Nebraska
Community "Fast Facts" Profile
Benedict, Nebraska
Date generated: 2/8/2010

Navigation: Location | Population | Labor | Transportation | Utilities | Tax Structure | Municipal Services | Education | Recreation | Health Facilities | Commercial Services | Local Manufacturing | Largest Employers | Community Notes | Local Contacts |

top of page LOCATION
Benedict is a community located 8 miles north of York, NE, just off Highway 81 and approximately 10 miles north of Interstate 80. The village is approximately 55 minutes from Lincoln, NE.

Distance in miles from:
Omaha......116
Lincoln......64
Chicago......580
Dallas......602
Denver......452
Los Angeles......1,463
New York......1,354
Kansas City......254
Distance in highway miles

top of page POPULATION
General:
Last CensusLatest Year%
2000
2008
    Change
Benedict .......278274-1.4%
York County .......14,59814,199-2.7%
Labor Market Population1.......82,51379,747-3.4%

1) Labor market population is the county population plus the contiguous county population.
Source: Population Division, U.S. Census Bureau, Annual Estimates of the Population, City populations released July 2008, County populations released April 2009.

County Age Distribution (2008) :
Age: 0-17 18-24 25-44 45-64 65+ 85+ Total % Split
Male......... 1,591 767 1,395 1,932 1,093 172 6,778 47.7 %
Female...... 1,601 836 1,536 1,926 1,522 348 7,421 52.3 %

Total: 3,192 1,603 2,931 3,858 2,615 520

Median Age (2008):     State 36.2 years       County 41.2 years

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Division, County Population Estimates by Selected Age and Gender. Released May 2009.
State Data. U.S. Census Bureau, 2009 American Community Survey

top of page LABOR
State
(2008)
County
(2008)
Area Labor
Force (2008)1
Labor Force.....995,6357,11444,936    
Unemployment.....33,2172661,422    
Unemployment as % of Labor Force.....3.3%3.7%3.2%    
Total Employment.....962,4186,84843,515    

1) Area labor force and employment data are for the county plus the contiguous counties.
For further information regarding underemployment in the area, please contact NPPD at (800) 282-6773.
Source: Year end 2008, Nebraska DOL, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Online Data, April 2009.

Wages: Sample of hourly wage rates in manufacturing occupations (production and/or clerical).
Job Title 10th
Percentile
Median 90th
Percentile
Assemblers/Fabricators exc. Mach./Electr./Prec.$9.81$13.25$16.03
Data Entry Keyers$8.88$11.46$14.89
Laborers, Helpers & Material Movers, Hand$8.61$11.74$15.77
Lathe Tool Setters$8.44$11.21$20.02
Machinists$10.94$16.68$20.63
Secretaries, exc. Legal & Medical$8.45$11.52$16.16
Welders & Cutters$10.93$14.61$19.35
Welding Machine Operators$11.30$14.33$18.15

Source: Nebraska Workforce Development, Occupational Employment Statistics Program, Third Quarter 2009.

Percent of Manufacturing Labor Force Unionized............0%
Number of Work Stoppages in Past 5 Years ............0

Benedict is a community of approximately 278, which was incorporated in 1887. The economy in Benedict is largely agricultural, with one of the larger employers being the United Farmers Cooperative. There are a number of locally owned businesses within the municipality, including a regionally-popular restaurant, a beauty salon, a service station, an insurance agency, and a number of home-based businesses.

top of page TRANSPORTATION

Motor Carrier:
FederalStateCounty
Number of INTERSTATE Highways Serving City.....
Number of Limited Access, Four-Lane Highways.....
Number of Improved Two-Lane Highways.....11
Hwy. NameMiles
Miles to nearest Interstate highway.....Interstate 8010
Miles to nearest four-lane highway.....Highway 818

Motor Freight Carriers:
 There are more than 8,000 licensed motor freight carriers with global connections in Nebraska. These carriers can serve businesses throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Transit Time for Carload or Truckload Lots to:
Destination
Days
by Railroad
Days
by Motor Freight
Chicago..........1-3 days1-2 days
Dallas..........3-4 days2-3 days
Denver..........1-3 days1-2 days
Kansas City..........1-3 days1-2 days
Los Angeles..........4-7 days2-3 days
Minneapolis..........1-3 days1-2 days
New York..........4-7 days3-5 days
St. Louis..........1-3 days2-3 days
Transit Time Nebraska Motor Freight
Transit Time Nebraska Motor Freight

