Nebraska’s got something in common with Kentucky, and it’s not bourbon whiskey or bluegrass music.
Nebraska has five licensed Thoroughbred tracks open or under construction, the same number of Thoroughbred tracks as Kentucky.
In addition, Nebraska has more Thoroughbred tracks than any other state except California, according to a consultant hired by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission to study the state’s horse racing market.
Some Nebraskans say the state’s five Thoroughbred tracks, plus one quarter horse track, are more than enough. Others are eager to open new tracks and cash in on Nebraska’s law that allows casinos, but only if paired with racetracks.
A new market study says there are reasons for stopping at five Thoroughbred tracks. The study suggests, however, that Nebraska may have room for additional tracks for quarter horses.
People are also reading…
While Kentucky and Nebraska may have the same number of tracks, that’s where the comparison ends.
Kentucky is the racing capital of the United States, raising thousands of Thoroughbreds a year and hosting the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Kentucky has nearly four times as many racing days and more horses per race. The average purse for winners in Kentucky is more than 13 times the Nebraska average, according to data from a national racing clearinghouse.
In addition, Kentucky is responsible for about 41% of the Thoroughbred foals born annually in North America, while Nebraska produces fewer than 1%, the Jockey Club data says.
Nebraska is attempting to revive a once-vibrant racing industry, an effort kickstarted by the 2020 vote allowing casinos at racetracks. Nebraska horsemen and breeders, aided by casino revenue, aim to create a state racing circuit with a nearly seamless Thoroughbred racing season from late winter through fall.
Currently, only two Nebraska tracks — Fonner Park in Grand Island and Harrah’s Columbus Racing and Casino in Columbus — have scheduled significant race days this year: 31 at Fonner and 15 at Columbus. Combined, the other three Thoroughbred tracks are planning just seven days of racing.
State law requires the tracks to ramp up their racing in the coming years.
The market study by The Innovation Group of New Orleans suggests that Nebraska’s five tracks may be plenty for a Thoroughbred circuit. It says that awarding a sixth Thoroughbred license “would run the risk of diluting field sizes to unviable levels.” Field size refers to the number of horses in a single race.
Already, the study says, Nebraska faces a challenge supplying enough Thoroughbreds to meet projected needs as the number of race days and races is required to increase in the future.
“There would be further challenge,” it says, “of fitting a sixth meet into the state racing calendar.”
But the study indicates that Nebraska should have enough quarter horses to eventually support three quarter horse tracks if certain conditions are met. Already, it says, Nebraska’s population of nearly 80,000 quarter horses larger than Iowa and New Mexico, states with significant quarter horse racing industries.
Thoroughbreds race long distances, requiring speed and stamina in races that can extend a mile or more. Quarter horses sprint distances of 220 to 870 yards.
Nebraska’s breeding and training infrastructure for racing must develop, the study says, and purse awards and breeding funds must be competitive with other racetracks in the region, including Prairie Meadows in Iowa and the tracks in Wyoming.
Hastings Exposition and Racing is seeking commission approval to transfer its quarter horse racing license to Ogallala for the proposed Lake Mac Casino Resort & Racetrack. It would be developed on a 174-acre site south of Interstate 80 and west of the city. Hastings Exposition and Racing is partnering with Elite Casino Resorts on the project.
At the commission’s June 14 meeting, the panel delayed approval of the transfer and asked for more information on the business relationships between the parties that will run the casino and track.
Other quarter horse tracks include one proposed in Gering, about 110 miles northwest of Ogallala, and another in Bellevue, just south of Omaha.
New racetracks and casinos also have been proposed in five other communities: Norfolk, York, North Platte, Kimball and Fremont.
Promoters of the Bellevue project say the study supports their case for the proposed Belle Vue Downs racetrack, which they believe would complement their proposed regional water park and could pull gambling revenues from Council Bluffs.
But while the study says a Bellevue quarter horse track would likely have no effect on existing Thoroughbred tracks in Nebraska, a Bellevue casino would impact Nebraska casinos — particularly gaming revenue at the WarHorse casinos in Omaha and Lincoln. In turn, that would reduce the amount of money that those casino’s related tracks — Horsemen’s Park in Omaha and Legacy Downs in Lincoln — could spend on Thoroughbred purses and breeding awards.
Under state law, the commission must deny licenses for racing or a casino if approval would be “detrimental to the racing or gaming market that exists.”
The study will help guide commissioners as they consider applications for new racing licenses, said Denny Lee, chairman of the state panel.
“It’s not the gospel,” Lee said. “It’s subjective. It’s part of the puzzle.”
Lee noted that the study remains “more speculative than factual” because some of the already-approved casinos and race tracks are still under construction and not fully operational.
State lawmakers had required the commission to obtain the study prior to Jan. 1, 2025.
Until now, Lee said, the commission has been focusing on the six existing racetrack license holders. The commission is developing a new application form for racing licenses and will likely begin considering applications for new tracks next fall, Lee said.
He said he anticipates the new application will seek more information about the nonprofit organization applying, such as when it was formed, its board of directors and the manager and operational staff.
