By city ordinance, the retail sale and use of fireworks within the City of Crete is allowed only from June 28 to July 4.

Residents are encouraged to practice fireworks safety and fire prevention safety, including properly cleaning up and disposing of cooled fireworks materials and debris.

Many pets are stressed during this week of fireworks and police officers see pets roaming at-large; residents are urged to properly secure pets and make sure all pets have current ID tags.

Holiday week reminders:

• Saturday, July 4: Wildwood Pool will be closed
• Sunday, July 5, 10 p.m.: Chamber Community Fireworks show from College Heights Country Club, 1225 East 4th St. (City Council-approved, professionally-launched fireworks show outside the allowed dates. )
• Sunday, July 12: Mayor's Day at Wildwood Pool, Free Admission during Open Swim, 1-5 p.m.

Fireworks can only be discharged in Crete during the following days and times:

• June 28 - July 2, from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• July 3 - July 4, from 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
• Crete City Ordinance states: Fireworks cannot be launched from or onto any motor vehicle; onto any street, highway, or sidewalk; at or near any person; into or upon any building; into or at any group of persons. Fireworks are not allowed in City Park.
• Leaving trash on the street after your fireworks display is littering. Collect cooled fireworks left-overs and place them in the trash - hot embers will start fires. 
• Many pets are stressed by fireworks; always keep pets secured with current ID tags. Pets must be on a leash when off your own property.
• The only fireworks allowed at a professional fireworks display are those being launched by the designated and permitted personnel responsible for the show. This would include Crete Chamber of Commerce's community fireworks show on Sunday, July 5 at College Heights Country Club, which has City Council approval for a professionally-launched fireworks show outside the allowed dates. This community fireworks show typically starts around 10 p.m. and can be viewed in the area of the golf course and driving range, East 4th Street and along Iris Ave.

Fireworks safety tips:

• Many pets are stressed by fireworks; always keep pets secured with updated ID tags. Pets must be on a leash when off you own property according to Crete City Code.
• Do not use fireworks on or near dry vegetation or combustible materials.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or
  other mishap.
• Be cautious when lighting fireworks when conditions are windy. The wind could blow a burning spark and set another area on fire.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry area to prevent an accidental ignition.
• Leaving trash on the street after your fireworks display is littering. Collect cooled fireworks left-overs and place them in the trash - hot embers will start fires.
• Additional safety information (English/Spanish pdf)

For fireworks vendors (sales): An occupation tax and permit is required of any retail sale of fireworks within the city and more information can be found on the city website or by contacting the City Clerk’s office at City Hall, 402.826.4313. Additional information about the sale of fireworks can be found online from the Nebraska State Fire Marshal's office: Fireworks. 

Local fireworks information can be found in Chapter 6, Article 3 (hours of sale and fireworks discharge).

Individuals and media outlets are encouraged to contact the City Administrator for additional details or clarification on the following material. Regular meetings of the Crete City Council are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall; Council Standing Committees may meet prior. View a list of City Officials and current council and committee meeting agendas.

• Questions about agendas or meeting minutes should be directed to the City Clerk.
• Meeting minutes are published in The Crete News (local newspaper)
• Each regular city council meeting agenda also contains the minutes of recent council, committee, and board meetings

The next Crete City Council regular meeting will be on Tuesday, July 7

Condensed Minutes for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, June 16:

View this Meeting Agenda and attachments, entire copy of minutes available at the office of the City Clerk.

Mayor Bauer called the meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m.  Answering roll call were the following Council Members: Crisman, Strehle, Papik and Fitzgerald Absent: Frans and Newmyer

The following actions were taken at the meeting:

Approved the Consent Agenda items: Unanimous

• Meeting Minutes: June 2 City Council, June 2 Public Works Committee, June 2 Legislative Development Committee, June 2 Parks & Recreation Meeting, June 2 Public Safety Meeting 
• Treasurer’s Report 
• Claims against the City $768,207.05

Adjourned to the Board of Equalization. Unanimous 

• Held Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor or in opposition to levy assessments against certain real property at 1230 and 1236 Main Ave for money owed to the City of Crete for Business Improvement District. Unanimous 
• Adopted Resolution No. 2026-12 Levy Special Assessments Against Real Property Described as Crete City Lots 10 and 11, Block 143, Original Township, City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska. Unanimous 
• Balance was paid and Public Hearing was not held to hear testimony to in favor or in opposition to levy assessments against certain real property at 1114 Main Ave for money owed to the City of Crete for Business Improvement District
• No action was taken on Resolution No. 2026-13 Levy Special Assessments Against Certain Real Property Described As Crete City Lot 17, Block 144, Original Township, City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska

Adjourned to the City Council. Unanimous 

Adopted Resolution 2026-11 Renumbering Resolution number 2026-08 Authorizing the City of Crete to enter int the Interlocal Agreement with the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Council. Unanimous 

Approved the Crete Fire & Rescue Work Comp Supplement Renewal, Year 1/3 $4,777.00 for one year and bid approval will be required thereafter. Unanimous 

Approved the Crete Ace Hardware claims in the amount of $3,384.92. Crisman: Aye, Strehle: Aye, Fitzgerald: Aye, Bauer: Aye, Abstained: Papik

 Authorized the City of Crete to apply for the League Association of Risk Management safety grant. Unanimous 

Adopted State Grant Resolution 2026-14  Adopting and Approving The Execution Of A State Grant Agreement for Project No. SA-10 To Be Submitted To The Nebraska Department Of Transportation. Unanimous 

Approved the Crete S&A Work Change Directive No 2 for NLC Signature JEO Project Number 240578. Unanimous 

Approved the Krupicka 3rd Administrative Subdivision of Lot 1 of Krupicka Administrative Subdivision. Unanimous 

Enacted Ordinance 2277 Creating Cryptocurrency ATM warning. Unanimous 

Adopted Resolution 2026-15 Increase salaries by 1% to include the retirement match. Unanimous

Approved the Wanek Subdivision An Administrative Subdivision of Parcel of Land Located in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 26 T8N R4E Of The 6th P.M., City of Crete, Saline County, Nebraska contingent on the setbacks being correct. Unanimous 

Approved the Blue River Arts Council requesting permission for mural contingent on the materials used meeting the City and the Historic Preservation Nebraska State Historical Society Standards. Unanimous 

Petitions-Communications-Resident Concerns 

• Sarah Brown thanked the City Council on approving Ordinance 2277 Creating Cryptocurrency ATM warning. 

Officers’ Reports 

• Chief of Police Gary Young stated the following:
  • Provided a summary on the arrest that took place at Walmart on the early morning of June 9th, 2026. Young added that the Police Officers and Deputies did an exceptional job.
  • Officer Arbuckle and Police K9 Hunk in partnership with the Sheriff’s office arrested an individual who had drug paraphernalia and intent to distribute. 
  • Officer Noah Zach will be awarded the Nebraska American Legion Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in Columbus, NE. Zach’s name will be forwarded for regional consideration, if chosen then national consideration. Officer Arbuckle was awarded at the national level and Lieutenant Jonas at the regional level. 
• Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Thanked the City Council for authorizing to apply for the LARM safety grant. 
  • The Kansas/Nebraska swim meet took place on June 6th, 2026 at the Wildwood Pool. 
  • Swimming lessons and water aerobics have started at the pool
  • Council member Tom Crisman stated that during the pool breaks older children have been going to the splashpad. Crisman asked Cody if she could please look into that. 
• City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • Ourada received an email from the State of Nebraska that there will be an overlay project that will take place in 2029 starting in west of Crete and will go to Quince Ave. The email stated that if the City of Crete has the authority to request sidewalks if they would like. Ourada added that he would like to see if sidewalks can be put in on Blue River Bridge and between Westwood’s and Crete. 
  • Ourada stated that he sent the City Council information on the Saturday outage and the incident is still being investigated. The aftermath was very clear. The semitrailer took out power lines and broke off half a dozen poles. It took most of Saturday to get the power back on the north side of Crete. There were three customers that got the power back on around 8:30pm that night. Ourada stated that they did a very good job. Officer Acevedo did a good job and he was the first one on scene and kept everyone away from the danger. The power lines were hanging on the trailer and were live. Ourada explained that there were 13,800 volts running through those lines. 
  • Ourada asked City Attorney Anna Burge and Chief of Police Gary Young to look into rewriting the Ordinance on e-bikes and motorcycles and to take this to the public safety committee.
  • Ourada stated that he and Finance Director Wendy Thomas got an email about assessments being altered. It lists Crete commercial property and it doesn’t do a wholesale increase like 6% which they are doing with another town. City of Crete’s properties were reviewed and will go up per market. 
  • Later this month the City of Crete will be getting the full valuation. 
  • Received a letter stating that the State of Nebraska is taking back $9,000 of sales tax in a sales tax refund. The state will not tell you who the refund goes to. Ourada stated that is why the City is careful with LB840 and making sure businesses are not under Nebraska tax incentives that exempt that and then have to pay out.
  • Ourada stated that mosquito spraying happens twice a week. Ourada also added that to his knowledge Crete is the only municipality that sprays twice a week. Spraying started on the 1st of June and didn’t do the one Thursday because you can’t spray when there are high winds or rain. At Tuxedo park spraying takes place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Ourada added that employees in the Street Department have to complete the pesticide applicator certification and licensing training and pass two exams to become licensed. 
  • Ourada added that the City of Crete also does larvicides on public property and on select private property. They put out larvicide donuts which are devices that which kill insect larvae before they mature.

