News Flash

Downtown Business Improvement District Board continues taking steps to progress

The Downtown Business Improvement District Board recently reconvened at City Hall to discuss developments, assessment possibilities and potential projects.

The meeting, which took place on March 20th at City Hall, featured a good conversation about a number of topics. In attendance were Board Chairman Josh Johnson, of Columbus Bank and Trust; Board Vice Chairman Kevin Johnson of Wize Buys Carpet Shop; Board ...

Mayor signs proclamation in support of 'Red Cross Month'

Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley recently signed a proclamation declaring March as “Red Cross Month” throughout the city.

Bulkley signed the proclamation and read it out loud during the March 20th Columbus City Council meeting, citing how the organization is known for providing emergency shelter, food and comfort to families displaced by home fires and other disasters; donat...

Riedmiller ready for his shot as golf course superintendent

Shawn Riedmiller’s love for golf dates back to his childhood in Albion, hitting the links with his pals and having fun.

“Five of us grew up on golf courses from the time I was 8 years old. We played all day,” Riedmiller fondly recalled.

Fast forward decades later, things have come full circle for Riedmiller. The long-time Van Berg Golf Course crew leader...

City’s annual budget planning session sparks fruitful discussion

There was a palpable sense of excitement in the air on March 20th throughout a Columbus Fire Department conference room at the conclusion of the City’s annual big-picture planning session.

Approximately 30 City officials, including City Administrator Tara Vasicek, Mayor Jim Bulkley, the entire Columbus City Council, department heads and other staff members conversed for about an hour and a half during the workshop led by a pair of represent...

Columbus Police investigating two-vehicle accident

A man is recovering following a car accident that occurred in town March 20th 2023, thanks to the efforts of law enforcement, first responders and medical staff.

About 5:09 p.m. Monday, March 20^th, CPD was dispatched to the intersection of 20^th Street and 28^th Avenue in reference to a motor vehicle accident in which one vehicle flipped on its top. 

When officers arrived, Columbus Police Capt. Doug Molczyk ...

City Council approves liquor license for new Barrel House bar

A new bar is slated to open up in downtown Columbus soon.

Local business owner and resident Nicole Saalfeld is proceeding with her new bar, Barrel House, after the Columbus City Council during its March 20th meeting approved a Retail Class C liquor license for the establishment and the application for her as the...

Officer Lozos says he's 'humbled' by Law Officer of the Year honor

Long before he wore a law enforcement badge, Columbus Police Officer Chico Lozos was the manager of a Schwan’s warehouse with aspirations to continue growing within the company. But unexpectedly losing a loved one changed those plans.

“My interest in law enforcement came after a tragic event of losing my cousin in an alcohol-related car accident,” Lozos recalled. “After losing my cousin, I decided I wanted to pursue law enforcement to possibly help prevent...

City's online permitting system helps ease process for construction projects

Now that spring is officially here and the weather is warming up, residents and contractors are beginning to think about home-improvement projects.

But it’s important to remember that building permits are required within the corporate limits of the City of Columbus and within 2 miles.

Building permits are mandated for all new construction, including additions, enclosing porches and garages; ...

City Council to consider business liquor license and more at March 20th meeting

The Columbus City Council has a packed agenda for its upcoming 7 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2023, meeting.

The Council will hear a quote from Nebraska Golf and Turf in the amount of $17,280 for 96 batteries for golf carts at Quail Run Golf Course and consider Resolution No. R23-47 to authorize payment of various improvement projects.

The Council will then consi...

Cemetery supervisor proud of his work, ready for retirement in April

There’s one question that longtime City Cemetery Supervisor Steve Wortman probably won’t miss being asked: “Is it spooky?”

Wortman has answered that question the same way the estimated hundreds of times he’s been asked over the years.

“Nah, it’s not spooky,” Wortman said. “It’s just part of life. People pass. You&...

2nd water break repaired; water back on

The water is back on as of Thursday evening after a water main break occurred Wednesday afternoon near the intersection of 22nd Avenue and 23rd Street, according to City Public Works Director Chuck Sliva.

Wednesday brought frustration as two water main breaks occurred along 23rd Street during the day. The first occurred near the intersection of 16th Avenue and 23rd Street. A crew ended up getting that one fixed Wednesday night, while another crew handled t...

1st water main break repaired; crews to continue work on 2nd

The water is on at a main break site near the intersection of 16th Avenue and 23rd Street as of Wednesday night.

