News Flash

Columbus Fire Department debuts new incident command vehicle

The Columbus Fire Department has recently put into service a new fire apparatus that will improve operational readiness and response safety, but don’t go looking for a new fire engine just yet.

This new vehicle is of the smaller sort. The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado that was approved by City Council in the 2022-2023 fiscal budget will be used by Fire Chief Ryan Gray and other command-level officers from the department to provide incident command an...

FROM THE MAYOR: Graduations, park survey and more community happenings (May 2023)

There are so many events that have taken place around our community it is hard to acknowledge all of them. As mayor, I am often asked to attend and sometimes participate in some of these events. And I can tell you that being a part of some of these events...

Float your boat – Community collaboration powers Loup River Water Trail creation

Teamwork among numerous area organizations and one state agency has resulted in a new outdoor destination just in time for summer.

Recently, community leaders gathered to celebrate the official grand opening of the new Loup River Water Trail in Platte County which will give people a chance to enjoy an extensive float using boats or kayaks while taking in the views the local area has ...

Councilman Jablonski defends BID, pushes for more community engagement

City Councilman Rich Jablonski isn’t shy in sharing his love for volunteerism, as he has always taken pride in serving his community in many ways.

In addition to representing the Third Ward on the Columbus City Council since first being elected in 2010 (he was reelected in 2014 and 2018), throughout the years Jablonski has helped Columbus by taking on numerous volunteer roles.

His years of service in...

'Wall of Heroes' aims to honor military and late beloved coach at Pawnee Park Baseball Field

A beloved longtime Columbus coach and educator will forever be memorialized as part of a new veterans’ shrine when the Pawnee Park Baseball Field’s ‘Wall of Heroes’ debuts later this summer.

The American Legion Athletic Committee, of American Legion Hartman Post 84, is proceeding with its plan to have the sign spread beneath flagpoles inside the park field after some bleachers were removed, receiving a $3,000 donation from the family of late ...

Making the mural sing - Columbus designer bringing new life to Frankfort Square bandshell

Columbus artist Yaramis “Yara” Ramos Hernandez has been all smiles this week as she’s spent hours each day under the hot sun finishing a music-inspired mural on the bandshell along 27th Avenue in Frankfort Square.

Residents have likely noticed the mural coming to life in downtown Columbus thanks to its bright pops of color and painting of musical instruments such as a guitar that has been incorporated into the handrail. All said and done, the work will also feature...

Plans for Frankfort Square improvements adjusted following public feedback

Improvements are coming to downtown Columbus’ Frankfort Square this summer in hopes to make it more inviting to the public.

“Columbus is unique in that we have a whole city block that is a public parks space in the center of downtown, so naturally in the planning process, Frankfort Square became a hinge-point of all discussions,” City Administrator Tara Vas...

Mayor details growing concerns over rural EMS to Platte County Board of Supervisors

On June 5th, the Committee of the Whole will consider making a recommendation to the Columbus City Council about a proposal from Platte County regarding help covering the cost of rural Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The County Board of Supervisors at its May 23rd meeting proposed $300,000 annually over two conditional years be paid to help cover the expenses of providing EMS services to Columbus Rural and Duncan rural protection districts, a responsibility that has f...

CITY GOVERNMENT 101: How does the Columbus City Council work? [REVISITED]

We've decided to revisit the topic of the Columbus City Council as part of our series to help keep the public informed about how things in local government work and general interest in the topic.

NOTE TO READERS: “City Government 101” is an ongoing weekly series debuting in April 2023 that highlights different aspects of municipal government as it pertains to Columbus, Nebraska, in hopes to provide information on how the City of...

What to know about cemetery cleanup following Memorial Day

There's some important information to know for those who plan to decorate the local gravesites of late loved ones in honor of Memorial Day.

In the interest of keeping Roselawn and Columbus cemeteries looking their very best through the Memorial Day holiday season, reusable wreaths and floral displays not in permanent vases should be removed from the graves prior to Monday, June 5, 2023.&n...

City seeks community's input for downtown improvements with online survey

The City of Columbus, in partnership with the Columbus Arts Council and the Columbus Area Visitors Bureau, is moving toward making the downtown area a certified Creative District.

