Omaha Local News

La Vista, Nebraska - La Vista's Police Chief, Bob Lausten, has announced his retirement, which will be effective at the conclusion of the current year. His official last day in service will coincide with New Year's Eve. The terms of his retirement agreement, a result of an executive session with the city council, are not public, owing to the confidential nature of personnel matters. Hence, no specifics are available for public disclosure at this time. Earlier this year, Lausten was placed on paid administrative leave after he self-disclosed an incident where he did not stop for a speeding accusation in Mills County...

Sarpy County, Nebraska - In Sarpy County, a Bellevue resident, Connie Barboza, has been ordered to be held on a bond valued at half a million dollars. Barboza, aged 66, is alleged to have brandished a firearm at her neighbors during the Fourth of July festivities. Court documents reveal that Bellevue Police attest that Ms. Barboza was discontented with her neighbors for igniting fireworks in her yard, situated near East 29th Avenue and Franklin Street. Ms. Barboza reportedly disclosed to law enforcement that she had repeatedly requested her neighbors, which included several minors, to desist from their activities. Although the neighbors moved,...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha City Administration extends its warmest congratulations to a new cadre of 33 police recruits who have graduated from the Training Academy. The ceremony was held on Friday at the Omaha Public Safety Training Center, marking an important milestone in these recruits' careers. The cohort comprises 28 recruits joining the Omaha Police Department (OPD) and 5 recruits hailing from other law enforcement agencies. The OPD rookies have successfully undergone a rigorous 22-week training program, and now face the next stage, a 15-week field training period. The five other recruits, referred to as lateral recruits, have already completed...

Omaha, Nebraska - In the early hours of Thursday morning, a vehicular accident resulted in an overturned vehicle. The Omaha Police Department was promptly at the scene near the intersection of 50th and Blondo streets at approximately 5:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers encountered an upturned black car resting on a lawn, as well as a white pickup truck, attached to a trailer, in the middle of the roadway. The pickup truck showed signs of frontal damage. The black car also inflicted damage on a nearby retaining wall during its roll-over. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the scene of the accident. Police...

Papillion, Nebraska - Final funeral details for Papillion Police Department's Lieutenant Ray Higgins have been made public. Lt. Higgins, whose untimely passing occurred at his residence on Monday, had dedicated over three decades of his life to the Papillion Police Department. Throughout his illustrious career, he lent his expertise to various divisions, including accident and fire investigation, recreation, and the Metro Fugitive Task Force. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant just last year, in 2021. As announced on the Police Department's official Twitter page, Lt. Higgins' viewing will be taking place on Monday, July 10, between 4 and 8 p.m. at St....

Omaha, Nebraska - In an initiative undertaken by the Omaha Police Department, members of the public are invited to participate in a comprehensive disposal event for fireworks, firearms, and ammunition, to be held in the forthcoming summer season. The event, a product of the Department's commitment to public safety and welfare, will be convened at two distinct locations within Omaha. One of these is Seymour Smith Park, conveniently located at the intersection of 72nd and Harrison. The second site is the Omaha Fire Station 43, stationed at the juncture of 103rd and Fort. Scheduled for Saturday, the 12th of August, the collection...

Papillion, Nebraska - Authorities in Sarpy County are currently looking into an incident involving an assault with a sharp weapon that resulted in one individual sustaining injuries. The episode unfolded on Sunday evening in the vicinity of Cedardale Road and Washington Street, situated near the popular shopping district of Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion. Emergency medical personnel were promptly dispatched to the scene, whereupon they transported the injured party to a local healthcare facility. The victim was reported to be in a critical state upon arrival at the hospital. At this point in time, the authorities have chosen not to disclose the...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department has initiated an investigation into a Sunday night shooting incident, which left one individual wounded. According to an official statement, the police discovered the victim, identified as 39-year-old Raymond Moore, at approximately 7:45 p.m. near the intersection of Carter Lake Shore Drive and Carter Boulevard. Emergency medical services swiftly arrived at the scene, after which Moore was transported to a nearby hospital. Police reports indicate that his injuries, while significant, are not life-threatening, and he is anticipated to make a full recovery. Currently, details about the suspect behind the shooting remain unclear. The Omaha police have...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Fourth of July festivities began with enthusiasm at the riverfront, despite the inclement weather conditions. Omaha citizens, resilient in the face of rain, converged on the Gene Leahy Mall situated in the heart of the city's downtown district. A distinctive event was arranged in honor of Independence Day, featuring a myriad of festive activities. Attendees indulged in cupcakes adorned with patriotic red and blue stars, enjoyed face painting sessions, and were delighted by an assortment of balloon animals. Participants also had the unique opportunity to craft their own star-shaped magnets and take photographs with a stilt walker who...

