Check out these upcoming events at Crete Public Library. (specific age groups or pre-registration where noted.) Contact library staff for more information. (Click the gallery for more images)

Upcoming Programs:

• Literary Pumpkin Contest, the entire month of October: From October 1–24, kids, teens, and adults are invited to decorate a pumpkin inspired by a beloved book, character, or author. Paint it, dress it up, or give it some googly eyes—the only rule is to let your imagination run wild. (Please, no cutting or carving your pumpkin.)
• Spring Creek Prairie Birding Adventure, Tuesday, Oct. 14. Bus rides will leave the library at 9:30 a.m. for a morning of bird watching at Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center near Denton. Call the library to reserve a spot.
• Adult Craft Night - Soy Candle Making, Wednesday, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. Limited spots available. $5 fee and call the library to register.
• Library Fall Festival, Saturday, October 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Enjoy pumpkin painting, an exciting scavenger hunt, festive crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. This family-friendly event is free and open to all ages—come make memories, get creative, and celebrate fall at the library.
• Home Safety Program with Crete Fire & Rescue and Crete Police Department, Wednesday, Oct. 22, 1 p.m. Learn home safety tips from local fire and police personnel.
• Musician Dan Holtz, Tuesday, Oct. 28, 1:30 p.m. Celebrate and commemorate people, places, and events in Nebraska history through original songs; a Nebraska Humanities presentation.

• Dinosaur Tea Party Saturday, November 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Families are invited to enjoy a dino-mite morning filled with fun activities and prehistoric surprises. Sip on warm apple cider and munch on snacks while you dig into hands-on fun—literally. Try your hand at breaking open fossils to uncover hidden treasures, and create your very own dinosaur friend to take home. It’s the perfect mix of science, creativity, and cozy fall fun.

Recurring events:

• Mommy & Me Art Cafe, Mondays through April, 10-11 a.m. Join other new moms for a relaxing hour of art, conversation, and connection—no art skills (or clean shirts) required. Each session lasts one hour. Come meet fellow moms, get inspired, and enjoy a little “you” time—with baby in tow. For moms with babies 12 months & under. 
• Maker Mondays, 1st Monday of the month through April, 4-5 p.m. No registration required. Ages: 5–11 years old. Drop in and explore hands-on science, technology, engineering, and art activities at your own pace! We’ll have plenty of supplies and a variety of exciting activities for kids to choose from—experiment, build, create, and discover.
• Teen Nights, Tuesdays at 5 p.m. For teens ages 12-17. Each week, teens can drop in for a variety of fun activities—movies, crafts, science nights, game nights, and more! Come hang out, try something new, and connect with friends. No registration or sign-up required. 
• Tea and Threads: Tuesdays at 10 a.m.; Laid-back atmosphere, friendly conversation, and creative inspiration for those who crochet, from seasoned pros to beginners.
• Tai Chi Classes for Adults 55+, Wednesdays, 9 a.m. Tai Chiu is gentle, low impact exercise, perfect for enhancing mobility, reducing stress, and connecting with others in a welcoming environment. $2 per class. Call the library to sign-up.
• All Ages Chess Club, Wednesdays at 4 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome—whether you’re a beginner just learning the moves or an experienced player looking for a good match. Two of our chess-loving librarians will be there to teach, play, and share the fun.
• Story Times start in September for the school year (schedule may be adjusted for holidays): Toddlers (ages 0-2) on Wednesdays and Preschool (ages 3-5) on Thursdays; both at 10 a.m.

Check out the library's book clubs:

• Thursday night Murder Club, Flights of Fantasy, Timeless Tales, Whispered Pages (silent book club)

Current library hours:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesday and Thursday - 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• (Monday-Friday - Drive-thru window opens 8:30 a.m.)
• Saturday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Crete Public Library
1515 Forest Ave.
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.3809
crete.library@crete.ne.gov

Crete Recreation program signup for "Kickin' It" with Gold Star Martial Arts is open through Friday, Oct. 24. No late registrations are accepted.

Registration forms are available online (RecDesk) or in the Recreation Office at City Hall.

