Loup News Archive

The warm days of summer are here, but while temperatures are rising, your energy costs don’t have to. Did you know, the average home spends $1,900 per year on utility bills, with nearly half going to heating and cooling?

Damon Rhynalds has joined Loup Power District as a Columbus plant operator. In his new role, Rhynalds monitors and controls the three generation units at[Read More]

Loup Power District has recognized Vice President of Operations Dan Hellbusch for 40 years of service. Hellbusch joined Loup in 1986 as an apprentice line[Read More]

Ductless mini-split systems can be a flexible solution for heating and cooling your home. Learn everything you need to know to decide if one is right for you.

Tom Wood was recently recognized for 35 years of service to Loup Power District. Wood joined Loup in 1991 as an apprentice line technician at[Read More]

Loup Power District has promoted Joe Noyd to electrical/mechanical technician. In his new role, Noyd will maintain and repair equipment at the Columbus and Monroe[Read More]

Aquatic invasive species pose an ongoing threat to native species, the economy, recreation, and human health and safely.

Loup Power District recently delivered lease payments totaling more than $1.7 million to area communities. Each of the communities owns their electric distribution systems. These payments[Read More]

Camping is a favorite summer activity for many families. As you head to the campground this summer, Loup Power District wants to share a few important electrical safety tips.

Keith Shonka has retired from Loup Power District after more than 36 years of service. Shonka joined Loup in 1989 as second assistant plant operator[Read More]

Five high school graduates have received the Skilled and Technology Sciences Scholarship for their work in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses at their high[Read More]

Loup Power District has awarded scholarships to six area students who are planning to attend Central Community College in Columbus this fall. Scholarship recipients are:[Read More]

Community Builders toured Leigh on April 22. Tour stops included Leigh Community Schools, Leigh Acres Subdivision, REDSTAR, and C&L Acres. Visitors also learned about the[Read More]

Loup Power District recognized Angell Robak for 25 years of service to Loup Power District. Robak joined Loup in 2001 as Cashier at the Columbus[Read More]

James Reeg of Genoa has retired from Loup Power District after more than 45 years of service. Reeg joined Loup in 1980 as maintenance man[Read More]

Loup Power District has honored Matt Swackhamer for 25 years of service to Loup Power District. Swackhamer joined Loup in 2001 as IT Manager at[Read More]

Loup Power District recently delivered inside revenue payments and the second half of the in-lieu-of-tax payments to the counties it serves. This is a benefit[Read More]

What happened to the mysterious Monster of Lake Babcock spotted in 1939?

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Loup Power District has earned the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2025. The utility earned[Read More]

One of the things we love best about our communites is the many trees that offer beauty, shade and habitat for birds and other wildlife.[Read More]

Richard Boamah has joined Loup Power District as IT Security Coordinator. Boamah is responsible for the promotion of security awareness programs at Loup. He will[Read More]

While electric lawn tools aren’t new, advancements in technology and more options mean prices have become more competitive.

Tony Miller has been promoted to Supervisor of Safety and Training at Loup Power District. In his new role, Miller is responsible for all safety[Read More]

Loup Power District renewed its membership in Community Clubs and Chambers of Commerce in towns throughout its service area.  Checks totaling $34,736 were presented to[Read More]

The migration of waterfowl (ducks and geese), shorebirds and neo-tropical migrants (songbirds) has been in process since millennia started

Joe Donnelly has joined Loup Power District as Maintenance Technician at the Genoa Headworks. In his new role, Donnelly is responsible for maintaining district parks,[Read More]

Kevin Dubas has joined Loup Power District as Maintenance Technician at the Genoa Headworks. In his new role, Dubas is responsible for maintaining district parks,[Read More]

Loup Power District recently delivered lease payments totaling more than $1.4 million to area communities. Each of these communities owns their electric distribution systems. These payments[Read More]

Eric Olsufka has been promoted to Dredge Operator at Loup Power District. In his new role, Olsufka is part of a team that operates and[Read More]

Do you know the difference between circuit and current? We’ll help you make sense of it all with our handy definitions.

Jim Hoge of Columbus has retired from Loup Power District after more than 43 years of service. Hoge began his career at Loup in 1982[Read More]

Columbus Division Superintendent Dale Gasper has retired from Loup Power District after nearly 40 years of service. Gasper joined Loup in 1986 as an Apprentice[Read More]

Bryan Tworek has been promoted to Dredge Lead at Loup Power District. In his new role, Tworek will oversee the operation and maintenance of the[Read More]

You may be able to cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20% when you add insulation. Loup Power has incentives that can help offset the cost of these energy upgrades.

