On December 30th, 2006 south central Nebraska was hit with the worst ice storm in its history. Southern Power District had 301 miles of downed power line, and over 1100 broken poles, resulting in 65 million dollars worth of damage.
Nebraska Public Power District lost nine miles of transmission line which was supported with steel structures. The total damage estimates to all power districts in south central Nebraska exceeded 200 million dollars.
Living in the area was a reality check on everyone. You take electricity for granted and living in Axtell I was without power for 100 hours. I was working at the time in Holdrege and they were without power for over a week. Churches and City buildings were turned into safe/warm places for the elderly and children.
Without the help of local fire departments and churches the people of this area would of felt the storm hard. People who could help, helped where ever they were needed and how ever they could. The roads were covered with a thick layer of ice and travel was very dangerous.