"Kickin' It" with Gold Star Martial Arts, in cooperation with Crete Parks and Recreation, is an introductory martial arts program. During the five week program, participants will be exposed to the fundamental elements of martial arts. An emphasis will be placed on having fun while learning self defense and bullying prevention skills. Current liability waivers are required.

• dates: Sunday afternoons - Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
• class time 3:30 p.m.; 45 minutes classes
• ages 5 & up
• location: Gold Star Martial Arts, 142 West 13th St
• Cost - $45

Parks & Recreation Department 
402.826.4315

The City of Crete Department of Public Works, in partnership with its wholesale electric power supplier, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, is continuing to provide five energy efficiency programs to assist in lowering energy costs for local utility customers through energy efficiency improvements.

All five programs offer cash incentives to make energy efficient upgrades in the areas of insulation, cooling systems, home thermostats, high efficiency heat pump, and commercial lighting. Here is a rundown of the four programs:

• High Efficiency Heat Pump Program: The program provides cash incentives from $400 to $3,000 to residential homeowners who are installing a new heat pump system to their residential single-family dwelling.
• Smart Thermostat Program: Provides a cash incentive of up to $100 paid directly to residential customers to help cover the cost of installing a qualifying smart thermostat. 
• Attic Insulation Program: Provides cash incentives of $0.15 / per square foot with a maximum incentive of $300 per existing residential dwelling for attic insulation. 
• Cooling System Tune-Up Program: Provides a $30 cash incentive to residential homeowners who have their cooling system tuned up by a HVAC contractor, regardless of what type or age of cooling system (air conditioner/air or water source heat pump).
• Commercial LED Lighting Program: Provides cash incentives paid directly to commercial customers to help cover the cost of interior lighting upgrades and replacements.

These programs are available to customers of the City of Crete through its wholesale power partnership with the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska. For more information on these programs, contact the Utility Office at City Hall, 402.826.4312, or go online to download program guidelines and application forms.

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
(Utility Office ground floor main entrance on south side)
Crete, NE 68333
Phone: 402.826.4312

Q.  When do I need a building permit?

A.  The City of Crete requires building permits if you plan to construct, erect, enlarge, alter, repair, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or dwelling. Some examples would be replacing a water heater, furnace or air conditioner.      

Q.  Where do I get a building permit?

A.  Permits are issued through the Building Inspector's office on the 1st floor of Crete City Hall at 243 East 13th Street. City Hall is open Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. An elevator is accessible from the ground floor entrance on the south side of the building. Permits can be downloaded from this site and returned to City Hall.

Q.  Why get a building permit?

A.  The Building Inspector will do inspections to make sure construction codes are adhered to for the health and safety of the owner and the general public.

Q.  How long does it take to get a permit?

A.   Simple permits like a fence or shed usually can be issued immediately. Permits for homes and larger commercial projects need to be reviewed and could take from 1 to 10 days.

Q.  What do I need to bring to get a building permit?

A.   A plan showing the 4 corners of your lot and the location you are putting the building or addition. If it’s a new home or commercial building we need 3 copies of the plan with construction details. You’ll also need to fill out a building permit form, which can be obtained online or in the Building Inspector’s office. 

Q.  Do I need a permit to build a fence or a garden shed?

A.   Yes, there are building codes that determine where you place them and the size they can be.

Q.  Do I need a permit for a sign?

A.   Yes, the city has regulations on sign placement, types and sizes.

Q.  Can I have construction or landscaping materials placed on my street, sidewalk or in the alley during a project?

A.   City code states rock, gravel, dirt, construction material, litter, and/or containers thereof cannot be placed upon any street, alley, right-of-way, or sidewalk without prior permission from the Department of Public Works.

Q.  Where can I find information on local energy efficiency programs?

A.   Currently, the City of Crete in partnership with its wholesale electric power supplier, the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, is continuing to provide five energy efficiency programs to assist in lowering energy costs for local utility customers through energy efficiency improvements.

City Hall is open Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Municipal Building Inspector’s Office is located on the first floor. An elevator is accessible from the ground floor entrance on the south side of the building. Find more information from the Building Inspector's Office