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Columbus Community Building grand opening celebration set for July 8th

The voter-approved Columbus Community Building public open house has been officially set. Read on...
What lies ahead - City public meetings reminder for week of June 12-16, 2023

The following is a listing of City of Columbus public meetings that are open to the community the week of Monday, June 12th-Friday, June 16th, 2023: Read on...
Community's free recycling program plagued by contamination issues

Imagine emptying community recycling containers Christmas morning only to be greeted by a bag of human feces and a bunch of glass that pops up unexpectedly and cuts your face near your eye. Read on...
Downtown BID approved; board ready to push forward

The Downtown Business Improvement District Board is free to proceed after the district was formally approved on June 5th by the Columbus City Council. Read on...
Columbus Public Library's move to new building underway

Don’t be surprised to see people wheeling carts of books across 14th Street throughout June. Read on...
City's commitment to its taxpayers focus of rural EMS discussion

The City of Columbus hopes to soon free its taxpayers from paying for the cost of emergency medical services (EMS) for two rural protection districts outside of town. Read on...
City Council meetings slated to start earlier beginning in August

Columbus City Council meetings will start an hour earlier by the end of the summer. Read on...
Community input sought for 2023 Public Transit Community Survey

It only takes residents just a few minutes to answer 17 easy survey questions and have their thoughts about local public transportation taken into consideration. Read on...
Columbus City Council to consider BID creation; discuss rural EMS and more at June 5th meeting

The Columbus City Council will consider officially creating a Downtown Business Improvement District and more during its next meeting, at 7 p.m. Monday, June 5th. Read on...
What lies ahead - City public meetings reminder for week of June 5-9, 2023

The following is a listing of City of Columbus public meetings that are open to the community the week of Monday, June 5th, 2023-Friday, June 9th. Read on...
City's engineering project manager returns from DC after marching in National Memorial Day Parade

City of Columbus Engineering Project Manager Dave Boswell is back from Washington D.C. after being one of the hundreds of U.S. veterans to march in the National Memorial Day Parade. Read on...
Columbus Police’s stop at youth car wash may help get local boy to Packers’ home game

Two Columbus Police officers were looking to support local youth when they popped by a neighborhood car wash last weekend, but they also ended up helping a local boy get closer to seeing the famous “Lambeau Leap” in person. Read on...
CITY GOVERNMENT 101 - Appointments and how YOU can get involved

Your neighbor Nick serves on the park commission board; Robert, the businessman you know, is on the board of airport commissioners; your friend’s friend Erin is on the tree board – “wait, Columbus has a tree board?!” you question out-loud. Read on...
Columbus Police add Pepperball launchers to their arsenal

Columbus Police officers have another non-lethal way to deal with suspects who are acting aggressively or armed and dangerous. Read on...
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. Read on...
FROM THE MAYOR: Graduations, park survey and more community happenings (May 2023)

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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. Read on...
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. Read on...
'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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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). Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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? Read on...
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. Read on...
Inspirando el cambio – Administrador de la ciudad, Centro Hispano reflexionan sobre el viaje

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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. Read on...
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. Read on...
Columbus Police show off new tactical robot

The Columbus Police Department introduced one of its newest team members to the City Council this week. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
‘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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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.” Read on...
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. Read on...
Senior Center to receive proceeds from scrap metal recycling fundraiser

Alter Metal Recycling is putting on a fundraiser to benefit the Columbus Senior Center. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
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. Read on...
City Council Meetings

View the latest City Council meetings 24/7. View Meetings...
Bids/RFPs

View current Bid/RFP opportunities. View Bids/RFPs...
Voting Information

Find voting resources for the State, County, and Wards in Columbus. Read On...
Facebook

View the City of Columbus Facebook and other social media sites. Additional Info...
Parks

Learn more about parks and community activities in Columbus. Read On...
FAQs

Find and review frequently asked question for Columbus residents and visitors. Read On...
Report a Spill

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