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Douglas County takes action on accessible parking violations

Omaha, Nebraska - Parking in a city can often be a hassle, and for drivers with disabilities, the challenge becomes even more pronounced. Snagging the right parking spot, only to see it taken away by someone else, is a frequent disappointment. Recognizing this, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office has declared its intent to address accessible parking violations head-on in the month of October. “You never know when somebody is going to need that space,” remarks Sharon Ohmberger from Disability Rights Nebraska, emphasizing the significance of these parking spots. The Community Action Team, a unit of the sheriff's office, recently announced on...

Omaha introduces the Saddle Creek Retention Treatment Basin

Omaha, Nebraska - In a significant leap towards environmental conservation, the City of Omaha proudly unveiled the Saddle Creek Retention Treatment Basin (SCRTB), a plant committed to cleaning storm and sewage water. This pivotal development promises to protect local waterways that have been affected by direct drainage. Traditionally, during wet weather conditions, downtown and midtown Omaha experienced a mix of stormwater and sewage in their combined sewage system. This potentially dangerous combination led to the rainwater amalgamating with various contaminants, including harmful bacteria like E. coli. Consequently, this untreated water would overflow into the little Papillion Creek and ultimately the...

Southside Terrace transformation: Bridging history with modern urban living

Omaha, Nebraska - The Southside Terrace Housing Development, an iconic representation of pre-World War II architecture located near 28th and W Street in Omaha, is preparing to bid its final farewell. Erected just before the onset of the global conflict, the complex, now owned by the Omaha Housing Authority (OHA), has witnessed generations come and go. However, as with all things, change is inevitable, and the familiar skyline of Southside Terrace is about to undergo a significant transformation. OHA CEO Joanie Poore expressed the urgent need for this transformation, pointing out, “If you look at Southside Terrace, you see apartment buildings...

North Omaha shooting victim dies despite paramedic efforts

Omaha, Nebraska - An incident occurred in North Omaha on Monday night when a man was fatally shot near the vicinity of 21st and Paul streets, adjacent to Logan-Fontenelle Park. Omaha police rushed to the scene around 8 p.m. after receiving information from a passerby who reported observing a man in distress from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate attention from paramedics, who performed CPR while transporting the man to an Omaha hospital, he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. As of now, the victim's identity remains undisclosed. In a preliminary statement, Omaha police have alluded to the possibility that the gunshot wound might...

North and South Omaha gear up for $335 million in recovery grants

Omaha, Nebraska - Organizations spanning across North and South Omaha have a new opportunity in the form of $335 million in recovery grants. These funds, "provided by ARPA in 2020," aim to cushion communities grappling with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. The road to accessing these grants, however, hasn't been entirely smooth. An initial wave of confusion threatened to jeopardize these resources, as there loomed a risk of the funds being squandered if not utilized timely. This concern led to a transition "from federal to state funding." The grant application process has subsequently stirred turmoil among organizations. Several large-scale community endeavors...

Omaha’s Myott Park to revive again with federal grant and housing project

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha, known for its rich history and culture, will soon witness the resurrection of a long-neglected North Omaha park, Myott Park, all thanks to a generous federal grant and the dedicated efforts of Omaha Habitat for Humanity. With a strategic location near 52nd Street and Sorensen Parkway, the park will soon offer locals a fresh space for recreation, community engagement, and activities. A New Vision for Myott Park The park's revamp, funded by a $1.1 million federal grant announced recently, will complement a rising $25 million affordable housing development situated nearby. The plans for Myott Park are expansive and...

Shots fired at midtown Omaha convenience store

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha Police were swiftly on the scene after receiving a shots-fired call at a midtown Omaha convenience store on Friday morning. The incident unfolded at the Midtown Gas and Grocery location at Park and Woolworth Avenues around 10 a.m. Witnesses Describe the Incident Two individuals who spoke to 6 News recounted their experiences. They said they heard sounds resembling gunfire, which they described as “pop” sounds. Shortly after, they witnessed two people hastily running from the scene. Despite the commotion, police were unable to locate a victim in the aftermath. In a bid to thoroughly investigate the matter, officers have...

Omaha companies prioritize immunization ahead of flu season

Omaha, Nebraska - As the holiday season approaches, it’s not just about giving and sharing joy but also about ensuring health and wellness. It's the time to consider getting immunizations updated. Omaha metro companies are taking proactive measures, organizing flu shot events to keep their employees protected. Indeed, the wisdom in the saying, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," has never been more pertinent. Recent Changes in Vaccination Recommendations The dynamics of vaccination are constantly evolving, and Cortney Donaldson, a seasoned pharmacist at HyVee, shared some vital updates. Over the past few weeks, a new vaccine, the...

