Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How an Omaha travel agent dispute left families scrambling for refunds

And check out Shih Tzu Sprint on the Omaha Patch calendar

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Thursday August 20th Patch AM
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Hello Omaha! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How an Omaha travel agent dispute left families scrambling for refunds
  • Need free care Saturday? See what Magis Health Fair is offering
  • Why prosecutors dropped charges in Omaha's recent lottery sting case

Also on today's calendar: Shih Tzu Sprint and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 85 and low of 68 degrees.
  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 90, low: 66. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Humid with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 85 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Omaha Travel Agent Accused of Taking Thousands via Venmo, Then Canceling Trips (travelerstoday.com) — Omaha families say they're out tens of thousands of dollars after booking trips through a local travel agent and later discovering reservations were canceled or never made. While no criminal charges have been filed, clients describe bounced checks, disputed credit card charges, and Venmo payments that are hard to recover. The story explains Nebraska's travel agency rules and offers concrete steps for affected residents to seek help.
   

2. Fourth annual Magis Health Fair returns to Siena Francis House with free care (3newsnow.com) — Omaha residents in need of care can access free medical services, clothing, food, and support resources at the Magis Health Fair this Saturday at the Siena Francis House parking lot. Creighton medical students and local organizations will offer HIV/STD tests, lipid panels, on-site doctors, and help for undocumented people, all grounded in a belief that health care should be accessible to everyone.
   

3. Omaha lottery fraud case dismissed against one of two East St. Louis suspects (wowt.com) — An alleged lottery scam targeting an elderly victim ended with an Omaha sting operation, but charges against one of the two East St. Louis suspects have now been dropped for lack of evidence. Her husband still faces multiple felony counts after being arrested near 129th and West Maple, where investigators say they recovered cash, marijuana, and a loaded handgun. His next court appearance is set for August 24.
   

4. A Lutheran Story We Still Need to Confront: A Time for Burning — Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA (gcsynod.org) — A restored 1966 documentary centers on Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, where a pastor's failed push to build relationships between his white congregation and Black Lutherans exposed painful racial divides. The Grand Canyon Synod will screen the film this fall, inviting church leaders to revisit Omaha's story and reflect on what it still demands of Lutherans today.
   

📸 Around Omaha

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Omaha

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Omaha Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday August 20
  • School Begins
    Willa Cather Elementary School Omaha, NE 68144
    8:30 am
  • Guns & Guys Event 2026
    Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce Oak Creek Sporting Club 2890 West Road Brainard, NE 68626
    11:00 am
  • Tunes On Town Square →
    Ralston Town Square, 5352 S 72nd St, Ralston
    6:00 pm
    • Friday August 21
  • School Pictures
    Willa Cather Elementary School Omaha, NE 68144
    8:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Omaha Native Jhoné Lucas Lands Leading Role in New ALLBLK Crime Drama 'D.O.P.E. Unit' —Maria Pazin Read on Patch
  • Thanks so much to all of you who tried to help us capture our (very disobedient) runaway dog on Deer Creek Drive today.
    *Special thanks for the woman who stopped and gave me carrots and bagel to coerce him! We were finally able to grab him after not too long. Home safe… (Nextdoor Deer Creek Proper)
  • Welllll….
    This app has come through for me again!!! Mailbox Mayhem had been highly recommended, and after dealing with Rob I certainly see why. I contacted… (Nextdoor Millard Oaks)
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for House Cleaner in Omaha. Apply here.
  • PrimeFlight Aviation Services posted a job opening for Part-Time Ramp Agent - OMA Airport in Omaha. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Omaha here.

Ok Omaha! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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