The April 30th Weekly Market Report

Nicole Buntgen, Contributing Writer

Masala Indian Bar and Grill has opened at 7007 Grover Street inside Comfort Inn & Suites hotel. The restaurant specializes in regional Indian cuisine with freshly ground spices and traditional clay-oven cooking.

A building permit has been filed for a Trader Joe’s store at 210 North 191st Street. The 13,500 sq. ft. store would be constructed on the northeast corner of 192nd & Burke Street, just south of West Dodge Road in the Avenue One Good Life District. The California-based grocery chain has an existing Omaha store at One Pacific Place. Other retailers planning to join Avenue One include West Elm, Arhaus, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma, Barnes & Noble and Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille.

Tipico Helado, a locally owned Mexican ice cream shop, is opening a Gretna location inside the former Cold Stone Creamery space at Nebraska Crossing. Opening is planned for May 15. Founded in 2017, Tipico Helado has existing shops in South Omaha, the Old Market, 156th & West Dodge Road and downtown Fremont.

Another “dirty soda” shop chain appears to be opening its first location in Nebraska, this time near 72nd & Dodge Street. According to a building permit, Swig plans to take over a former Starbucks coffee shop at 219 South 72nd Street. Swig started in St. George, Utah. The dirty soda concept focuses on non-alcoholic beverages, primarily soda, mixed with cream, syrups or fruit. The company has around 150 locations in 16 states. Currently, the closest locations are found in Kansas City, where there are eight.

Wine Beer and Spirits has closed its downtown Omaha store at 1037 Jones Street and is transitioning it into a neighborhood bar. Interior renovations are underway. It will reopen as Monty’s Bar & Bottle Shop. The space is in the Old Market Lofts building on the south side of the Old Market. Wine Beer and Spirits’ original location near Oak View Mall remains open. The company has additional stores in Fremont, Lincoln and Grand Island, Neb.

Dairy Queen Grill & Chill has reopened at 404 North 114th Street on the southwest corner of 114th & West Dodge Road after extensive renovations. Crews demolished the second floor and roof of the classic, barn-style Dairy Queen building last December. The ice cream shop has been converted into a contemporary, single-story, fast-food restaurant.

Baker’s has filed a building permit for its planned 100,181 sq. ft. grocery store at 18303 Evans Street, which is southwest of 180th & West Maple Road. The building will sit on a 13-acre lot, which was originally going to be a Fleet Farm store before those plans changed. Kroger, which owns Baker’s, has not announced a construction timeline. Baker’s has another store under construction northwest of 204th & Q Street.

John’s Grecian Delight has reopened at 1001 Fort Crook Road North after temporarily closing in late December due to a serious injury to owner John Sakkas. The longtime Bellevue restaurant is currently operating with limited hours as Sakkas continues his recovery.

Rib Shack Smokehouse is now open seven days a week at 10841 Q Street. The restaurant had been closed on Mondays.

North Italia at Village Pointe will launch a new seasonal menu on April 29, featuring updated dishes and cocktails. The restaurant will also offer a $25 prix fixe lunch and brunch menu May 11–31.

Kidlavie, an entertainment center for children and families, has opened in Oak View Mall. The indoor amusement park occupies a 22,000 sq. ft. space on the mall’s second level between a vacant Sears store and the former Rush Market. Geared to children ages 1 through 12, Kidlavie also has a full restaurant. The business was founded in 2022 and has another location in Mobile, Ala.

Ageless Skin Co. has opened at 1150 Sterling Ridge Drive near 132nd & Pacific Street, relocating from its previous 96th & L Street space. The med spa also has a location in Gretna and will celebrate its seventh anniversary in May.

Learn more about Anderson Convenience market at www.Anderson1952.com

Bed Bath & Beyond to Combine with The Container Store at Westroads

Bed Bath & Beyond will once again have a brick-and-mortar retail presence in Omaha by combining with The Container Store at Westroads Mall.

The Container Store, which has been a junior anchor at Westroads for nine years, is clearing out 30 percent of its existing inventory to make room for Bed Bath & Beyond merchandise, which is expected to arrive in the store early this summer.

To liquidate existing merchandise, The Container Store is advertising a “STORE CHANGING” sale, offering discounts and declaring that “almost” everything must go.

Bed, Bath & Beyond filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023 and closed all its brick-and-mortar stores, including local stores at Village Pointe and at The Shoppes of Aksarben southeast of 72nd & Pacific Street. The retailer was known for selling home goods especially kitchenware and bedding.

Though Bed Bath & Beyond closed its physical locations, the brand never truly went away. Its intellectual property was purchased by Overstock.com, which is now known as Beyond, Inc. The parent company continued to sell Bed Bath & Beyond merchandise through an ecommerce platform. In 2025, the parent company opened a Bed Bath & Beyond come-back store in Tennessee.

