Omaha Local News

Omaha, Nebraska - In a bid to offer more affordable housing options in Omaha's midtown area, final painting touches are being applied to two historic buildings set to be the future residences for many. The properties in focus are the erstwhile Bristol on Park Avenue, presently named Hanscom Apartments, and the long-vacant Georgia Row Apartments. The local nonprofit organization, inCOMMON, has committed $17 million to refurbish these buildings. One of the buildings showcases Spanish colonial architectural elements, while the other retains the cherished Victorian style. By pricing these units below the typical market rates, inCOMMON seeks to assist tenants whose earnings fall below...

Omaha, Nebraska - The city of Omaha has scheduled two key community events next week, focusing on presenting affordable internet service options for qualifying residents. Commissioner Christian Mirch, serving in the Public Service capacity, will preside over these sessions. Joining him will be delegates from Nebraska 211, representatives of the federal Lifeline initiative, and members associated with the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program. The primary intent is to disseminate details regarding accessible internet aid programs for eligible parties. The first session is set for 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, at the South Omaha Library, located at 28th and Q....

Omaha, Nebraska - In a formal announcement, Acting United States Attorney Susan Lehr disclosed that Willie Harbour, 61, from Omaha, faced sentencing in Omaha's federal court for his unlawful possession of an explosive device, given his previous felony record. On August 2, 2022, in the early hours, an explosive device was strategically placed by Harbour near the entrance of an apartment in Benson Towers, a property overseen by the Omaha Housing Authority. The subsequent detonation led to significant property damage. This included the malfunction of an overhead sprinkler system, light fixtures, and considerable distortion to a metal door frame, which unfortunately...

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha city authorities have mandated an urgent evacuation of the premises located at 1211 and 1213 Howard Street due to critical code violations impacting resident safety. The listed infractions encompass structural impairment, plumbing complications, and unstable decking. Scott Lane, Chief Housing Inspector for the city, stated that the edifice is "on the brink of collapse". Consequently, 'Eat The Worm Bar' and multiple residential units were promptly shut down. While the evacuation directive was abrupt, Mr. Lane clarified that tenants would be permitted to retrieve their belongings during daylight. Conversely, establishments like Tokyo Sushi within the same structure remain operational,...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department has issued a public appeal to locate Mr. Levi Blake, an 80-year-old individual who is currently missing. Mr. Blake resides in a senior living facility located near 34th and Ohio, as reported by his son, Terrance Collier. He was last observed on August 18, heading in the direction of 33rd Street. It is important to note that Mr. Blake suffers from dementia and relies on daily medication. Given the ongoing heatwave in Omaha, there is heightened concern for Mr. Blake's well-being, considering his age and medical condition. This has intensified the imperative nature of the...

Omaha, Nebraska - The tragic death of a 1-year-old girl, Ra’Miyah Worthington, who was inadvertently left inside a van at an Omaha childcare facility, has led to charges against 62-year-old Ryan D. Williams, the vehicle's driver. Upon discovering the unresponsive child, Omaha Fire Department personnel transported her to the Nebraska Medical Center, where she was subsequently pronounced dead. Reports from the Omaha World-Herald indicate that the external temperature was 96 degrees at the time, with the heat index soaring to 113 degrees. The National Weather Service recorded these temperatures at Eppley Airfield. Hospital reports reveal that the child's body temperature had...

Omaha, Nebraska - Those commuting through downtown are advised to consider alternate routes on Wednesday night. The Nebraska Department of Transportation has announced that the Dodge Street ramp leading to eastbound I-480 will be temporarily closed from 9 p.m. on Wednesday until 5 a.m. on Thursday. This closure is necessary due to overhead signage maintenance. Motorists are urged to exercise caution when driving in proximity to work zones. Furthermore, it's imperative to fasten seat belts and refrain from using mobile phones while on the road.

Omaha, Nebraska - The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has issued a request for the public's cooperation in the search for a missing teenager, Tabitha Gomez. 17-year-old Tabitha was last seen in Omaha on July 17. She has now been missing for more than a month, with indications suggesting she might still be in the area. Tabitha stands at 5'5", weighing 150 lbs., with light brown hair and blue eyes. Should you possess any relevant details about Tabitha's whereabouts or the circumstances of her disappearance, you are encouraged to reach out to NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Douglas County...