Electric space heaters can help warm a room quickly. However, they can be as dangerous as convenient if used improperly. Here are some guidelines to[Read More]

Kenneth Hash has joined Loup Power District as Accountant/Collector. In his new role, Hash is responsible for customer service functions and collection of delinquent accounts.[Read More]

Drafty room? Before reaching for your space heater, consider whether it’s better to plug it in or simply turn up the thermostat.

Looking for a New Year’s resolution that actually sticks? A DIY home energy audit is one of the smartest ways to kick off the new year.

Loup Power District has promoted Tyler Klaahsen to Crew Leader at the Columbus Service Center. In his new role, Klaahsen oversees the line crew that[Read More]

Loup Power District has promoted Mike Brabec to Columbus Division Superintendent. In his new role, Brabec oversees the construction, operation, and maintenance of the electric[Read More]

Neal Suess has retired from Loup Power District after more than 20 years as President/CEO. During his 20 years at the helm, Suess was involved[Read More]

Michael Jones has retired from Loup Power District after more than 16 years. Jones joined Loup in 2009 as Computer Support Specialist at the Columbus[Read More]

The Loup Power District Board of Directors approved a 7.28% retail rate increase at its December meeting. The increase comes amid increasing wholesale power costs,[Read More]

Michael Wallace has joined Loup Power District as Vice President of Engineering. In his new role, Wallace provides leadership for the planning, design, maintenance, and[Read More]

The holiday season presents a bunch of hazards for our pets — christmas lights, decorations, and presents under the tree all create opportunities for pets to get hurt.

Jamie Held has been promoted to Hydro Superintendent at Loup Power District. He is training with Hydro Superintendent Brad Morton who is retiring next year.[Read More]

Casey “Bo” Olson of Genoa has been promoted to Plant Operator at the Columbus Powerhouse. In his new role, Olson monitors and controls the three[Read More]

Watts a lumen? And how many should you have in your home? We have the answers.

Fullerton Division Superintendent Guy Imus was recently recognized for 40 years of service to Loup Power District. Imus joined Loup in 1985 as an Apprentice[Read More]

Loup Power District wants to remind the public that water levels may fluctuate along the Loup River from the Genoa Headworks to Columbus and along[Read More]

Jenny Korth was just one of many who wasn’t satisfied with economic development in Lindsay. Businesses were closing due to retirements. There were vacant buildings[Read More]

Community Builders toured Lindsay on Nov. 12. Tour stops included Tavern 1888, Lindsay Academy and Event and Wellness Center, a 14-unit apartment complex, Lindsay Corporation,[Read More]

Loup Power District recently delivered lease payments totaling nearly $1.8 million to area communities. Each of these communities owns their electric distribution systems. These payments compensate[Read More]

In 1941, the Columbus Telegram called Harold Kramer the “guiding light and guardian of the Loup River Public Power District.”

By Susan Partain, director, content strategy, American Public Power Association The American Public Power Association’s founding was thanks to a group of leaders that fought[Read More]

Loup Power District’s complimentary cookbooks are now available. The cookbook features recipes submitted by Loup Power District employees and retirees and their spouses. The cookbook[Read More]

In today’s digital world, cyberattacks are unfortunately nothing new. Cyber criminals can attack on a multitude of levels, from large-scale attacks targeting corporations to smaller phishing attacks aimed at gaining an individual’s personal information.

Community Builders toured St. Edward on October 8. Tour stops included Beaver’s Pub, Beaver Creek Smokehouse, Valley Creek Chiropractic, 307 Designs, St. Edward Floral, and[Read More]

Powerhouse Maintenance Supervisor Ron Cieloha was recently recognized for 40 years of service to Loup Power District. In his current role, Cieloha oversees the electrical[Read More]

Walt Williams of Columbus was recently recognized for 25 years of service to Loup Power District. Williams has served as Vice President of Accounting and[Read More]

The Department of Economic Development (DED) announced the City’s recertification as an Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) following successful business development projects and efforts to expand recreational, childcare, and health care services.

GFCIs have significantly reduced electrocutions since their introduction in the 1970s.

Got 20% back! They’re precise. And they can boil water in about half the time of a conventional stove. But are they right for your kitchen?

Loup Power District recently delivered lease payments totaling more than $1.3 million to area communities. Each of these communities owns their electric distribution systems. These payments[Read More]

Loup hosts lineworker interns each summer. This benefits the students who get hands-on experience while Loup builds a pool of potential employees.

Storm season is upon us, which means greater potential for power outages. If you’re planning to use a portable generator in the event of an outage, we want to remind you to play it safe.

Each year in the United States, there are about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes and about 300 people struck by lightning. Of those struck, about[Read More]

A rare Telechron Type A Master Clock resides in a display case at the Columbus Powerhouse. Operators there used the clock to keep the official time for the State of Nebraska until 1950.