Benedict is located just 1/2 mile west of Highway 81 (also known as the Pan American Highway). While that stretch of Highway 81 remains two-lane, that will change in the future as the expansion of the highway continues north. Currently, the four-lane expansion is completed to York, NE (which is 8 miles south of Benedict). Construction on the next five-mile stretch is currently underway, with engineering plans being formulated for the next phase that will reach Benedict. A two-lane asphalt county road connects the village to Highway 81, and extends several miles west of the village.

Air:
Distance to nearest public airport.....10 minute(s)
Elevation.....1,620 feet
Length of longest runway.....5,900 feet
Runway lighted.....Yes
Private aircraft storage available.....Yes
Private aircraft maintenance available.....Yes
Distance to nearest commercial air transportation.....50 minute(s)

Distance to nearest international airport:

Name of Airport Miles to Airport
from Community
Omaha Eppley International 120
Kansas City International 237
Denver International 445

The York Municipal Airport is located approximately 10 miles south of Benedict, along Highway 34, just one mile from Highway 81. Most recent improvements to the airport include the paving of the parallel taxiway and installation of the automated weather system (AWOS), which were completed in 2003. The York Airport has hangar space available for rent/storage, courtesy car services, maintenance services for aircraft, and flight instruction. Many local companies access the newly-expanded airport, with a number of corporate planes flying in each year. A number of private planes are housed at the airport, and it is used as a fueling station for a number of entities (including the Nebraska State Patrol). Fuel is sold at the York airport, both 100 LL and jet. Benedict is approximately 52 minutes from commercial airports located in Grand Island and Lincoln. The Lincoln Airport is served by Northwest and United Airlines, as well as Allegiant Air. The Central Nebraska Regional Airport at Grand Island is served by US Airways Express.

Barge:

Rail:
Community Served by Railroad.....Yes
Distance to Nearest Railroad..... 0 mile(s)
Number of Freight Trains Per Day.....0-1

The railroad within Benedict's village limits is a branch line of the BNSF Railway Company. It is used by the local farmers cooperative to load dry fertilizer and corn.

top of page UTILITIES

Electricity:

 State Electric Power Deregulated.....   No

Electric System Operator: Perennial Public Power District
  phone - (800) 289-0288
  website - www.perennialpower.com
  email - perennial@mainstaycomm.net

Wholesale Supplier: Perennial Public Power District
Additional Comments: A 34,500/12,500 volt substation provides service to Benedict, with a 10,500 kVA capacity. The distribution voltage within Benedict is 12.5/7.2kV wye. All industry standard voltages can be provided by Perennial Public Power District. The electric distribution system within Benedict has ample capacity to provide service to a growing community.

Natural Gas:
Natural Gas Service Available.....Yes
Supplier in Community.....Kinder Morgan

Water:
Provider.....Village of Benedict
Major Source.....Deep well
If Wells, Average Depth.....300 feet
Storage Capacity.....75,000 gallons
Temperature Range.....50-54 (degrees Fahrenheit)

The Village of Benedict recently completed a renovation of their water system, digging a new municipal well, installing new water mains and erecting a new storage tower. These renovations greatly improved the water capacity and quality for the entire village. The new system is designed to pump 500 gallons per minute.

Sanitation/Waste Water:
Name of Provider.....Village of Benedict
Type of Service.....Lagoon
Sewer Connection Fee.....Yes

Sewer connection fees are relatively low ($25).

