Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame by Suburban Newspapers

FOUND ED IN 2012

2018 HONOREES Doug Speth Ed Sedlacek Stella’s Bar & Grill Rotella’s Italian Bakery Sarpy County Fair Board

A supplement of Suburban Newspapers • May 16, 2018

SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

May 16, 2018

2018 SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

Recognizing positive impact on the community Previous Business Hall of Famers have set the bar high for a program that recognizes those who work to make Sarpy County grow and prosper. Suburban Newspapers Inc., in partnership with Bellevue University and event sponsor Court Appointed Special Advocate, will officially recognize the 2018 honorees at a May 23 induction ceremony. The event will be at the John B. Muller Administration Services Building on the Bellevue University campus. Social hour begins at 4 p.m., with the ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $5; space is limited. RSVP by May 19 to Echo Bronk at 402-505-3624 or echo@bellevueleader.com. Plaques saluting the inductees are on display at the Durham Administration Building on the Bellevue University Campus.

THE HONOREES Stella’s Bar & Grill This family-owned restaurant has been around since 1936 and has stuck to the philosophy that “good food doesn’t need to be fancy.” Sarpy County Fair Board Twelve board members make it all come together and have turned the fair into a vital event. Rotella’s Italian Bakery For nearly a century this family-owned bread-making business has stuck to its core philosophy: “Buy quality ingredients, make a quality product and sell it at a fair price.” Doug Speth Papillion Tire owner Doug Speth has been keeping Papillion and the metro area on the road for decades. Ed Sedlacek To meet a need in Gretna, Ed Sedlacek took on a venture and built SilverRidge Assisted Living and Memory Support.

Tom Knox/Suburban Newspapers

The Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame display in the Durham Administration Building on the Bellevue University campus.

You work hard. You give a lot. You deserve this recognition. Thank You! Rotella’s Italian Bakery Ed Sedlacek, SilverRidge Assisted Living Doug Speth, Papillion Tire Sarpy County Fair Board Stella’s Bar & Grill

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May 16, 2018

STELLA’S BAR & GRILL

World famous for more than burgers By Hailey Stolze Suburban Newspapers Stella’s Bar & Grill is known around the world for its burgers and family atmosphere. It all started in 1936 when Estelle Francois Sullivan Tobler and her husband, Al Sullivan, opened a tavern in a 12-foot-by15-foot room in their home. Al died shortly after the restaurant got its own building in 1939. Ten years later, Stella renamed and relocated the restaurant to its present location, 106 Galvin Road S. Stella’s Bar & Grill has since been passed down through the family. Gene, Stella’s great nephew; his wife, Pam, and their daughter, Stephanie Francois, have been caretakers of the family’s secret recipes for award-winning burgers, sweet potato waffle fries, fried ice cream and more since 2007. The business has grown from two to nearly 30 employees, most of whom are family members or long-timers who feel like family. Pam attributes much of the restaurant’s success to its employees. Competitive customers can take the “Stellanator” challenge of eating a stacked

“We believe in what we do.” Pam Francois burger containing six patties, six fried eggs and more with a side of fries in 45 minutes or less. More than 600 attempts have been made, but only 31 have been successful. Another novelty is the only plant-based “Impossible Burger” in the Midwest. Stella’s philosophy: “Good food doesn’t need to be fancy.” In keeping with the relaxed environment, burgers are served on napkins (unless customers ask for traditional plating). Stella’s atmosphere is what hooks people, Pam said. Employees have close relationships with customers, creating an intimate dining experience and family feeling. The owners want everyone to feel at home the moment they come through the door. Children who grew up on Stella’s burgers and fries are now bringing their own families for meals. “We’ll overhear people say, ‘I used to come in here with my grandfather and sit See page 5

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SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

May 16, 2018

Continued from page 4

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Stella’s Bar & Grill, 106 Galvin Road S., is a family-owned restaurant focused on serving the community. At right, from left: Stephanie, Pam and Gene Francois currently run the family business.

on the bar stool while he had a beer,’” Pam said. A large number of customers are active military or veterans, Gene said. Some initially visit because they’ve heard about Stella’s from enlisted personnel in other parts of the world who once were stationed here. “We claim to be world-famous,” Gene said. The restaurant shows it’s appreciation and support by donating to the Offutt Advisory Council and the Offutt Air Show. The owners also support the Bellevue community by donating to the Bellevue Public Schools Foundation, running food drives for the local food pantry, hosting school fundraisers and sponsoring baseball teams. Serving the community and making memories are important, Pam said. “We want to touch people’s lives. We want to be a part of the community.”

