Sarpy County Guide & News

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10/24/2025

Congrats to the following Bellevue East, Bellevue West, Omaha Gross, Papillion La Vista High, Papillion La Vista South and Platteview musicians who were selected to All-State groups.

SARPY COUNTY – The annual Nebraska Musical Education Association Conference will be held Nov. 20-22 in Lincoln.
As part of the conference, several All-State groups will perform and some of the local participants were recently released.

All-State Band
Selections for Bellevue East were Amos Vignoto (Flute), George Wirth (Flute), Daniela Evans (Flute), Liliahna Lusk (B-flat Clarinet), Henry Perrin (Alto Saxophone), Blake Zimmerman (Alto Saxophone), Ethan Wichael (Tenor Saxophone), James Rachwitz (Trombone) and Cody Jones-DeVol (Percussion)

Selections for Bellevue West Alexander Treat (Bass Clarinet), Zoe Faltin (Tenor Saxophone), Jason Hughes (Tenor Saxophone), Matthew Merchant (Trumpet), Kellen Pentico (Trumpet), Eddie Petrow (Trumpet) and Cooper Fullerton (Trombone).
The All-State Band selections for Omaha Gross Catholic was Amy Dho (B-flat Clarinet).

Selections for Papillion-La Vista High were Jacob Quackenbush (Flute), Alexis Allemang (Oboe), Elianna Calderon (B-flat Clarinet), Emma Stewardson (Bass Clarinet), Bennett Carrico (Baritone Saxophone) and Krubel Negus (Tuba).

Selections for Papillion-La Vista South were Isabella Williams (Flute), Brooklyn Prauner (Flute), Owen Ciavarella (Bassoon), Ella Parrish (B-flat Clarinet), Jackson Baker (Baritone Saxophone), Lillian Lovett (Horn) and Riley McCreedy (Percussion).

Matthew Oloff of Springfield-Platteview was an alternate for Alto Saxophone.

All-State Chorus
Bellevue East’s selection was George Wirth (Tenor 2).

Bellevue West’s selections were Frankie Miller (Soprano 1), Rebekah Vann (Soprano 1) and Charles Reimer (Bass 1).

Papillion-La Vista High selections were Caroline Willaim (Soprano 2), Jackson Reilly (Alto 2), Christopher Reilly (Tenor 2), Carson Smith (Tenor 2), Carter Wagner (Bass 2). Gladyn Mike was chosen as an alternate for Soprano 1.

Papillion-La Vista South High selections were Marah McDougal (Soprano 1), Leah Rathke (Soprano 1), Addison Redmond (Soprano 1), Abigail Weyermuller (Soprano 1), Leo Duhs (Alto 1), Karsyn Morehead (Alto 1), Juliette Murnan (Alto 1), Adele Sheets (Alto 1), Mikayla Vrable (Alto 1), Lizzie Dillon (Alto 2), Ella Walts (Alto 2), Ava Winkler (Alto 2), Barrett Bumsted (Tenor 1), Corbin Hale (Tenor 1), Asiel Landeros (Bass 1), Walker Lawrence (Bass 1), Gabe Parrish (Bass 1), James Tucker (Bass 1), Eli Olson, (Bass 2), Teddy Wiberg (Bass 2). Sean Marroquin was chosen as an alternate for Tenor 1.

Springfield Platteview selections were Emerson Osborn (Alto 2), Coleton Neujahr (Tenor 2) and Lorenzo Cancian(Bass 2).

All-State Orchestra
Bellevue West’s selection was Noah Masters

Papillion-LaVista High’s selections were Emelia Weaver (Violin 2A),
Leo Duda (Cello B) and Spencer Smith (Trumpet).

Grace Fettig of Bellevue is among 20 Huskers selected for Ameritas Emerging Leaders AcademyLINCOLN - Twenty University o...
10/08/2025

Grace Fettig of Bellevue is among 20 Huskers selected for Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy

LINCOLN - Twenty University of Nebraska-Lincoln students, representing nine fields of study, have been selected to the second cohort of the Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy this fall.

The program, coordinated by the university's Center for Executive and Professional Development, develops leadership skills for undergraduates of any major with an interest in exploring the insurance industry through specialized training, strengths coaching and hands-on innovation projects.

