Katie Schubert

The National Weather Service says more than three inches of rain fell in areas of Sarpy County as severe storms moved through Saturday and Sunday.

A tornado caused significant damage in Thurman, Iowa. No one was killed or seriously injured. Hail up to three inches in diameter was reported in Boone County, Nebraska.

Heavy rain also fell throughout the area. In western Sarpy County, more than three and a half inches of rain was reported. That caused flash flooding along I-80 in low-lying areas.

The Salvation Army of Omaha says the need for assistance from their food pantry is up 36 percent.

The Salvation Army and UNO’s Just Can It food drive has a new partner this year: the city of Omaha. Next week, all three will collect donations will the Salvation Army’s food pantry. The city of Omaha will collect donations as part of its Tuna Tuesdays food drive.

A day-long workshop Sunday at UNO focuses on events in the Middle East in the year since the so-called Arab Spring.

Arab Spring refers to the uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and other Middle East nations. It led to the overthrow of longtime dictators, and transitions to new governments. Workshops at Sunday’s conference will focus on Israel and Palestine, Iran, North Africa, and Egypt.

Nebraska Democrats are preparing to meet this weekend for the state’s second presidential caucus.

The Nebraska Democratic Party held its first caucus in 2008, and selected President Obama as their candidate. Caucuses are an opportunity for registered Democrats to get together, discuss issues, and choose delegates. UNO political science professor Paul Landow says caucuses aren’t about voter turnout, but about party-building.

Omaha South High School’s Ambassadors Show Choir is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

A 50 year reunion concert is scheduled for Saturday evening at South High School. The Ambassadors Show Choir began in 1962 as the Choralaires. Among the 100 participants in this weekend’s reunion show are members of that choir.

The NRC has confirmed a finding that an electrical fire last June at the Fort Calhoun Station was a serious safety risk.

Tuesday’s report follows a preliminary finding issued last month by the Commission. The June 7, 2011 fire caused an alert to be issued at the nuclear plant. It was closed at the time due to Missouri River flooding.

NRC Region 4 spokeswoman Lara Uselding says the finding is a so-called “red” threat, meaning it’s a high safety significant issue.

A new Walmart Supercenter in north Omaha is expected to create 275 jobs when it opens next year.

Walmart and city officials announced Monday that the Supercenter will be built at 50th and Ames Streets. Construction is scheduled to begin later this year. Mayor Jim Suttle says the project is important to north Omaha’s quality of life, as it'll provide a place for residents to buy household items, fresh fruit and vegetables, and other goods.

Suttle says he’s encouraged by the growth along the Ames corridor in the past year from 30th to 72nd Streets.

Nebraska Democrats are preparing for their second presidential caucus.

The caucus happens statewide this Saturday. In 2008, the Nebraska Democratic Party held its first caucus, and supported President Obama.

Democratic Party chairman Vic Covalt says the caucus gave Nebraska a role in the nominating process. "We went to the caucus because we wanted to help decide who the President would be, and the Nebraska caucus in February 2008 was the first of 11 straight small-state wins that gave Obama the edge that ultimately led to his victory in the Democratic nomination."

Early voting for Nebraska's May 15th primary election begins Monday.

Redistricting means there are fewer polling places in Douglas and Sarpy counties. Douglas County Election Commissioner Dave Phipps says voters can come to the election commission office and cast an early ballot, pick up a ballot, or request one by mail. 

Sarpy County Election Commissioner Wayne Bena says about 30 percent of registered voters voted early in the 2008 general election. He expects it’ll be higher this election cycle.

Sarpy County voters will have fewer polling places in May.

Election Commissioner Wayne Bena says redistricting resulted in Sarpy County losing 20 polling places. Originally 71, the county now has 51 polling places and 52 precincts.

Bena says cards have been sent to voters with their new polling place information. He says the county also has a new polling place finder map on its website. “What this will allow people to do is to type in their address, and it’ll show you a map of where your house is to where your polling site is, and will give you driving directions as well.”