“We claim to be world-famous.” Gene Francois

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May 16, 2018

SARPY COUNTY FAIR BOARD

Change is a good thing at the fair By Brody Hilgenkamp Suburban Newspapers When Rich Jansen first joined the Sarpy County Fair Board four decades ago, a field of weeds needed to be mowed in order to have the fair. “It was really primitive,” recalled Jansen. “I’ve seen a lot of changes (at the fairgrounds) in the last 40 years.” The Sarpy County Fair has been a community fixture for more than 80 years. Jansen, as fair board president, has been at the helm since 1988. Currently 12 board members, their spouses, two part-time employees and a bevy of volunteers help maintain the grounds and buildings, organize events, confirm concessions and commercial booths, handle the audio and more. Additionally, a gardening group grooms the grounds. “They all do a very good job for me,” said Jansen. “They make me look good. If we’re all working together we get a lot more done, that’s my theory of making See page 7

Brody Hilgenkamp/Suburban Newspapers

Drew Kersten of Gretna ropes a steer during the team roping competition at the Sarpy County Fair rodeo.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes (at the fairgrounds) in the last 40 years.” Rich Jansen Brendan Sullivan/BH Media

Riders hold on tight aboard the Rock Star ride at the Sarpy County Fairgrounds in Springfield.

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Charlie Meis attempts to lead a calf named Maverick during the Sarpy County Fair.

this place work.” Under Jansen’s tenure, the fair has grown from four buildings and a rodeo arena to a signature area event that draws 60,000 to 70,000 people and takes pride in offering something for everyone, There’s a carnival for kids, tractor pulls, demolition derbies, monster truck shows, farming implement and construction equipment displays, a combined Sarpy-Douglas County 4-H program and a beer garden. This year’s new offering is a concert the night before the fair begins . Craig Morgan will be the featured artist. Being situated in Springfield, between Omaha and Lincoln, keeps the country spirit central to the fair. “We’re still country, even if we live between Omaha and Lincoln, and we want to keep that theme going,” observed Jansen’s wife, Mary Ann. “We’re trying to get the urban and the country to blend together.” Brendan Sullivan/BH Media

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ROTELLA’S ITALIAN BAKERY

A family business in the truest form By Eric Taylor Suburban Newspapers A banana milkshake led to a milestone business decision for Lou Rotella Jr. some 30 years ago. “There was a Goodrich Dairy retail store in La Vista and they would put a banana in my milkshake for me,” Lou Jr. said. During trips there, he noticed some real estate for sale at 108th and Harrison Streets. The site became the home of Rotella’s Italian Bakery, beginning in 1989. The family-owned bakery has grown from a single building to a 25-acre commercial production facility with about 450 employees. Rotella’s traces its beginnings to Domenico Rotella, who began milling flour and baking and selling bread in Italy in 1850. His son, Alessandro, and his wife, Maria, were the first Rotellas to make their way to Nebraska, settling in Omaha in 1909. A dozen years later, a railroad strike left Alessandro out of work, inspir See page 10

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours

The Rotella family has been the driving force behind Rotella’s Italian Bakery for nearly 100 years, the last 29 in La Vista. Pictured are Dean Jacobsen, Lou Rotella Jr., Gina Rotella, Rocky Rotella, Lou Rotella III, Dean Jacobsen Jr., John Rotella, Jim Rotella and Helena Anderson.

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By Eugene Curtin Leader Associate Editor The widening of 36th Street from Cornhusker Road south to Twin Creek Drive will be the subject of a $118,000 feasibility study approved Nov. 15 by the Bellevue City Council. The cost will be split evenly with Sarpy County. The study, to be conducted by the Omaha traffic engineering firm of Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, will identify the impacts and costs associated with widening 36th Street to four lanes from Cornhusker Road to Twin Creek Drive — after which point 36th Street is already four lanes to Highway 370. The study will, however, include an analysis of the Twin Creek Drive/Highway 370 stretch to identify if adjustments or improvements are necessary. Widening 36th Street south of Cornhusker Road offers the prospect of a four-lane 36th Street from Cornhusker Road to Platteview Road, a stretch of about four miles. The approximately threemile stretch from Highway 370 south to Platteview Road is already scheduled to become four lanes under the terms of a $10 million city-federal project that will be funded 80 percent by the federal government. The study will conduct traffic counts south of Cornhusker Road, analyze existing traffic flows and forecast future traffic growth. It will include drainage and hydraulic analysis, assess the need to strengthen existing bridges or build new ones, and will produce a design for a fourlane road. The study is expected to be complete by March 31.