Loup Power District recognized Ron Christo for 40 years of service. Christo joined Loup in 1985 as an Apprentice Line Technician in Albion. He was[Read More]

Loup Power District recently delivered lease payments totaling nearly $1.8 million to area communities. Each of the communities owns their electric distribution systems. These payments compensate[Read More]

Loup Power District recognized Humphrey Local Superintendent Joe Hubenka for 45 years of service. Hubenka joined Loup in 1980 as an Apprentice Line Technician at[Read More]

There are many environmental and beautification benefits to planting young trees. However, Loup wants to remind everyone to be aware of electrical hazards while planting this year.

LOUP SCHOLARSHIP Loup Power District has awarded scholarships to six area students who are planning to attend Central Community College in Columbus this fall. Scholarship[Read More]

Loup Power District recognized Brian Herman of Fullerton for 30 years of service. Herman joined Loup in 1995 as an Apprentice Line Technician in Fullerton[Read More]

Loup Power District recently recognized Mike Brabec for 30 years of service. Brabec joined Loup in 1995 as an Apprentice Line Technician in Humphrey. He[Read More]

Community Builders toured Albion on April 24. Community Builders is a group that supports local communities and businesses by sharing ideas and resources. Partners are Central Community College, Cornhusker Public Power District, and Loup Power District. All tours are open to the public.

Most of us have seen little flags in yards or construction sites. But why are they different colors? And can you remove them if they show up in your yard? We have the answers.

Loup Power District recently delivered inside revenue payments and the second half of the in-lieu-of-tax payments to the counties it serves. This is a benefit[Read More]

Community Builders toured Clarkson on Thursday, March 27. Community Builders is a group that supports local communities and businesses by sharing ideas and resources. Partners[Read More]

Chief Storekeeper Dave Rosno was recently recognized for 25 years of service to Loup Power District. As Chief Storekeeper, Rosno’s duties include purchasing and storing[Read More]

A look back at the March 2019 storm that caused extensive damage to the Genoa Headworks. Learn how employees, Preferred Sands, and the National Guard came together to repair the damage.

Loup Power District renewed its membership in Community Clubs and Chambers of Commerce in towns throughout its service area.  Checks totaling $32,681 were presented to[Read More]

Loup Power District recognized Hydro Superintendent Brad Morton for 35 years of service. Morton joined Loup in 1990 as Second Assistant Plant Operator at the[Read More]

Loup Power District recently delivered lease payment checks totaling more than $1.3 million to area communities. Each of these communities owns their electric distribution systems. These[Read More]

The Loup Power District Board of Directors appointed Korey Hobza as President/CEO effective January 1, 2026, following the retirement of Neal Suess at the end[Read More]

Watching the thermostat, sealing leaks, and use window coverings will help you lower your energy use this winter.

Utility scammers are constantly working to get your hard-earned money. We have some tips to help you spot their scams.

Loup Power District employees installed a TransGard Laser Bird Defense system at the ADM Wetmill Substation on Jan. 7. The system is designed to scare[Read More]

Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. But it is important to realize that they can affect your energy bills and safety if used improperly.

The Loup Power District Board of Directors approved a 3.1 percent retail rate increase at its monthly December meeting.  The increase comes amid increasing wholesale[Read More]

A “last-mile” Amazon distribution facility will be coming to Columbus in 2025, according to Loup Power District. “This facility will allow expedited service to Amazon[Read More]

Line Crew Leader Dan Quinn of Columbus was recently recognized for 30 years of service to Loup Power District. Quinn joined Loup in 1994 as[Read More]

Loup Power District wants to remind the public that water levels may fluctuate along the Loup River from the Genoa Headworks to Columbus and along[Read More]

Loup Power District recently delivered lease payments totaling nearly $1.7 million to area communities. Each of these communities owns their electric distribution systems. These payments compensate[Read More]

Michael Jones has been promoted to Accountant/Collector at Loup Power District. In his new role, he is responsible accounting and customer service functions and collection[Read More]

Community Builders toured Humphrey on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Community Builders is a group that supports local communities and businesses by sharing ideas and resources. Partners[Read More]

Have you received unsolicited mobile text messages with an unfamiliar or strange web link that indicates a USPS delivery requires a response from you?  If you[Read More]

Halloween is just around the corner. There could be a hidden terror lurking in your home. We’re talking about energy vampires — evil ghouls that suck electrical power from your appliances when you aren’t using them, taking a big bite out of your wallet.

Loup Power District’s complimentary cookbooks are now available. The cookbook features favorite recipes submitted by Loup Power District employees and retirees and their spouses. The[Read More]

Last week, we met up with Jack Smith as he made his way through Columbus on an electric bike. Smith is retracing the route of George Wyman, the first person to cross the country on a motor vehicle (a bicycle equipped with a four-stroke engine) in 1903.