News

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – The VA of Nebraska-western Iowa hopes to help 35 Omaha veterans find permanent places to live.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Mutual of Omaha is celebrating its 100th birthday with two days of community events.

Wild About Omaha weekend begins Friday. Events include free admission to the Henry Doorly Zoo and to an Omaha Royals game with a voucher.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – The Salvation Army of Omaha and Omaha Fire Department are teaming up to fill the organization's food pantry.

The Salvation Army says since June first, 726 families have received food assistance. That's up 27 percent since last year. The Omaha chapter's food pantry faces a critical shortage of food. Omaha Fire Department Captain Jim Gentile says donations are being accepted at all fire stations.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Omaha faces an $11 million budget shortfall next fiscal year.

Mayor Jim Suttle presented the proposed 2010 budget to the City Council Tuesday. The $457 million total budget represents a less than one percent increase over the current fiscal year.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Council Bluffs, IA – The 37th RAGBRAI is underway.

More than 10,000 bicyclists left Council Bluffs Sunday morning. They spent Sunday evening in Red Oak before continuing on to Greenfield.

RAGBRAI Director T.J. Juskiewicz says Council Bluffs was chosen as host city for several reasons, including the new Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. This was the fourth time Council Bluffs hosted RAGBRAI.

The 442 mile bike ride ends Saturday in Burlington, Iowa.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Counselors will be available Friday at an Omaha elementary school for students to talk about the death of Michael Belitz.

The body of 12-year-old Belitz was found earlier this week in his north Omaha home. His mother, Angela Manns, is charged with first degree murder in connection with Belitz's death. She's being held without bail.

Belitz attended Minne Lusa Elementary School in Omaha. OPS officials says counselors and psychologists will be available at that school Friday from 10 AM to 3 PM.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Council Bluffs, IA – Red Oak, Iowa is preparing to host RAGBRAI for the fourth time.

The 37th Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa begins Sunday in Council Bluffs. The riders' first stop is Red Oak, where up to 30,000 visitors are expected. Red Oak RAGBRAI Publicity Chairman Melanie West says it's a challenge for a town of 6,500 to prepare for that many people.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Metro area families needing help paying utility bills may be able to receive assistance.

A partnership between the Omaha Public Power District and American Red Cross provided $265,000 in assistance last year to 1,014 metro area families. This year's energy assistance program began June 29.

The elderly, people with serious medical conditions and families experiencing a financial crisis are given priority. One-time assistance of up to $300 is available.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Bellevue, NE – Visitation and funeral services are set for former Bellevue Mayor Ed Babbitt.

Babbitt died Wednesday evening. He was 70 years old. His visitation is Friday from 3 to 8 PM at the Bellevue Funeral Chapel. That's located at 2202 Hancock Street in Olde Towne Bellevue. Babbitt's funeral is 10:30 AM Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, at 104 Galvin Road North in Bellevue. The public is welcome to attend both services.

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Voters in Douglas County could register and cast ballots at a different location next year.

Douglas County Commissioners are scheduled to vote Tuesday on a request to move the Election Commission headquarters to 9744 Mockingbird Drive in Omaha. The current location is at 115th and Dodge Streets.

Election Commissioner Dave Phipps says the current location has parking and space issues. He says during the 2008 general election, voters had to park six blocks away and wait in line up to four hours to vote.