Groesser recovering after mild heart attack By Eric Taylor Recorder Managing Editor

Photo by Hailey Stolze

From left, Bellevue University international students Inaki Aldao of Argentina, Marc Juggins of England and Lautaro Marzilio of Argentina enjoy BU’s ﬁfth annual Bruins Thanksgiving Nov. 14 in the Margre H. Durham Student Center.

An international flavor at BU By Hailey Stolze Leader Staff Writer Gloria Liu had never tasted turkey before last week. She said it reminds her of pork and chicken. “It’s good,” Liu said. “It’s like chicken, but it has something different.” Liu, a first-year Bellevue University international student from China, attended BU’s fifth annual Bruins Thanksgiving Nov. 14 in the Margre H. Durham Student Center. This was her first Thanksgiving celebration. She also tried strawberry pie, which she said was far sweeter than pies in China. Liu was among more than 170 BU students who attended the event, the largest turnout ever according to Cris Hay-Merchant, the university’s strategic communications director. Alaina Smith, BU director of student life and support services, said the dinner started

as a cultural celebration to show international students American tradition. It’s also a way for students who are far from home to still enjoy a proper Thanksgiving meal, she said. “We wanted to make sure that all students had an opportunity to experience Thanksgiving, whether it was their ﬁrst time or it was their 20th time,” Smith said. Senior Michael Cardenas stopped in on his way to a night class to eat some mac and cheese and Hawaiian bread. Cardenas is from Los Angeles and came to BU on a basketball scholarship. “It’s a great experience because obviously my family’s back home, and now I have a second family,” Cardenas said. Many BU employees volunteer and bring home-cooked dishes, Smith said. The homemade food is a big selling point to students, she said, as it’s made with care and love. Though turkey and mashed potatoes are catered, employees bring green bean casse-

role, stufﬁng, pies and other Thanksgiving favorites. Tracy Tyner-Padilla, BU’s disability services specialist, made stufﬁng and cheesecake. She said she loves cooking and said it’s important to give students the opportunity to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. “We have a lot of kids that they’re far away from home, probably haven’t had an actual home-cooked meal in I don’t know how long,” Tyner-Padilla said. Attending the event is a lot of fun, Tyner-Padilla said, as she’s able to meet students she likely wouldn’t through her position. It’s a great way to bring everyone together, she said. “Hopefully we can get this growing,” Tyner-Padilla said. “We’d love to have more of the community pitch in and just kind of join the BU community, help us out and welcome some of our students that are away from home.”

Bellevue’s new City Hall set for January opening By Eugene Curtin Leader Associate Editor Bellevue’s new City Hall is well underway and is headed for a mid-January ribbon cutting. The $2.1 million renovation of a building at 1500 Wall St., is being conducted by Lund-Ross Constructors of Omaha and includes new City Council chambers as well as ofﬁces, break rooms and conference rooms for all city administrative ofﬁces. It is the newest development of a sprawling civic complex at 1510 and 1500 Wall St., which sits directly behind the McDonald’s restaurant on Galvin Road. Workers Friday afternoon were sanding drywall, installing electrical lines and sawing wood in the new council chamber. Bellevue Public Works Director Jeff Roberts pointed out the features of the ongoing renovations during a tour Friday afternoon. The City Council chamber will be familiar as it largely follows the layout of the current chamber. Council members will sit at a horseshoe dais as they do now, but at ground level instead of on an elevated platform. The chamber will contain about twice as many seats as the current chamber and will be much better

The new City Council chamber at 1510 Wall St., left, takes shape, viewed from the perspective of the council members’ seats. The new Bellevue City Hall is expected to open for business in the middle of January.

Photos by Rachel George

The Gretna High School “Anything Goes” cast waves bon voyage. A public performance of the one-act play in set for 3 p.m. Sunday in the high school theater.

