News
Southeast Nebraska Communications has a strong history of community involvement. We believe that “giving back” to the communities that we serve holds a sense of commitment and we are proud to be a part of each community. At Southeast Nebraska Communications we are doing this through many aspects including scholarships, summer recreation, 4-H, school activities, customer appreciation days and the involvement in many community service projects.
PEOPLE SERVICE QUALITY
531/402 Area Code Overlay
The new Nebraska 531 Area Code will Share the Same Geographic Region as the Existing 402 Area Code.
To ensure a continuing supply of telephone numbers, the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) has approved the addition of the new 531 Area Code to the geographic region served by the 402 Area Code. This is called an Area Code Overlay.
| Start of permissive 10-digit dialing | 12:01 AM CST | June 26, 2010 |
| Start of mandatory 10-digit dialing | 12:01 AM CST | February 26, 2011 |
| Local Calls | All Area Codes | 10-digits (NPA+XXX-XXXX) |
| Long Distance Calls | All Area Codes | 1+10-digits (1+NPA+XXX-XXXX) |
| Operator Calls (credit card, collect, third party) | All Area Codes | 0+10-digits (0+NPA+XXX-XXXX) |
How Will This Affect Me?
Because of the addition of the 531 Area Code, all customers within the 402/531 region will need to dial the correct Area Code followed by the 7-digit telephone number, when dialing any local call. Please see the map below for an outline of the 402/531 Area Code region.
What is the Dialing Change?
To complete local calls, the new dialing procedure requires callers to dial the full 10-digit telephone number. This means that all calls in the 402 area code that are currently dialed with 7-digits will need to be dialed using the Area Code + 7-digit telephone number. However, long distance calls will remain the same. Callers need to dial 1 + Area Code + 7-digit telephone number whenever placing a long distance call from the 402/531 Area Codes. Additionally, local calls from some Nebraska communities that border the states of South Dakota, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas will need to be dialed using 10-digits including the appropriate Area Code for those states.
When Will These Changes go Into Effect?
Effective June 26, 2010, a permissive dialing period will begin and you should use the new dialing procedure whenever you place local calls from the 402 Area Code. If you forget and use the old dialing procedure of dialing just 7-digits, your call will still be completed. If you are not able to dial using 10-digits after the permissive dialing period begins, contact your local service provider.
Beginning February 26, 2011, the mandatory dialing period begins and you must use the new dialing procedure for all local calls. After this date, if you do not use the new dialing procedure, your call will not be completed, and a recording will provide instructions on how to redial your call.
Beginning March 26, 2011, new telephone lines or services may be assigned numbers with the 531 Area Code if no further 402 numbering resources are available in your service area.
What Will Change?
- You will need to dial 10-digits (area code + 7-digit telephone number) for every local call.
- You may need to reprogram or upgrade your equipment if you use specialized communications equipment like a PBX, electronic telephone sets, auto-dial systems or multi-line key systems to use the new dialing procedure.
- Some automatically dialed calls may require reprogramming to include the new dialing procedure. These calls may include: life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, speed dialers, call forwarding settings, voicemail services, and similar functions.
- Check your websites, business stationery, advertising materials, personal checks, contact information, and your ID tags to ensure the area code is included.
What Will Remain the Same?
- Your telephone number, which includes your area code, will remain the same.
- The price of a call, local and long-distance calling areas, and other rates and services will not change as a result of the Area Code Overlay.
- What is a local call now will remain a local call even when dialing 10-digits.
- You should still dial just three digits to reach 911.
- If 211, 411, 511, 611, 711 and 811 are currently available in your community; you will still dial them with just three digits.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding information provided in this notice, please call Southeast Nebraska Communications at 402-245-4451 or contact the Nebraska Public Service Commission (NPSC) at 1-800-526-0017 or visit their website at www.psc.nebraska.gov for more information.
Edwin S. Towle III Memorial Scholarships are now available online at: www.sentco.net/about-scholarshipforms.php or copies of the forms are available at the Falls City High School or Falls City Sacred Heart. The deadline for the forms to be submitted is March 15th.
Southeast Nebraska Communications honored as EDGE 2010 Investor of the Year!