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha Fire Department personnel responded to a fire at an apartment complex located near 49th and Dodge Street on Monday evening. Battalion Chief Danny Gates said that the fire remained restricted to a single apartment, which incurred some damage. Investigators determined that the fire's origin was due to combustibles placed too close to a heat source. On arrival, the fire team observed a minor fire on a stove top, which had subsequently spread to the overhead cabinets. Given the prevailing high temperatures, the firefighters implemented additional safety measures to effectively extinguish the fire. Regarding future fire emergencies, Gates indicated that...

Omaha, Nebraska - The FBI has identified a money-mule fraud scheme both in Nebraska and across the country. Special Agent Eugene Kowel defines a money mule as, "someone who wittingly or unwittingly transfers money on behalf of or under the direction of another individual." The modus operandi involves criminals, primarily from overseas locations, recruiting teenagers and young adults via social media and online gaming platforms. Todd DiCaprio, Supervisory Special Agent with the Omaha FBI's Crimes against Children and Human Trafficking Squad, voiced concerns over the scheme: "We're increasing the risk, especially for our young people, to unwittingly be exposed to child...

Omaha, Nebraska - An Omaha man has been sentenced to a decade in prison in connection with methamphetamine-related charges. On August 17, Cash Cosgriff, a 33-year-old from Omaha, received a sentence from a federal court in Omaha due to his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution scheme. Acting U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr confirmed that Mr. Cosgriff is set to serve a sentence of 120 months in prison, followed by a five-year supervised release. It should be noted that the federal system does not permit parole. Court records indicate that in May 2021, a Special Agent from the Drug Enforcement Administration, operating undercover, communicated...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) is taking measures to enhance safety on state highways. Technical teams are deploying a high-friction surface treatment on sections of Interstate 80, designed to augment traction between vehicles and the roadway. "This specialized treatment consists of an epoxy, akin to commercial products, onto which we affix a particular aggregate," informed district construction engineer Barbara Gerbino-Bevins. This procedure is intended to mitigate the risk of vehicles skidding, particularly on damp surfaces. Once applied, the road surface manifests a slightly darker hue, and vehicular tires may produce a distinctive sound. The ongoing initiative targets the curve where...

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha's Riverfront is set to reopen to the public. Commencing this Friday, visitors are invited to explore the renovated Lewis and Clark Landing and Riverfront regions, reminiscent of the inauguration of the Gene Leahy Mall. The city has scheduled multiple events in the downtown area in honor of the reopening. A fireworks display is slated for 9 p.m. on Friday. The following day, Saturday, attendees can enjoy a family movie night with a screening of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" in the park. Throughout the weekend, visitors can avail themselves of offerings from food trucks and attend live performances. Additionally, the newly...

Omaha, Nebraska - Omaha City Council President Pete Festersen has indicated an intention to further increase property tax relief in the upcoming year. Mayor Jean Stothert has put forth a budget proposal indicating a 2.1% increment. She asserts that the city's requirements for an enlarged police budget constrict the extent of relief that can be extended. Festersen's proposed amendment seeks to allocate an additional sum, approximating $1 million, towards property tax relief, constituting a rise of around 20%. Commenting on this, Festersen stated, “Property valuations have increased substantially this year for most homeowners. I think it’s important we work to maximize...

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Police Department (OPD) organized a firearms and fireworks amnesty initiative over the weekend at two primary drop-off locations for this purpose: Seymour Smith Park and Omaha Fire Station 43. As part of this effort, the department collected 60 handguns, 101 long guns, and 35 pellet/BB guns. Additionally, various firearm components and accessories were collected. The event also saw the surrender of over 1,500 pounds of ammunition, more than 500 pounds of fireworks, and multiple containers filled with blackpowder. https://www.facebook.com/OmahaPoliceDepartment/posts/687501553408020?ref=embed_post

Omaha, Nebraska - The Omaha Public School District has presented families of students with Special Education needs with a challenging decision for the school year: they must either transfer to an alternate school or waive their entitlement to special education services. The impetus behind this is a stark shortage of specialized teachers within the district. In response to this issue, Lauren Micek Vargas, backed by her nonprofit organization, Education Rights Council, is extending guidance to Omaha's special education families. Vargas stated, “We have coordinated and cooperated with the school district to ensure that these children are placed in suitable environments and receive...