"The Ameritas Emerging Leaders Academy offers an experience that complements and enriches the great education Nebraska provides," said Bob Jurgensmeier, chief executive officer of Ameritas.
"Supporting programs that enhance the academic environment is a top priority for Ameritas."

The yearlong academy features monthly professional development sessions in Howard L. Hawks Hall. Students work closely with university faculty and industry experts to sharpen leadership skills, culminating in a two-month innovation project. Teams design prototype solutions to challenges facing the insurance industry and present them to Ameritas senior leadership. Past projects have explored topics such as improving Ameritas' mobile app and analyzing the impact of artificial intelligence on the industry.

"This is exactly the kind of experiential learning that sets Nebraska Business apart," said Kathy Farrell, James Jr. and Susan Stuart Endowed Dean of the College of Business. "Students learn from faculty and industry leaders, take on real challenges and grow into confident professionals ready to make a difference. We greatly appreciate Ameritas for investing in our students and helping create this impactful learning opportunity."

Members of the 2025-26 cohort from the area, listed alphabetically by hometown with their current class standing and academic major(s), are:

Bellevue:
Grace Fettig, senior, finance

Amber Messersmith, executive director of the Center for Executive and Professional Development and the program's faculty lead, said the direct connection between students and industry leaders sets the experience apart.

"This academy gives students the rare chance to build leadership skills while solving real challenges facing the insurance industry," she said. "From change management to innovation, they learn in ways that connect the classroom with the workplace. The energy and commitment from both our students and Ameritas leaders have only grown in the program's second year."

Sue Wilkinson, president and chief operating officer of Ameritas, said she hopes students recognize the long-term value of the program.

"This cohort should feel very proud of what they've already accomplished at Nebraska," she said. "At the end of this experience, they've learned a lot from Nebraska's distinguished faculty and our staff that they can take into their life and career. It's my hope they'll take every advantage of this opportunity and stay connected afterward."

Students from the inaugural class praised the program's impact. Jaden Tchalassi, an actuarial science major from Omaha, said the academy expanded his skills.

"This program has certainly taught me a variety of different skills," he said. "Being able to go to the Ameritas campus, network with professionals and work on a real-world problem in the insurance industry was such a unique experience."

Students who complete the program earn a badge that can be displayed on LinkedIn. Recruitment for the fall 2026 class begins in the spring.

31 Clifton Builders, including Isaac Lagman of Papillion, prepare to impact businesses, teams, communitiesLINCOLN - The ...
10/08/2025

31 Clifton Builders, including Isaac Lagman of Papillion, prepare to impact businesses, teams, communities

LINCOLN - The Clifton Strengths Institute at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln has selected 31 students, including Isaac Lagman of Papillion, for the 10th cohort of the Clifton Builders Program.

Housed in the College of Business, the program brings together students with high leadership and entrepreneurial potential and develops them to lead high-performance teams.

“We use three words to describe the Clifton Builders: stretch, disrupt and transform,” said Tim Hodges, Joan Heiser Endowed Presidential Chair, executive director of the Clifton Strengths Institute and associate professor of practice in management. “We are intentional about helping students stretch and develop their unique strengths. Builders disrupt the status quo and work to make it better. They also transform their lives and the lives of those they lead and serve.”

The cohort-based program builds a close-knit community from day one, according to Kaitlin Ferris, the program’s assistant director. Students can declare a Clifton Builders management major or minor and choose a track based on their interests in building businesses, teams or communities. Each student also works with a Gallup-certified strengths coach to further develop as a leader.

“With a curriculum designed exclusively for our Clifton Builders, they gain the tools to develop as leaders and knowledge that will impact the growth and success of future organizations,” Ferris said.

Lagman is a junior marketing major.

Every Clifton Builder enrolls in the course Building a Life for Impact, where they gain an advanced understanding of management and consulting for organizations to help improve business outcomes and employee engagement in the workplace. In Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Organizations, taught by Samantha Fairclough, associate professor of practice in management, students gain hands-on experience in marketing creativity, market analysis and entrepreneurship.

“A program highlight for many students, this class culminates in the Builder Marketplace, where students sell products they designed and donate the proceeds to a nonprofit of their choosing,” Ferris said.

Hodges said the Clifton Builders Program cultivates a winning mindset that continues after graduation. Alumni have launched businesses, pursued graduate degrees and joined companies such as J.P. Morgan, Hudl, Gallup, Charles Schwab and Kiewit.