Hilarity, shenanigans to ensue on Gretna stage Sunday

equipped. Room for television cameras will be provided at the rear of the chamber next to a room where the city’s audio-visual staff will record proceedings. Five 90-inch television monitors will be viewable by the public, which will make all documents read by council members clearly viewable. A room adjacent to the chamber will be used for

closed executive sessions, removing the need to vacate the council chambers. The current method of using a projector to display information on a screen behind the mayor — forcing the mayor to vacate her seat — will be abandoned. Instead, all presentations will displayed on the televisions screens, viewable simultaneously by council members and the public.

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It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in La Vista. The city is getting ready for a month filled with holiday events and activities for young and old. It all begins Sunday with Santa’s Sleigh Ride through the community. Santa will travel east of 84th Street from 3 to 5 p.m., then west of 84th from 5 to 7. He will make several stops along the route, stopping for five minutes at each spot. For a map of Santa’s travels, visit cityoflavista.org/Docu mentCenter/View/10934. The lights come on

There is no shortage of activities at this year’s Winter Wonderland event in Papillion. The annual event, put on by the Papillion Community Foundation, is set for Saturday from 4 to 9 p.m. in downtown Papillion. Among the many free activities taking place will be carriage rides, a bonﬁre, a visit from Santa Claus, live music, live reindeer and free hot chocolate, s’mores and popcorn. “There’s a lot we pack into this,” PCF Director Laura Schwartz said. “We’ve got lots of activi-

Monday for the annual tree lighting and soup supper celebration at City Hall, 8116 Park View Blvd. Music provided by the La Vista Middle School choir begins at 5:45 p.m. with Santa arriving at 6 p.m. to turn on the lights outside City Hall. Following the tree lighting, there will be a soup supper inside the La Vista Community Center. Santa will visit with children from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at his workshop, located at the former La Vista Falls clubhouse, 8305 Park View Blvd. It will be the ﬁrst of Santa’s many appearances at his workshop this holiday season. The workshop

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will be open on Dec. 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14 and 16. Last year was the ﬁrst season for Santa’s Workshop and Mitch Beaumont, community relations coordinator, said more than 1,500 visitors made their way to the workshop over six events. On Dec. 5, Santa’s Workshop will be open from 9 a.m. to noon and will be for children preschool age and younger. “This is the ﬁrst year we have something just for children that age so hopefully that works well for those families,” Beaumont said. The workshop will be See Celebrations: Page 2

ties planned.” There’s also some new looks to the 2017 version, including an outdoor market featuring several vendors. Christkindlmarkt, German for Christmas market, will feature about 10 vendors selling various Christmas items such as ornaments and candles. “These are vendors who aren’t necessarily part of the downtown business group, but it’s a neat little market to kick things off and another way to bring the community together,” Schwartz said. Another new feature is a canned food drive to support Tri-City Food Pantry, which serves the commu-

By Eric Taylor Times Managing Editor

By Debra Dowling Times Staff Writer

Volunteers came en masse Saturday to help organize and pack for the St. Columbkille Catholic Church Thanksgiving food drive in Papillion.

Recipe for a ﬁlling and fulﬁlling Thanksgiving dinner: compassion, kindness, enthusiasm, and more than a dash of muscle. Volunteers were busy all weekend at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Papillion, wrapping up the annual and successful Thanksgiving food drive. In all, they packed 330 boxes of food that were delivered to individual homes on Sunday. The church served not meals but the ingredients to make them, dessert included. Tables upon tables had rice, vegetable oil, canned corn and green beans, cereal, brownie mix

people who made the weekend event a success. The Thanksgiving food drive began in the church, but soon took on a life of its own, St. Columbkille Principal Brandi Redburn, said earlier in the month. Pupils wanted to help out, collecting so much food that it nearly blocked the entrance to the school ofﬁce in the days leading up to the weekend. On Saturday, the volunteers gathered to organize and pack the food items into boxes. On Sunday, they loaded up vehicles and 85 drivers delivered door to door. The enthusiasm and momentum Saturday and Sunday was almost palpable. “It’s amazing,’’ said

and boxes of Jell-O mix (all cherry). There was much more, and after collecting all donations Friday, gathering and boxing the food Saturday, one frozen turkey per box was added on Sunday. Children and adults, most of them parishioners of St. Columbkille, pitched in. “I like helping others so they aren’t hungry,“ said Luke Squarcia, 10, a fourth-grader at St. Columbkille Catholic School. His father, Matt, agreed. “We think it’s important to help out,” the elder Squarcia said. The Squarcias, including Matt’s wife Wendy, were among about 200

