the minor customer rate adjust-ments net out to zero and therefore will not increasethe overall collections from customers in 2016.

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Summer and Winter RatesSummer rates will apply to customer bills rendered between June 15th and October 15th. The winter rates will applyto the remaining months of the year.

Jan/Feb 2016

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Proudly ServingOur Community

A family-owned and operated meat processing company is nowopen for business in Diller. Diller Locker Company opened itsdoors during deer season on November 14, 2015. During the firstdeer season, the locker processed 325 deer, surpassing its first yeargoal of processing 300 deer. At the time of this article, late seasondeer carcasses and boneless meat were still arriving to beprocessed. The locker also received its first elk to be processedand packaged. “We are very proud to have built our facility inDiller, and to serve the needs of not only our local producers butalso to serve the needs of surrounding communities,” said ShellySmith, who co-owns Diller Locker Company with her husbandJesse.

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“Our Mission at Diller Locker is to give ourcustomers the highest quality processing possible,matched with exceptional service from pen to plate.”

With endless appreciation and gratitude, Norris PublicPower District thanks Jesse for his many dedicated yearsserving our great nation. Thank you for your bravery,service and commitment to protecting our freedoms.

Diller Locker Company’s new building leaves an 8,500 square footfootprint on downtown Diller. The building contains numerousindividual rooms which include space for slaughtering, carcasscoolers, cutting and deboning, sausage processing and packaging,smokehouse ovens, two additional storage coolers, and a 1,000square foot freezer. The locker currently has six employees. Theyplan to expand their staff in the near future.After serving in the Marine Corp for eight years, Jesse’s future ca-reer goal was to develop his own company, own his own brandand to keep it all local. When C & C Processing in Diller, whichis owned by Shelly’s brother Chad Lottman and his wife Courtney,discontinued slaughtering and processing for consumers, an op-portunity immediately presented itself to Jesse. Jesse had manyother business ideas, but they would not have worked in Diller.“There is a high demand for meat processing in southeast Ne-braska for local producers and hunters. If a processing facility wasnot reopened in Diller, the business would have moved elsewhere,”said Jesse. The Smiths are happy to keep the processing business

available to consumers locally and they hope to retain C & C’sprevious customers. They have obtained C & C’s customerrecords with past processing orders and instructions, which willmake the transition easier for the consumer.Shelly is a lifelong resident of Diller. She graduated from UNLwith a Bachelors of Journalism, with an emphasis in Advertisingand Public Relations. Shelly was previously employed at LottmanCarpenter Construction, which is also alocal family-owned business inDiller, for three years prior todeploying her own companywith her husband Jesse.“Having family membersprovide their expertiseand guidance to Jesseand I has been a tremen-dous resource as webuild our business. Weare all extremely happy tokeep everything in Diller,”said Shelly.Diller Locker is a full service meat processing plant. They beganprocessing beef and pork products in December 2015. Beefslaughter is scheduled each Monday and pork is scheduled forevery third Wednesday. Even as the slaughter operations continueto grow for Diller Locker Company, it is just a stepping stone, asthe Smiths have numerous other goals and options to expand theirbusiness in the future. With a new addition to their family, sched-uled to arrive this summer, the Smith family will grow along withtheir new business in downtown Diller.

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Diller Locker CompanyJesse and Shelly Smith, Owners

601 Commercial Street • Diller, NE 68342www.dillerlocker.com • (402) 793-5840“Exceptional service from pen to plate.”

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5Jan/Feb 2016

Wholesale Power Contract Highlights• 20-year term effective January 1, 2016.• Demand and energy is provided at cost-based rates.• Local renewable generation, such as wind and solar

opportunities, is allowed up to 10% of the District’speak demand.

• A performance standard requires NPPD to keeppower costs low or allow Norris flexibility with fu-ture power purchases.

• Norris is designated as one of twelve wholesalecustomers who serve on the Power Resource Ad-visory Board which provides NPPD input on gen-eration resources.

• Norris is designated as one of twelve wholesalecustomers who serve on the Rate Review Commit-tee which provides NPPD input on revenue re-quirements and rate design.

