The City of Crete will hold the annual Spring Cleanup May 4-10, with Transfer Station specials on two days and major appliance pick-up; Pinnacle Bank will sponsor and host a document shred day.

Free Shred Day: Bring old paperwork to be shred for FREE on Saturday, May 10 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Pinnacle Bank, 143 East 13th Street, 402.826.2121. Please no 3-ring binders, cardboard or plastic. Maximum of 10 boxes per person. Help stock the BVCA Saline County Food Pantry - requested items include: toilet paper, laundry soap, pancake mix and syrup, peanut butter and jelly, granola bars, and cereal.

Transfer Station Specials: No fees will be charged at the Transfer Station for major appliances delivered on Tuesday, May 6 or Saturday, May 10; yard waste or brush and metal or iron items can be dropped off for free. All appliances with freon must have it removed and tagged prior to disposal.

Fees are charged for certain garbage items and a coupon is available from the local newspaper advertisement in The Crete News (April 23 and 20) or downloadable flyer (link below) for Crete residents only to receive $5 off a load of refuse taken to the Transfer Station. (Multiple coupons can be used for multiple trips - see coupon details.)

Transfer station regular hours are Tuesdays, from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The station is located 1/2 mile north of Highway 33 and Boswell Avenue on the east side of the road (478 County Road 2300). Find out what materials are accepted at the Transfer station.

View/Download the Spring Cleanup flyer with coupon - English  | Spanish 

Curbside Pick-Up of Major Appliances: This service is offered by the City Public Works Department to Crete residents who call ahead to arrange a pick-up before Thursday, May 8 at 5 p.m. Pick-ups will be made Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, May 7, 8, and 9. Call the Public Works office at 402-826-4312. 

Appliances with freon must have it removed and tagged; no electronics/TVs/furniture. Pick-ups will not be done for calls made after the deadline.

City of Crete
Departments of Public Works

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
(Utility Office main entrance on south side)
Phone: 402.826.4312
Help Email: PW.help@crete.ne.gov

Registration is now open for Crete Recreation T-Ball and Micro T-Ball programs. Registrations for both are due on Friday, May 2. No registrations are accepted after the deadline. Registration forms and waivers are available on RecDesk or at City Hall. Participants must also have a current liability waiver signed. No late registrations will be accepted.

Registration Notes - Sibling discount and fee waiver for parent coaches: 

• Parents who coach will have the registration fee waived.
• Sibling discounts and parent coach fee waivers must be applied during program registration and will NOT be issued as a refund.
• Sibling discounts: You must pay the full registration cost for the first participant and select the sibling discount for additional siblings only.
• Parent Coach fee waiver: You must commit to coaching the activity in which your child is enrolled.
  • Contact our Recreation Coordinator BEFORE completing registration and checkout so they can complete the participant registration process with parent coach fee waiver. Please email Dan Dunaway at dan.dunaway@crete.ne.gov with the name, date of birth, age, and t-shirt size of your child or children.
• Coach registration/application information is available on RecDesk

Program Note - Coach contact:  Participants who are not contacted by their coach by the week prior to the first game, please call the Parks and Recreation Office at City Hall, 402.826.4315, to be connected to your team.

Micro T-Ball: Micro T-Ball introduces the game of baseball to kids ages 3 & 4. Teams will play on Wednesday evenings: May 21, 28, June 4, 11.

T-Ball: T-Ball introduces the game of baseball to kids ages 5 & 6. Teams will play on Thursday evenings: May 22, 29, June 5, 12.

All games are played at Rotary Park, 9th and Kingwood Ave., starting at 6 p.m.

View/download the 2025 Parks and Recreation Program Schedule (pdf):   English   |   Español

City of Crete 
Parks & Recreation Department 
Liz Cody, Director
Dan Dunaway, Recreation Coordinator

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Phone: 402.826.4314
liz.cody@crete.ne.gov
dan.dunaway@crete.ne.gov

City Water Department employees will flush fire hydrants and water mains on the dates and at locations below from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting.

• Monday, April 28: The portion of Crete south of the Burlington tracks and from Grove Avenue west to the Blue River, and that area west of the Blue River;
• Tuesday, April 29: The portion of Crete north of the Burlington tracks;
• Wednesday-Thursday, April 30-May 1: The portion of Crete south of the Burlington tracks and from Grove Avenue east.

It is necessary to flush the hydrants and mains at intervals to clean them and to check fire hydrant condition. The Public Works Department regrets the inconvenience that will result from the rusty, discolored water. Staff recommends laundering be postponed until the water has cleared several hours after flushing.

Hydrants and water mains are typically flushed in April and October.

For questions, please contact the Public Works Office at City Hall, 402.826.4312.

Enjuague de hidrantes de incendios del 28 de abril al 1 de mayo

Los empleados del Departamento de Agua de la Ciudad enjuagarán los hidrantes de incendios y las tuberías de agua en las fechas y en los lugares a continuación de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m., si el clima lo permite.