“We create experiences where our students interact with business leaders and each other as they develop their own perspectives and plans for the future,” Hodges said. “Our students gain confidence in who they are and what they can accomplish.”

The program is open to any student in their first two years at the university, with courses beginning the following fall. Applications for the 2026 cohort open later this fall and are due in February.

Cornerstone Christian boys and girls cross country teams competed at the Lincoln Lutheran Invite today at Pioneer's Park...
10/03/2025

Cornerstone Christian boys and girls cross country teams competed at the Lincoln Lutheran Invite today at Pioneer's Park in Lincoln. The boys finished second as a team with 41 points. If you like photos and would like to contribute, go to www.gretnaguide.com/donate

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09/17/2025

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Cornhusker Marching Band makes football season debut Sept. 6LINCOLN - The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 300-member Co...
08/28/2025

Cornhusker Marching Band makes football season debut Sept. 6

LINCOLN - The University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s 300-member Cornhusker Marching Band makes its 2025 football season debut Sept. 6 at Memorial Stadium with pregame and halftime performances during Nebraska’s home opener against Akron.

This year’s band includes representatives from nearly every region of the country, with 79% hailing from Nebraska communities. Twenty-three percent of the members are students in the Glenn Korff School of Music, while the remainder represent more than 70 other academic programs across the university. Each student completed two auditions to earn a spot in the band.

Drum majors for the 2025 marching band are senior Travis Cloyd of Omaha; graduate student Jake Green of Lincoln; senior Tanner Maas of Gretna; and senior Gretchen Muth of Hastings. The twirler is senior Britney Berry of Omaha.

Tony Falcone, associate director of bands in the Korff School, is the director of the Cornhusker Marching Band. Doug Bush is the assistant director of bands and assistant marching band director. Carolyn Barber, Ron and Carol Cope Professor of Music, is director of bands. Other band staff members are graduate teaching assistants Foteini Angeli, Eric Elker and Andrea Mack. Jacob Wrobel is the percussion instructor, and Samantha Houston Brown is the color guard instructor. Rose Johnson is the administrative technician, Jan Deaton is the office associate, and Nolan Schmit is the “voice” of the band.

The Cornhusker Marching Band, which resides in the Korff School, was founded in 1879 as an ROTC unit and is one of the oldest marching bands in the nation. The band has received many honors throughout its 146-year history, including a Distinguished Recognition Trophy presented by John Philip Sousa in 1927 and the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Trophy in 1996. The Sudler Trophy is the highest honor given to collegiate bands.

The “Pride of All Nebraska” has been seen by millions of viewers on television. The band was the first collegiate ensemble to perform at all the major football bowl games: Rose, Orange, Fiesta, Sugar and Cotton. For more information, visit https://arts.unl.edu/music/CMB.

Following is a list of 2025 Cornhusker Marching Band members by hometown, with instrument or role in band, year in school, and academic major(s) or program of study.

Bellevue:

Bella Acosta, piccolo, junior, physics.
Shane Daughtrey, percussion, junior, music.
Grace Fettig, piccolo, senior, finance.
Christopher Nelson, horn, sophomore, mechanical engineering.
Jonah Schwarting, percussion, sophomore, pre-health.
Madeline Woods, color guard, freshman, pre-health.

La Vista:

Hudson Carrico, horn, sophomore, meteorology-climatology.
Cooper Cook, trumpet, junior, electrical engineering.
Reagan McPeck, color guard, sophomore, architectural studies.
Parker Wolfe, alto saxophone, junior, music and computer science.

Papillion:

Mason Amsberry, horn, sophomore, music education.
Dylan Auld, baritone, junior, music education.
Josh Blazek, baritone, senior, music and mechanical engineering.
Owen Bottjen, trumpet, sophomore, music education.
Devin Countryman, alto saxophone, junior, animal science.
James Kessler, trumpet, junior, biological sciences, and fisheries and wildlife.
Meredith Koehler, alto saxophone, junior, emerging media arts.
Anna Leahy, clarinet, senior, music education.
Ashley Llewellyn, trumpet, senior, animal science.
Jonah Lubberstedt, tuba, freshman, pre-health.
Gavin Mielke, horn, junior, architectural studies.
Evan Redemske, percussion, freshman, architectural studies.
Zhenja Wallin, percussion, junior, music education.
John Temple, trumpet, freshman, music.

