OMAHA, Nebraska (KMTV) – I’m Jill Lamkins, your Northwest Omaha reporter. This town has been through a lot this year, from terrible weather to the incredible effort we have done to rebuild.
We’ve seen expansion and the associated pains. But despite it all, we’ve shared a busy year in Northwest Omaha.
Growth
From upgrades to a beloved summer hangout, to the launch of a new pickleball site.
Northwest Omaha’s lack of doubt is rising.
But with that comes increasing pains, as we’ve seen with a new housing development planned for 209th and Blondo.
“Originally, my grandparents lived up there, and my father was born up there in 1924,” she remarked.
“You know it is exciting you know you can’t stop progress, but my concern is we need to do it smart,” Michelle Klassen told me.
Road problems
Doing it smart is what our neighbors are encouraging, not only with new development but also with road management.
We’ve seen it with the continuing work on State Street.
“I think a lot of people have the same question as to why can’t we do all of these things in one shot rather than close it down open it up for a couple months and then close it down,” Matt Nelson, a neighbor, told me.
To identify options for pothole repair.
“The city plans on constructing its own asphalt plant and while it won’t permanently fix our roads the city says the good news is, it’ll improve year-round street repair operations.”
Neighbors want to improve their streets for safety and to alleviate traffic congestion.
Severe weather
This year, we had a lot of bad weather. In the winter, it was extremely cold and snowy, affecting personnel such as snowplow drivers.
“A tiny amount. I got a little sleep last night. Cody Kanger, proprietor of Kanger Lawns, explained that snow removal is just one of the process.
We thought spring was on its way, but then we were tragically slammed by tornadoes on April 26, affecting the lives of not just our neighbors but also friends and family.
“15 years of memories in this place the Foyt family can no longer call home.”
“The roof was torn off, and it looks like a blender went through the inside,” Harry Perkins said.
Then, on July 31, another major storm hit.
“We had like 10 seconds and tree came down, we piled in the house, we went downstairs, and it was like this tree got shot by lightning and it just exploded,” Olivia Horan told me.
Community comes together.
Despite the difficulties our community encountered, it was how neighbors banded together to help one another during a time of sorrow.
From recalling memories using social media.
“So, we found some in Cargill today, and someone just uploaded a photo that we own. We had them in Oto, Iowa. “We’ve had them in Correctionville, Iowa, up to 75 miles away,” John explained.
Helping with cleanup and donating items to those in need.
“Thank you so much,” exclaimed Jane, a tornado survivor. “You’re welcome, and I’m sorry,” remarked Lacey Reed, who was donating her automobile to Jane.
It’s been a year that I believe demonstrates the resilience of this community, and it’s been an honor to share the tales here in Northwest Omaha because we love where we live.