Welcome 2 Town Blog

Precious Treasures, a scrapbooking store owned by Amy Stewart, has moved from its Gretna location in the Gretna Outlet Mall to Main St. in Fremont. This new location will afford the opportunity for over night crops which is a popular activity for devoted scrapbookers. The transition to the new location has begun and the new store will open shortly.

In the mid 1800's street cars operated in Omaha Nebraska and Council Bluffs Iowa. When the Ak-Sar-Ben Bridge was built in 1888 he two cites were connected and operated under the title Omaha and Council Bluffs Railway. The street cars took passengers to work but also to keisure activities at Fairmont, Lake Manawa and Peony Parks.

The rail system stayed in place until September 1948. Although a trolley operated in the Omaha metro, no rail system exists although there is talk of developing one for the downtown Omaha area. There are strong opinions on both sides of the issue! Some of the wider streets downtown could accomodate the space for the rails, but other streets are too narrow.

Another rail system connecting Omaha and Lincoln has been proposed as well. The thought is such a system would alleviate traffic on Interstate 80 especially for those commuting to work.

Still one of the most popular way to travel from your old home to your new home is by plane, but there have been significant pricing increases which makes this option more costly. Although we can't save you money traveling, we can give you useful information on fees and charges. One of the 'new' fees which varies airline to airline is baggage fees. To calculate these charges by airline, here is a useful link: http://cms.bcdtravelinmotion.com/static/99/Airline_baggage_fees_chart.pdf

Yard waste collection in Omaha will begin the week of April 6-10. Yardwaste collection has steadily increased which results in less going to the land fill. There is a catch though. If there is too much brown waste, which is leaves, to green waste, the excess needs to go to the land fill anyway. Unfortunately 4000 tons of yeard waste had to go to the land fill due to this imbalance. For more information on yard waste call 402-444-4500 which is the Public Works Department for the city of Omaha. Yard waste is made into a natural compost product called Omagro. This product can e purchased at many local garden supply stores or directly from the City of Omaha Composting Facility, 15705 Harlan Lewis Road, Bellevue NE 68123. The phone number is 402-444-6665.

To get a new recycling bin call the same number

In the mid 1800s, when Nebraska was referred to as "The Great American Desert," the area now known as Dodge County - nestled in a valley between the Platte and the Elkhorn rivers - offered an ideal location for settlers and railroad developers. Today, the area still attracts residents, visitors and businesses with its natural resources, beauty and convenience. Located only 20 minutes from Omaha and 1 hour from Lincoln, the county prides itself for its "small town friendliness with big city access."

Fremont, the largest city in Dodge County, is home to 25, 000 of the county's 36,000 residents. Named for explorer Gen. John C. Fremont, "the Great Pathfinder" who once ran for U.S. president, the city celebrates its heritage every July with John C. Fremont Days. This festival includes a parade, carnival, living history encampments and even a SPAM recipe cook-off. (The famous canned meat is produced in town.)

Though it is known as the Antiques Capital of Eastern Nebraska, other features of Dodge County attract those with more modern interests. For example, at the Nebraska Motorplex in Scribner, dragsters race at speeds of up to 300 mph. People who wish to explore the area at a slower pace can enjoy a scenic ride on the Fremont and Elkhorn Valley Railway, which also offers a formal dinner ride on its historic locomotive. Additionally, over 800,000 people per year come to the Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area to swim, fish, and boat on 20 lakes scattered over 600 acres of land.

Dodge County is attracting an increasing number of residents to the county, from those who work in the local agribusiness, food processing, metal and electronics industries, to commuters and retirees. With modern health facilities, impressive local and public schools, a private four-year college, and an extension of Omaha's Metropolitan Community College, the area has earned a reputation as not only a charming place to visit, but also a great location to settle.

Twenty miles south of Omaha and just minutes from Bellevue, Cass County is comprised of small towns that attract visitors from the entire area.  The county is named after Lewis Cass, a brigadier general in the War of 1812 who also served in several political offices, including governor of the Michigan territory, the US Secretary of War, and the US Secretary of State.

Bordered on the north by the Platte River and on the east by the Missouri River, Cass County is an easy drive for people in both Omaha and Lincoln.  Plattsmouth is the county seat, and the largest city in the county.  Visitors can find antiques, outlet malls, and a water park to entertain the whole family.

Cass County appeals especially to those who enjoy the outdoors, with its beautiful state parks, including Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, Louisville State Park, and Platte River State Park.  In addition to lush campgrounds and fishing spots, the county has many sandpit lakes for boating and swimming.

One of the most important industries in Cass County is the sand, gravel, and limestone operations, with the largest being Ash Grove Cement Company in Louisville.  The other dominant industry is farming.