08/11/2025

Congrats to Werner Enterprises on this honor!

DAV names innovative, Nebraska-based trucking company Large Employer of the Year

ERLANGER, Ky. – DAV (Disabled American Veterans) has named Werner Enterprises, a leading trucking company based in Omaha, Nebraska, its Large Employer of the Year. Representatives from the company will accept the award on stage Aug. 10 during the 2025 DAV and Auxiliary National Convention in Las Vegas.

Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships over the past two decades, Werner Enterprises has brought more than 25,000 transitioning service members and veterans into its workforce.

Werner’s approach to veteran recruiting involves a streamlined introduction for veterans into the industry and multiple options for entry. To further help veterans, the company offers apprenticeships with the Department of Labor, military skills test waivers and other services.

The company’s veteran resource group, WEVets, helps prior-service associates to network, develop their careers and find purpose through volunteering in their communities. The group also holds community events that allow those without a military background to learn more about their colleagues who have served, increasing a shared sense of understanding and teamwork.

Additionally, Werner’s support for the veteran community is apparent through its partnerships; awards and recognitions; publications; features; and fleet of 10 military-themed, wrapped trucks driven by military members or veterans throughout the United States.

“Werner Enterprises is raising the bar in veteran recruitment,” said DAV National Commander Daniel Contreras. “Whether it’s the apprenticeships for veterans entering the industry or the opportunities available to veteran employees, Werner Enterprises is a strong partner to the military community. We thank them for their efforts and for furthering DAV’s mission to support veterans and their families.”

Cody Talarico of Bellevue wins Excellence in Arts Education from Nebraska Arts Council Congratulations to the following ...
07/24/2025

Cody Talarico of Bellevue wins Excellence in Arts Education from Nebraska Arts Council

Congratulations to the following awardees for this year’s State Arts Awards! We had many nominations, and we are grateful to those nominators for all of their hard work!

The biennial awards program is Nebraska’s premier event in recognizing individuals and organizations that shape our state’s artistic landscape. The impact of the arts, and these honorees, is felt in the classroom, the economy, and the community.

We have 8 categories for this year’s awards with the following winners:

Access to Arts
An individual, business, or community organization leading the cause of outreach and inclusion in the arts.

WhyArts, Inc., Omaha

Ruth Davidson Hahn, Lincoln

Excellence in Arts Education
An educator, arts education program, or community organization that has made a long-term, outstanding contribution to arts education in Nebraska.

Cody Talarico, Bellevue

Lorinda Rice, Lincoln

Leadership in the Arts
An individual artist, arts administrator or patron who has made a significant impact on the arts in Nebraska.

Gretchen Peters, Gering

Audrey Kauders, Kearney

Heritage Award
An individual, group or organization that exemplifies excellence within a cultural tradition.

Whiteclay Makerspace, Lincoln

Bluebird Cultural Initiative, David City

Organizational Achievement
An arts organization that demonstrates achievements at a consistently high level of excellence in programming and outreach.

International Quilt Museum, Lincoln

Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art, David City

Outstanding Artist
An individual artist practicing in any discipline whose work or career has made a significant contribution to their art form and to the state of Nebraska.

Daniel Martinez, Lincoln

Sarah Rowe, Omaha

Thomas C. Woods III Partner in the Arts
Awarded to an individual, business, or community organization that has shown outstanding commitment by its continued support of the arts through time, energy, expertise and/or financial support.

Mid-America Arts Alliance, Kansas City, MO

The Leonard Thiessen Award
Awarded by the board of the Nebraska Arts Council for extraordinary contributions to the arts for the state of Nebraska.

Rich Vierk, Lincoln


A more complete press release, with photos and bios for each awardee, will be available soon.

The awards ceremony will be held at the Rotunda at the Capitol Building in downtown Lincoln on October 10th, 2025. RSVP for this event will be made available at a later date.

Teams for the 2025 Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star games are out. 20th NCA All-Star Softball GameMonday, July 21st...
07/10/2025

Teams for the 2025 Nebraska Coaches Association All-Star games are out.