The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m.

Condensed Minutes for Crete City Council regular meeting - Tuesday, June 2:

View this Meeting Agenda and attachments, entire copy of minutes available at the office of the City Clerk. 

Mayor Bauer called the meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m.  Answering roll call were the following Council Members: Crisman, Newmyer, Frans, Strehle, Papik and Fitzgerald 

The following actions were taken at the meeting:

Approved the Consent Agenda items: Unanimous

• Meeting Minutes: May 19 City Council, May 19 Public Works Committee, May 19 Finance Committee, May 19 Personnel Committee, May 19 Legislative Development Committee 
• Treasurer’s Report 
• Claims against the City $1,688,242.25
• Mayor's appointments of Dave Jurena and Justin Kozisek to the Planning Commission.

Resolution 2026-08 Resolution establishing a time and place for the hearing to levy assessments against certain real property at 1230 and 1236 Main Ave for money owed to the City of Crete for Business Improvement District on June 16th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Unanimous 

Resolution 2026-09 Resolution establishing a time and place for the hearing to levy assessments against certain real property at 1114 Main Ave for money owed to the City of Crete for Business Improvement District on June 16th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. Unanimous 

Held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to section 11-306.03 of the Crete Municipal Code Ordinance 2273 to amend administrative subdivision procedure to include lot combinations. Unanimous 

Enacted Ordinance 2273 to amend administrative subdivision procedure to include lot combinations. Unanimous

Held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the review of the Special Exception request for Lothrop Lake Estates Lot 2 3.02 Acres in R2 Lothrop Lake Circle Shouse home. Unanimous 

Approved the Special Exception request for Lothrop Lake Estates Lot 2 3.02 Acres in R2 Lothrop Lake Circle Shouse home. Unanimous 

Held a Public Hearing to hear testimony in favor of and in opposition to and to answer questions in relation to the following proposed Zoning Change Request. Parcel ID: 760015422, Parcel ID: 760009325, Parcel ID: 760009392, Parcel ID: 760015414, Parcel ID: 760009376, Parcel ID: 760145770, Parcel ID: 760009317, Parcel ID: 760145849 I1 to C2. Unanimous 

Approved the  proposed Zoning Change Request. Parcel ID: 760015422, Parcel ID: 760009325, Parcel ID: 760009392, Parcel ID: 760015414, Parcel ID: 760009376, Parcel ID: 760145770, Parcel ID: 760009317, Parcel ID: 760145849 I1 to C2. Unanimous 

Approved the Application for a Permit to Occupy City of Crete Right-of-Way from Windstream Nebraska PR# 55621 at E 1st St, E 2nd St, Forest Ave, Grove Ave, Goldenrod Ln. Unanimous 

Approved the Application for a Permit to Occupy City of Crete Right-of-way from Windstream at 320 E 24th St, Crete, NE 68333. Unanimous 

Approved the Application for a Permit to Occupy City of Crete Right-of-way from Windstream at Valleyview Dr, Boswell Ave, Longwood Dr. E 18th St, E 20th St, Hilltop Ct, Parklane St, and Code Ave. Unanimous

Approved the Crete City Park Intern Project Scope and Fee Agreement. Unanimous 

Denied the Request to have carry out parking designation Old Main. Unanimous 

Approved the Denton water/wastewater Interlocal Agreement. Unanimous 

Approved the additional alternate options for the Brownfield grant for the south park complex. Unanimous 

Approved to authorize the City of Crete to apply for the Safe Streets and Roads for All SS4A Grant. Unanimous 

Approved to authorize the City of Crete to apply for the Public Water System Security Grant. Unanimous 

Approved to authorize the City of Crete to apply for the Community Development Block Grant for a portion of 15th Street. Unanimous 