SNC was presented the award for "Edge 2010 Investor of the Year" award at the annual Falls City EDGE Banquet held at the Falls City Elks Club.
Mrs. Sickel and her Southeast Nebraska Communications team, were honored as EDGE 2010 Investor of the Year, an awarded presented by Vice President of Investor and Community Relations Bart Keller.
SNC’s “financial investment is this community this past year is nothing short of incredible,” Keller said. SNC is in the midst of a massive Fiber-to-the-Home project that will create a state-of-the-art fiber optic network throughout their service area. The job is nearly completed in Falls City and is beginning in rural areas and villages.
In total, SNC’s investment in Falls City and Richardson County totals more than $23 million. It will create a can-do atmosphere and open a variety of opportunities for new business, while providing SNC with top-of-technology capabilities.
Keller said SNC’s FTTH project is “enormous” and congratulated President Dorothy Towle and “her team at SNC” for their innovative and forward-looking business decision.
Keller also noted the other community-minded services provided by SNC, including the Aquatic Park shuttle, backpack program, Halloween and Easter contests, and playground painting ventures. He described SNC’s attitude as “extremely generous community involvement.”
“Theirs is a company that has reinvented itself over the past decade from a local telephone company to a state-of-the-art communications company providing telephone, Internet and computer sales and service,” Keller said. “Full speed ahead with all of their projects.”
Southeast Nebraska Communications receives award from USDA.
Southeast Nebraska Communications, Inc. of Falls City, NE has been awarded a $3.4 million loan and $7.9 million grant from USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Broadband Initiatives Program (BIP) for broadband and a $1.2 million Infrastructure Program loan and $10.8 guaranteed loan for broadband and telecommunications services. The awards were recognized today in Falls City by USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul with a plaque presentation.
“We are pleased to celebrate Southeast Nebraska Communications, Inc.’s award of funds to advance telecommunications and broadband services to rural southeast Nebraska and a small area in northeast Kansas,” said Moul. “The funding illustrates RUS and Southeast Nebraska Communications, Inc.’s commitment to bringing needed quality telecommunications to the area.”
The $11.3 million BIP broadband project was funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). It will allow construction of Fiber to the Home throughout the rural portion of Southeast Nebraska Communications Inc.’s certified service area, which includes all areas outside of Falls City. The project will benefit approximately 3,000 people, 50 businesses, and 20 community institutions.
The $12 million telecommunications project, anticipated to be completed in early 2011, brings Fiber to the Home to all of Falls City. The project is funded through a $10.8 million guaranteed loan that was provided by the Federal Financing Bank with Rural Development guaranteeing the funds, and $1.2 million in Cost of Money funds. The project will benefit approximately 4,000 people, 250 businesses and 90 community institutions.
Southeast’s certified service area includes the eastern portion of Richardson and several miles in Nemaha counties in Nebraska and a few miles in Brown County, Kansas. These projects will create jobs and provide rural residents with access to improved service.
“SNC is excited for this opportunity to partner with USDA and invest in a Fiber to the Home network to serve all our customers. This state of the art, “future-proof” communications solution, with nearly unlimited capacity, will not only allow for remarkable expanded phone and internet services to customers now, but also for new applications that customers will desire in the future,” said General Manager Elizabeth Sickel, SNC.
SNC held the "ANNUAL SNC HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST" drawing on October 29th.
1st place winner of the $25.00 prize was Seth Brewer, 2nd place $15.00 winner- Helen Walker, 3rd place $10.00 winner - Cayleigh Eickoff, and 4th place $5.00 winner was Elise Nycum. Thank you for all that entered the FREE drawing and Congratulations to the winners of the "SNC HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST". Have a safe Halloween!
Falls City Sacred Heart
Falls City High School
Southeast Nebraska Communications sponsored "TEAMING UP" with Falls City Sacred Heart Booster Club on Friday, September 24th and Falls City High School Booster Club on Friday October 8th. SNC sponsored the "Longest Pass" event for students and adults. Both nights were filled with excitement that included shooting T-shirts with our "Launcher", and the "Longest Pass" contest. The 4 winners of the "Longest Pass" each received a Tiger or Irish logo sweatshirt. A total of $806.00 was raised in support for the Irish Booster Club and the Tiger Booster Club. This annual event is another way for SNC to provide support to each of our local schools. We want to say "Thanks" to all who participated during both fund raising events.
