Howdy, Omaha – it’s Jeremy.
If on one of these hot summer nights you find yourself in a cool, dimly lit bar for a few rounds of trivia, you’ll want to know the answer to this one: What’s the deadliest animal in the world?
It’s not lions, tigers, snakes, alligators, tarantulas or sharks with frickin’ laser beams attached to their heads.
Hint: It’s that irksome blood sucker breeding in your backyard.
Diseases transmitted by mosquitoes kill hundreds of thousands of people each year, and the latest dispatch from freelance writer Nancy Gaarder should raise Nebraskans’ awareness of the threat carried by the flying pests.
The state’s first West Nile virus diagnosis of the year came about two months ago in Douglas County, but the season for the occasionally fatal virus is just now heating up.
Public health officials are concerned this season could be rough because the number of mosquitoes is way up over last year. Even more than that, they’re worried about how climate change will extend skeeter season in the future.
Fortunately, there are a few small steps you can take to avoid getting bitten quite so much.
Read Nancy’s story to learn more (or click on the photo above).
— Jeremy Turley, Flatwater Free Press
Housing, lowriders, and cocktails, oh my! There’s a whole lot going on in Omaha over the next month from presentations on traditional medicine to the Midwest’s largest festival celebrating African culture. Join in on the networking, learning and fun-having opportunities.
Housing and Homeownership Conference
Ever thought about owning a home or know someone who does? Then you won’t want to miss this conference hosted by Family Housing Advisory Services. Attendees can expect a day of learning about homeownership opportunities, mortgage and lending options, government housing programs and much more!
– When: Aug. 17, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
– Where: Family Housing Advisory Services – 2401 Lake St., Omaha
IBBG Mural Listening Session
Calling all community members and creatives: Make your voice heard during this mural listening session as we talk through prompts and ideas to determine what image would best represent I Be Black Girl and the community in which it resides. IBBG serves as a collective for Black women, femmes and girls to actualize their full potential through autonomy, abundance and liberation.
– When: Aug. 22, 6-7 p.m.
– Where: Register for Zoom link
Welcome to the Streets Lowrider Show
End your summer in style! This free event will get your motor going. Got a souped-up car or motorcycle you’ve been waiting to show off? This is your chance! The car with the biggest hydraulic-powered “hop” will be crowned this year’s “King of the Streets.”
– When: Aug. 17, 11 a.m.-4p.m.
– Where: Inphase Car Audio – 13438 L St., Omaha
Night Light: Traditional Indigenous Medicine
Join Minnesota-based business owner Megan L. Bull Bear as she leads a discussion on traditional medicines used by Indigenous people. From her inspirations to sourcing methods, come experience the depth of Bull Bear’s knowledge during this adults-only nighttime event.
– When: Aug. 22, 7-10 p.m.
– Where: Kiewit Luminarium – 345 Riverfront Drive, Omaha
Afro Fest Omaha 2024
Coming to you live from the Gene Leahy Mall! Afro Fest Omaha is in its sixth year, and this one will prove to be bigger and better than ever. This day of cultural festivities includes a children’s and educational village, an African market and food row, whiskey tastings and electrifying performances from local and internationally known artists. FFP Omaha subscribers can get 10% off tickets by using the code “ART” at checkout.
– When: Sept. 1, 2-10 p.m.
– Where: Heartland Park of America – 800 Douglas St., Omaha
Mix and Sip: A Hands-On Mixology Experience
I’ve heard of paint and sip. I’ve even heard of cake and create. But now I’m excited to introduce you to mix and sip! Prepare to be blown away as expert mixologist Melanie Henderson teaches you about the art and science of making the perfect cocktail.
– When: Sept. 14, 4-7 p.m.
– Where: Time on My Hands: Crafts & Services – 7020 Maple St., Omaha
— Xavier Jackson is an Omaha-based entrepreneur who connects creatives and forges more opportunities for them through his organization Local Art Plug.
The Omaha Planning Board approved several consent agenda items, including the Central Park Plaza redevelopment project. The board laid over a special-use permit for Hansen Property Development after hearing concerns about industrial recycler U-Pull-It’s environmental impact and unpermitted use of a heavy-duty car shredder. The board also laid over the Nebraska Mental Health Association’s request for a small group living facility after discussions of public safety and transparency. Read our full summary for more details on these discussions and decisions. Read the full meeting notes on the Documenters website.
Want to help inform your community and create better journalism while getting paid? Become a Documenter today.
— Leah Wambui Keinama, Nebraska Journalism Trust
This week (and every week), I’m into the goat cheese stylings of Lincoln’s own Dutch Girl Creamery. I bring a container of their lemon honey chevre and some oatcakes to every dinner party – it’s always a crowd pleaser.
But lately, I’ve been branching out into their goat goudas and blue cheeses. It’s easy to be adventurous when Kevin Loth, one of the farm’s owners, offers you a generous sample of his wife’s newest creation with a smile. Catch him at Omaha’s Saturday and Sunday farmers markets and try some for yourself!
— Destiny Herbers, Flatwater Free Press
Both vice presidential candidates are planning to visit the Omaha area in the next week as the race heats up for the electoral vote in Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, the Nebraska Examiner’s Aaron Sanderford reported. Democratic VP pick Tim Walz is coming this weekend to stump for Kamala Harris’ campaign, and Republican veep nominee J.D. Vance will appear at a $1,000-a-plate fundraiser hosted by the Ricketts family and other GOP donors.
Ex-police fundraiser Jack Olson pleaded guilty to tax evasion and conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of a scheme to defraud the Latino Peace Officers Association, The World-Herald’s Luna Stephens reported. Former Omaha City Councilman Vinny Palermo and two ex-cops previously pleaded guilty to related charges. A judge will determine how much prison time Olson will serve.
Nick Murphy, a former Omaha dance studio owner and NFL punter, was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a child, WOWT’s Brian Mastre reported. As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed not to pursue charges against Murphy for misconduct in a separate case involving a minor in Sarpy County.
Starting next year, UNO will offer a major in artificial intelligence as the emerging technology’s influence grows, WOWT’s Bella Caracta reported. The major is the first of its kind in Nebraska.
Nonprofit workers and city officials hosted an educational session on lead contamination in North Omaha, KMTV’s Melissa Wright reported. A city planning leader urged residents to type their address into omahalead.org to see if their property’s lead levels have been tested.
A hole in a South Omaha bridge, now covered up with plywood, has generated concern from nearby residents and workers, KMTV’s Jill Lamkins reported. NDOT says a full repair of the fast-deteriorating bridge isn’t scheduled until 2029, but neighbors worry that’ll be too late to prevent a tragedy.
The Flatwater Free Press is published by the Nebraska Journalism Trust, a 501(c)(3) public charity