Now the company has purchased The Container Store and is transitioning 98 locations to the combined-store concept to be known as The Container Store + Bed Bath & Beyond. The Omaha storefront will have both logos on its exterior signage.

In addition to Omaha, other regional markets to get the combined stores include Denver; West Des Moines, Iowa; Overland Park, Kan.; Edina, Minn.; St. Louis; Oklahoma City; and Chicago.

The Container Store just recently exercised an option to renew its lease at Westroads. Because Bed Bath & Beyond inventory will fit into the existing store, no significant interior construction work will be necessary.

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The University of Nebraska Board of Regents last week approved next steps for constructing an Infectious Diseases Air Transport Training (IDAT) facility on the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Omaha campus, expanding university’s role in national defense preparedness.

The board approved intermediate design review for the free-standing, $17.4 million facility that will extend programs offered by the United States Air Force Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills (C-STARS) Omaha Unit stationed at UNMC. The facility also will house air transport modules and an aircraft fuselage for training military health personnel on transporting highly infectious patients from overseas.

Construction of the one-story, 20,486 sq. ft. facility will begin in November on an existing UNMC’s Lot 62 parking lot, near 40th & Mason Street, on the southern edge of the Omaha campus.

Developers plan to build two, multi-tenant retail buildings at 12120 McDermott Plaza in La Vista, according to Paul Mulligan of Hard Corner, LLC, who is handling leasing for the project. The site is part of the Southport East development, which includes the CHI Health MultiSport Complex Nebraska, office buildings for Kiewit as well as multiple existing retail and hospitality buildings. The two planned retail strips will total 19,115 sq. ft. A construction date has not been announced but completion is planned for 2027.

Construction is expected to be complete by this fall on a 2-story office building at 19303 South HWS Cleveland Boulevard in the Avenue One Good Life District. A medical clinic will occupy the second floor, according to Kristi Andersen of NAI NP Dodge, who is the building’s leasing agent. Pre-leasing is underway for the first floor. The 15,000 sq. ft. building sits on a .94-acre lot south of the MD West One and Bankers Trust buildings.

The Lerner Company will break ground tomorrow – May 1st – on Gretna Crossing, a 70-acre retail development on the south side of 192nd & Highway 370. Some site preparation work has already started. The development will have up to 500,000 sq. ft. of retail, restaurant and service-oriented space, while supporting 1,400 permanent jobs. Upon completion, Gretna Crossing is expected to generate an estimated $50 million in combined sales and property tax revenue for the City of Gretna over the next ten years.

Construction is going vertical on a 4-story Echo Suites Extended Stay Hotel by Wyndham near Council Bluffs’ Mid-America Center. Located at 3420 Mid America Loop, 124-room hotel will operate in a 50,090 sq. ft. building on a 2.24-acre lot west of Quaker Steak & Lube and north of the Iowa West Sports Plex. The first two floors have been framed and partially enclosed.

Park Omaha, the City of Omaha’s Parking & Mobility Division, won the 2026 International Parking and Mobility Institute’s Organization of the Year award. Criteria focus on an organization that creates a culture of excellence; embraces innovation, excellence and technology in parking, transportation and mobility; and demonstrates years of proven leadership. Park Omaha will receive the honor at an annual conference in June.

The Omaha Planning Department presented the 2025 Annual Tax Increment Financing Report to the City Council last week as required by law. In 2025, the city approved 22 TIF projects providing $52 million in TIF loans to support $424 million in total development. The projects could create 1,600 residential units (including 375 affordable and workforce units) and more than 75,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. Additionally, more than $6 million of the covered costs support public infrastructure improvements.

The report also highlights the economic impact of the five TIF projects that matured in 2025. Those projects totaled $9.8 million in new valuation and created an additional $200,000 in annual property tax revenues.

The $400 million Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility is moving forward with the recent approval of an amendment to the Construction Manager at Risk agreement between the City of Omaha and McCarthy Building Companies. The project is a significant investment in the city’s wastewater infrastructure, including the adoption of aerobic granular sludge, an innovative liquid treatment. Omaha’s 12-tank system will be the largest of its kind in the United States.

The Omaha City Council approved the amendment via a 4-3 vote. Opposition was based on the apparent unilateral approval by the Public Works Department of McCarthy’s open-book arrangement for more than $50 million in construction work. The city council had previously approved McCarthy to secure that work by open bidding. State Attorney General, Mike Hilgers offered an opinion on the matter, stating that it while he had concerns about the decision making, the city did nothing illegal in the contracting process.

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Berkshire Hathaway’s annual shareholders meeting, “the Woodstock of capitalism,” takes place Saturday at CHI Health Center Omaha starting at 8:30 a.m. Local hotels, restaurants and shops have already started welcoming thousands of visitors. It will be the first annual meeting since Greg Abel took over as CEO, replacing the legendary Warren Buffett. The Omaha-based conglomerate will release its first quarter report online at 7 a.m. Saturday.

