It's a big week for downtown and for City Hall. A longtime sports bar is closing, two Tower District businesses are moving forward, and Tuesday's council meeting could settle the zoning rewrite that's been pending since early August. Add a farmers market, a pirate festival, and a 50-mile veterans' march ending in Papillion, and there's a lot on the calendar too.
🏗️ Development & Business
Goose's Bar & Grill is closing in downtown Papillion. Owner Jon King announced the closure of the sports bar at 129 N. Washington St., saying the decision came down to prioritizing his mental health and his marriage. "The decision ultimately came down to taking care of himself and the people closest to him," King said, discussing why it was time to step away from the restaurant. No closing date has been set yet, but a "Goose's Closing Party" has been teased on the bar's Facebook page. What happens to the space after King leaves hasn't been announced. Let's Really Talk Nebraska
Two more businesses are heading to the Tower District. Ref's Sports Bar plans to open its third Omaha-metro location in the Tower District, the 120-acre mixed-use development northwest of 84th and Highway 370, with an opening targeted for late spring 2027. Separately, Minnesota-based New Horizon Academy plans to build a daycare and preschool in the same development. Neither company has released an exact address or opening date yet. Grow Omaha
🏛️ Local Politics & Civic News
The zoning rewrite and a 235-lot subdivision both come back for a vote Tuesday. The City Council's August 18 meeting includes the third and final reading of ORD. 2093, the total rewrite of Chapter 205 that folds in "Missing Middle" housing (duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhomes, and larger accessory dwelling units) citywide. The ordinance cleared its second reading and public hearing on August 4, and the posted minutes from that meeting don't record a final vote, which is normal for a second reading; Tuesday's third reading is where it's actually decided.
The same night, the Council holds a public hearing and vote on the Trumble Hills development: a change of zone from agricultural to single-family and multi-family residential for roughly 235 lots southwest of S 66th St and Cedardale Rd, plus a final plat, subdivision agreement, and sewer/water connection agreement. The applicant is MDRP, LLC.
Also on the agenda: a first reading of the FY2026/27 city budget (ORD. 2096), a public hearing on issuing Tax Supported Recreational Facilities Bonds for 2026 (ORD. 2097), and a second reading and public hearing on an update to the city's animal care ordinance (ORD. 2095).
Here's how to weigh in. The meeting is Tuesday, August 18 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Papillion City Hall, 122 E. 3rd St. Public hearings mean you can speak at the podium on the Missing Middle rewrite, the Trumble Hills development, and the bond issuance. Written comment can be submitted ahead of time through the City Clerk, and there's a Comments from the Floor period near the end of the meeting for anything else. The full agenda is posted on the city's Agenda Center.
🌳 Around Papillion
Parks & Facilities Director Tony Gowan is retiring. The Council is set to recognize Gowan with a retirement proclamation at Tuesday's meeting. Meeting agenda
Youth library programming is back to its regular schedule this week after a break earlier in August, with toddler storytime, baby lapsit sessions, and a hat-customizing makerspace session all on the calendar. Library calendar
📅 This Week's Events (August 16 – 23)
🏛️ Papillion City Council Meeting
📍 Papillion City Hall, 122 E. 3rd St.
🕖 Tue., Aug. 18, 7:00 p.m.
Public hearings and votes on the Missing Middle zoning rewrite and the Trumble Hills development (see above). Open to the public. Agenda
🥕 Papillion Farmers Market & Storytime (family-friendly)
📍 Papillion City Park
🕔 Wed., Aug. 19, market 5:00–8:00 p.m., storytime 5:15 p.m.
Fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors, plus a library storytime and craft table. Dogs welcome on a short leash. Market info
🚨 Emergency Preparedness with Sarpy County CERT
📍 Sump Memorial Library, 222 N. Jefferson St.
🕕 Wed., Aug. 19, 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Talitha Valery of Sarpy County's Community Emergency Response Team walks through securing property, building an emergency kit, and making a family safety plan. Library calendar
🏴☠️ Midwest Pirate Fest (family-friendly)
📍 Bellevue Berry Farm, 11001 S. 48th St.
🕙 Sat., Aug. 22 – Sun., Aug. 23, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Nebraska's largest pirate festival, with live stage shows, sword and fencing displays, a daily kids' treasure hunt, and craft activities. Adult admission $16, kids $9 (more at the door). Tickets & info
🎖️ 50 Mile March: Operation Freedom Path Landing Celebration (family-friendly)
📍 Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way
🕙 Sun., Aug. 23, ~10:00 a.m.
Nearly 200 marchers finish a 50-mile, 22-hour ruck march from the Nebraska State Capitol to support local veterans facing homelessness and mental health challenges. The landing celebration includes entertainment, food vendors, and kids' activities. Event info
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