Registration for Crete Recreation Youth Volleyball and Flag Football ends on Friday, Aug. 24. Register for both programs online at RecDesk or at the Recreation office at City Hall.

• Youth Volleyball for girls in grades 3-6 will be held on Saturday mornings in September at Crete Middle School - 15th Street and Hickory Ave.
• Flag Football for boys and girls in grades 1-4 will be held on Sunday afternoons in September at Armory Park - 515 East 1st Street.
• Volunteer coaches are also needed. If interested, coaching applications are also available online or at the office.

Preschool storytime begins on Tuesday, August 28 at 10:30 a.m. We will meet on Tuesdays throughout the school year.
 We will be reading, learning, playing, and singing through the story time hour. Children are welcome to bring an item to show and tell each week.
Registration is preferred, but not required, and is available at the Library or here.

Date and theme

August 28 – Say Hello

September 4 – Uni-horns

September 11 – I Am Yoga

September 18 – Pet Club Day

September 25 – Applesauce Season

October 2 – Claymates

October 9 – Misunderstood Shark

October 16 – Tag Along Moon

October 23 – Sky Color

October 30 – Make Friends with a Ghost

School Resource Officer Program

In cooperation with the Crete Public Schools, the City of Crete reestablished the School Resource Officer (SRO) program through a 2013 COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) Hiring Program Award.  Through this partnership, the school and city demonstrate their commitment to the future of our city and the lives of Crete’s children.

While in session, the schools hold a significant part of the community’s overall population; it might be argued, the most valued part.  Assigning an experienced police officer to join the established school team has enhanced the delivery of vital educational and support services.

The SRO models professional behavior that promotes an air of mutual confidence, respect and trust with school officials to enhance school safety and security. However, it is understood that neither this program nor the presence of police officers in our schools guarantees safety and security. 

The SRO program’s success led the school and city to sign an agreement that will continue the SRO program partnership through 2022.

School Resource Officer Dawn Jonas

Dawn Jonas is a 15-year veteran of the Crete Police Department and has served as the SRO since January 2014. 

Jonas is a native of Hammond, Ind. and graduated from George Rogers Clark High School. She served honorably in the United States Marine Corps from 1988 to 1991. 

Jonas is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals – Great Plains Chapter, serves on the Nebraska Human Trafficking Task Force and on multiple Crete Public School committees designed to promote school safety. Jonas has also served as a Field Training Officer (FTO) and Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) instructor.  

Jonas was honored by the American Legion as the 2016 Nebraska and Midwest Region Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. She was further recognized by the American Legion as the National runner-up. View media coverage of Crete's SRO Program.

Jonas may be followed on Twitter: @SROJonasCPD

Program Support

"The Crete Elementary staff and I feel very supported by Officer Jonas. When I have a difficult situation or need advice regarding a student or family, I know I can trust and count on her at all times of the day.” 

       ~ Crete Elementary School Principal Heather Wendelin  

“Officer Jonas's strength is her ability to connect and build relationships with students and families. She is truly an advocate for our students and we rely heavily on her expertise!”  

       ~ Crete Intermediate School Principal Lisa Fye

Run, Hide, Fight

Jonas provides educational presentations describing individual actions that may be taken during active shooter events. The accompanying video links provide a glimpse into the run/hide/fight methodology. (Video: English or Spanish) 

Local organizations may request a presentation by contacting the Police Department at 402-826-6422.  

Tuxedo Park

The largest park in Crete is Tuxedo Park, a 96-acre facility located in the northwest area of town, west of the Blue River. The main entrance is off West 13th Street at Tuxedo Road with a single lane bridge (weight limit 3 tons). (The back entrance is accessed from Idaho Ave. off of West 13th; this entrance is recommended for large vehicles and trailers.) A broad range of recreational facilities are provided in the park.

Camping

The park has restroom and shower facilities (April -October), 20 RV camping sites and dump station, and picnic areas. View camping fees and information.

Athletic Fields, Playgrounds & Facilities

Thom Stallard Legion baseball field and press box and the Howard Waltman Softball Complex with four fields host numerous teams and tournaments throughout the season. Baseball and softball areas both have dugouts, concession stands and batting cages. Reserve a Tuxedo Park ball field on RecDesk.

Cerny Memorial Park is a playground on the south side of the park with slides, swing sets, climbing bar, small kids play area, and a sand box.The east playground, located near the softball complex, includes a swing set, sand box and play structure.

The Izaak Walton League cabin and shooting range (trap, skeet, sporting clays) is located in the northwest corner of the park. This cabin and range is maintained by the Crete Ikes organization. The park also has a ski trail, hiking trail, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts.

Saline County Fairgrounds

The Saline County Fairgrounds are located at the park for use during the fair in mid-July. Several buildings are owned and maintained by the Saline County Agricultural Society and rental information is available upon request or online.

Raceway

The lakebed area in the southeast portion of Tuxedo Park is currently being leased (approved March 2018) for operation of a go kart track, Tuxedo Park Raceway. Scheduled races only are slated for Saturdays from May through October. Find more information online or on Facebook.