NPPD Services in addition to Low Cost, Reliable Power• Storm recovery and operations assistance.• Equipment and parts access.• Equipment testing and support.• Engineering services and electric system design.• Customer support for unique requests and issues.• Economic development and energy efficiency pro-

grams.• Voice in state and federal legislative issues.• Education and training programs.

of Directors approve Wholesale Power

ower District

Gary Thompson, Board of Director – Nebraska Public Power Dis-trict (left) and Rod Heinrichs, Board President – Norris PublicPower District (right) share a moment of appreciation for the solidworking relationship that has been shared between the two utilitiesfor many years. They look forward to many successful years workingtogether in the future to keep customer rates stable and affordable.

“We believe that Norris Public Power Districthas taken a significant step in assuring reliableand low cost electricity to its customers bysigning the new contract with NPPD. In doingso, Norris has also reaffirmed its commitmentto the traditions and values of public power inNebraska which are strengthened through themutual benefits encompassed in this agreement.We are proud to have Norris as a continuingpartner with us, and look forward to many yearsof service together.”

Gary Thompson, Board of DirectorNebraska Public Power District

KEEPING ENERGYAFFORDABLE

Electric co-ops and public power districtsare looking out for you by working hard to

provide affordable electricity.

Electric utilities exist toprovide safe, reliable andaffordable energy tomembers in the communitiesthey serve – not to makeprofits for shareholders.

Through programs, such as ActionCommittee for Rural Electrification (ACRE)and the Cooperative Action Network, weensure lawmakers understand the impactchanges they propose could have on thecost and reliability of electricity. 31,000eligible supporters back ACRE with an

average contribution of $56.

Through advanced meteringtechnology and renewable energyprojects, electric utilities are findingways to improve the affordabilityand reliability of electric service.

Electric utilites promoteenergy efficiency andknowledge of energy usethrough various programs.

Over the past 36 months, Norris Public Power Districthas completed a review and negotiation process with sev-eral other large rural electric systems, municipalities andthe Nebraska Electric Generation & Transmission organ-ization regarding a new 20-year Wholesale Power Con-tract for future power and energy requirements withNebraska Public Power District (NPPD). Over this timeperiod, the District has separately performed its due dili-gence to explore and consider alternative wholesalepower providers and participated in numerous wholesalemeeting discussions, workshops and other events to de-termine the optimal wholesale power provider for theDistrict. After considering other possible wholesaleproviders, the District has determined that it remains inits best interests to continue utilizing NPPD for its powersupply.

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Contracts with Nebraska Public P

bruce Vitosh

General Manager/CEo

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Members of Local 1098 Beatrice Professional Firefighters“Since purchased power costs are more than 70% ofthe District’s costs, the choice of power suppliers isone of the most important decisions the Directorsmay ever make while being on the Board. TheDistrict has been very thorough in analyzing ourpower supply options and the Board believes thatprovisions included in this contract with NPPDallows for flexibility and more renewable energyoptions. Ultimately, we want what is best for ourcustomers and believe that continuing ourrelationship with NPPD meets that expectation.”

Rod Heinrichs, Board PresidentNorris Public Power District

near Hallam. Monolith officials have stated that one ofthe major reasons for locating in Nebraska is due to low-cost electricity and the good mix of power generation fa-cilities that NPPD has available.In the February 1988 edition of the Norris Electric News,Norris Director Herman Freese of Plymouth stated “Iwould like to say that when the year 2016 comes aroundthat both management of NPPD and Norris and their Di-rectors could look back and say that these gentlemensigned a fine contract back in 1987. I would hope thatwe continue to work together and that the electrical in-dustry can always look favorably upon us for what wehave done.” Mr. Freese made these comments when Nor-ris approved a Wholesale Power Contract with NPPD inNovember 1987, which preceded the Wholesale PowerContract that the District has been utilizing over the last14 years. Mr. Freese and the other Directors and man-agement made a great choice in selecting NPPD as theDistrict’s power supplier. Norris customers have bene-fitted from low cost and reliable electric power since thattime. As the electric industry continues to evolve and withmany potential opportunities and challenges comingwithin the electric industry, the Norris Board and man-agement team thoroughly evaluated future power supplyoptions.