Irish Crush Exterminators
Purple Cobra's
SNC sponsored the Kids Division of the Dodge Ball Tournament on Sunday, August 29th at Prichard Auditorium.
There were age divisions of 2nd through 8th grade and the event was held during Cobblestone.
In the 2nd-3rd grade division there were 5 teams competing and the Irish Crush defeated the Black Attack.
In the 4th-5th grade division there were 6 teams competing and the Exterminators defeated the Destroyers.
In the 6th-8th grade division there were 12 teams competing and the Purple Cobra's defeated the Skills that Kills.
SNC would like to thank everyone for your participation in this event.
The Dodgeball event raised $1130.00 towards the Falls City Backpack Program. The money will help purchase milk throughout the 34 week program. Special thanks goes to the people who donated their time on this project: Sue Nutzman, Chris & Barb Mellage, Sheena Heineman & Levi Heineman, Ray Joy, Tori Olberding, Mark Hodge, Kevin Scheitel, Logan Faller, Tyler Sells, Trevor Harling, Chuck & Bev Whitney and Debbie Witt!
Gene Campbell Lukas Friz
Anne Youde Larry Woods
Barb Brunette Don Wilhide
Dorothy Towle Beth Sickel
SNC employees paint the picnic shelter at the Dallas Jones Memorial Park.
On Thursday, June 17th, SNC employees painted the picnic shelter at the Dallas Jones Memorial Park. The project began at 8:30 in the morning and was completed at 3:00 in the afternoon. We want to thank the City of Fall City for providing the paint and supplies for the project.
The employees at SNC are committed to the betterment of our community. Our way of giving back to our community is by participating in community service projects throughout the year. This is just one example of the many community service projects that we have participated in over the years.
The Annual Edwin S. Towle III golf tournament, held Saturday at the Falls City Country Club, generated $3,579.75 for 8 local organizations. This is the 6th year for the tournament and a grand total of $20,067.00 has been raised with the funding going to 15 local charities. The event is sponsored by Dorothy Towle and SNC.
The following charities received donations: Aquatic Park ($183.50); Falls City Summer Recreation ($425.75); CMC Building Fund ($425.75); Richardson County Cancer Fund ($545.00); Humane Society ($424.00); Sacred Heart Booster Club ($424.00); Falls City Backpack Project ($1,116.75); and the Dawson Verdon Boys Baseball Team ($215.00).
We want to say "Thanks" to all who participated in this year's annual event.
Pictured above - Aaron Dorste & Chuck Whitney from Southeast Nebraska Communications.
Aaron was the winner of the Acer Aspire One Netbook computer from the 2010 Customer Appreciation drawing.
Congratulations Aaron! Hope you enjoy your new Netbook form SNC.
SNC 2010 Annual Customer Appreciation
SNC's Annual Customer Appreciation was held on Thursday, May 27. Fun was the main topic on the evening. Face painting for the kids, cotton candy for all, spin the Wheel of Communication for the adults and the Kids Wheel provided winners for everyone. Games included egg toss, balloon toss, football throw and hula hoop.
A new FTTH Trivia contest provided lots of "almost" correct answers from the customers that participated.
We delivered approximately 110 meals to customers that could not make it for the evening and served over 1000 meals to the customers in attendance.
We hope to see you next year!
Aquatic Park Shuttle Service begins on June 1st
Great news is here for kids wanting to enjoy Falls City state-of-the-art Aquatic Park.
The shuttle service that provided area children with safe, free transportation to and from the Aquatic Park will begin running on Tuesday, June 1st. and end on Friday, August 13th.
The shuttle operation has been a great success for the past three years. Last summer there were approximately 650 rides to and from the Aquatic Park.
This project was the idea of Dorothy Towle and is funded by SNC, its success is also due to the assistance of several other entities. The City provides approval for the project and installs signs, SENCA makes several of its certified drivers available for hire to drive the shuttle, and staff at the Aquatic Park does a super job of announcing the shuttle and helping coordinate kids.