The Greater Omaha Chamber expressed strong support for the proposed merger between Omaha-based Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, as the companies prepare to refile their application with the Surface Transportation Board today. The chamber emphasized the proposal’s potential to expand competition, strengthen the national freight network and deliver meaningful economic benefits nationwide. The $85 billion merger would create the nation’s first, true transcontinental railroad.

Forbes featured Don and Linda Eckles, founders of Omaha-based Scooter’s Coffee, last week in an article titled, “From Coffee Kiosk to Billion-Dollar Business: How Scooter’s Became One of America’s Top Franchises.” The Eckles founded Scooter’s in 1998. The company now has 912 locations in 32 states and rang up $859 million in total sales last year. The Eckles, who remain majority owners, said they are not currently looking to sell the company, and “for now, we love being a privately held company.”

Werner Enterprises, Inc. reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. Total revenues for the quarter were $808.6 million, an increase of $96.5 million compared to the prior year, due to a $92.4 million, or 18 percent increase in Truckload Transportation Services revenues and a slight increase in Werner Logistics revenues of $0.3 million.

Maplewood Lanes, a bowling center at 3030 North 101st Street, is improving the bowling experience by putting in a Mark3One lane system. In an effort to provide high-tech bowling to the Omaha community, owner Jeanne Belitz said, the upgraded lanes “will be designed with down lane markers and board indicators to help people grow in the sport of bowling.”

AMCON Distributing Company, an Omaha-based convenience and foodservice distributor, declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per common share. This cash dividend is payable on May 29 to shareholders of record as of May 11, 2026.

Union Pacific’s famed Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, will take a tour this summer from its home base in Cheyenne, Wyo., to Philadelphia and back. As part of the tour, it will make one-day stop in Omaha on May 30.

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Metropolitan Community College is hosting a ribbon cutting and open house celebrating its Small Business Development Center (SBDC) designation by the U.S. Small Business Administration on Wednesday, May 6. Metro’s center is located at The Ashton building in Millwork Commons and will be the second federally designated SBDC in Nebraska.

The City of Omaha last week awarded grants totaling $54,520 to 16 neighborhood groups, with more than half supporting food pantries and community gardens. Awarded organizations include City Sprouts, No More Empty Pots and more.

Last week was National Volunteer Week, during which SHARE Omaha hosted its annual Do Good Days and invited hundreds of volunteers to donate time supporting nonprofits across Omaha. During the four-day campaign, volunteers served in over 100 different ways, including reading for Radio Talking Book Service, packing menstrual pad kits for Access Period and collecting litter at Standing Bear Lake with The Blue Bucket Project.

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Recent Nebraska Legislation: What It Means for Housing and Real Estate

By Mike Story, Managing Broker

Several bills passed by the Nebraska Legislature are beginning to shape the housing landscape across the state. While each takes a different approach, they collectively influence housing supply, transaction efficiency and long-term investment in workforce housing.

LB 1139 is a clear win for the real estate industry. The bill improves how child and spousal support liens are handled in property transactions, an issue that has historically created delays, uncertainty and even failed closings.

By allowing a documented payment history to facilitate lien release for a transaction, the legislation introduces a more practical and efficient path to clear title. This reduces friction for buyers, sellers, lenders and title professionals alike. In practical terms, LB 1139:

• Speeds up transactions
• Reduces closing risk
• Improves title clarity

It’s a strong example of how targeted policy changes can meaningfully improve the day-to-day functioning of the housing market.

Another positive step for Nebraska’s housing market comes through legislation establishing the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act. This initiative is designed to make it easier for Nebraskans to save for and ultimately enter the housing market. Beginning January 1, 2027, individuals will be able to open dedicated savings accounts specifically for home purchases.

These accounts come with meaningful incentives:

• State tax deductions on contributions
• Tax-free growth on earnings
• Funds eligible for key homebuying costs like down payments, closing costs, inspections and appraisals

The program targets true, first-time buyers, defined as those who have not owned a primary residence within the past three years. This helps expand access to homeownership in a structured and disciplined way. There are guardrails in place to ensure the program is used as intended. Non-qualified withdrawals, or funds taken out too early, may face recapture provisions and penalties, reinforcing the long-term savings goal.

From an industry perspective, this is a forward-looking, pro-housing policy. By lowering the barrier to entry for first-time buyers, it has the potential to:

• Increase demand at the entry-level segment
• Help more renters transition into ownership
• Support overall market stability over time

LB 1067 introduces changes to the documentary stamp tax collected during real estate transactions. While those of us in the real estate industry opposed the increased costs to would-be sellers, the bill carries meaningful upside.