If the certification is achieved, Columbus would have access to numerous grants that are specifically aimed to help promote the arts in the downtown area.

The goal of the district is to transform the downtown area into the heart of the community by attract...

Animals saved, residents OK after accidental morning house fire

Two adults and their four pets are expected to be fine after a house fire early Monday morning thanks to the quick action of area fire officials.

Columbus Assistant Fire Chief Nathan Jones said a call came in about 1:30 a.m. Monday, May 22nd, 2023, about a reported house fire in the area of the 9000th block of 11th Avenue, up toward the Lakeview area. Upon arrival, crews found fire in the kitchen e...

Columbus Police chief reflects on community's ongoing support

Being a law enforcement officer is something Columbus Police Chief Charles Sherer has never taken for granted in the 44 years of his career. He, like all the other men and women part of local law enforcement, wears the badge with pride.

“If I didn’t believe in it, I wouldn’t do it,” Sherer affirmed. “But it’s a matter of giving back to the public and providing service to the community. When people are in dire straits, who do the...

Columbus native eager to become Columbus Police officer after successful internship

Columbus native Jayden French’s love for law enforcement dates back to when he was just a grade-school kid at West Park Elementary.

“Back then when they would ask you, ‘What do you want to do when you grow up?’ I was one of those kids who said he wanted to be a cop,” French recalled. “I’ve always been interested in law enforc...

Canadian fires causing air issues in Columbus, throughout Nebraska

Columbus residents are being urged to use caution as an ‘Air Quality Alert' was issued today, May 18th, due to smoke from Canadian fires making its way into Nebraska.

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy issued the alert for all of the state just before noon on Thursday, May 18th, listing the air-quality index as “moderate to unhealthy.&...

Notices for BID public hearing mailed to downtown property owners

As per State Statute, notices have been mailed out to property owners within the proposed Downtown Business Improvement District regarding a public hearing to be held at 7 p.m. June 5th in the Columbus City Council Chambers.

A postcard has been included so that property owners can express their written support or opposition for the proposed BID. Postcard totals will be provided to the City Council during the June public hearing.

Property owners do have a right to express their...

Street crews working on spring cleanup of road medians

Don’t be alarmed if and when you see workers walking down the medians of 33rd Avenue and 23rd Street throughout this week.

City of Columbus Street Superintendent Clete Borchers said the street department has started its annual spring cleanup of the islands in the middle of the road. Crews are out there with backpack blowers and more scraping off mud and weeds. Street sweepers...

City gearing up for 'Kids to Parks' free outdoor celebration

Despite the dozens of recreational opportunities and facilities in Columbus, the City Parks and Recreation Department team has long wished to bring the 1993 classic sports movie “The Sandlot” to life.

In the film, a young boy named Benny Rodriquez is depicted running around the neighborhood each summer day and gathering a group of friends to play a little pickup baseball game.

“I’d love for our kids to go to the park and know how to ...

The breakdown of the local property tax levy

Property taxes have been a longstanding hot-button topic in Nebraska for decades, which isn’t surprising when considering that the state has historically had some of the highest rates in the country.

The exact property tax levied depends on the county in Nebraska the property is located in. In the case of Platte County, the money collected by Platte County from property taxes is distributed to several entities: Columbus Public Schools, the City of Col...

New Columbus Public Library director excited to share her passion with community

Jeri Kay Hopkins’ love for reading started at such an early age and was so intense, there wasn’t anything in the Laurel Public Library that her eyes hadn’t seen by the time she finished high school.

“Sometimes I would even read the encyclopedias because I read everything in the library,” she recalled, with a bit of a laugh, of the admittedly small library in her hometown about an hour-and-a-half northeast of Columbus.

“I ...

City announces closure of drive-thru water bill drop slot behind City Hall

The City of Columbus has announced the water bill drop-off slot in the alley behind the current City Hall, 2424 14th St., will be closed beginning Tuesday, May 16th.

The City is closing the parking lot to its staff who park there and the public as the government agency prepares to move into the nearby Columbus Community Building that will house new City offices, the Columbus Public Library, a children’s muse...

BID Board bringing proposed assessment to City Council in June

Now that it has decided upon an assessment, the Downtown Business Improvement District Board will seek final approval from the Columbus City Council on Monday, June 5th, 2023, to proceed with plans.