Crash disrupts Interstate 80 commute in Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha residents faced significant traffic disruptions early Thursday morning, following a crash on Interstate 80. The incident occurred in the westbound lanes close to 60th Street at approximately 6:30 a.m. As a result, the left two lanes were obstructed, causing considerable delays for morning commuters. Moreover, the ripple effect of the crash was palpable, as it also induced traffic snarls at the Interstate 480 split and affected the flow on northbound JFK. Fortunately, officials and emergency personnel worked swiftly to manage the situation. By 7:35 a.m., the crash site was cleared, and traffic gradually resumed its normal pace. Motorists are...

12 and 15-year-olds arrested for shooting a woman in Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska - In an incident near 73rd and Corby, a 20-year-old woman, Taea Byrd, was shot in the leg during a confrontation that unfolded outside an apartment complex. The incident took place around 10 a.m. on Monday when two males approached Byrd, demanded money, and subsequently shot her. After the altercation, they fled the scene. Despite her injury, the determined victim managed to drive herself to a convenience store located at 72nd and Maple. There, she called for assistance. In swift action following the incident, the Omaha police arrested two juveniles in connection with the shooting. A 15-year-old male has been...

Rock legends set to perform in Omaha this November

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha is gearing up for a memorable musical night this November. British rock icons, Bush, are scheduled to headline a concert on November 30 at Steelhouse Omaha. Formed in London in 1992, Bush boasts a lineup featuring lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Gavin Rossdale, lead guitarist Chris Traynor, bassist Corey Britz, and drummer Nik Hughes. Fans can also anticipate thrilling performances from heavy metal group Bad Wolves and the female-fronted rock ensemble, Eva Under Fire. Those eager to secure their spots for this rock and metal musical fest can mark their calendars. General ticket sales begins on September 22 at...

Omaha City Council approves significant pay raise for police officers

Omaha, Nebraska - In a move expected to boost recruitment, the city council of Omaha has unanimously agreed to a substantial pay raise for police officers. This decision was made during their meeting on Tuesday. Currently, rookie police officers in Omaha commence their careers with an annual salary of $51,785. This figure is set for a significant increase under the new contract. New hires will soon enjoy a starting salary of $70,928, marking a substantial hike of nearly 40%. It's not just the newcomers who are set to benefit from the revised salary structure. Existing police officers, those already serving the community,...

Federal court in Omaha handed down 13-year prison sentence in a drug and firearm case

Omaha, Nebraska - A Fremont resident, 26-year-old Jarrett Chappelear, has been handed down a 13-year prison sentence on drug-related charges. The verdict was delivered on Friday in a federal court in Omaha. The acting U.S. attorney provided details of the charges, stating that Chappelear was found guilty of distributing methamphetamine while in possession of a firearm. Breaking down the sentencing, Chappelear received eight years for the distribution of methamphetamine and an additional five years for possessing a firearm during a drug deal, cumulatively serving a 13-year term. Upon completing his prison sentence, Chappelear is slated to undergo a four-year term of supervised...

Omaha police investigate fatal tree collision in Elmwood Park neighborhood

Omaha, Nebraska - An accident occurred in Omaha's Elmwood Park neighborhood on Monday night, resulting in the death of a driver. Omaha Police Department (OPD) is currently investigating the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event. Around 8:42 p.m., officers responded to an incident at Happy Hollow Blvd. and Dodge Street. Preliminary investigations revealed that a 2006 Nissan Maxima, which was traveling north on Happy Hollow, drifted left, and eventually left the road. The vehicle then descended a grass embankment before colliding with a tree. Emergency response teams acted swiftly, with medics rushing 32-year-old Robert Lane to Nebraska Medicine. Despite their best...

Swift action prevents injuries in west Omaha apartment fire

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha fire investigators are looking into the circumstances surrounding a fire that broke out at a west Omaha apartment building on Monday evening. The incident, which brought the Omaha Fire Department (OFD) to action, took place around the vicinity of 186th Street and West Dodge Hills Plaza. According to OFD reports, the emergency call was made at approximately 5:19 p.m. When the fire crews arrived at the scene, they encountered smoke and flames billowing from the second-story exterior of the apartment building. Due to the severity of the situation, a working fire was promptly declared. However, thanks to...

Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial secures essential $2.5 million funding

Omaha, Nebraska - The Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which stands as a tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the Vietnam War, has recently received a significant financial boost. The state's VA department has generously committed $2.5 million to support the construction of the memorial. The site for this long-awaited memorial is located just south of 108th Street and Highway 370 in Papillion. However, the construction has faced repeated delays, primarily attributed to funding challenges. Earlier this year, a funding shortfall became particularly evident when the foundation's president announced a deficit of around $2.5 million. This was due to the...

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