The shuttle will run Monday through Friday each week. The route begins at 12:45 at Pioneer Park, proceeding to Grandview Park, Sacred Heart School, Legion Park and the Water Tower Park and then go out to the Aquatic Park. The shuttle will then make a return run leaving the Aquatic Park at 4:00 pm going back to the five pick-up points in reverse order.
All children wishing to ride must turn in a permission form to the shuttle driver signed by their parent or guardian. One permission form will be valid for the entire summer and will be published in the May 27th issue of the Falls City Journal. A permission form will also be delivered to North School, South School and Sacred Heart students the week of May 17th. Permission forms will also be available from the shuttle driver, at the Aquatic Park, City Hall and SNC.
If you have any questions feel free to contact Chuck Whitney at 245-4451.
Pictured form left to right: Ray Joy, Beth Sickel,
Shirley Kelsay and Dorothy Towle
SNC Welcomes First “Fiber To The Home” Customers
Southeast Nebraska Communications welcomes Jim and Shirley Kelsay as our first Fiber To the Home (FTTH) customers in Falls City. On Monday, May 10, SNC cutover Jim and Shirley’s service from the existing copper line to the new FTTH connection.
We are excited to begin our customer cutover from the existing copper lines to our NEW Fiber To The Home. Once each customer’s cutover is complete, each resident or business will have their own direct “non-shared” fiber connection. This direct “non-shared’ fiber connection provides every customer with their own dedicated fiber optic line for their phone and internet service. This dedicated FTTH connection will provide amazing quality, reliability, and speed for phone and internet service.
We are currently working on the cutover in the northwest area of Falls City, North of 21st Street and West of Harlan Street. Our daily timetable is to cut over approximately 10 to 15 customers per day from copper to FTTH. Our goal is to have all customers in Falls City cutover to the new FTTH by the spring of 2011.
Our utility contractors, Telcom Construction and CCS are continuing to bury the fiber optic cable and install the ONTs (Optical Network Terminal) on the outside of homes and businesses.
We are pleased to offer our customers the latest in fiber optic technology. FTTH will elevate SNC customers to a level of service that is currently only available in much larger cities, while bringing an added value to the quality of life in Falls City.
Falls City North School Falls City Sacred Heart
Falls City High School Falls City South School
Falls City Middle School SENCA Head Start
SNC Celebrates Teachers Appreciation Week!
On Tuesday, May 4th, SNC delivered fruit trays to all of the local schools in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week.
Remember to show your gratitude in a note, e-mail, phone call or as you drop off your children at school. All of us at SNC want to say "Thank-you" to all of our local educators and want to recognize the contributions they make to our community.
Chloe Thompson
2010 EASTER COLORING CONTEST WINNERS at SNC
This year's include front row, from left, Saylor Hutfles,
Zach Prater and Madison Popejoy. Back row Easm Hollens, Marissa Ogden
Sophia Gilsdorf.
Congratulations to the Easter Coloring Contest winners!
1st Annual Empty Bowls Soup Luncheon at Prichard Auditorium
On Thursday, March 24th, SNC hosted the 1st Annual Empty Bowls Soup Luncheon at Prichard Auditorium. Attendance of over 175 people enjoyed over 12 delicious soups donated by various groups and restaurants from Falls City. The most popular soup, donated by Rick Lemerond from Northview Café, was his specialty “Tortellini”. The Empty Bowls Luncheon was hosted SNC and Senca which raised over $1500 for the Falls City Backpack program. This program is designed for children who qualify from ages Kindergarten thru 5th grade to receive a backpack of food on Friday to take home for the weekend. To date we are currently serving 24 students in both North School and South School. Thanks to Jenny Strecker, Bethany Godemann from Senca and all SNC employees for making this a very successful luncheon for the Backpack program.
SNC employees Joe, Don and Anne Angie and Mark getting more food
packing food for delivery to the ready for delivery.
Volunteers helping pack the food Delivery from Lincoln Food Bank
SNC Sponsors Food Bank of of Lincoln BackPack Program for Falls City Public Schools
August 28, 2009, marked the debut
of this school year’s Food Bank of
Lincoln BackPack Program. SNC, in
conjunction with the Falls City Public
Schools and the Lincoln Food Bank,
is making a difference in the lives of
some of our local children through the
BackPack Program. This is
a new program in which elementary
children are provided a backpack of
food each week on Friday’s to take
home for the weekend.