The previously announced assessment that was shared with the public and will be presented to City Council is based on a $200 per $100,000 valuation per county records, with a $750 cap per property. It would net $45,827.26 in year one, but the City of Colu...

City Code officials have come across 174 nuisance violations related to lawns in last 3 days

Columbus residents are being urged to make sure to clean up and maintain their yards now that the weather is warming up to avoid potential fines.

The City of Columbus Code Enforcement team has come across 174 violations in the last three days as of Thursday, May 11th, 2023.

Per City Code, all premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of 12 inches. A...

Riding out of town - Bird electronic scooters no longer available in Columbus

Area residents will no longer be able to rent a Bird electronic scooter to cruise through town for the foreseeable future.

Bird Rides Inc., an electric scooter rental company based in Los Angeles, has informed the City of Columbus that it opted to terminate service in Columbus due to its commitment to “sustain and expand our services in a way that meets the need of ...

CITY GOVERNMENT 101- How does the Columbus City Council work?

All of the governmental powers of the City of Columbus shall be vested in the City Council. But what does that mean?

NOTE TO READERS: “City Government 101” is an ongoing weekly series that debuted in May 2023 that highlights different aspects of municipal government as it pertains to Columbus, Nebraska, in hopes to provide information on how the City of Columbus operates...

Mayor Bulkley recognizes importance of National Prevention Week

Columbus Mayor Jim Bulkley recently came across some rather eye-opening statistics.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (57.8 million in 2021). Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging fro...

City announces Memorial Day closures and schedule changes

Numerous City of Columbus offices will be closed Monday, May 29th, 2023, in observance of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is an American holiday on which those who died in active military service are remembered. It has been traditionally observed on May 30 but now officially recognized on the last Monday in May.

Animal Control, Columbus Area Transit and all offic...

Heart of the city - Nebraska Arts Council representatives explore downtown Columbus

Downtown Columbus could be one step closer to becoming a certified creative district and earning a $10,000 grant to help with future activities.

ABOUT THE PHOTOS: TOP: Terrace Books Owner Deanna Howerter chats with the tour group about her love for books and why she wanted to open a shop; Bottom left: The tour group chats with staff at Wildflower Pastries; Bottom right: Artzy Haven Owner ...

Open house for Gerrard Pawnee parks brings crowd

Many Columbus residents recently voiced their opinions on the future of Gerrard and Pawnee parks.

Dozens of members from the public on Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023, showed up to a community open house in the Columbus City Council Chambers to meet with staff from creative firm Confluence and the City Parks and Recreation Department to provide input into po...

Inspirando el cambio – Administrador de la ciudad, Centro Hispano reflexionan sobre el viaje

Intercambio de ComunidadesCuando la administradora municipal, Tara Vasicek, y la directora de Bienvenida y Pertenencia del Centro Hispano, Liz Rodríguez, llegaron a la séptima planta del rascacielos de 18 pisos de Adobe en San José, California, se quedaro...

Inspiring change – City administrator, Centro Hispano reflect on Communities Exchange Program trip

By the time City Administrator Tara Vasicek and Centro Hispano Welcoming and Belonging Director Liz Rodriguez reached the seventh floor of Adobe’s 18-story high-rise in San Jose, California, they were blown away.

In front of them was a 50,000-square-foot café boasting an array of cuisines from around the world so that employees and members of the public from all backgrounds have at least one food option they’re familiar with and can enjoy.

&...

No injuries reported in accidental structure fire

A side-by-side or Utility Terrain/Task Vehicle (UTV) appears to have been the cause of a structure fire on Thursday morning in Columbus.

Columbus Fire Department Chief Ryan Gray said the department and Columbus Rural Fire were alerted to a possible structure fire at 11:50 a.m. Thursday, May 4th, 2023, in the area of Lost Creek Parkway and 38th Street.

When crews arrived, according to the ch...

City celebrating Professional Municipal Clerks Week

Chances are if you have or are looking for information related to the City of Columbus, you’ve crossed paths with Janelle Kline, Kelli Keyes and Linda Nickeson.

The trio comprises the City Clerk's Office. Kline is now in year 11 as the city clerk, while Keyes is the assistant city clerk and Nickeson is the account clerk II/records clerk II.