Officers’ Reports 

• Parks and Recreation Director Liz Cody stated the following:
  • Thanked Nestle Purina for helping 
  • Cleaned up the pool for the swim meet on Saturday, June 6
  • The Crete Diamonds will be having tournaments this weekend at Tuxedo Park
  • T-Ball and Micro T-Ball have started, Swim Lessons will be starting this month 
  • There is a set of replacement steps ordered for the diving board
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked about the mowing around the Crete Welcome signs. City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that the FOP used to help take care of that and now the Street Department will be helping. 
• Library Director Jessica Wilkinson stated the following:
  • Raptors: Birds of Prey program took place earlier in the day as part of the Summer Reading Program. 
• Building Inspector Trent Griffin provided the May 2026 Permit Log and stated that he anticipates that reroofing permit applications will be coming in. 
  • There were 23 weed letters that were mailed out only 2 properties had to be mowed. 
  • Council member Anthony Fitzgerald asked if Right of Way Permit Applications can be approved without having to come to City Council. City Administrator Tom Ourada stated that is in place and can be done but in the past the City Council had asked to see the permits. 
  • Fitzgerald asked if the new airport beacon would be installed later this summer and if the Airport Manager could give plenty of notice to Air Methods. 
• City Administrator Tom Ourada stated the following:
  • Has been working with Engineering and Physics Associate Professor Cale Stolle and one of his engineering classes on a Crete Pedestrian Bridge project. This is the same location that the City of Crete is working with NDOT and JEO. Ourada recognized the work the Professor and students put into this project. The students used AI to create an image of how the pedestrian bridge could possibly look. 
  • Ourada also worked with Associate Professor Engineering Joel TerMatt and his students on their capstone project which was equally exciting. Students had the opportunity to get real life experience while the City gained a different perspective from the students and professor. 
  • The contractor started on the alley between 12th Street and 13th Street and Norman Ave and Oak Ave. There already will be a couple change orders. 
  • JEO has started working at the City Park and when the finished project is complete it will be brought to the City Council. 
  • Ourada received a call from DED asking if the City would like to include some additional items being done to be included in the Opportunity Zone submission. If the City of Crete gets selected for the Opportunity Zone that would be a large boost for housing and business development. 
  • A number of people have called and met with Ourada about the budget cost cutting situation and no one has gone away saying the City should have done something different. He felt that people left enlightened and stated they didn’t realize the complication of all that has to be considered, while some have shared their own experiences with this type of challenge. 

The meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. 

Registration for ages 4 and up, Infant and Toddler, and Individual times are available on RecDesk or at the Parks and Recreation office at City Hall. Participants must also have a liability waiver signed. In case of adverse weather, lessons may be rescheduled or held on Friday.

Find more information for the 2026 season at Wildwood Pool.

Youth Swimming Lessons for ages 4 and up

Three, two-week sessions of swimming lessons for ages 4 and up are offered through June and July.

• Session 1: June 15 – June 25 (Register by June 5)
  • 10:00, 10:40, or 11:20am
• Session 2: July 6 – July 16 (Register by June 26)
  • 10:00, 10:40, or 11:20am
  • 5:00 or 7:00pm
• Session 1: July 20 – July 30 (Register by July 10)
  • 10:00, 10:40, or 11:20am
  • 5:00 or 7:00pm

Program details:

• 8 - 30 minute lessons, Monday-Thursday
• Cost $50 per session (sibling discount available)
• Must be at least 4 years old to participate
• Groups are determined by ability upon evaluation by a swim instructor. Class size is limited, and smaller groups may be available upon request to accommodate individual needs.

Infant and Toddler lessons for ages 6 months - 4 years

Two, one-week evening sessions of Infant and Toddler swimming lessons will be held in July. 

• Session 1: July 6 - 9 (Register by July 3)
• Session 2: July 13 - 16 (Register by July 10)

Program details:

• 4 - 30 minute lessons, Monday-Thursday, 5:00 or 7:00pm
• Cost $30 per session (sibling discount available)
• Infants and toddlers, age 6 months to 4 years old

• Classes provide water exposure, swimming and water safety skills, and activities to practice at home.

Individual Lessons

Individual swim lessons are available for swimmers of all ages and abilities who would like a 1-on-1 approach to review swimming skills. Find time slots in the RecDesk registration section.

• The price per lesson is $15 per participant. Please see the list of available morning, evening and weekend times lots.
• If you have a preferred lifeguard/instructor, please note this in your registration. We will attempt to schedule this guard for all of your lessons, however in the event of schedule conflicts, you may be paired with another instructor or asked to reschedule.
• Please note any additional accommodations needed during the registration process or contact the pool manager with questions.

Water Aerobics

Water Aerobics will start at Wildwood Pool on June 8. There is no pre-registration necessary; participants may attend as many sessions as they would like. Interested patrons can purchase a full season pass on RecDesk or at the pool after opening day.

• Monday - Friday, from 9:10 - 9:50 a.m. 
• Cost is $40 for all classes during the season, registration opens May 23. 
  • Season registrations for those age 55 and over will receive a pool season pass at no additional cost. 
• Individual, daily class fee is $4 and includes daily pool admission.