Let’s look at both aspects. From an industry standpoint this creates a slight headwind, as higher transaction costs can impact affordability and deal flow, particularly in price-sensitive segments. The upside to this bill is it directs additional revenue into the Rural and Middle-Income Workforce Housing Investment Funds, creating a more reliable stream of funding for housing development. Just as important, it includes stronger protections to ensure those dollars remain dedicated to housing, rather than being diverted to other budget needs.

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Cole Young, Contributing Writer

Greg McDermott was honored with the St. George National Award during Creighton men’s basketball’s season-ending banquet last Wednesday. The St. George National Award is the American Cancer Society’s highest honor for volunteers and is presented annually to a select group of individuals who have made significant, long‑term contributions to advancing the organization’s mission.

For more than 20 years, McDermott has played an integral role in advancing the Society’s mission through his enduring commitment to the Omaha Hope Lodge, Coaches vs. Cancer and the establishment of Creighton men’s basketball’s annual Pink Out Game. His leadership has contributed to raising more than $1 million to date for ACS programs and services.

The Omaha Supernovas used a franchise-record 21 blocks in a four-set win over the Columbus Fury last Friday to become the only original MLV team to qualify for the playoffs all three seasons. Omaha held the Fury to an opponent season-low .099 hitting percentage in Friday’s match. The Supernovas will make their third straight playoff appearance in the MLV semifinals on Thursday, May 7, at Comerica Center in Frisco, Tex. Omaha cannot finish higher than No. 3, meaning it will face either the Indy Ignite (20-5) or Dallas Pulse (19-7).

The Supernovas will conclude the regular season Friday night at the Dallas Pulse at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed live on Victory+ and can be heard on the Supernovas Radio Network on KCRO 660 AM.

Supernovas outside hitter Sarah Parsons was named Major League Volleyball Player of the Week for the second time this season, becoming the only MLV player to receive multiple weekly awards in 2026. Parsons had 26 points and 21 kills in the Novas’ home finale last Friday, finishing with a Supernovas career-best .452 hitting percentage

Chasers Charities, the charitable arm of the Omaha Storm Chasers, announced the recipients of the Spring 2026 Chasin’ Dreams Grant, awarding more than $16,000 to four local programs to improve access to safe, playable fields for youth baseball and softball throughout the community. Since launching in 2016, the biannual Chasin’ Dreams Grant has supported 36 nonprofits with more than $140,000 in grants.

This spring’s recipients are the Black Police Officers Association of Omaha, Echoes Athletic Association, Grover Little League and St. Thomas More Athletics.

For the second season in a row, Omaha softball swept Creighton in the season series. The two programs met at the Creighton Softball Stadium Tuesday night, and Omaha secured a 2-0 win behind another stellar performance from ace Maddia Groff. She pitched a five-hit shutout, earning her 14th win in her 11th complete game this season. Her sister, Rylinn, drove in the first run with a single into left field to score Sammy Schmidt. In the fifth, shortstop Taylor Sedlacek hit her team-leading 15th home run of the season to pad Omaha’s lead and round out the scoring for the evening.

Omaha softball pitcher Maddia Groff has been named Summit League Pitcher of the Week in back-to-back weeks for her fourth overall honor this season, the league announced Tuesday. Groff went 1-0 with two appearances, including a start against No. 1 Nebraska on April 21. In nine innings pitched against North Dakota and Nebraska, Groff posted a 0.78 ERA while striking out 11.

Omaha secured at least a share of the Summit League regular season title when it swept North Dakota in a two-game series last weekend. The Mavericks will conclude the regular season with a series at South Dakota this weekend, beginning Thursday at 3 p.m.

Creighton softball clinched a spot in the 2026 Big East Tournament in last Saturday’s record-breaking 7-5 win over UConn. The Bluejays set single-season program records for runs scored (325), RBIs (297) and doubles (80) with three games remaining in the regular season. Creighton is tied for second place in the Big East with the Huskies heading into the final weekend and will host DePaul for a series beginning Friday at 6 p.m. The 2026 Big East Softball Championship will begin Thursday, May 7.

Creighton volleyball announced on Sunday that it will host defending national champion Texas A&M on Sunday, September 20, inside D.J. Sokol Arena. It will be only the second time that Creighton has hosted the defending national champion, having played 2017 national champion Nebraska to five sets in 2018 at CHI Health Center Omaha. Creighton last defeated the defending national champion in the 2024 Regional Semifinals, when it beat two-time defending national champion and then-No. 13 Texas.

Union Omaha defeated USL Championship club Indy Eleven on Saturday, 2-1, in the first match of the group stage of the 2026 USL Cup. Omaha will return to USL League One regular season play Saturday, hosting Greenville Triumph SC in a match beginning at 7 p.m.