Public Works Director Chuck Sliva confirmed the progress that had been made, though noted officials are still working to repair a separate water main break that happened earlier today near the intersection of 22nd Avenue and 23rd Street. 

About 9 ...

2nd water main break occurs along 23rd Street; crews working diligently to repair

Drivers will currently encounter delays driving down 23rd Street in Columbus.

Public Works Director Chuck Sliva said another water main break occurred at about the intersection of 22nd Avenue and 23rd Street following the one that occurred earlier Wednesday at the intersection of 16th Avenue and 23rd Street. The first one had been ...

Crew working to fix main break at 16th Avenue and 23rd Street

A crew is currently working to fix a main break near the intersection of 16th Avenue and 23rd Street in Columbus.

City Public Works Director Chuck Sliva said on Wednesday the public should expect lane restrictions west bound and a traffic delay.

"If possible, people may want to find another route," Sliva said.

More information will be made available as soon a...

Columbus Area Sports & Activities Sign-Up Day on horizon

Area residents seeking ways for their kids to stay active as the weather warms up are in luck. The Columbus Area Sports & Activities Sign-Up Day is set to run from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Saturday, March 18th.

“The sign-up day is just so much fun. Kids and families get to come to one location and really see what is available for them this spring and summer,” City Parks and Recreation Manager Betsy Eckhardt said. “They get signed up to participate in their favor...

Sabata named 'Firefighter of the Year' by American Legion Hartman Post 84

Ryan Sabata’s commitment to serving the public has never been about chasing the spotlight, so it was no surprise while accepting the American Legion Hartman Post’s “Firefighter of the Year” award, he spoke about everyone else.

Sabata, a veteran Columbus firefighter paramedic, was one of several individuals recognized during the American Legion Hartman Post 84’s 104th-year birthday celebration Saturday night that brought out dozens of community leaders and residents.

“Being given...

CFD: No injuries reported in Saturday morning apartment fire

Columbus Fire Chief Ryan Gray said there were no injuries reported following a fire on Saturday morning at Berlin Apartments, 1110 5th St. in Columbus.

Gray said the call came in about 10 a.m. and noted the fire was located in the floor and the walls between the first and second floors, with extension into the second floor and attic.

"The American Red Cross responded for approximately 20 residents,&q...

City Parks and Recreation seeks community input on Gerrard Park tennis courts

Improved tennis courts at Gerrard Park could soon be a reality, but the City's Parks and Recreation Department first wants the community's input.

The Parks and Recreation Department has issued a community survey to get the public's input about putting in new tennis/pickleball/basketball combo courts at Gerrard Park or possibly at another location. The survey can be taken here 

&quo...

Construction on 48th Avenue from 23rd Street to Bradshaw Park to begin

Street Improvement District No. 189, 48th Avenue from 23rd Street to Bradshaw Park, will begin roadway closures and work on Monday, March 13th, 2023.

The City Council last fall approved and bid the work, which includes total roadway reconstruction to a 33-foot-wide concrete street with curb and gutter, storm sewer improvements and trail connecting Bradshaw Park to the trail system on 23rd Street, as we...

Business Improvement District Board working to make adjustments following feedback

The Business Improvement District Board appointed its leaders at its latest meeting, on March 7th.

Josh Johnson, of Columbus Bank and Trust, was named the board’s chairman; Kevin Johnson, of Wize Buys, was named vice chairman; and Barbara Duffy, of Barbara Jean's, assumed the role of secretary.

“I would describe it as excite...

CPD conducting investigation following vehicle pursuit

The Columbus Police Department is investigating a possible DUI after a vehicle pursuit incident on Monday night (March 6th, 2023) that involved numerous area agencies.

At approximately 11:58 p.m. on March 6^th, CPD officers attempted a traffic stop with a Chevrolet Impala that was observed driving recklessly on the west edge of city limits. The suspect vehicle initiated a pursuit by failing to yield to a traffic stop in ...

Family Dollar gets City Council's recommendation for liquor license

The Family Dollar store at 2007 23rd St. in Columbus appears to be one step closer to obtaining a retail liquor license.

After much discussion, the Columbus City Council during its regular meeting on Monday, March 6th, voted in favor of giving its recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission in regard to Family Dollar store obtaining a Class B liquor license pen...

Mayor Bulkley declares March 'National Athletic Training Month'

Nine athletic trainers popped by Monday night’s Columbus City Council meeting, though the only remotely strenuous activity required was a quick walk across the room and a handshake.

Rob Marshall, who is the director of the CCH Fieldhouse and program manager of Columbus Community Hospital Sports Medicine Services, shook hands with Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley shortly after the latter signed a proclamation declaring March as National Ath...

