📰 The Papillion Post — Week of October 11, 2026

Election season is in full swing, with early voting open and the mayor's race on the November 3 ballot. The Tower District keeps filling in, the school district has picked a name for its newest elementary school, and the library calendar is full of fall programs. Here's what's new.

The Tower District is moving into its next phase. Construction is picking up at the 120-acre mixed-use development northwest of 84th and Highway 370, now focused on neighborhood retail. Pinnacle Bank, Starbucks, Casey's, AutoZone, Panera Bread and Les Schwab Tire Center are open, and the 307-unit Thread apartment community has opened and leased up. About 32,000 square feet of neighborhood retail started construction this fall, with tenants expected in spring and summer 2027. Ref's Sports Bar (which we covered last week) is part of that, along with a sandwich shop, a breakfast business, a fitness center, a medical provider and GreenState Credit Union. On the west side, the city is finishing the widening of 90th Street north of Highway 370, and developer Jesse Calabretto says New Horizon Academy, a veterinary clinic, another retail concept and a fast-food restaurant are ready to start building once that work is done. The project is still looking for a grocery tenant, and is holding the corner of 84th and Cedardale Road for the right dining concept. Grow Omaha

Early voting is open for the November 3 general election. You can vote early at the Sarpy County Election Commission, 1102 E. 1st St., and the deadline to request an early ballot by mail is October 23. Papillion voters will choose a new mayor, with City Council President Bob Stubbe and nonprofit executive Joe Hunter on the ballot to succeed Mayor David Black. To check your registration, request a ballot, or find your polling place, start with Sarpy County's election page.

The City Council took up the One- and Six-Year Road Plan on October 6. The posted agenda listed a public hearing and vote on the plan, which lists upcoming road construction and improvement projects and includes a $3 million city contribution to the 192nd Street interchange, according to a summary of the August 26 Planning Commission meeting (which recommended approval unanimously). The same agenda included water meters (up to $731,842), a fiscal year 2026/27 fuel purchase (up to $645,638), water-treatment chemicals, bridge inspections ($11,000) and a hiring incentive for lateral police officers. Minutes with the results aren't posted yet, so we can't say how the votes went. The Council meets next on Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 122 E. 3rd St. Want to weigh in on roads, spending or anything else, whether you support it or not? Speak during Comments from the Floor or a public hearing, or send written comment to the City Clerk (402-827-1111). Agendas are on the city's Agenda Center.

The district's 17th elementary school has a name. The Papillion La Vista school board unanimously approved Lincoln View Elementary School at its September meeting. The school will serve the Granite Creek neighborhood. Grow Omaha

Kids can design the police department's holiday card. Children 12 and under may submit artwork by November 1. Police Command Staff will pick four designs for a public vote, and prizes are offered. Details are on the city's news page.

Still waiting on Hallmark. Voting closed September 4 in Papillion's bid to be Hallmark's Merriest Christmas Town of 2026. A judging panel is expected to announce its pick around Halloween. WOWT

🦋 Monarch Missions (family-friendly)
📍 Sump Memorial Library, Youth Department, 222 N. Jefferson St.
🕞 Wed., Oct. 14, 3:30 to 4:00 p.m.
A drop-in nature program for kids in grades 1 to 6. Library calendar

🎶 Music and Movement (family-friendly)
📍 Community Gym, Papillion Landing
🕚 Sat., Oct. 17, 11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
A music and dance program for little ones, with all ages welcome. Library calendar

🎃 Bellevue Berry & Pumpkin Ranch (family-friendly)
📍 11001 S. 48th St.
🕘 Open daily through Nov. 1
Pick-your-own pumpkins, hayrides, and farm play areas. Bellevue Berry Farm

🎬 Teen Movie Night
📍 Sump Memorial Library, South Meeting Room
🕕 Tue., Oct. 13, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
A movie night for ages 13 to 18. Library calendar

🍩 Death and Donuts Book Club
📍 Sump Memorial Library, South Meeting Room
🕙 Thu., Oct. 15, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m.
An adult book club. Library calendar

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