Creighton baseball ace Jack Pineau earned the Big East Pitcher of the Week award, the league announced Monday. Pineau threw six scoreless innings with eight strikeouts in Creighton’s shutout over Butler on Friday to earn his second honor this season. Outfielder Teddy Deters was also recognized with a spot on the Big East Honor Roll. Deters batted 6-for-13 (.462) and led Creighton with a team-high seven RBI in its 4-0 week.

The Big East-leading Bluejays (25-17, 10-2) travel to New York for a series against second-place St. John’s (22-20, 9-3) beginning Friday at 2 p.m.

Omaha baseball will attempt to reset after a 1-3 week when it hits the road for a weekend series against Northern Colorado, beginning Friday at 3 p.m. With just 10 conference games remaining ahead of the Summit League Tournament, Omaha (14-21, 9-8) is in sole possession of second place in Summit League standings.

Next Wednesday, May 6, Omaha will stop in Manhattan, Kan., for a midweek game against Kansas State, before continuing to Tulsa, Okla., for next weekend’s conference series against league-leading Oral Roberts.

The Omaha Storm Chasers are back at Werner Park this week, hosting the Louisville Bats in a series playing through Sunday. Omaha suffered a pair of 5-1 losses on Monday and Tuesday, and returns to action tonight at 6:35 p.m. for $3 Thursday. Fans can enjoy select tickets, concessions and Busch Light cans for just $3 each.

Upcoming Events

• Omaha softball at South Dakota | April 30 – May 2 | 3 p.m. Thursday
• Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Louisville | April 28 – May 3 | 6:35 p.m. Thursday
• Creighton baseball at St. John’s | May 1 – 3 | 2 p.m. Friday
• Omaha baseball at Northern Colorado | May 1 – 3 | 3 p.m. Friday
• Creighton softball vs. DePaul | May 1 – 3 | 6 p.m. Friday
• Omaha Supernovas at Dallas | Friday, May 1 | 7 p.m.
• Union Omaha vs. Greenville Triumph SC | Saturday, May 2 | 7 p.m.
• Creighton baseball vs. Kansas | Tuesday, May 5 | 6 p.m.
• Omaha baseball at Kansas State | Wednesday, May 6 | 6 p.m.

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Omaha’s Grand Old Elmwood Park

By Patrick Wyman

When Omaha commissioned prominent landscape architect Horace W.S. Cleveland in 1889, the city was still in the early stages of building out its intertwined park and boulevard system. Among the earliest parks were Jefferson Square, which is now a parking lot under I-480, and Hanscom Park. Cleveland proposed creating a large park on the western edge of Omaha so that it could shut out the sights and sounds of the city.

The city council settled on land that included a wooded ravine that followed a small stream known as Patrick’s Run. The area also contained impressive elm trees for which the park was named. Another notable feature was the rock-walled spring with sparkling water from the hillside stream. Residents lined up to fill empty jugs with the refreshing water that was said to have originated in the Black Hills. It was so popular, in fact, that people often had to wait in line for up to 30 minutes to get their turn.

By the time the city hired Cleveland, it had acquired the first 55 acres for Elmwood Park, with the initial parcels donated to the city. Since it was three miles west of downtown, it was only accessible by buggy or on foot. To allow for easy access to the park, three bridges were constructed over the ravine. It wasn’t until the streetcar line was extended along Leavenworth Street to the park entrance in 1910 that it became accessible to the masses.

Noted architect F. A. Henninger designed a pavilion that resembled a Spanish mission that was completed in 1909, and by 1916, an 18-hole public golf course was established adjacent to the park. Since the course didn’t have a clubhouse of its own, golfers bought and remodeled a nearby house to serve as such the following year. The house still stands at 5912 Leavenworth Street.

By the time auto tourist camps grew in popularity, the park had grown to 215 acres. It also featured an auto tourist camp that was situated on high ground and overlooked the rest of the park. With plenty of trees to provide shade and space to accommodate 150 cars, the camp at Elmwood Park proved to be popular with those traveling across the country.

Amenities included a cookhouse, telephone, bathrooms and an assembly room with writing tables, fireplaces, maps and stationery. The cost was 50 cents per day for a maximum of four days. At its peak in the mid-1920s, more than 7,000 cars stopped at the camp. When it closed in 1933, the buildings that served the campers were converted into a proper clubhouse for the golf course.

The park also contained works of art. One was a bronze baseball statue erected by the Omaha Amateur Baseball Association and created by the American Art Bronze Company in Chicago. Donated to the city, the statue named Bosco sat upon a granite pedestal. It became known as “Mr. Strikeout” and was so poorly designed that it drew ridicule, as no one could determine whether the batter was right-handed or left-handed, whether it represented a hit or a strikeout, or even who the player was. Its time at the park was short-lived, as it was sent to the World War II scrap drive in 1942.