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Annual holiday celebration returns to Ralston By Eric Taylor Recorder Managing Editor There will be magic in the air in Ralston Sunday – Holiday Magic that is. The city’s annual Christmas celebration will take place in the downtown area from 2 to 7 p.m. A full slate of events is planned, featuring everything from live music, food, lights and of course, a visit from Santa Claus. “We have lots of good family activities,” said Amy Roeder, president of the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce. Many activities have become mainstays of the event, but there are a few new twists added to the 2017 version. One of those is the Sarpy Serenaders, a barbershop chorus, performing at 2 p.m. at the Baright Public Library, 5555 S. 77th St. Another new addition is members of the Ralston Community Theater, dressed as various Christmas characters, leading caroling. Several of the main events will take place at the library, a change from previous years when many events took place in the Centennial Room. The library will also feature a Carrell Towne Village display along with various children’s activities. Santa makes his customary arrival on a ﬁre truck and will make his way through the downtown area from 3:15 to 4 p.m. He will then visit with children until 6 p.m. There will also be cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes during that time, along with carriage rides available. The event concludes with the Ralston Volunteer Fire Department’s chili feed from 5 to 7 p.m. at the station, 7629 Park Drive. Donations will be accepted for the chili feed. Roeder said downtown businesses are getting into the holiday spirit by decorating their store fronts. People will be able to vote on their favorite decorations by visiting the Ralston Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.

“Right now, the only successful way to test it is to set the whole system off,” Wyman said. “It’s not an efficient testing system – there’s no monitoring, there’s no logging.” He added that it is difficult to get parts or support for it. In many cases they’ve had to be creative and cannibalize other equipment just to keep it functioning. In addition to being inefficient, the legacy system also posed a safety hazard to those who maintain the system as electrical current is used to trigger multiple devices across the base over telephone wiring. “We have overloaded what the original system

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Larry Clark, a contractor with Bazon-Cox, installs a cabling splice point inside the Offutt Field House Nov. 2 at Offutt Air Force Base. Clark is working on the new Klaxon alert system that will replace a legacy Klaxon system installed in the early 1970s. It is used to call alert aircrews back to their jets.

File photo

Beau Kaipust and his sister Mara get their photo taken with Santa Claus at last year’s Holiday Magic event. The 2017 event will take place Sunday in downtown Ralston.

HOLIDAY MAGIC SCHEDULE Sunday

4 p.m. — Santa arrives inside gazebo at Independence Square.

1 to 3 p.m. — Frank and Velma Johnson Archives Museum open house, 5615 Woodlawn Ave.

4 p.m. — Holiday Magic lighting ceremony.

1 to 5 p.m. — Carrel Towne Village on display at Baright Public Library, 5555 S. 77th St. 2 p.m. — Sarpy Serenaders at Baright Public Library. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Children’s activities at Baright Public Library. Crafts, face painting, juggler and balloon twisting will be among the many activities. 3:15 to 4 p.m. — Greetings from Santa Claus on ﬁre truck through Ralston streets.

4 to 6 p.m. — Conversation with Santa Claus. 4 to 6 p.m. — Caroling with Ralston Community Theater. 4 to 6 p.m. — Cookies, hot chocolate and candy canes. 4 to 6 p.m. — Horse and carriage rides. 5 to 7 p.m. — Ralston Volunteer Fire Department Chili Feed, 7629 Park Drive. Donations accepted. Photos by Ashley Quintela/BH News service

terhead Conference. Designers spent the two days swapping ideas and working on projects that might open their own eyes, or one of the other designers, to some new ideas. “We all share a love for the same craft,” said Rick Dolphens, owner of Dolphens Signs. “It’s a great way to share how we do things.” Along with standard sign painting, there were designers working with

Photo by Eric Taylor

LEFT: Marvin Renter of MR Signs in Norfolk works on pinstriping Saturday morning at Dolphens Signs during the Mid-Coast Letterhead conference.

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panels, glass and pinstripes. Most of the designers came from around the Midwest, but some came from as far as New Zealand to share and discover new ideas. “I’ve known Rick for 20 years,” said Marvin Renter, owner of MR Signs in Norfolk, Neb. “I come here every year to learn something new. You can get stagnant and coming here allows me to see other styles.”