Omaha, Nebraska - The City of Omaha has shared details in an announcement about alterations to the standard waste collection schedule in light of the forthcoming Independence Day holiday. The Environmental Quality Division, a part of the Public Works Department, confirms that FCC, the city’s official solid waste collection contractor, will acknowledge the Independence Day holiday on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023. As such, no collection of garbage or recyclable materials will occur on Tuesday, July 4th. Nevertheless, this will not interfere with the collections scheduled for Monday, July 3rd. For the rest of that week, from July 5th to 8th, all...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Salvation Army has issued a statement confirming its ongoing initiative to provide free fans to community members in need at its Benson establishment. The organization is offering its Summer Fan Program to mitigate the effects of high temperatures, which are projected to reach the mid-90s in the following days. The program is designed to offer relief from the oppressive heat to the vulnerable. While all individuals requiring a boxed fan are considered eligible for the initiative, priority is being accorded to individuals aged 50 and above, along with disabled individuals. The free fans are available at the Salvation...

Gretna, Nebraska - The doors of the new Hy-Vee store in Sarpy County, located at the intersection of 192nd and 370 in Gretna, are now officially open. This cutting-edge establishment offers all the hallmarks of the Hy-Vee brand: competitive pricing, an expansive range of products, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. A unique feature of the Gretna Hy-Vee store is a bar conveniently positioned near the entrance to their Wine & Spirits section. This innovative arrangement allows customers of legal drinking age to enjoy a beverage while they shop. However, the store insists that patrons should always drink responsibly. Beyond the...

Omaha, Nebraska - A workplace incident left two Metropolitan Utilities District workers injured. This unfortunate event unfolded at the Regency Lakeside Apartments, situated near S. 105th Plaza and Pacific Street, whilst the workers were performing maintenance on a gas meter that subsequently malfunctioned, as reported by local authorities. Consequently, a plume of smoke was observed emanating from a structure within the apartment complex, prompting the dispatch of the Omaha Fire Department to the site. The firefighters successfully identified the source of the smoke and, following an appropriate assessment, residents were subsequently allowed reentry into the building. The two workers incurred first-degree burns...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department is currently conducting an investigation into a shooting incident that reportedly took place in the early hours of Sunday. According to information provided by the Omaha Police Department, gunfire was detected at precisely 2:05 a.m. in the vicinity of 12th and Harney Streets, within the historical district of Old Market. It is important to note that, prior to this event, a crowd of an estimated 300 individuals was dispersed from the said location by law enforcement officers. Subsequently, a mere quarter of an hour later, officers were mobilized to Nebraska Medicine in response to...

Bellevue, Nebraska - In a formal declaration from the Bellevue Public Works Department, it has been ascertained that a demolition operation concerning the pedestrian bridge that spans Galvin Road at the intersection of Hansen Avenue is due to commence on Monday, June 26th. Throughout the majority of this project, vehicular traffic will persistently have access to Galvin Road. As per the need, necessary modifications will be applied to the lane organization to ensure the safe routing of traffic, particularly distancing it from areas where overhead construction tasks will be conducted. It is important to note, however, that there will be an...

Omaha, Nebraska - Welcome the onset of summer in the local neighborhood with these exciting events scheduled for the upcoming weekend! The Grifford Park Neighborhood Market awaits you on June 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This free event at Grifford Park on 33rd Street and California, Omaha, will feature numerous vendors, entertaining music, and a variety of food options. Visit their Facebook page for more information. At Rockbrook Village on 2800 South 110th Ct., the Friday Night Concert Series will present Urban Delight & Horns of Plenty on June 23, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This free event offers...