Next to Bosco sat a totem pole that was purchased from Native Americans in Alaska in 1909 and donated to the library in 1921 by Ralph Sunderland. The totem was relocated to Hummel Park after World War II and disappeared a few years later.

After seeing monkeys in a park in Minneapolis, parks commissioner Frank E. Frost decided that Elmwood should also have monkeys. To that end, he created Monkey Island in 1933. The island was surrounded by a three-foot-deep moat that was designed to keep them in. It didn’t take them long to figure out it wasn’t difficult to traverse the moat. Frost considered putting alligators in the moat to keep them in but instead settled for a deeper moat and stronger barrier. Within three years, the monkeys were relocated to Riverview Zoo.

By 1937, the University of Omaha decided to relocate its campus from North Omaha to the western edge of the park. The university continued to grow and suggested that it could expand to the east. Fortunately, the park was saved as a result of rulings by the Nebraska Supreme Court. By then the streetcar lines on Leavenworth Street were abandoned, and the city had determined that water from the spring was contaminated and unsafe for consumption.

Neighbors of the park first thought a public swimming pool would be an undesirable feature and prevented it for a number of years until 1964. In 1971, park advocate Rachel K. Gallagher, whose family created Butternut Coffee, filed a lawsuit with three others over plans to use a portion of the park for university parking. They won after a two-year legal battle. Gallagher also led the effort to turn the old Krug Park into Gallagher Park and helped prevent Interstate 80 from cutting through Riverview Park.

Deemed unsafe, the last of the old bridges was torn down in 1980 and replaced with a pedestrian bridge using the same inverted truss construction. The grotto, whose water was deemed unfit for drinking in 1947 causing its use to diminish, was restored in 2000. Improvements to the plaza area included lighting, landscaping, stairways and a ramp into the sunken area of the grotto. They also made changes so that the spring water flowed along a trough and into a pool.

While Elmwood Park is not the oldest park in the city – that honor belongs to Hanscom Park – it is among the most popular and most utilized. Today it includes the golf course, swimming pool, pavilion, picnic area, playground, exercise equipment, baseball field and hiking trails.

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The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska returns to the Bellevue Berry Farm in Papillion on three consecutive weekends from May 2 through 17 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival is known for inviting guests to a larger realm filled with live entertainment, colorful characters, crafted treasures, food, drink and more. There will be live jousting, swordplay, circus performances and many hands-on experiences such as archery, butterfly release, yard games, ax toss and more. Each weekend has a theme:

May 2-3: Jousts & Jesters – Opening weekend brings the thunder of the joust, lively comedy, unique musicians, daring feats and the kind of pageantry that sets the tone for the weeks ahead.

May 9-10: Lochs & Lore – The second weekend beckons guests deeper into the realm with even more fantasy, Celtic folklore, fire-feats, pub music and roaming characters ready to stir the imagination.

May 16-17: Forgotten Forests – The final weekend closes the season in a haze of woodland whimsy, bold spectacle, and enchanted encounters.

Visit their website for tickets and more information.

BLUEBARN Theatre has announced A Chorus Line coming to the venue May 14 through June 17, with Thursday and Saturday shows at 7:30p.m. Winner of nine Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, A Chorus Line celebrates 50 years of the moving performance. It centers on 17 dancers auditioning for a Broadway show, highlighting their personal, raw stories and struggles.

Conceived and originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett, with music by Marvin Hamlisch, and now directed by Susan Clement. An ASL-interpreted performance will be presented June 5, at 7:30 p.m. One shot. One line. One audition. God, I hope I get it! For tickets and more information, visit their website.

Opera Omaha and Josyln Castle invite artists to participate in the Youth Art Show, Art Inspiring Art, at Joslyn Castle’s Carriage House Gallery May 21 through June 9. Artists 18 and younger are encouraged to share a piece inspired by their “inner museum”, the collection of art, poetry, literature or music that made a lasting impression. This exhibit explores how art inspires us. How it can echo, transform and become something new through imagination.

Artists can submit up to two pieces. All mediums are welcome and must be ready to hang and display. There is no entry fee. A selection of pieces will move to the Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center June 5-7 to be displayed during Opera Omaha performances of UnShakeable.

The Largest Unfurling of the American Flag and a drone show will take place at Memorial Park Friday, May 22, as well as at the Sandhills Global Event Center in Lincoln Sunday, May 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. This free event will showcase the world’s largest American flag, which is 250’ x 550’, being unfurled, with hundreds of people working together. Six hundred fifty people are needed for this event, with all ages approved. Sign up HERE.

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LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT

Despite companies worldwide spending $400 billion annually on employee training, 74 percent of senior leaders say their organizations are still not keeping up with the skills their businesses demand, according to Inc. That figure comes from a recent study by The Josh Bersin Company—the HR advisory and research firm’s fifth major analysis of corporate learning over 25 years, drawing on data from 800 organizations. The conclusion was blunt: The 30-year-old e-learning and video course model is no longer working.