The food we use for the Falls City Public School/Food Bank BackPack Program consists of purchased food, to ensure a consistent supply of nutritious food over the weekend. Each Thursday of the school year, 24 selected children’s backpacks will be filled with a bag of food for the family’s weekend nutritional needs.
These students from Falls City
North and South Schools were selected
by the schools to ensure confidentially.
We conservatively estimate that a backpack
has a minimum of five meals in it
for the weekend, so we will be sending
home around 175 meals for a child and
his/her family during the school year.
We estimate the cost of the program to
be $4,000 to $5,000 for the school year,
based on providing 24 backpacks per
week. In addition to that cost, we are
sending home a bread, egg, and milk
voucher once per month.
In cooperation with local organizations, local volunteers, and local businesses, we can ensure that our elementary children and their families will receive food support for the weekends. Our community’s children are our community’s future.
If you would to sponsor a student for a semester, the tax deductible donation would be $100.00 and for the full school year the tax deductible donation would be $200.00.
If you would like more information
about the Falls City Public School Back-
Pack Program or to make a tax deductible donation, please contact Debbie
Witt or Chuck Whitney at 245-4451.
Annabella Feighner - 1st Place Dayton Snethen - 3rd Place
Gavin Cole - 4th Place
SNC held the "ANNUAL SNC HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST" drawing on October 28th.
1st place winner of the $25.00 prize was Anabella Feighner, 2nd place $15.00 winner- Hunter Bauman (not pictured), 3rd place $10.00 winner - Dayton Snethen, and 4th place $5.00 winner was Gavin Cole. Thank you for all that entered the FREE drawing and Congratulations to the winners of the "SNC HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST". Have a safe Halloween!
Danylle Kuker enjoying the computer. Eleanor Last displays new computer
Southeast Nebraska Communications provides Free High Speed Internet Service to the Shubert Library. Library patrons in Shubert can now enjoy a high speed internet connection. Recently, a new Dell computer was purchased with a donation from the late Mildred Shook, daughter of long time resident Dr. William Shook. The computer can be used during current library hours and a library card (50 cents for 6 months) is necessary to use the computer at the library. If you have any questions please call 883-2059 and leave a message.
We are proud to help our surrounding community libraries provide the latest technology to their patrons. In addition to the Shubert Library, we provide Free internet service to the Verdon and Stella Libraries.
Southeast Nebraska Communications sponsored "TEAMING UP" with Falls City High School Booster Club on Friday September 18th and Falls City Sacred Heart Booster Club on Saturday, September 19th. SNC sponsored the "Longest Pass" event for students and adults. Both nights were filled with excitement that included shooting T-shirts with our "Launcher", giving away 16 Harlem Ambassadors tickets and the "Longest Pass" contest. The 4 winners of the "Longest Pass" each received a Tiger or Irish logo sweatshirt. A total of $831.00 was raised in support for the Irish Booster Club and the Tiger Booster Club. This annual event is another way for SNC to provide support to each of our local schools. We want to say "Thanks" to all who participated during both fund raising events.
ORANGE CRUSH DODGEVAIDERS
AVERAGE JOE"S
Southeast Nebraska Communications sponsored the kids division of the Dodge Ball Tournament on Saturday, August 22nd at Prichard Auditorium.
There were age divisions of 2nd through 8th grade and the event was held during Cobblestone. In the 2nd-3rd grade division there were 4 teams competing and the Orange Crush defeated the Misfits. In the 4th-5th grade division there were 5 teams competing and the Dodgevaiders defeated the fighting Irish. In the 6th-8th grade division the Average Joe's defeated the Purple Cobra's. SNC would like to thank everyone for your participation in this event. The Dodgeball event raised $1000.00 to go towards the Falls City Backpack Program which is beginning this school year of 2009 through may of 2010. The money will help purchase milk throughout the 34 week program. Special thanks goes to the people who donated their time on this project: Sue Nutzman, Chris & Barb Mellage, Sheena Heineman, Randy & Beth Sickel, Tim & Tracy Heckenlively, Ray Joy, Chris Niemeyer, Bob Meyer, Mark Hodge, Kevin & Trent Scheitel, Logan Faller, Nick Harling, Chet McConnell, Chuck Whitney and Debbie Witt!
