News

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – A newly-formed community group is seeking to have an active role in Omaha's future.

VOICE OMAHA was formed about a month ago. The organization has six core values: community involvement and engagement; transparency; equal opportunity and social mobility; advocacy for arts and culture; sustainability; and smart urban development. Those issues were identified by the steering committee as being the most important to the Omaha community.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – CEO and motivational speaker Chris Gardner says bad economic times are an opportunity for people to explore what they really want to do.

Gardner was the keynote speaker Monday at an event honoring seven Nebraska youth for overcoming obstacles and serving their communities. The winners of the D.J.'s Hero Awards receive a scholarship. The awards are sponsored by the Salvation Army.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – An Omaha elementary school will reopen Thursday.

Omaha Public Schools spokeswoman Luanne Nelson says Chandler View Elementary, at 7800 South 25th Street, will reopen after a two-day closure. The decision was made to reopen the school after the CDC issued new guidelines regarding school closures. Nelson says the District is asking parents to keep their children home if they're experiencing flu-like symptoms.

Nebraska has six confirmed cases of swine flu.

Clarinetist joins the Omaha Symphony for a weekend of music.

By Chris Cooke

Omaha, Nebraska – Dave Bennett's Tribute to Benny Goodman hits Omaha May 1-3 at the Holland Performing Arts Center. Clarinetist Dave Bennett and his jazz sextet breathe new life into this timeless, feel-good music. The sextet will join the Omaha Symphony for three days of performances this weekend, conducted by Omaha Symphony Music Director Thomas Wilkins.

By Dan Locke and Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Less than a year after a tornado devastated the Little Sioux Scout Ranch, the camp is reopening this Saturday.

Countless volunteers and many Boy Scouts have put in time to help cleanup the mess that resulted from the devastating storm.

A total of 4 new shelters will be built to accommodate scouts that come to the ranch and might need shelter in case of inclement weather.

Four Boy Scouts died and more than 40 were injured when the tornado hit the Scout Camp June 11, 2008.

By Katie Knapp

Omaha, NE – Health officials in Douglas County say there's no reason to panic following the diagnosis of a case of swine flu.

A San Diego, California man is in isolation in Omaha, recovering from a case of swine flu. The Douglas County Health Department says the man arrived in Omaha late last week to visit friends. He became ill and went to the hospital Sunday. Health Department Director Dr. Adi Pour says the man is out of the hospital and being treated with antivirals.

By Katie Knapp

Council Bluffs, IA – Same-sex couples can now apply for marriage licenses in Iowa.

Recorders' offices began accepting those applications Monday. Pottawattamie County Deputy Recorder George Farrage says 11 same-sex couples applied for licenses Monday morning. Three of those couples are from Nebraska. Farrage says the Recorders' office also received inquiries from same-sex couples in Kansas, Missouri and Colorado.

By Katie Knapp

Sarpy County, NE – Sarpy County plans to hold three public meetings next week to get input on the finalists for a new ballpark.

On Tuesday, the Sarpy County Board approved three site finalists. One is the Kennedy Town Center, located at Highway 75 and Chandler Road in Bellevue. Another is along 120th Street and Highway 370 in Papillion. The third site is Southport West, at 126th Street and Giles Road in La Vista, near the Cabela's and Embassy Suites.

By Katie Knapp

Bellevue, NE – The VA of Nebraska-western Iowa is planning an official opening of its new clinic this Saturday.

The Bellevue clinic is located inside the health center at Offutt Air Force Base. It's anticipated that more than four thousand veterans will receive care at the new health clinic.

VA spokesman Will Ackerman says Offutt is a good location for a clinic because many retired veterans live near the Air Force Base. He says the new clinic will provide primary health care services.

By Katie Knapp

Papillion, NE – Sites in Bellevue, Papillion and La Vista are being considered as possible homes for the Omaha Royals' new ballpark.