Tokyo’s Haneda Airport will start using humanoid robots as baggage handlers starting in May. According to ars TECHNICA, it’s part of Japan Airlines’ experiment to address a human labor shortage as airport visitor numbers have surged in recent years.

SALES

The first step in overcoming objections is to not fear them or dread them. Objections are a normal and healthy part of the selling process. Some objections are simply questions dressed up as problem statements. Other objections are stalling or delaying tactics. Some are “cries for help,” as prospects are anxious and want you to prove that you’ll make their life better while not ripping them off.

Objections during the prospecting phase are defense mechanisms the buyer uses to protect their time – their most valuable resource. Busy decision makers will say anything to prevent you from taking away their precious time.

Another kind of objection is used as a surprise attack to proactively put the prospective client in the driver’s seat instead of you or to proactively hurt your negotiating position before negotiating even begins. It can happen at any time during the process and is used by prospects to fluster you or throw you off your game. Examples of this objection include:

“Just so you know, we’re a very small company, so we can’t pay what a lot of your other clients pay.”

“Before we get started, what kind of fees will you charge, because if I can’t afford you, I don’t want to waste our time.”

“Just to be transparent, I’m not going to sign anything today.”

No matter when you get an objection, there are a few important things you must do immediately:

First of all, DO NOT PANIC. Do not get emotional. Do not get irritated or inconvenience. Do not get defensive. Do not deviate from your game plan. Objections aren’t personal; they’re simply telling you that you haven’t created enough value for them to move forward.

When you get an objection, first say something that shows you can relate to what the prospect is saying. Next, ask some clarifying questions. Third, minimize the objection, and then move forward.

WISDOM

“I am not afraid of death. It’s the stake one puts up in order to play the game of life.” – Jean Giraud

Did you know Omaha was ranked the second-best large city in America for recent college graduates looking to start their careers in 2026? Glassdoor and Redfin published a report ranking the nation’s largest cities for recent college graduates based on housing affordability, career opportunity and quality of life.

Did you know Creighton University’s annual gross economic impact on the Omaha economy is nearly $1 billion?

Did you know Forbes recognized Mutual of Omaha as one of “America’s Best Employers for Company Culture 2026?” The company ranked #5 overall. The list was created through an independent survey of more than 217,000 employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people nationally.

This section is sponsored by Lockbox Storage, an affiliate of Omaha-based McGregor Interests Inc. We provide storage solutions for all of your storage needs. Our facilities have full-time managers and bright lighting to provide superior security for your belongings. In addition to space for rent, we also provide packing supplies, protection plans and locks along with complimentary handcarts and dollies. Visit LockBox Storage and let us help you with all your storage needs.

Modern Market — Happening May 2, 2026
This spring pop-up market transforms downtown Waterloo into an open-air shopping experience featuring 50+ local small businesses, food vendors and live music. It’s a one-day, feel-good event built around supporting Nebraska makers, with boutique goods, drinks and a laid-back outdoor vibe.

Pitch Black Conference 2026 | Culture. Capital. Change. — Happening May 2, 2026
This one-day conference brings together entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders for a full schedule of speakers, networking, and a live pitch competition. Founders can compete for up to $15,000 in funding plus additional technical support, while attendees connect with resources driving business growth across the Midwest.

Spring Cocktail Party, presented by Bloc Fitness — Happening May 2, 2026
Midtown Crossing hosts this neighborhood-wide cocktail crawl where local spots serve signature spring drinks within walking distance of each other. Attendees can explore multiple locations, sample cocktails and vote for their favorite while enjoying food pairings and a social afternoon atmosphere.

Junkstock Spring Edition 2026 — Happening May 1–3 & May 8–10, 2026
Junkstock returns for two full weekends featuring hundreds of vendors, vintage finds, handmade goods, food trucks and live music at its Waterloo farm location. Known for its festival-style atmosphere, it blends shopping, entertainment and themed experiences into one of the region’s biggest seasonal events.

Inspiring Spring Luncheon feat. Michael P. Gibson — Happening May 7, 2026
This seasonal luncheon features award-winning topiary artist Michael P. Gibson sharing how he transforms landscapes into living works of art. Hosted by Lauritzen Gardens Guild, the event also includes a floral pop-up shop and supports educational programming at the garden.

Mother’s Day Brunch — Happening May 9–10, 2026
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Lauritzen Gardens with a buffet-style brunch surrounded by spring blooms and scenic garden views. The experience includes a full spread of breakfast favorites, desserts and time to explore the 100-acre garden grounds.

