A powerful blizzard swept through Nebraska on March 19, 2025, causing extensive damage to Burt County Public Power District’s (Burt County) transmission and distribution system in Tekamah, Nebraska, with a population of 1,715. The blizzard brought heavy snowfall and fierce winds, plunging the town into a state of emergency and leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. By the morning of March 20, 3,304 of Burt County’s 4,226 customers were without power, and much of the district’s 2,059 miles of power lines lay in ruins.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, Burt County issued a mutual aid call to the South Dakota Rural Electric Association, seeking urgent assistance. Responding swiftly, journeyman line workers and equipment from Dakota  Energy, Central Electric in Mitchell, Douglas Electric in Armour, Southeastern Electric in Lennox, and Sioux Valley Energy in Colman traveled to Nebraska to aid in power restoration efforts. These dedicated crews worked tirelessly from early morning until late at night, demonstrating extraordinary commitment and teamwork.

The storm wreaked havoc on infrastructure, particularly devastating east-west power lines, many of which lay across roadways for days. The crews faced significant challenges, including stretches where only one or two poles remained standing over a mile-long distance. The affected services primarily consisted of acreages and grain farms, which relied heavily on electricity for daily operations.

During the first four days of restoration, all substations remained offline, necessitating the replacement of poles and wires before power could be systematically restored. The crews focused on repairing critical three-phase mainlines, replacing 76 poles, and repairing or straightening 38 others. Despite the grueling conditions, they pressed on with determination, knowing the vital role their work played in bringing normalcy back to the community.

The unwavering support of the local residents further fueled their efforts. Community members generously provided food, drinks, and words of encouragement. Their kindness and patience deeply moved the workers. As Robert Feldhaus, Dakota Energy Line Foreman noted, “You couldn’t have found a more patient and friendly community.”

After a week of relentless labor, the line workers completed their mission and returned home to Dakota Energy on Thursday, March 27. Though physically exhausted, they carried with them a sense of accomplishment, knowing they had played a crucial role in restoring power and hope to a storm-ravaged
community. Their efforts serve as a testament to the strength of cooperation, the resilience of smalltown America, and the unbreakable bond between those who rise to meet adversity head-on.