20th NCA All-Star Softball Game
Monday, July 21st, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
UNL’s Bowlin Field

41st NCA All-Star Volleyball Match
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Lincoln North Star High School

45th NCA All-Star Girls’ Basketball Game
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Lincoln North Star High School

56th NCA Boys’ Basketball Game
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025, 8:00 p.m.
Lincoln North Star High School

06/30/2025

Bellevue Little Theatre, 203 W. Mission in Olde Towne Bellevue, will hold auditions for 'The Rocky Horror Show', the opening productions of the 57th season, on Sunday and Monday, July 13 and 14.

Auditions will begin at 7 pm both Sunday and Monday

Todd Uhrmacher is director for this production; Laureen Pickle is music director; Debbey Massey Schneweis choreographer

Please dress in comfortable clothes for a dance audition and bring a prepared song. An accompanist will be provided. The audition will also require cold readings from the script.

Be aware that the part of Rocky has been precast.

Complete details for the audition, as well as an audition form can be found on our web site
www.theblt.org.

All requirements are stated below. Please read carefully and be aware of costume requirements for this production/ This is an 'adult' musical, and all auditioning must be 18 years of age or older.

RICHARD O'BRIEN'S
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW


Auditions: July 13th and 14th at 7:00pm
​Rehearsals begin July 27
Performances: Friday-Sunday, September 12-28, 2025

In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.” That “Sweet Transvestite” and his motley crew did the “Time Warp” on Broadway in a 25th anniversary revival. Complete with sass from the audience, cascading toilet paper, and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock ’n’ roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever!

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
-Actors cast must be at least 18 years old.
-Actors cast in this production must be comfortable wearing minimal clothing on stage. Costuming may include tights, corsets, or lingerie for actors of all gender identities.
-Bring a prepared 16-32 measure audition cut in the style of the show with sheet music for the audition accompanist.
-For the dance portion of the audition, choreography will be taught at the audition. Actors interested in the role of Columbia will have an additional tap audition.

​CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
The role of Rocky (the creature) has already been cast.
DR. FRANK N. FURTER: Male Identifying; 20s-40s Range; Baritone; A self-indulgent cross-dressing mad scientist/transvestite/master of the castle. He has impeccable comedic timing, an incredibly-forward sense of sexuality, and an irresistible charisma.
BRAD: Male Identifying; 20s-30s Range; Baritone/Tenor; A straight-laced, optimistic, stereotypical All-American man. Until he isn’t.
JANET: Female Identifying; 20s-30s Range; Mezzo-Soprano; A naive, wholesome, stereotypical All-American girl. Until she isn’t.
RIFF RAFF: Male Identifying; 20s-40s Range; “Rock” Tenor; Transylvanian brother/lover of Magenta. Disgruntled underling in the castle. A bit creepy. Must have strong rock vocals.
MAGENTA: Female Identifying; 20s-40s Range; Mezzo-Soprano; Transylvanian sister/lover of Riff-Raff. A maid in the castle. Slightly scary, overtly sexual.
COLUMBIA: Female Identifying; 20s-40s Range; Mezzo-Soprano; A groupie who falls in love with Eddie. Quirky, lost soul. Must be able to tap dance.
EDDIE: Male Identifying; 20s-40s Range; Baritone; An ill-fated delivery boy with no sense of control or sanity. Emerges from the deep freeze with half his brain and is all rock and roll madness.
DR. SCOTT: Male Identifying; 40s-60s Range; Baritone; Mentor of Brad and Janet who senses trouble in the castle. Strong comedic timing and perhaps a German accent.
NARRATOR: Male Identifying; 40s-60s Range; Non-Singing Role who speaks directly to the audience in a professional manner. British accent. Must be great with improv as this character has direct interaction with a sometimes very vocal audience.
PHANTOMS: Any Gender; 20s-40s Range; SATB (soprano, alto, tenor, bass: a combination of voices) Ever-present, always lurking inhabitants of The Rocky Horror Show, must be able to move well.

06/28/2025

Nathaniel Gignilliat of Bellevue named to Kennesaw State's Spring 2025 President's List

KENNESAW, GA - Nathaniel Gignilliat of Bellevue has been named to the Kennesaw State University Spring 2025 President's List.

Majoring in Biology, Gignilliat is among more than 6,100 undergraduate students recognized on the Spring 2025 President's List.

To qualify, students must achieve a term grade point average of 4.0 while completing a minimum of nine credit hours.

Address

Gretna, NE
68028

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Monday 9am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 3:30pm
Thursday 9am - 3:30pm
Friday 9am - 3:30pm

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+14023323232

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