Local Services

Where Second Chances Find a Home

How a Local Nonprofit is Changing Lives Four Paws at a Time Article by Deb Reinard | Photography by Bobbi Jo Beaver, Emily Dukat Nestled on the outskirts of Papillion, Town and Country Animal Rescue has been providing refuge for animals for more than 40 years. The organization has quietly gone about its work providing shelter, care, and a second chance to dogs and cats that have been neglected, surrendered, or left without homes.  “For the organization’s first 35 years, Town and Country was...

Style + Beauty

What to Wear for Fall Family Photos

7 Styling Tips for Effortless, Timeless Images Article and Photography by Ready to style a fall family photoshoot that everyone actually enjoys? House of Colour Papillion has you covered with seven expert tips to help you pair outfits harmoniously, boost your family's confidence, and capture timeless memories. 1. Dress Mom First Mom is often the anchor of the family’s overall look, so start with her outfit first. Choose something she feels confident, comfortable, and beautiful in and then...

Education

More Than a Helpful Smile

PLV South Students Find Independence at Hy-Vee Article by Addie Kastens, Kyleigh Hughes, Marlie Best, Alexis Bell | Photography by Trey Lovings Papillon Hy-Vee is a popular employer for teenagers seeking first-time jobs. Of its 461 local employees, 35% are teenagers, with 76 aged 14-17, and 84 aged 18-19.  Store Director Brandon Williams praised Hy-Vee’s young employees, saying that “they're excited to work. Which is great! For some of them, this is their first job, and they're super excited...

Professional Services

Prograde Exteriors

Peace of Mind After the Storm Article by Janette Calabro | Photography by Bobbi Jo Beaver When severe weather rolls through the Midwest, homeowners sometimes focus on what they can see—missing shingles, damaged gutters, or dents in the siding. But for the owner and operator of Prograde Exteriors, Juan Castrejon, storm recovery is about much more than replacing a roof. Now celebrating six years in business, Castrejon remains deeply involved in the company's day-to-day operations, helping...

Education

A Healthy Home for a New Season

Summer HVAC Maintenance Tips from John Henry's for a Comfortable, More Efficient Home Photography by Provided As the heat of the summer is upon us, the comfort and safety of your home remains a top priority for John Henry’s Plumbing, Heating, Air, and Electrical. Keeping your HVAC system in peak condition is a year-round commitment that ensures your family's well-being. John Henry’s provides a fresh checklist for maintaining an efficient and healthy home environment this summer. The...

Life + Culture

More Than a Walk in the Park

Halleck Park is a Place to Walk, Play, and Explore Article by Kathy Nickerson | Photography by Lori Conklin Last fall, a walk in the park turned into a medical emergency for Papillion resident Lori Conklin. She lives near Halleck Park and often goes there to take photos. On that November morning, though, Conklin suddenly passed out on the sidewalk.  Once she regained consciousness, Conklin managed to drive to the emergency room. (She agrees with the doctor who told her she should probably...

Entertainment

Fifty Years Underwater

Papillion's Pat Purkhiser Shows Nebraskans the World Beneath the Waves Article by Vince Mancuso | Photography by Bobbi Jo Beaver Papillion's Pat Purkhiser has spent the last 50 years fulfilling his childhood passion. What surprised him, however, was how many others from Nebraska wanted to dive in alongside him—whether through Diventures, the Henry Doorly Zoo through the Papillon LaVista Zoo Academy, or countless underwater adventures. "It’s unreal how many people in Omaha are interested in...

Life + Culture

Instilling Wonder and Awe

Returning to a Simpler Summer Inspired by Nature Article by Amy Hendrickson In our world today, we often get wrapped up in the busyness of life happening before our eyes. Our calendars fill with commitments as we’re trying to squeeze in laundry and house projects throughout the week before another busy weekend consumes us. It’s easy to turn to the digital world to keep children occupied. We forget that a child’s sense of wonder doesn’t require a WI-FI connection or an elaborate vacation to...

Real Estate

New Chapter, Same Community

We sat down with Leanne Sotak, realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Ambassador Real Estate, to talk about “right-sizing,” especially in a community like Papillion where residents rarely want to leave. For more than two decades, Leanne has helped buyers and sellers navigate one of life’s biggest decisions: finding the right place to call home through every stage of homeownership.“We’re all always going through a ‘right-sizing’ process, whether you’re starting your own family, you’re a first-time...

Style + Beauty

New York to Nebraska

Jerry Kaye Offers Men's Clothing Crafted in Italy with an American Design Article by Kathy Nickerson | Photography by Joseph Saaid One Sunday morning, during his first year of college, Jerry Kaye woke up bruised and battered from a college football game and had a moment of clarity. “Forget this,” he said. “I’m gonna make dresses.” A first-generation American who grew up in South Detroit, Kaye felt the influence of his European heritage. He loved architecture and art. He noticed costumes in...