Southeast Nebraska Communications hosted an Open House at the Itha Krumme Memorial Arboretum. Ice cream and toppings were served on Sunday afternoon , August 16th from 2:00 - 3:00 pm. during Open House. The Open House was a dedication of the newly placed benches throughout the Arboretum. The construction and installation was completed by Derek Rowan, a member of Scout Troop 396, under the supervision of Assistant Scout Leader, D.P. Jones and Arboretum Curator, Gerald Hopp. Everyone attending enjoyed a nice walk around the Arboretum and the unveiling of the benches.
The Annual Edwin S. Towle III 3-person golf tournament held Saturday at the Falls City Country Club generated $2748.25 for 8 local organizations. This is the fifth year for the tournament and a grand total of $16,487.25 has been raised with the funding going to 15 local charities. This event is sponsored by Dorothy Towle and SNC.
The following charities received donations: Falls Summer Recreation ($182.90); Falls City Travelers Softball ($387.90); CMC Building Fund ($287.90); Richardson County Cancer Fund ($637.90); Richardson County Historical Society ($182.90); Sacred Heart Booster Club ($182.90); Falls City Educational Foundation ($182.90); and the newly formed Falls City Backpack Project ($702.95) which provides food-filled backpacks during the school year to elementary students to ensure their families have something to eat that weekend.
Pictured above - Shawn Fouraker & Chuck Whitney from Southeast Nebraska Communications.
Shawn was the winner of the Acer Aspire One Netbook computer from the 2009 Customer Appreciation drawing.
Congratulations Shawn! Hope you enjoy your new Netbook form SNC.
Southeast Nebraska Communications and the City of Falls City celebrated Arbor Day at Stanton’s Lake on Thursday, April 24th at 10:00 a.m.
The Celebration included the reading of the Arbor Day Proclamation, written by Patty Keikhaefer, planting an oak tree in memory of Elizabeth Knaup, donated by Rodney Knaup, and the Dedication of Fiedler Trail by Mayor Vandeberg. Southeast Nebraska Communications employees planted 3 trees, 7 bushes and spread decorative mulch around the newly planted area.
The employees at Southeast Nebraska Communications are committed to the betterment of our community. Our way of giving back to our community is by participating in community service projects throughout the year. This is just one example of the many community service projects that we have participated in over the years.
Southeast Nebraska Communications is dedicated to giving back to our community.
Southeast Nebraska Communications held the first FREE Computer class on April 21st located at the Falls City Library & Arts Center. The demand was overwhelming and there were 28 people that signed up for the class which only had 15 available openings. Due to the demand, we scheduled another class for April 28th to make sure that everyone that signed up for the class could attend.
Don Wilhide was the instructor of the class and the topic was “Getting to Know Your Computer”. Don provided information about customizing your desktop, control panel, Start Menu, and some common shortcuts. Everyone enjoyed the class which was informative and fun!!
Southeast Nebraska Communications is once again sponsoring a youth league soccer team for 2009. This is the 4th year that Southeast Nebraska Communications has sponsored a team for the youth soccer league.
Front row from left: Brooke Lotter, Bailey Armbruster, Sophia Gilsdorf
Second Row: Bailey Feltner, Brady Lotter, Dayton Mellage, Shane Campbell,
Zach Petry
Back Row: Ass't Coach Anne Youde, Tyler Ebel, Tanner Cromer, Keith Salimo, Ransom Campbell, Coach Missy Campbell.
EASTER COLORING CONTEST WINNERS at Southeast Nebraska Communications this year include front row, from left, Madi Jones, Lauren Malone, Mackenzie Dougherty. Back row, Taylor O’Brien, Josie Hollens, Sydney Brewer, Maddie Huppert.
Pictured above - Deborah Push & Chuck Whitney from Southeast Nebraska Communications.
Deborah was the winner of the 19" View Sonic colored monitor from the Farm & Home Show Expo. Other winners were Ann Severin & Lori Gottula.
Congratulations ladies and thanks to everyone who signed a bundle agreement
with SNC.
