Howdy, Omaha — it’s Jeremy.
Our city was never home to kings and queens. It was never besieged by armor-clad knights. And yet, Omaha’s historic urban core features at least two Scottish-style castles.
You can probably name one of them — Joslyn Castle in Midtown — but the other has quietly lived a half-dozen lives, meaning different things to different people.
For the Jewish family that built the castle at the corner of Burdette Street and Florence Boulevard more than a century ago, it was their dream home. During the Great Depression, it became an unusually ornate boarding house.
Perhaps most notably, the castle became a stopover for Black travelers when it was listed in the Green Book for more than 25 years during the height of the Civil Rights Movement. Today, it’s owned by the Dacus family, who live on the first floor and rent out rooms upstairs.
A successful push to earn the North Omaha castle national historic recognition should help preserve the building so future generations can learn the stories contained within its walls.
You can read correspondent Asia Rollins’ first story for FFP about Dacus’ castle here (or click on the link above).
— Jeremy Turley, Flatwater Free Press
Little Bo’s new Mexican joint
I have been looking forward to writing about Masa Luna, the new Mexican spot in Little Bohemia, since it opened last September. It felt like the perfect way to kick off a brand new year of restaurant reviews. Lucky for all of us, it does not disappoint.
Over dinner with friends, we found much to enjoy: creative cocktails that I learned later are made with lots of ingredients straight from the kitchen and designed to pair with food. Dishes made with care, local ingredients and lots of flavors and textures. And a Runza-inspired tamale! Yeah. Chew on that.
I had a lovely conversation with the co-owners, Carlos Cuevas and Gillian Cromwell Cuevas, who opened Masa Luna in partnership with Katie and Noah Mock, who run Nite Owl and Fizzy’s. It’s a brilliant collaboration: funky decor and retro vibes paired perfectly with modern, creative cuisine.
Read it by clicking here or on the photo above. Here’s to another excellent year of Omaha food.
Sarah Baker Hansen is an award-winning writer who has covered Omaha’s food scene for more than a decade. She posts restaurant reviews and food news on her blog, sarahbakerhansen.com.
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January isn’t a slow start, it’s a reset button. These events aren’t about watching from the sidelines. They’re about stepping in, leveling up and starting the year grounded in community.
Homeownership Resource Workshop
Buying a home doesn’t start with a listing. It starts with information. This hands-on workshop connects aspiring homeowners with real experts, real answers and real pathways toward ownership — from credit readiness to available programs. Whether you’re starting fresh or recalibrating, this is about leaving informed, empowered and one step closer to the keys.
– When: Jan. 17, noon-4 p.m.
– Where: 5190 Sprague St.
MLK Jr. Day Nerf and Kickball Day
MLK Day gets an energy boost with a full day of Nerf battles and kickball designed for kids who’d rather move than sit still. This playful, high-action event gives ages 6-13 a chance to burn energy, build teamwork and celebrate the day through joy and connection. Sign up for one session or stay for both. Either way, expect smiles and tired legs by the end.
– When: Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
– Where: 12005 Portal Road, La Vista
19th Annual State of North Omaha Summit
North Omaha’s future takes center stage at this annual summit focused on progress, accountability and what comes next. Expect data, real talk and updates on housing, health, education, entrepreneurship and culture. Plus, a look at the Transformation 2030 Plan shaping the road ahead. If you care about where the community is going, this is where the conversation starts.
– When: Jan. 24, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
– Where: 5730 N. 30th St.
Omaha Comic & Toy Show
Oak View Mall turns into a full-on geek playground as vendors, artists and pop-up shops take over every level with comics, collectibles and nostalgia you forgot you loved. The free, two-day takeover includes everything from vintage video games to original art, plus a $250 cosplay showcase on Saturday that’s guaranteed to stop foot traffic. Whether you’re a serious collector or just here for the vibes, this one’s worth the lap around the mall.
– When: Jan. 24-25, during mall hours
– Where: 3001 S. 144th St.
January Drive-Thru Food Pantry
Benson Baptist Food Pantry continues its monthly tradition of showing up for neighbors with dignity and care. This drive-thru pantry serves households efficiently while also welcoming walk-ups for those without vehicles, making sure no one is left out. It’s a reminder that community care doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be consistent.
– When: Jan. 31, 9 a.m.-noon
– Where: 6319 Maple St.
— Xavier Jackson is an Omaha-based entrepreneur who connects creatives and forges more opportunities for them through his organization Local Art Plug.
I’ve never been the type of person to use Jan. 1 as an excuse to make life changes — the annual “I’m going to start working out” promise notwithstanding. But after a pretty intense reporting project the last couple of months, I felt like I needed to make time for things other than work and TV.
Enter clay. I’ve only worked with real clay a few times in my life and never with much success. Air-dry clay seemed like a good way to dip my pinky toe back into the water without the intimidation of kilns, wheels and glazes. I’ve already made some wall sconces, a light switch cover, a ring dish for my fiancée and a little cup to hold my brushes.
Each one’s kinda lopsided. The painting isn’t that precise and I could have done a better job smoothing things out. But I’m okay with that. It’s so relaxing to just work the clay, listen to some music and flex that creative part of my brain. Maybe next year I’ll get the “working out” thing figured out too.
— Chris Bowling, Flatwater Free Press
Three former CEOs of Nebraska Medicine expressed “sincere concerns” about a planned state buyout of Clarkson Regional Health Services’ 50% stake in Nebraska Medicine. The CEOs said the nonprofit hospital’s current structure was set up to protect its independence, but did not address what would happen if the deal were to fail, Matt Olberding writes at Nebraska Public Media. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents is set to vote on a plan at today’s special meeting.
About 75% of Omaha kids aren’t able to join an after-school program despite their parents and guardians’ desire to enroll them in one, according to a recent survey. A local nonprofit leader says this is the first survey of its kind for the city, writes Jessica Wade at The Reader.
Jim Hartung, an Olympic gold medalist and local gymnastics legend, who died Saturday at 65, had a major impact on his sport, The World-Herald reported. The Omaha South grad became a national champ at UNL, where he later coached for many years, and claimed the top spot with Team USA at the 1984 Olympics.
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Nathan “Sandy” Phillips Dodge IV, the fourth-generation leader of 171-year-old real estate firm NP Dodge Co. as well as active community member and philanthropist, has died at 89. Dodge is remembered for his humility, determination and humor by friends and family, writes Dan Crisler at The World-Herald.
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Danielle Jensen, a former spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, began her tenure as Douglas County election commissioner, WOWT reported. Former Commissioner Brian Kruse stepped down after a decade in the job.
Valley voted for two new City Council members after recalling the mayor and council president last year, KETV reports. Former Valley City Council member Linda Lewis was appointed mayor and resigned from her seat.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium will soon see patients in its Bill and Berniece Grewcock Animal Hospital. The 32,000-square-foot, $45 million facility will help staff treat insects, lions, primates and tens of thousands of other animals at the zoo, Marjie Ducey at The World-Herald writes.
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