City of Crete - Nebraska
Liz Cody, Parks and Recreation Director 

City Hall - 243 East 13th Street
Phone: 402.826.4315
liz.cody@crete.ne.gov

The City of Crete - Crete Fire Department issues open burning permits in accordance with the following:

• Nebraska Statute 81-520.01 states there shall be a statewide open burning ban on all bonfires, outdoor rubbish fires, and fires for the purpose of clearing land.
• The fire chief of a local fire department or his or her designee may waive an open burning ban for an area under his or her jurisdiction by issuing an open burning permit to a person requesting permission to conduct open burning.
  • Crete Volunteer Fire Department & Rescue Squad serves the Crete Fire District (pdf map) 

Permit information required: owner's name and phone number, person supervising the burn and phone number, burn location, person assuming responsibility in event fire comes out of control.

• Permit holders must contact the city before any burn: call 402.826.4312 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
  • Burning is allowed on weekends, but permission must be obtained on the last business day of the week during business hours.
• Burns must not start before sunrise and all open flame must be extinguished before sunset on each day of the burn.
  • Burning is not permitted when the wind is expected to blow more that 15 mph (according to National Weather Service) on the day of the burn.
  • No burning is allowed during Red Flag Warnings in the area.
• Permit must be signed by the fire chief.

Submit a completed Burn Permit in one of the following ways:

• Copies are available in the Public Works Office
• City of Crete - Open Burning Permit (pdf) 
  • print and return to the Public Works office at City Hall
  • send a copy to the Public Works office email

Crete Volunteer Fire Department
Burn Permits - City Hall Public Works Office: 402.826.4312  |  243 East 13th Street

Check out these upcoming events at Crete Public Library. Specific age groups or pre-registration details may be noted. Recurring event schedules may be altered due to holidays. Contact library staff for more information. (Click the gallery for more images)

• Current Library Calendar pdf - English 
• Current Library Calendar pdf - Español 

Upcoming Programs:

• Summer Reading Program Events 2026
• Adult Craft Night - Painting Wood Lanterns, Wednesday, June 3, 5:30 p.m. Crete Carrie Community Room at the library. Space is limited, call the library to register.
• Puzzle Race, Wednesday, June 10, 5:30 p.m. Crete Carrier Community Room at the library. Teams of 4 must preregister; each team will receive a one-topping pizza of their choice. State Fair Qualification event.
• Flag Education, Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. Girl Scouts of Crete will present American flag history and how to take care of a flag.
• Babysitting Workshop, Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m. $10 program fee. This program is offered with help Nebraska Extension; hands-on practice with childcare basics, safety, and caring for younger kids with confidence. Participants will need to bring their own lunch. If the fee is a barrier, assistance funds are available, let the library know how they can help.
• Adult Craft Night: Miniature Book Nook, Thursday, July 9, 5:30 p.m. Create your own Book Nooks—miniature literary scenes that make the perfect addition to your bookshelf or home décor. Space is limited, contact the library to register.
• Paint Your Pet on Canvas, Saturday, July 11, 1 p.m. Submit a photo of your pet when registering and staff will help create a custom painting. Registration is required.

Recurring events:

• Brush and Bloom, Mondays through April, 10-11 a.m. Open to all moms, no matter what stage of the journey you're in for a relaxing hour of art, conversation, and connection with other moms—no art skills (or clean shirts) required. Little ones are always welcome, feel free to bring your baby, toddler, or stroller crew along.
• Maker Monday, first and third Mondays of the month: Kits in May, June, and July will be dinosaur themed. Stop in and grab a to-go activity kit with everything you need (plus easy instructions) to make something fun at home. New kits drop the first and third Mondays of each month. Quantities are limited.
• Chair Yoga Classes, 8-week session on Wednesdays, starting Feb. 4, 9 a.m. Chair Yoga for ages 55 and over is designed to improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation. $2 per class, to register, call the library at 402-826-3809.
• 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. Summer Reading Program story times are listed on the event calenar.

Check out the library's book clubs:

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

Volunteers wanted:

• The library is looking for dedicated volunteers who want to make a difference in the community. Learn more...

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 Street Department will begin spraying for mosquitoes in town on Monday, June 1.

Mosquito spraying is done on a weekly schedule. 

Spraying Days and Times:

• Spraying is on Mondays and Thursdays starting about 30 minutes before sunset, weather conditions permitting.
• The route within Crete city limits depends on several factors, including wind direction.
• Tuxedo Park is treated with spray on Wednesday and Friday mornings to avoid activities in the park