Norris looks forward to working together with NPPD inproviding low cost, reliable power and other related serv-ices to our customers for many years into the future. Noone can say for certain what the future will bring. How-ever, if our decision to sign a Wholesale Power Contractwith NPPD is as successful as the decision made backin 1987, Norris customers will be very satisfied with theresults.

The first year Local 1098 members participated in the program, 20coats were given to area children. This year, the second year ofparticipating in the nation-wide program, firefighters were able totriple the number of children that received a winter coat. The daythe coats were distributed, firefighters arrived in a fire truck and anambulance with 66 coats, hats and gloves to be given to children inneed. Each child was personally greeted by a firefighter who as-sisted the child with trying on their brand new coat, hat and gloves.Smiles on the firefighter’s faces were as large as the smiles on thefaces of the children who received coats.Children and family members were able to ask firefighters ques-tions, as well as given the opportunity to see the inside of an am-bulance and even to sit in one of the many seats inside the large firetruck. One child told Firefighter/Paramedic Jeff Hays, “I bet youget to take long lunches!” Jeff’s response was, “Sometimes we do,sometimes we do not get to go to lunch until late and sometimeswe do not get lunch at all.” Local 1098 Firefighters teamed up with Courtney Shalla, Supervi-sor/Family Advocate with Beatrice Community Preschool and HeadStart, who identified children from families within the Head Startprogram who could benefit from receiving a coat. Head Start is anational government program with a commitment to give every vul-nerable child an opportunity to succeed. Courtney also coordinatedthe sizing of the coats to ensure that each child’s coat fit properly.

Jeff Hays, BeatriceFirefighter/Paramedicshows Paige the insideof the fire engine afterreceiving her new coat.

Courtney Shalla, Super-visor/Family Advocate –Beatrice Community Pre-school and Head Startwatches Xander giveJustin Theasmeyer, Beat-rice Firefighter/Para-medic a high five afterreceiving his new coat.

Operation Warm is a national program which was launched in 1998,distributing new coats to children in need through partnerships withorganizations such as schools, shelters and social service agencies.In 2012, Operation Warm partnered with the International Associ-ation of Firefighters (IAFF). Since the inception of the program,approximately two million children nation-wide have receivedcoats. Additional coats were given to teachers as classroom coats. Court-ney said, “Classroom coats are just as they sound. Classroom coatsare kept in a teacher’s classroom and are given to children whocome to school without a coat to wear during recess. After recessis over, the child returns the coat to the classroom for another childto use if needed.”

Facing a cold Nebraska winter without a warm coat to wear is onething no child should ever have to endure. The International As-sociation of Firefighters (IAFF), Local 1098 members, volunteeredtheir time and resources to ensure that local children were protectedfrom the harsh Nebraska winter winds and cold temperatures. In addition to their personal donations, IAFF Local 1098 membersreached out to local community friends and businesses to raisefunds for the Operation Warm Program. Donations that were col-lected were used to purchase brand new, American-made, wintercoats for children. “A tremendous amount of community supportwas shown and given towards this program,” said Justin Theas-meyer, Beatrice Firefighter/Paramedic.

Firefighters Warm Small Hands,Heads and Hearts

Donations may be made online at:http://www.operationwarm.org/beatrice

For questions regarding Operation Warmor to make a donation contact:Josh Hesson at 402-432-1626

or Justin Theasmeyer at 402-806-0709

At the monthly board meeting on December 7, 2015, theNorris Board of Directors approved the Wholesale PowerContract offered by NPPD, which went into effect on Jan-uary 1, 2016. The Norris Board of Directors also ap-proved a separate Wholesale Power Contract with NPPDthat includes provisions for providing power to MonolithMaterials, a carbon black manufacturing company thatplans to construct a facility near NPPD’s Sheldon Station

Ultimately, it was determined that continuing theexcellent business relationship between Norrisand NPPD is the best option for our customers.