• Lunes 28 de abril: la porción de Crete al sur de las vías de Burlington y desde Grove Ave. hacia el oeste hasta el Blue River, y esa área al oeste del Blue River;
• Martes 29 de abril: la porción de Crete al norte de las vías de Burlington;
• Miércoles-Jueves 28 de abril y 1 de mayo: La porción de Crete al sur de las vías de Burlington y de Grove Ave. al este.

Es necesario enjuagar los hidrantes de incendios y las tuberías principales para limpiarlos y verificar el estado de los hidrantes en caso de incendios. El Departamento de Agua lamenta los inconvenientes que resultarán del agua oxidada y descolorida. Se recomienda posponer el lavado hasta que el agua se haya despejado varias horas después del enjuague.

Los hidrantes y las tuberías principales de agua se lavan típicamente en abril y octubre.

Si tiene preguntas, comuníquese con la Oficina de Obras Públicas del Ayuntamiento, 402.826.4312.

10th and Thornwood Ave
(South of the intersection about a half block)
City of Crete - Nebraska

The garden is located in southwest Crete, established in 2012 after land was donated to the City of Crete for the purpose of creating a community garden available to Crete residents. (Click the photo gallery for garden directions, map, and photos of past seasons.)

Amenities available to garden participants include a parking area, water hydrant and hoses, potting tables and benches, tomato/plant cages, compost bins, and a shed stocked with basic gardening tools. (Go to Parks and Recreation Department Main Page)

Individual garden plots typically measure 7 feet by 12 feet and are rented for the season at $25 each. Gardeners may rent additional plots at $20 each. A $20 deposit per gardener is returned to those who abide by garden rules and participate in a fall clean up of their plots.

Gardening applications are made available in March each year and plots are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Applications will be available at City Hall or at links below. 

2025 Garden information and dates:

• garden applications and information sheets
  • English     |   Español  
• applications will also be available at City Hall, 243 East 13th Street.
• Please return applications by mail or drop off at City Hall
• Annual garden dates to remember:
  • March 1: Applications available. Application review and plot assignments begin on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • May 1: Gardeners can begin planting.
  • June 1: Last day to reserve a garden plot.
  • Nov. 30: All plants removed and plots cleaned; deposits returned contingent on clean-up.
• Visit the Crete Community Garden Facebook Page for regular updates during the growing season
• Check with Crete Public Library for gardening resources such as how-to guides, plant information, and more.

City of Crete - Nebraska
City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Phone: 402.826.4312

Registration is now open for Crete Recreation Swim Team until Friday, May 2. Registration forms and waivers are available on RecDesk or at City Hall. Participants must also have a current liability waiver signed. No late registrations will be accepted. Registration is on a first-come-first-serve basis. Limited spaces available.

Crete RipTide Swim Team offers kids ages 6-18 a chance to participate in a competitive swim league with Saturday meets in the Kansas-Nebraska Swim League. The head coach for 2025 is Kourtney Martin.

Parent Information Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 16, at 6 p.m. in the Crete Carrier Community Room at Crete Public Library, 1515 Forest Ave. 

• Registrations are due by May 2: Register on RecDesk or at City Hall. Participants must also have a current liability waiver.
• Cost is $75
  • Sibling discount available ($10 off per child after the first registration)
• Team members are required to purchase their own swim suit and goggles. (not included in registration fee)
• Saturday Swim Meets: May 31, June 7, 14 (home meet), 21, 28
• Practices are held at Wildwood Pool:
  • Start Date: May 21
  • Monday-Thursday: 7-8 p.m. for intermediate swimmers; 7:30-9 p.m. for advanced swimmers
  • Fridays: 9-10 a.m. all levels
• Parent volunteers are asked to commit to assisting with at least 2 meets and/or attending practices at least one night per week throughout the season.

Find more information about Wildwood Pool dates and activities.

City of Crete 
Parks & Recreation Department 
Liz Cody, Director
Dan Dunaway, Recreation Coordinator

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Phone: 402.826.4314
liz.cody@crete.ne.gov
dan.dunaway@crete.ne.gov

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

Check out these upcoming events at Crete Public Library. Contact library staff for more information. (Click the gallery for more images)

• Rain Barrel Workshop, Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m. all ages program.
• Adult Craft Night - Resin Bookmarks Wednesday, May 21 at 5:30 p.m.
• Stay and Play- every weekday during May from 10 am-12 pm, the library will have all of our toys out for families who have 0-5-year-old kids.

Check out the library's recurring events

• Tea and Threads: Tuesdays at 5 p.m.; Laid-back atmosphere, friendly conversation, and creative inspiration for those who crochet, from seasoned pros to beginners.
• Clase de Crochet: Segundo Sábado de cada mes a la 2:00 PM. ¡Ven y aprende los conceptos básicos del crochet en la biblioteca!

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

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