“Every day is different bringing on new challenges, sai...

Columbus Police show off new tactical robot

The Columbus Police Department introduced one of its newest team members to the City Council this week.

CPD Capt. Doug Molczyk and Community Service Technician Bobby Pensick showed off the Avatar III tactical robot to Council during its regular meeting on May 1st, 2023.

Pensick used a controller to have the robot roll up to the council, noting how its many f...

CITY GOVERNMENT 101 - What is the role of the mayor in Columbus, Nebraska?

When the public hears the term “mayor,” people often think of an individual who is paid handsomely for serving, the head of local government who makes all final decisions.

NOTE TO READERS: “City Government 101” is an ongoing weekly series debuting in May 2023 that highlights different aspects of municipal government as it pertains to Columbus, Nebraska, in hopes to provide information on how the...

Road near Bradshaw Park undergoing complete reconstruction

You can still go out to the ballgames at Bradshaw Park while road construction is underway along 48th Avenue to improve travel.

The project, a complete reconstruction of 48^th Avenue from south of 23^rd Street down to the entrance of Bradshaw Park, began in March 2023. It’s a complete reconstruction of the roadway, transforming it from asphalt to a more urban area with a c...

FROM THE MAYOR: Street construction and progress in Columbus

I am sure that most of you have encountered the highway construction on 23rd Street/Highway 30 on the east end of town. I have been talking about this upcoming event for months and it kicked into high gear in March.

This is a state (NDOT) sponsored project that calls for the complete re-construction of the stretch of road from East 11th Avenue to final completion at 31st Street. This is a three-year project broken into three phases. Year one is from East 11th Avenue ...

48th Avenue driving lane replacement set to begin Monday, May 1st

The general contractor Gehring Construction & Ready Mix, Co. has notified the City of Columbus they plan to begin concrete driving lane replacement on 48th Avenue between Howard Boulevard/U.S. Highway No. 81 and 27th Street beginning this Monday, May 1st.

The work is part of the City’s annual pavement replacement program. One lane of through traffic in each direction will be maintained throughout the project.

“This work is a continuation of the driving lane replacement project on 48^th Av...

Coach, councilman, Santa – Schilling ‘humbled’ to earn Chamber’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’ award

Throughout the years, Ron Schilling has been known as a lot of things to Columbus.

He’s a longtime city councilman, American Legion/youth baseball coach, arguably the community’s favorite Santa Claus, a longtime Optimist Club member, a part of the Northeast Nebraska Area Agency on Aging Board of Directors, a Peace Lu...

Columbus Public Library celebrating 'National Library Week'

Believe it or not, for years the Columbus Public Library has been a pretty happening place in town. Such was the case Wednesday, April 26th, when several people were already waiting to enter the facility before it even opened at 8 a.m.

“We have been blessed to have a lot of support or a big following,” Interim Library Director and Children Services Librarian Brad Hruska said. “The Columbus community definitely supports us.”

The library, located in ...

Pawnee Plunge to open for summer Memorial Day weekend with new season, daily pass options

City Parks and Recreation officials are hoping to offset the waves of inflation caused by the pandemic by introducing a new admission structure at the Pawnee Plunge this summer.

“Unfortunately, since the pandemic, we’ve had a significant increase in our chemical and other costs to run our facilities, and that includes the Aquatic Center and Pawnee Plunge,” Parks and Recreation Manager Betsy Eckhardt said. “All the costs to run ou...

Council aims to push soccer organizations toward ‘more formal’ agreement on Wilderness Park use

The Columbus City Council has given a trio of local organizations about nine months to work together on creating a new formal agreement for the future collective use of Wilderness Park Soccer Complex.

Many residents and several people representing Columbus Soccer Club and American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) addressed the Council during its April 17th regular meeting to lament their frustrations and concerns, which seemed to equate to a desire for...

‘Creating a lasting legacy’ - BID Town Hall offers chance to discuss downtown's potential future

Following a productive community town hall on April 18th, the Downtown Business Improvement District Board has planned its next formal meeting.

The Board is set to meet at noon on Monday, May 8th, in the first-floor conference room at City Hall, 2424 14th St. in downtown Columbus.