Councilman Bahr challenges City leaders to take pie to the face for Paws & Claws fundraiser

City Councilman Charlie Bahr is ready to put his money where his mouth is when it comes to the Erna R. Badstieber Paws and Claws Adoption Center in Columbus.

During the March 6th, 2023, City Council meeting, Bahr in a friendly manner Mayor Jim Bulkley, his fellow council members and City Administrator Tara Vasicek to take a whipped cream pie to the face during the shelter’s live fundraiser that is se...

Columbus police, fire departments help pack meals for Haiti

Members of the Columbus Police and Fire departments, as well as their families, on Saturday helped pack more than 80,000 meals for children in Haiti.

The event was hosted by 1C Church and saw the participation of numerous area businesses, organizations and residents. 

“It was a great project to be a part of and was amazing to see so many community members and organizations partnering ...

Servant’s heart – Freshour humbled to begin serving on City Council

It’s no secret that Columbus native Hope Freshour has a passion for helping her hometown grow and prosper.

Throughout the years, the Columbus Area United Way executive director has been involved with various local nonprofits, boards and organizations in various capacities, but she is now taking on a new challenge: City Council.

Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley recent...

Coffin joins City and Arts Council in dual role

The City of Columbus and Columbus Arts Council have joined forces to bring in a fresh perspective to help promote arts and culture in the community.

Elley Coffin was recently hired in a joint position of the City’s community coordinator and Arts Council’s executive director.

“The City and Arts Council have been working together on the development of this position, which wi...

Columbus Police continue to investigate school shooting call

The Columbus Police Department will be working with fellow Nebraska law enforcement agencies to investigate the school shooting call that was received this morning.

“We have been advised by Kearney, Hastings, Valentine, Grand Island and Omaha that they also received similar calls today at about the same time,” Columbus Police Capt. Doug Molczyk said. “We are currently working this case a...

Business Improvement District begins to take shape

The Columbus City Council recently OK’d City staff to take another step toward creating a potential Business Improvement District (BID) in the downtown district to help fund future improvements.

The City Council conducted a public hearing on the intent to create the improvement district during its Feb. 21st regular meeting and approved a resolution stating the City’s intent to create the district, as well as the appointment of the DBIDB...

Columbus' golf's ‘Iron Man’ – Kline retiring as City’s golf course superintendent

After an illustrious decades-long career in the City of Columbus’ golf department, Superintendent Keith Kline is officially retiring on top May 1, 2023.

Kline, who was named Superintendent of the Year of the Nebraska Chapter Golf Course Superintendents Association of America last December, said it has been a wild ride that he has most enjoyed.

“It has been fun,” Kline said. “I need to thank everyone for al...

City leaders readdress questions raised over rural EMS services, paid-reserve program

Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley, City Administrator Tara Vasicek and Fire Chief Ryan Gray have fielded questions from concerned residents in recent days in regard to fire department operations.

Last week, the City of Columbus published an article on its website to address EMS services to Columbus Rural and Duncan Rural fire protection districts. In an effort to keep accurate information in front of the public, City leaders are hoping to...

Freshour appointed to Fourth Ward City Council seat

COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA - Mayor Jim Bulkley is pleased to announce he has appointed longtime resident Hope Freshour to the Fourth Ward Columbus City Council seat vacated by John Lohr.

“I reviewed multiple applications for the open position to replace Councilman Lohr, and in my opinion, the most qualified applicant was Hope Freshour,” Bulkley said. “She is someone that has a commitment to serving her commun...

Traffic light at 23rd Street and 36th Avenue operational

The much-anticipated traffic light at the intersection of 23rd Street and 36th Avenue will be officially up and running again today, Feb. 27, 2023.

Nebraska Department of Transportation officials were on scene at the intersection near Starbucks and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers mid-morning getting things ready to go. 

The light had previously been scheduled to be operati...

Pawnee Park baseball field lights to be on tonight

Don’t be surprised to drive by Pawnee Park tonight and see the baseball field lights on.

City of Columbus Public Property Director Doug Moore said the company that installed the lights late last year, Musco Sports Lighting LLC out of Iowa, will be in town to test out the lights and see how they work.

Moore said the lights will be on starting a...

Community Building Project Construction Impacts Roadway Closures, Lane Restrictions, and Parking Lot

The Community Building Project is moving into the next phase, which requires
some roadway closures, lane restrictions, and parking lot closures in and around
the site in downtown Columbus.