This section is sponsored by Eagle Mortgage, a locally owned, full-service mortgage company helping you with Conventional, VA, FHA and USDA loans in both Nebraska and Iowa. Learn how Eagle Mortgage helps people afford the home of their dreams by clicking HERE!

WoodmenLife announced that Megan Barber has been promoted to director & Chief Data Officer. Barber has been with WoodmenLife for more than two years and most recently served as manager, data analytics. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and International Business from the University of Montana, an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas and a graduate certificate in Enterprise Business Architecture from Penn State University.

The University of Nebraska Medical Center has named Dr. Tammy Webster as dean of the College of Allied Health Professions effective May 1, pending approval from the Board of Regents. Webster will be the second dean in the college’s history. The former School of Allied Health Professions was housed under the auspices of the College of Medicine prior to becoming UNMC’s sixth college in 2015.

Shred Vault, LLC, announced the appointment of Lee Williams as Chief Product Officer, effective May 4. He most recently served as Chief Technology Officer at Edelleye Digital, where he built and launched multiple SaaS and e-commerce platforms across real estate, homebuilding, and retail markets.

Koley Jessen has welcomed Thomas Lukaszewicz to its estate planning and administration team. Based in Omaha, he works with individuals and families on estate planning, estate administration, wealth transfer and business succession planning. He studied at Creighton University School of Law.

The Greater Omaha Chamber is a catalyst and connector, advocating for businesses small and large. Learn, share and grow with more than 12,000 professionals from 3,000 member businesses across Greater Omaha. Click HERE to see our latest events.

When I was a kid, our family car had air conditioning, It was a little triangular shaped window that you flipped around, and it blew air in your face. Our family car also had power windows: There was a crank on the door and you were the power. Fact-checking involved going to the library and digging through 28 volumes of the Encyclopedia Britanica. But that was then and this is now. My grandkids can’t get out of bed without checking their cell phones. Technology is everywhere and more is on the way in the form of the newfangled AI contraption.

Not to be left in the dust, the marketing mental giants of Wall Street have decided to jump on the AI bandwagon. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal outlined how the legacy Wall Street banks are using AI to create NEW investment strategies for the wealthiest clients.

Oh, and by the way, it is Wall Street’s favorite new way of making money. The WSJ article quoted the managing director of one of the new hi-tech as saying, “Portfolio managers and financial analysts cost money and get bonuses. Computers don’t.”

And so, I say to all my stock broker friends and their stock picking acolytes: “RIP.”

The Wall Street marketing mavens know you can’t just charge big bucks for something called “stuff.” You gotta have a name with some sizzle. So, the latest trading products are being marketed under the synonym QIS, or Quantitative Investment Strategies. But buyer beware: Jim Cramer has been complaining about quantitative trading programs since Moses was a pup.

Before you run out and bet the farm on the latest-and-greatest AI technology, let me point out that we’ve been down this road before, and we learned a long time ago that this dog don’t hunt.

One issue the WSJ article didn’t address was how well these snake oil computer programs perform. To quote Groucho Marx, “They’re like an ugly stripper: They want to reveal as little as possible.”

Because these funds are nothing more than renamed hedge funds with bigger computers, we can sneak behind the curtain for a glance at how they may perform. Last year, 20 percent of all of the nation’s hedge funds declared bankruptcy and went out of business. True, there were some hedge funds with astronomical returns, but many fall into the “every once in a while, a blind squirrel finds an acorn” category.

To prove to you that the more things change, the more things stay the same. Let me tell you the story of the 25 million Gen Xers who, on average, have amassed $583,800 in their 401k accounts by doing simply, non-technical things. They bought low-cost index funds, ignored the Wall Street mavens’ jibber jabber and just hung on to them for more than a decade.

Index funds are the 401k investment equivalent to the triangular air conditioning window in my family’s 1949 Ford.

To learn more about Gen Z 401k exploits, visit my podcast, “401k Investing for Newbies and Nerds.”

Grow Omaha’s Wall Street section is now available for sponsorship. Nearly 25,000 people subscribe to this newsletter, and as a group, they are influential, affluent and highly educated. That makes this section particularly popular! For advertising information, contact Karla Steele, Sales Coordinator, at karla@growomaha.com

Quantum Fiber in Omaha, Nebraska, is super-fast, reliable internet. We did away with data caps, bundles, and pricing gimmicks because you don’t want them. Instead, you get game-changing customer service, transparent pricing, and a powerful app for freedom, simplicity, and control over your internet. Quantum Fiber is what internet service looks like when it’s built for the world of you.

The Grow Omaha radio show broadcasts live every Saturday morning at 9:00, but now you can watch videos of each episode instead of just listening.

Grow Omaha’s brand-new website features video footage shot inside the radio studio during each week’s show!

Videos include News of the Week, Lightning Round, guest interviews, and “Grow Omaha Uncut,” a behind-the-scenes look at what happens during commercial breaks.

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