The Importance of Working Together:

Severe weather can strike at any time, and staying informed is key to keeping our communities safe. That’s why the Douglas County Emergency Management Agency and Sarpy County Emergency Management Agency work closely with the local National Weather Service Office to ensure timely alerts, reliable information, and a coordinated emergency response.

🎥 Watch how Douglas County works with its local partners to build a Weather-Ready Community!

The Science Behind Severe Weather Preparedness:

When severe weather strikes, preparation is key! Douglas County and Sarpy County work closely with the the National Weather Service Office in Valley to stay up to date on training, new technology, and siren testing—ensuring our communities stay safe and informed.

🎥 Watch how Douglas County works with its local partners to build a Weather-Ready Community!

April 26 Arbor Day Tornado Reflections:

Severe weather doesn’t happen by chance—preparedness is key. As we kick off Severe Weather Awareness Week here in Nebraska, it's a great time to reflect on the importance of early forecasting and emergency planning.

The Weather Service Office in Valley, Nebraska and local meteorologists were tracking the potential for dangerous storms days before the April 26 tornado outbreak, ensuring timely warnings to help keep communities safe.

🎥 Watch this reel to see how their advanced forecasting and early alerts made a difference. Stay weather-aware and be prepared!

The Salvation Army had me put together an a highlight video explaining how their programs and services help people in need in the Omaha metro area.

Through a partnership with the Food Bank for the Heartland, The Salvation Army is able to provide food assistance to people in need in towns and cities throughout the Western Division including this food distribution location in Blair, Nebraska.

Thanks to the outstanding generosity of the Omaha community, The Salvation Army is able to send metro-area students back to school prepared and ready to learn! This is a look at backpack distribution events in 2019.

Every Summer, Pacific Springs Village at Immanuel Communities holds their annual Resident Appreciation Event. The 2017 theme was "Life is a Circus." It was fun day filled with food, animals, rides, games. face painting and more! 

Fontenelle Elementary School in Omaha installed an art mural on the side of their building thanks to artist Bill Hoover who donated his time and talents.

Holy Ghost Catholic Church in South Omaha has been serving up fried chicken on Fridays in the fall and winter months for years. It's the perfect meal on a Friday night, complete with beer, a meat wheel, raffles and more! Here's a look at the crew that makes these dinners possible. 

St. Bernadette Catholic Parish recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of their annual Men's Club Pasta Dinner! Special thanks goes out to all who helped make this year's event another HUGE success!

It takes a significant effort to make 125 gallons of sauce, 4,500 meatballs and 150 pounds of sausage. Every meal enjoyed and every contribution made helps support youth activities, scholarships, and parish needs. Deacon Subby Enzolera takes us behind the scenes for a look at the hard-working "pasta" crew that makes these events possible every year!

St. Stanislaus Catholic Church celebrated the 50th anniversary of their annual polish festival on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Dozens of volunteers worked all summer long creating 26,591 handmade pierogis: a popular polish dumpling filled with kraut, potato and cheese. Here's a look at the wonderful kitchen crew that made it all happen. 

What does it take to make more than 25,000 pierogi? The folks who make it happen will tell you it takes a lot of time, dedication and teamwork. In 2022, I spent some time at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in South Omaha where preparations begin every June for their annual polish festival in August. Here's a look at the team of volunteers behind this extraordinary effort!