Cass County is a great place to live for those who want access to metro amenities but prefer a more relaxed lifestyle. It's home to the nationally renowned Strategic Air and Space Museum, as well as community theatres, museums, galleries, two racetracks, six golf courses, and a great mix of towns and villages to explore.

Sarpy County bills itself as "Omaha's friendly neighbor." Situated just south of Omaha, the county is a prime location for commuters to Omaha, as well as for those who live and work within its boundaries. Sarpy is rich with history, and it boasts many historic sites, including some of the oldest buildings in the state of Nebraska. In fact, the Sarpy county seat of Bellevue, founded in 1822, is the oldest community in the state. It was also - briefly - the state's first capitol

These days, Bellevue is the third largest and fastest growing city in the state of Nebraska, with a population of about 45,000 (the total county population is close to 123,000). Having recently experienced remarkable growth in the commercial, industrial, and residential sectors, the city is more than just Omaha's neighbor - it is a bustling community in its own right. With local stage theaters, factory outlet stores, berry and pumpkin patches, an old-fashioned soda fountain and even an upcoming winery, the area lives up to its goal of providing a mix of modern advantages and small-town ambiance.

One of the county's most distinctive presences is the Offutt Air Force Base, the quarters for the U.S. Office of Strategic Communications and home to almost 9,000 people. The base, which hosts an annual open house and air show, is also reported to be the location to which President George W. Bush was flown after the terror attacks of September 11th.Photo courtesy of Fontenelle Nature Association

Another noteworthy attraction is the Fontenelle Forest Nature Center, a 1,300-acre sanctuary with exhibits and over 17 miles of hiking trails.

Legend has it that Bellevue got its name when, almost two centuries ago, French fur traders scanned the local scenery and remarked "belle vue" ("beautiful view"). Today, with all the area has to offer - from its cultural and recreational opportunities to its low unemployment rate and high standard of living - the view of its future looks beautiful as well.

 

 

 

Discover Omaha! Home to Nebraska's largest city, Omaha, and nearly half a million people, Douglas County truly has something for everyone.

Despite its bustling economy and recent growth, the county remains a welcoming and convenient place to live and work. In fact, Forbes recently named Omaha as one of the top ten places in the U.S. It continues to improve as new businesses and individuals flock to this community - the heart of America's heartland.

 Established in 1855, the Omaha area still offers glimpses of its past, such as the brick-paved streets of downtown's Old Market, where re-discovered and renovated warehouses now house restaurants, shops, and galleries. Other Omaha and Douglas County historical sites include the Mormon Pioneer Winter Quarters, the birthplaces of Gerald Ford and Malcolm X, and the General Crook House, a beautifully maintained Victorian home and garden from the late 1800s.

Douglas County's low cost of living and low crime rate make it a perfect place for families to discover the great life. Its eleven colleges and universities - including the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University, and the College of Saint Mary - attract people from all over and enrich the community by hosting events such as the Nebraska Storytelling Festival and the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival.

In addition to several local sports teams, Omaha has many museums, an opera company, a symphony, and a number of theater companies (including the one where Nebraska native Marlon Brando made his debut). The impressive local Henry Doorly Zoo is consistently ranked among the best in the nation - discover its amazing rain forest, desert dome and walk-through aquarium set in a beautiful park-like atmosphere. If you prefer to explore tamer surroundings, the other cities of Douglas County are peppered with well-maintained parks and recreational trails. Finally, the Eppley Airfield regional airport is located less than five miles from downtown Omaha, making travel to and from the area fast and convenient. However, once you experience Douglas County's activities, amenities, and friendly atmosphere, you may never want to leave home! Discover Omaha and Douglas County today.

Washington County sits just north of the Omaha metro area. It is a thriving bedroom community with strong historical and agricultural roots. In addition to being convenient to downtown Omaha, the county also houses several cutting-edge businesses of its own, including telecommunications firms and wet corn processing plants.

For history buffs, especially those following the Lewis and Clark expedition, this area is historically significant. Fort Calhoun, the county’s third largest town, was an important meeting site for the explorers and indigenous people. Fort Atkinson, located one mile east of Fort Calhoun, was established in the early 1800s. At that time it was the only military post west of the Missouri River. Now a state historical park, the restored fort hosts living history events during the summertime. Those interested in the area’s Native American roots can visit the Tower of the Four Winds, a sculptural interpretation of the visions of Sioux holy man, Black Elk.

Bordered by two rivers, Washington County offers waterfront recreation, over 100 acres of parks, and various community recreation facilities. Dana College, a four-year liberal arts college located in Blair, also sponsors community events throughout the year.

 

Newcomers make Great customers. Newcomers spend more in their first year than established residents spend in five! 83% of new homebuyers plan to make major home improvements. They also need the basic services to run their home, their car, and provide for children and pets.

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