Free cleanup days, a council meeting, and one last chance to request a mail ballot make for a practical week in town, and the Hallmark verdict has finally come in. Here's what's new.
🏗️ Development & Business
A manufactured home community and a vet-services change cleared the Planning Commission. At its August 26 meeting, the Planning Commission recommended approval of preliminary and final plats for a manufactured home community, including a zoning change from industrial to residential for part of the site, according to a meeting summary. It also recommended an amendment to the Highway 370 Mixed-Use Development (the Tower District area) to allow veterinary services. Neighbors raised concerns about noise, buffering and storm shelters. These were recommendations only, and we could not confirm a final City Council vote, so treat both as pending. Follow the Council's posted agendas on the city's Agenda Center to see when they come up.
Readers are weighing in on groceries. After last week's note that the Tower District is still looking for a grocery tenant, one reader wrote in hoping for a Trader Joe's rather than another big-box grocery store. No grocery tenant has been announced. Tower District had previously noted that they were in discussions with Trader Joe’s, but that Trader Joe‘s wants their next store in the metro to be closer to the interstate.
🏛️ Local Politics & Civic News
The City Council meets Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers (third floor) at City Hall, 122 E. 3rd St., per the city calendar. We could not confirm the agenda before publishing, and minutes from the October 6 meeting still were not available to us, so we can't report how those votes went. Want to weigh in on anything on the agenda, whether you support it or not? Show up and speak during a public hearing or Comments from the Floor, or send written comment to the City Clerk (402-827-1111) ahead of time. Check the Agenda Center for the posted agenda.
This week is the deadline to request a mail ballot. Requests for an early ballot by mail are due Friday, October 23 for the November 3 election, when Papillion voters will choose a new mayor. You can also vote early in person at the Sarpy County Election Commission, 1102 E. 1st St. Check your registration, request a ballot, or find your polling place through Sarpy County's election page.
🌳 Around Papillion
Fall Cleanup Days run October 19 to 25. Papillion residents, Papillion water customers and La Vista residents can drop off furniture, appliances, electronics and yard waste for free, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Details are on the city's cleanup page.
Hallmark picked another town. Hallmark named Carlinville, Illinois its Merriest Christmas Town of 2026, according to NBC Chicago, so Papillion's bid did not win. That settles the question we have been tracking since voting closed in September.
The police department is hiring experienced officers. Papillion is accepting applications from certified lateral police officers through October 28, with a listed salary range of $75,432.72 to $102,805.51 depending on qualifications. Details are on the city's news page.
📅 This Week's Events (October 18 – 24)
🎃 Halloween Safe Night (family-friendly)
📍 Papillion Landing Field House, 1022 W. Lincoln St.
🕕 Thu., Oct. 22, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
A city-listed Halloween night for kids. City calendar
♻️ Fall Cleanup Days (family-friendly)
📍 Drop-off details on the city's cleanup page
🕖 Oct. 19 to 25, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
Free drop-off for furniture, appliances, electronics and yard waste. City of Papillion
🎃 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
🏛️ City Council meeting
📍 City Hall, Council Chambers, 122 E. 3rd St.
🕖 Tue., Oct. 20, 7:00 p.m.
Regular meeting, open to the public. Agenda Center
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