Telecommunications:
Name of Local Service Provider.....Alltel

top of page TAX STRUCTURE

Actual Valuation of City: $6,674,853 (year 2006)
Real Property Tax Rates ($ per $100 of actual value):
For Year: 2006
City.......$0.4427100
County.......$0.3387000
School.......$1.3160090
Other.......$0.1807130
Total Real Property.......$2.2781320

Bond Indebtedness:
For Year: 2006
General Obligation.........$40,000.00
School.........$14,900,000.00

The Village of Benedict took out an $80,000 bond in 1997, which will be in effect until 2012, to be used toward water improvements. The 2003-2004-2005 Water Project total cost was $805,000. Of this, $250,000 was financed by a CDBG Grant, $100,000 by a SRF Loan Forgiveness, and $455,000 by a 30 Year SRF Loan. This project had three parts, an elevated 75,000 Water Tower, a Well, and Water Mains/Line improvements.

top of page MUNICIPAL SERVICES
Type of Government..... Village
Comprehensive City Plan..... Yes, 1992 (year)
City Manager..... No
City Engineer..... Yes
City Zoning Ordinance in Effect..... Yes
County Zoning Ordinance in Effect..... Yes
Garbage Service Provider..... Private
Public Library in City..... No
Number Full-Time Fire Department Personnel..... 0
Number Volunteer Fire Department Personnel..... 19
Number Full-Time Police Officers..... 0

The Benedict Village Board members are elected at large and serve four-year terms. The volunteer fire department provides protection for areas outside the community limits. Regarding law enforcement, Benedict is served by the York County Sheriff's Department, which has 8 sworn officers and 12 support personnel. Regular patrol is provided by the county department, which has six marked cruisers, a variety of communications equipment, and all the standard enforcement equipment required by the state. The Nebraska State Patrol Troop C, headquartered in Grand Island, NE, also provides service for the Benedict area.

top of page EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
 
Public Schools# of SchoolsEnrollmentTeacher/Student Ratio
Middle / Jr. High 11151:8

On November 17, 2008 the new Cross County School opened which serves students from the Benedict, Polk & Stromsburg areas. The new address is 1270 123rd Road, Stromsburg NE which now holds all students preschool through 12th grade. They also offer before school & after school daycare. This new building is about 4 miles north of Benedict on Highway 81 and about 4 miles south of Stromsburg on Highway 81. It also offers a walking track indoors to the public during open hours. More than 80% of Cross County students take the ACT with an average score of 21.4. Seventy-five percent of graduating seniors attend college upon graduation, while the remaining twenty-five percent move directly into the workforce. Opportunities for higher education and continuing education in the county are available at York College, a 4-year private liberal arts college located in the city of York. Other colleges and universities within a 60-mile radius include: Central Community College, Concordia University, Doane College, Hastings College, Southeast Community College and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

top of page RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
 
Type of facilities in city or within 30 minutes:
Public Golf Course(s).....3
Public Tennis Court(s).....13
Public Swimming Pool(s).....2
Public Park(s).....10
Public Camp Ground(s).....2
Nearest Public Access to Lake or River.....12 mile(s)
Camping.....Yes
Swimming.....Yes
Fishing.....Yes

The community of Benedict holds "Benedict Days" celebration each year in August. Events often include garage sales, a craft show, water games for kids, carnival games, a hamburger fry, street dance, and more. The community also holds an annual firemen's barbecue, usually scheduled in Janaury. Improvements continue at the Benedict Community Center, which can be rented for parties, wedding receptions, meetings, family or church gatherings, community events and more. The park facilities in Benedict have improved over the past few years, as new, modern play equipment has been installed and great strides have been taken to beautify the entire area. A number of activities are held at the downtown park throughout the year, including the annual Easter Egg Hunt. Golfers will be able to satisfy their needs with courses in York, Henderson, and Waco. There are also a number of recreational activities that are within 10 minutes, in York - rollerskating rink, bowling alley, movie theater, walking trails, Recharge Lake (for picnicing and fishing), tennis courts, an outdoor aquatic center, an indoor swimming pool, the York County museum, a number of ballparks, and a large soccer complex.

top of page HEALTH FACILITIES
Number of Hospitals in Community.....0
Number of Beds in Hospital(s).....0
Number of Outpatient Clinics.....0
Medical Personnel in or Serving Community:
Medical Doctor(s) / Physician Assistant(s).....0
Dentist(s) / Orthodontist(s).....0
Nurse(s) (registered or practical).....0
Veterinarian(s).....0