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Public Power ProvidesMore Than Power

Debbie Ferguson of Wymore, Scott Nason of Lincoln and SusanBeaderman of Adams are each a winner of a $100 prepaid Visa Gift Cardin Norris Public Power District’s recently concluded contest to promotepaperless billing. Norris thanks all customers who have enrolledtheir accounts to receive their monthly statementselectronically. If you are not yet enrolled in thepaperless billing program, simply call a CustomerService Representative at 1-800-858-4707 for details.

Paperless Billing Promotion WINNERS

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Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) and the Save OurMonarchs Foundation (Foundation) have joined together inan effort to provide a viable location to encourage the growthof the Monarch butterfly and other invertebrates. The popu-lation of monarch butterflies has declined so dramatically inrecent years that the iconic insect is being considered for theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s endangered species list. Ef-forts are underway to determine the scope of the decline inNebraska, a stop on the monarch migration route, and also asignificant area for their summer breeding.

NPPD Board of Director, Mary Harding, was first approachedby the Foundation about the possibility of utilizing any avail-able NPPD land. “This is a worthwhile environmental projectthat will help the Monarch population in Nebraska into thefuture,” said Mary. NPPD initially worked with the Founda-tion to find a location that would be suitable and provide alarge enough area to develop a new habitat. The Foundation assessed different parcels of land owned orcontrolled by NPPD in several distinct ecosystems throughoutthe state. “In many locations where we have power plantswe also have land that is not being used and acts as a bufferarea,” said Rocky Plettner, Environmental Specialist forNPPD. John Walker, Jr. (right) receives his holiday ham

from Rick Volmer, Staking Technician

Jack Heckman receives his holiday ham fromNadine Hibbert, Customer Service Representative

Cooperatively, NPPD and the Foundation selected approxi-mately 50 acres of unused land, along the Big Blue River,west of NPPD’s Beatrice Power Station. The land adjacentto the power station to be utilized was previously used as aquarry, and contains both sandy and silty soils. The Beatricelocation will be the first site of intensive, high-density seedingof native milkweed and pollinator plants created to serve asan example of the habitat restorations that other public land-holders in Nebraska could undertake. “Nebraska sits in the heart of the Monarch flyway, and is asignificant reproductive and migratory area for these iconicinsects. Monarchs and other pollinators play a powerful rolein the cycle of life that sustains us, while healthy, balancedecosystems of native plants provide vital benefits to Ne-braskans, from the clean water we drink to the clean air webreathe,” said Program Director for the Save Our MonarchsFoundation, Randall Gilbert. “Finding available land from apublic entity where we could plant the necessary seeds formilkweed and other pollinator plants was our program’s goal.The willingness of NPPD to assist us is invaluable to our or-ganization. Actions like these will help make a significantimpact on the recovery of the Monarch butterfly population.”The Foundation received a grant from the TransCanada Com-munity Investment Fund for the Beatrice seeding, which ispart of the national goal to plant one and a half billion milk-weeds along the Monarch’s flyway that runs mainly through

Lucas Imig, Volunteer (left) and Jennifer Duerr, Outreach Coordinator- Save Our Monarchs Foundation (right), broadcast a mixture con-taining seeds for wildflowers, milkweed and native grasses on landwest of NPPD’s Beatrice Power Station.

“We as public power employees are engines for ourcommunities. We provide power for more than lightbulbs.” Mary Harding, Board of Director

Nebraska Public Power District

Congratulation

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To Our Winners!

Lee Ann Mumm receives her holidayham from Lucy Wegener, CustomerService Representative

Clyde Naber receives his holiday hamfrom Patty Folkerts, Customer ServiceRepresentative

HOLIDAYHAM

WINNERS

Debbie Ferguson (left) receives her gift card from PamGarrison, Customer Service Representative

Scott Nason receives his gift card from Julie Yeager,Customer Service Representative

Susan Beaderman (right) receives her gift card fromKaren Schwarz, Consumer Accounting Assistant

NorrIsELECTrIC

NEWs“Dedicated to serving you”

(USPS-391-880)Published Bi-Monthly by

NORRIS PUBLIC POWER DISTRICT606 Irving Street, P.O. Box 399

Beatrice, NE 68310-0399Phone: 402-223-4038

www.norrisppd.comemail: [email protected]