“Read the previous meeting minutes, come prepared to ask questions that the BID is specifically responsible ...

Bahr and other residents honored by Columbus Area United Way for volunteer efforts

The applause on April 20th echoed throughout the local fire department as the Columbus Area United Way honored 10 residents for their volunteerism, including City Councilman Charlie Bahr.

It was all part of the Columbus Area United Way’s Annual Meeting, an event hosted by the local nonprofit to provide the community with a report and reflection of the prior years’ impact and progress being made.

“April is volun...

Parks and Rec Department plans open house to discuss updates at Gerrard, Pawnee parks

Residents will soon have a chance to voice their thoughts on the future of Gerrard and Pawnee parks come early May.

The City of Columbus’ Parks and Recreation Department and creative firm Confluence have announced an open house is set to take place from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 3rd, 2023, in the Columbus City Council Chambers, 1369 25th Ave.

Earlier this month, members o...

Columbus mayor, Nebraska governor declare April as 'National Welding Month'

Manufacturing has long been the lifeblood of Columbus, but there’s one skill set that often is overlooked as a career path for young people: Welding.

“Welding is literally the foundation of all manufacturing, and we’re the manufacturing capital of Nebraska,” said Sarah Ehlers, the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce’s director of talent and workforce development. “We put out more per capita than even Oma...

Riedmiller 'happy' to be City's new cemetery supervisor

As a kid, Columbus native Tommie Riedmiller never had aspirations to become the City’s cemetery supervisor. But things change.

“I definitely didn’t see myself in that job. Nobody says, ‘I want to be a gravedigger growing up,’” Riedmiller said, with a laugh. “But after meeting Steve (Wortman) and knowing he trusted me to fill his shoes, it inspired me to do a good job.”

Riedmiller ...

Plans to upgrade Memorial Stadium, Pawnee and Gerrard parks in very early development

Another step toward making improvements to Pawnee and Gerrard parks was taken this month.

Recently, members of the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation and Engineering departments, as well as other City leaders and an advisory committee, met at both locations to discuss potential ideas with Confluence. The latter is a professional creative fi...

Aquatic Center’s open hours temporarily changing April 22nd for prom

So that its staff members can prepare for and enjoy the Columbus High School prom, the City Parks and Recreation Department has decided to close the Aquatic Center during regular hours (noon-4 p.m.) on Saturday, April 22nd, 2023.

“We wish all our staff and Columbus youth a safe and happy prom,” Parks and Recreation Manager Betsy Eckhardt said.

The Aquatic Center, 1783 10^th Ave. in Columbus, will still be open from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. April 22^nd for the “D...

Columbus-Platte County JCC team members are 'unsung heroes,' local officials say

When members of the public find themselves in a crisis and need to call 9-1-1, they tend to think of law enforcement officers. But what is often forgotten in the emergency response chain are what some call the “FIRST first responders.”

Who are they? The 911 telecommunicators at the Columbus-Platte County Joint Communications Center. These are the people who you first contact when calling 9-1-1 or for non-emergency calls in some cases.

National Public Safety Telecommunications Week (NPSTW...

Community’s generosity fueling CFD’s Ag Rescue Facility creation

Progress is being made on the Columbus Fire Department’s Ag Rescue Facility thanks to the generosity of many area businesses and community leaders. Now, organizers are hoping to take the next steps.

CFD officials are currently looking for annual corn donations for the grain engulfment simulation.

“Annually, this corn will be replaced, sold and used to pay for facility upkeep, training equipment and expansion of training props,” CFD...

Senior Center to receive proceeds from scrap metal recycling fundraiser

Alter Metal Recycling is putting on a fundraiser to benefit the Columbus Senior Center.

Any individual or business can participate by bringing scrap metal for recycling to any Alter location and donating the proceeds to the Columbus Senior Center fundraising account.   

Proceeds from the community’s scrap donations...

City Council approves liquor license for new axe-throwing business

A new axe-throwing business scheduled to open later this year in town got the recommendation it sought from the Columbus City Council.

During the council’s meeting on Monday, April 3rd, the City Council unanimously approved making a recommendation to the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission in favor of Axe in the Box’s application for a Retail Class A liquor license. Th...

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; ...

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...

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...

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