Medical facilities are in close proximity to Benedict, as York General Health Care Services are located eight miles away. York General Health Care Services provides a continuum of health care services designed to meet the needs of York area residents. York General Hospital is a 25-bed facility providing surgical services, obstetrics, emergency services, pulmonary services, oncology, cardiac rehab, radiology lab and other diagnostic services, “swing beds,” and rehabilitation services. In addition to the local staff, a general surgeon, family practice physicians, physician assistants, and 30 to 40 specialty physicians from the area provide service through the York General Specialty Clinic and York General Hospital. York General Medical Clinic and York General Wellness Center are located adjacent to the hospital. York General West View Medical Building houses York General Dialysis Services, York General Home Health Care, York General Child Care, and serves as the location for the sleep studies performed by the Pulmonary Services Department of York General Hospital. York General Assisted Living and York General Hearthstone provide living options for those in need of assistance or complete care in their living arrangements. http://www.yorkgeneral.org

top of page COMMERCIAL SERVICES
Type of Newspaper in City.......daily
Local Radio Station(s).......2

Number of TV Channels Received without Cable.......3
Cable Antenna Television Serves City.......No

Number of Motels & Hotels in Community.......0
Total Number of Rooms Available.......0

Number of Banks in City.......1

Chamber of Commerce.......No
Chamber Executive is Full-Time.......No

The Benedict community benefits from a six-day daily newspaper, the News-Times, which is located in York. The community also publishes a monthly newsletter. There are also two radio stations in close proximity to Benedict, which are KAWL (AM) and KTMX (FM). The Benedict Community Association promotes activities for the benefit of the youth and community. While there is no chamber of commerce within the community itself, it is served through its membership with the York County Development Corporation (located in York).

top of page LOCAL MANUFACTURING CHARACTERISTICS
Number of Manufacturing Plants in Community.....0
Number of Manufacturing Plants with Unions.....0

top of page LARGEST EMPLOYERS

Leading Employers in Community:

#1.Business Name:PK's
Service Sector: Services
Employment Number: Total: 15   (Male: 9   Female: 1)
Year Established:2000
Unions:No
Products/Service:Restaurant
 
#2.Business Name:Cross County School
Service Sector: Government
Year Established:2008
Unions:No
Products/Service:Education
 
#3.Business Name:United Farmers Cooperative
Service Sector: Trade
Employment Number: Total: 10   (Male: 9   Female: 1)
Year Established:1902
Unions:No
Products/Service:Grain elevator, agronomy, fertilizer sales and application, service station, propane sales
 

top of page INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS

top of page COMMUNITY NOTES
Our Community:Benedict is a thriving town filled with ambitious and loyal people whose families continue to live in the Benedict community generation after generation, while encouraging others to join them in the place they call home. This village of 278 was in part founded by William and Laura (Dickey) Jeffery, early settlers who became some of the county's more successful farmers and stockmen. The Benedict economy is largely agricultural, with a number of locally owned businesses.

Suggested Sites:
York County Development Corporation @ www.comegrowwithyork.org
York County Visitors Bureau @ www.yorkvisitors.org
 
Local
Development
Contact:
Kelly Brooke
Village of Benedict
PO Box 116
Benedict, NE 68316
Phone:(402) 732-6801
Email: vb15419@alltel.net
 
York County Development Corporation
224 West 6th Street
York, NE 68467-2903
Phone:(402) 362-3333
Fax:402-362-3344
Email: info@yorkdevco.com
Website: www.comegrowwithyork.org
 
State Contacts:Richard Baier, Director
Neb. Dept. of Economic Development
PO Box 94666
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3111 or (800) 426-6505
Fax: (402) 471-3778
Email: richard.baier@nebraska.gov
Website: www.NebraskaAdvantage.org
 Economic Development Team
Nebraska Public Power District
PO Box 499
1414 15th Street
Columbus, NE 68601
Phone: (402) 563-5534 or (800) 282-6773, ext. 5534
Fax: (402) 563-5090
Email: econdev@nppd.com
Website: sites.nppd.com

top of page

Fast Facts Community Profiles sponsored by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Nebraska Public Power District.
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