Click on the links below to download forms

• Building Permit Form
• Plumbing Permit Form
• Mechanical Permit Form
• Fence Permit Form
• Sign Permit
• Curb Cuts
• Demolition Permit
• Well Permit
• Right-of-way Permit
• Septic System Permit
• House Moving Permit
• Mobile Home Placement Permit
• Plumbing License Renewal Form for 2018
• Application For Variance
• Flood Plain Development Permit

Crete Fire Station

The Crete Fire Station, built in 1966, houses seven trucks and three ambulances, with an additional truck off-site. The station includes a meeting room, office spaces, kitchen, and multiple storage areas. Additional department equipment is contained in a multitude of storage compartments and cabinets. Inventory includes extrication equipment for vehicle and other accidents, as well as state-of-the-art breathing apparatus and tools to enter burning structures and combat hazardous situations. Take a station tour of vehicle information and station photos here:

• 90 - 2009 Chevrolet C5500 4x4 Light Rescue/Mini Pumper (500 gpm pump with a 300 gal water tank): first out to all car accidents and support apparatus for structure fires; equipment includes hydraulic rescue tools (Jaws of Life), stabilization equipment, airbags for lifting, ropes, and basic life support medical equipment.
• 91 - 2011 Midwest Fire/International Engine/Tanker (1,250 gpm pump with a 2,000 gal water tank): first tanker out on a rural fire call - brush or structure; responds as needed for manpower and tanker requests for mutual aid; equipment includes hand tools, ground ladders, chainsaw, and a 2,200 gal porta-tank.
• 92 - 2014 Smeal Engine (1500 gpm pump with a 1,000 gal water tank): first out to all structure fire responses as well as fire alarms and hazardous material responses; equipment includes hand tools, ventilation fans, chainsaw, rotary saw, salvage/overhaul equipment, gas monitor, thermal imager, grain rescue tube, hazmat equipment, and basic life support medical equipment.
• 93 - 2003 E-One Aerial (1250 gpm pump with a 500 gal water tank): second out in town for structure fire responses.; responds to rural fires and mutual aid requests as needed; equipment includes chainsaw, rotary saw, ground ladders, rope rescue equipment, hand tools, salvage/overhaul equipment, and ventilation fan.
• 94 - 2004 Ford F250 4x4 Utility/Brush Truck (200 gal water tank on a removable skid unit for brush/grass fires): utilized as needed or during high fire danger as a 3^rd brush truck; used to pull the fire prevention trailer and shuttle personnel to various training events.
• 95 - 2007 Danko Ford F250 4x4 Brush Truck (260 gal water tank with a skid unit for brush/grass fires): responds to brush/grass fires.; equipment includes a portable foam educator and hand tools.
• 96 - 1997 Ford F250 4x4 Brush Truck (200 gal water tank with a skid unit for brush/grass fires): responds to brush/grass fires; equipment includes a portable foam educator and hand tools.
• 98 - 2002 Midwest Fire/GMC C7500 Tanker (2,000 gal water tank with a jockey pump): second tanker out on a rural fire call - brush or structure; responds to mutual aid request for tankers; equipment includes a 2,200 gal porta-tank.
• 99-1 - 2013 GMC G4500 Lifeline Ambulance: stocked with Basic Life Support equipment; additional equipment includes a LP15 Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillator and a LUCAS Chest compression device.
• 99-2 - 2009 Ford E450 Lifeline Ambulance: stocked with Basic Life Support equipment; additional equipment includes a LP15 Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillator and a LUCAS Chest compression device.
• 99-3 - 2005 Ford E450 Lifeline Ambulance: stocked with Basic Life Support equipment; additional equipment includes a LP15 Cardiac Monitor/Defibrillator.

Online Bill Payments

Utility bills can be paid 24/7 through the online bill payment option. Make a payment online

(This link is also available from the homepage.)

• Cards, checking or savings account can be used (with routing and account numbers)
• Information required: name on the utility account, address, and the utility account number 
• Email address is requested in order to receive a receipt
• Account will still be credited on the day the payment is made. 

If you have any other questions, visit the Public Works Office (City Hall, 243 East 13th Street, Main Entrance on the south side of the building) or call 402.826.4312.

Utility Bills and Rates

• A service deposit is required on all addresses; transferable if the resident moves to a new address within City service;
• All utility billing statements are mailed the last business day of the month;
• Bills are due by 5:00 p.m. on the 15th of each month;
• Bills paid by the 15th receive a 10% discount; accounts paid after the due date are subject to forfeiture of this discount;
• Accounts not paid by the due date receive a courtesy notice; a disconnect date is noted on the original bill and the courtesy notice;
• Payments can be made in person at the Public Works Office at City Hall, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; drive-thru, night drop, mailed or online;
• Personal checks, money orders or cash are accepted; debit/credit cards accepted with 2.5% convenience fee.

Electrical Service: The City of Crete Departments of Public Works Electric System retails electricity within the corporate limits. 

• View Current Electric Rates

Water and Sewer Service: 

• View Current Water Rates
• Residential Sewer Rate: Monthly customer fee $29.70, plus $2.63 per 1,000 gallons average monthly water consumption for the lowest three months of water usage of the five winter months of November, December, January February and March (Calculated each April) or $37.51 average sewer fee for customers without usage history. 
• Commercial Sewer Rates: Contact the Public Works Office at 402-826-4312.

Garbage Collection and Recycling: The City of Crete solid waste service is provided by The Garbage Company. A recycling tote is included free of charge.

• Residential Rates: 
  • Small Tote (65 gallon)    $17.89
  • Large Tote (95 gallon)    $18.18
  • 2 (95 gal.) Totes             $22.98
  • Seasonal Yard Waste     $12.00
• Commercial Rates: Contact The Garbage Company directly at 1-800-322-4272 for service and rates.

Outside Services:

• Spectrum Cable - 1-800-248-8823
• Black Hills Energy (natural gas company) - 1-888-890-5554
• Windstream (local telephone service) - 1-800-347-1991; Repair Service - 611
• Other television and phone services available, check local directory

Please see the Public Works sections at left for more information on these City services.