Subscription Rates:Fifty cents per issue

Postmasters: Send noticesand returns to:

Norris Public Power DistrictP.O. Box 399

Beatrice, NE 68310-0399

Periodicals Postage Paid at Lincoln, Nebraska and additional offices

Board Meeting InformationUnless otherwise provided by resolution ofthe Board of Directors, regular meetings of

the Board of Directors shall be held monthlyon the first Wednesday of each month. The

Directors shall hold their meetings at theprincipal office of the District, or at such

other place or places as the Board may fromtime to time determine. Notice of regularmeeting shall be given as provided by law.

Officers and DirectorsRodney Heinrichs, President, Carleton

Stewart Huneke, Vice-President, WilberJohn Novotny, Secretary, Odell

Randy Steinhausen, Treasurer, LincolnDennis Buel, HickmanMark Knobel, FairburyGary Kroese, Adams

Kenneth Myers, HolmesvilleRoger Rada, Tobias

Bruce Tegtmeier, JansenBerneal Warner, Waverly

On the Front Cover:Ginger Pittman’s 6th grade students

at Tri County Public Schoolswelcome Toro, Community Based K9,

and Officer Anthony Chisanoin their classroom.

TabLE of CoNTENTs

3 Watt’s Up At Norris Public Power District

Paperless Promotion WinnersHoliday Ham Winners

4-5 District News

Norris Public Power District Board of Directors Approve WholesalePower Contracts with Nebraska Public Power DistrictMessage from Bruce Vitosh, General Manager/CEO

6-7 2016 Rate Schedules

Norris Customers See NO Rate Increase in 2016

8-9 Community Based K9

All In A Day’s Work

10 Dedicated Years of Service

Darin Anderson, Mark Kujath and Matthew Harvey

11 Diller Locker Company

Proudly Serving Our Community

12 Affordable Energy

Keeping Energy Affordable

13 Operation Warm

Firefighters Warm Small Hands, Heads and Hearts

14-15 Environmental Sustainability

Public Power Provides More Than Power

16 Community Events Calendar

NorrIs PubLIC PoWEr DIsTrICT CoNTaCT NuMbErs

Main Office – Area IIIBeatrice: 402-223-4038Toll Free: 1-800-858-4707Hours: M-F 7:30 AM–4:30 PM

Area IHebron: 402-768-6515Toll Free: 1-800-827-8099Hours: M-F 8:00 AM–4:30 PMClosed each day from12:00 PM–12:30 PM

Fairbury: 402-729-3835

Area IIRoca: 402-423-3855Toll Free: 1-800-743-3899Hours: M-F 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Crete: 402-826-2517

Vicky JurgensNorris Electric NewsMagazine [email protected]

Emily ShockleyAdministrative [email protected]

Michelle JunkerManager of Corporate [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter Like us on FacebookConnect on Linkedin

Bruce VitoshGeneral Manager/[email protected]

Jerry EnnsManager of [email protected]

Randal EvansManager of Operations and [email protected]

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the nation’s Corn Belt, encompassing several states includingNebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Seed-ings take place after the first frost. Open soil works to broad-cast seed, allowing for seed to soil contact. In December, theBeatrice site was seeded with 35 different nectar and flower-ing flora and milkweed, along with native grasses. Monarch butterflies hibernate in Mexico over the winter, andbegin their long journey north in February or March. In thespring, Monarchs return to settle in the flyway. Once there,the Monarchs reproduce, laying their eggs only on milkweed(the only plant their caterpillars can eat). One caterpillar eats20 – 25 milkweed leaves and without those leaves, Monarchscannot survive. As adults, Monarchs and other pollinators eatwildflower nectar. Subsequent generations will return to Mexico in the fall.There are up to five successive generations of Monarchs bornbefore the migration begins. It is still unknown how the Mon-archs find their way back to Mexico each year, and their mi-gration remains one of the Earth’s great animal mysteries.

Nebraska Public Power District helpsserve an estimated 600,000Nebraskans in 86 of the state’s 93counties with retail or wholesaleelectric power and energy-relatedproducts and services.