Pat Loontjer, executive director with the Nebraska anti-gambling group Gambling with the Good Life, said six racetrack-casinos are “more than enough for Nebraska, for our population.”
Loontjer said she doesn’t believe voters who approved expanded gambling intended for a slew of new casinos beyond those six.
“They were even selling it like only six, only six,” she said. “Now there’s seven more waiting in the wings.”
Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of June 2024
![060724-owh-new-storm-cm08.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C889 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C985 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/25/b25a637e-2a4b-11ef-a8bb-af212505a8ba/666c3aef7a0d2.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1176 2008w)
A severe thunderstorm that had two-inch hail it is seen over Omaha on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
![060424-owh-new-wildart-lr-02.JPG](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/30/63024d7e-236a-11ef-9629-8bcefa4c3e45/6660aff29c5ba.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
The sun sets behind the downtown Omaha skyline as seen from Council Bluffs, on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
![061324-owh-spo-cwspractice-cm28.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/c8/2c8a988a-2a4c-11ef-94d3-a73768f76788/666c3bbc7945f.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Fans throw Florida’s Pierce Coppola (18) a marker so he can autograph a ball during a Men’s College World Series practice at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
![061324-owh-spo-cwspractice-cm27.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=150%2C111 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=200%2C148 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=225%2C166 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=300%2C222 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=400%2C296 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=540%2C399 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=640%2C473 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=750%2C555 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=990%2C732 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C765 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C887 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C986 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1092 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/7c/27c1cbca-2a4c-11ef-84a4-2bdaf8ba7818/666c3bb4729ad.image.jpg?resize=1674%2C1238 2008w)
Florida’s Caden McDonald (21) has a throw bounce up from the dirt during a Men’s College World Series practice at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
![061324-owh-spo-cwspractice-cm13.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=150%2C112 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=200%2C149 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=225%2C168 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=300%2C224 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=400%2C298 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=540%2C402 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=640%2C477 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=750%2C559 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=990%2C738 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C771 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C894 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C993 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C1100 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/2/36/236d36a4-2a4c-11ef-9679-8fa56d1dd88d/666c3bad31fff.image.jpg?resize=1667%2C1242 2008w)
NC State’s Cooper Consiglio (28) gives a fan a pen after signing an autograph during a Men’s College World Series practice at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
![061324-owh-spo-cwspractice-cm01.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/1/eb/1eb15e24-2a4c-11ef-8952-ff8f7431ffc2/666c3ba540218.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Kentucky’s Ryan Hagenow (24) throws in the outfield during a Men’s College World Series practice at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
![051024-owh-new-mittmender-nf-01](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/23/e233be26-9cca-57d7-97cb-5266fa56b2ba/665e7c2ec9ab6.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Dan Bouska examines a baseball glove sent in for repair in his basement shop in Omaha on Friday, May 10, 2024.
![060324-owh-new-wildart-cm01.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/25/d25fc09e-2805-11ef-90f7-afe11b12abb6/66686ab61e9d5.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
Kelly McManus skates at Lynch Park in Omaha on Monday, June 3, 2024.
Creighton men’s basketball player Sterling Knox helps Jackson McLaughlin dunk the ball during the sixth annual Creighton Abilities Camp, in Omaha on Friday, June 7, 2024.
![060324-owh-new-say-nf-01](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=150%2C225 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=200%2C300 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=225%2C338 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=300%2C450 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=400%2C600 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=540%2C810 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=640%2C960 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1125 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1485 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1553 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/3/de/3de78b39-8901-5e4d-9c71-22dd4f6c8c99/665e757b192d7.image.jpg?resize=1175%2C1763 1200w)
Eh Say sits for a portrait outside of Benson High School in Omaha on Monday, June 3, 2024. Say was awarded a scholarship from Lutheran Family Services.
![060524-owh-new-hildy-cm01.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/d/c5/dc50547e-2805-11ef-8777-d3b8deee324e/66686ac6c38d7.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
The April 26th tornado severely destroyed the Savic home located at 5419 N. 212th Street, in Omaha, photographed on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
![060524-owh-new-hildy-cm02.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/e/44/e44e3092-2805-11ef-bc95-5f6edb171932/66686ad4336e9.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
The April 26th tornado severely destroyed the Savic home located at 5419 N. 212th Street, in Omaha, photographed on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
![060724-owh-new-storm-cm09.jpg](https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=150%2C100 150w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=200%2C133 200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=225%2C150 225w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=300%2C200 300w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=400%2C267 400w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=540%2C360 540w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=640%2C427 640w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=750%2C500 750w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=990%2C660 990w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C690 1035w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=1200%2C800 1200w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=1333%2C888 1333w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=1476%2C984 1476w, https://bloximages.newyork1.vip.townnews.com/omaha.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/b/a4/ba43c9ae-2a4b-11ef-854f-7706fecf5d15/666c3afcbd1be.image.jpg?resize=1763%2C1175 2008w)
A severe thunderstorm that had two-inch hail it is seen over Omaha on Wednesday, June 12, 2024.
joe.dejka@owh.com, 402-444-1077