General News

Omaha’s first gun amnesty day of 2012 is Saturday.

The Omaha Police Department is co-sponsoring the amnesty day at 50th and Ames. Last year, police collected 127 illegal or unwanted firearms during three gun amnesty events.

Lieutenant Shayna Ray of OPD’s Gang Unit says firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are accepted at the amnesty sites. Ray says guns and ammunition are accepted no questions asked. Police don’t get information from people who turn in illegal or unwanted guns at the amnesty day events.

Douglas County is replacing two vehicles with Compressed Natural Gas or CNG ones.

In April, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted to replace two high mileage vehicles with CNG vehicles. Chairman Marc Kraft says CNG vehicles are more efficient and run cleaner than gas or diesel vehicles.  

He says the vehicles pay for themselves within 2 ½ to 3 years after purchase.  Kraft says the purchase is part of Douglas County’s efforts to find environmentally friendly solutions.

The Douglas County Board is starting the process of putting together a 2012-2013 budget.

Douglas County’s new fiscal year begins July 1. Chairman Marc Kraft says everything is on the table, including a tax increase, because the county has limited sources of revenue. “The major challenge is that we have limited ability to create income sources. Most of our income comes from either grants or from property taxes, and a small amount comes from fees we charge.”

Seven high school seniors are the recipients of this year’s DJ’s Hero awards.

The scholarships were awarded at Monday’s D.J.’s Hero Awards luncheon. The awards, sponsored by the Salvation Army, honor young people who’ve overcome obstacles and given back to their community.