Rocky Plettner, Environmental Specialist - NebraskaPublic Power District

Mary Harding, Board of Director – Nebraska Public Power District (left) and Jen-nifer Duerr, Outreach Coordinator – Save Our Monarchs Foundation (right) sowseeds to support habitat restoration.

Save Our Monarchs Foundationwww.SaveOurMonarchs.org/donate

facebook.com/saveourmonarchstwitter.com/saveourmonarchs

For questions regarding theFoundation contact:Randall Gilbert, Program Director at:

[email protected]

Randall Gilbert

CoMMuNITy EVENTs CaLENDarCommunity events are provided as a courtesy, based on information submittedby the public. Norris Public Power District is not responsible for errors. Eventsare subject to change, please check with sponsoring organization for updatedinformation.

To have a community event published on this page, please submit the eventinformation to [email protected] or by calling Vicky at 1-800-858-4707.Norris Public Power District reserves the right to accept or decline eventsubmissions and to edit material submitted due to space availability limits.

With a bi-monthly publication, calendar items must be submitted on a timelybasis to ensure that the event will be published. If the deadline is missed forpublication, the event will be in the current list of community events on ourwebsite at www.norrisppd.com. Look for the Community Events Calendar onthe right hand side of your screen.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15th Wymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed StagFish fry and hamServing 5:30 p.m. - ???

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16thGage County Relay For Life Kickoff BreakfastValentino’s, 7th & Court Streets, BeatriceServing 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.www.relayforlife.org/gagecone

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17th(Storm Date – January 24th)Tobias Firemen’s Annual BrunchTobias Fire HallServing 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22ndBarneston American Legion Fish FryServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23rd3rd Annual Winter Blues Festival – Brews, Blues & BBQBeginning at 4:00 p.m.The Tasting Room, 508 E Street, FairburyProceeds will benefit the Bonham Theatre ProjectFor information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24th Hallam Area Foundation Annual Soup SupperServing 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.Hallam Auditorium, HallamServing various soups, sandwiches, desserts and drinksFree will offering – proceeds for trees at the park

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6thDiller Opera House Shrimp FeedOpera House, DillerServing 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.Shrimp, beef fries, ham, coleslaw, potatoes and drinksTickets available in advance or at the door

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13thOdell Legion Fish FryServing 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat fish, ham salads, potatoes and drinks

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19thWymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed StagBeef fries and hamServing 5:30 - ???

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20thLiberty Shrimp FeedAmerican Legion Post 346, LibertyServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.

January/February 2016 Vol. 61 No. 1

Electric News MagazineFRIDAY, FEBRUARY 26thBarneston American Legion Fish FryServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27thHoopla 10th Annual Youth Basketball TournamentBoys and Girls grades 3rd – 8thRegister by January 29th Contact Gage County Tourism at (402) 205-3292or [email protected]

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28th Pleasant Dale American Legion BreakfastServing 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.Pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits/gravy and drinks

SATURDAY, MARCH 5thGage County Classic Film Institute Presents “Quo Vadis”Starring Filley and Gage County native, Robert TaylorCommunity Players Theater – 412 Ella Street, Beatrice1:00 p.m.Ticket information contact Gage County Museum at 228-1679or [email protected]

SATURDAY, MARCH 12th Odell Legion Fish FryServing 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat fish, ham salads, potatoes and drinks

SATURDAY, MARCH 12th Shamrock Shuffle 5K Run/Walk/CrawlRegistration begins at 10:00 a.m. at ChucklesRun/Walk/Crawl begins at 11:00 a.m.Live music from 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.For information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000

FRIDAY, MARCH 18TH Wymore Sons of the American Legion Mixed StagTurkey fries and fishServing 5:30 p.m. - ???

SATURDAY, MARCH 19th10th Annual Jefferson County Spring Expo4-H and Merchants Buildings, Jefferson County Fairgrounds9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.For information contact Fairbury Chamber of Commerce at 729-3000

FRIDAY, MARCH 25thBarneston American Legion Fish FryServing 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.All you can eat pan fried fish, ham, potatoes, salads and drinks

Norris

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