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Bellevue held its annual Veterans Day parade Saturday, sponsored by the Greater Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, in Olde Towne Bellevue. Marchers included veterans groups, area high schools’ JROTC programs and the 595th Command and Control Group from Offutt Air Force Base, at top. The 595th group has been an active unit in the Air Force since 2016. World War II veteran and former Tuskegee Airman Robert Holts, at right with Bellevue mayor Rita Sanders, served as the grand marshal for the day.

Nebraska Army National Guard group holds change of command 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE — The 170th Group is under

new leadership following a change of command ceremony here Nov. 4. Lt. Col. David Preisman took the group guidon from Col. Mark Hopson during the tradition rich ceremony held at the 557th Weather Wing auditorium. The 170th Group is a Nebraska Air National Guard unit consisting of 80 authorized personnel, including 35 full-time and

45 traditional, or part-time, ANG members. “Every time a new commander has taken command (of the 170th Group), the unit has gotten better and better,” said Brig. Gen. Keith M. Schell, Nebraska National Guard Assistant Adjutant General - Air, who presided over the ceremony. “Each commander continues to raise the bar … and I know Dave is going to do a great job.” Preisman is the sixth commander in the history

of the group and comes from the 238th Combat Training Squadron, where he had been commander since 2012. “To the men and women of the 170th Group, you already rock the mission every day without fail,” he said. “I will do everything I can to knock down policy barriers that get in the way of your success by simultaneously watching what you every day with admiration and pride.” Preisman was commis-

sioned through the Reserve Ofﬁcer Training Corps at Virginia Tech in 1995. After serving on active duty for ten years, he accepted a full-time position in the Guard in 2005 and has served in a variety of positions. “You are the premier total force unit in the entire Air Force,” he told the members of the 170th Group in attendance. “I believe my service to you, not the other way around, matters more now than it

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There were no trade secrets being kept a secret Friday and Saturday at Dolphens Signs in Ralston. About 25 different sign designers were at Dolphens shop for two days during the Mid-Coast Let-

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— Offutt will soon be one of the ﬁrst bases to replace a legacy Klaxon alert system that has been used here since the early 1970’s. The system plays a vital role in notifying Offutt alert aircrews who must be ready to respond to worldwide threats at a moments notice. “It’s an alert system that when activated at one of the few activation points … it sets off horns or lights,” said Staff Sgt. Daniel Wyman, 55th Communications Squadron C4 project manager. “When that goes off, it lets people on alert know they need to get back

to their plane because it’s going to be taking off.” Many Offutt personnel have probably heard the system being tested at the Offutt Field House. There are two separate alerting systems with different tones and lights. One is used for the aircrews who operate the E-4B National Airborne Operations Center and the other notifies aircrews who operate the E-6B Airborne Command Post. The current system uses the base’s old telephone cabling infrastructure that has been modified and expanded many times since the first Klaxon system was installed more than 40 years ago. It is often susceptible to false alarms and is difficult to maintain.

HONORING SERVICE PAST & PRESENT

Midwest designers share secrets at Dolphens Signs

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Offutt AFB, Nebraska

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1970s era alert system to be replaced

Magic in the air

See St. Columbkille: Page 2

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Cyd Hall. “I literally have to turn away potential volunteers each year because so many people want to help.” Hall is one of four women on the Thanksgiving food drive committee. The others are Becky Grant, Libby Renfro and Linda Gries. The resounding theme was one of generosity and sharing that was truly moving, parishioner Nino Franco said, as he packed his pickup with his wife, Jean. “I grew up extremely poor,” Nino said. “I wish we had had something like this when I was young. I’m happy to see this and I’m happy to help. “I want to teach my

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nities of Papillion, La Vista and Ralston. There will be a truck parked in front of the Runza, 202 N. Washington St., for people to drop off food or monetary donations. “After you get through Thanksgiving, the shelves at the pantry get a little bare,” Schwartz said. “No one should have to worry about groceries at Christmas and it’s a time to be giving back. That’s the most important of anything we’re doing that day.” There will be four carriages rolling through the downtown area along with two trolleys. Santa

The giving season at St. Columbkille

Photo by Debra Dowling

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Ensemble: Cameron Cerny Ensemble: Elizabeth Christensen Ensemble: Kaitlyn Correll Ensemble: Kaylee Davis Ensemble: Tristan Duin Ensemble: Carsen Gobber Ensemble: Matthew Goblirsch Ensemble: Robert Goday Ensemble: Madison Gulizia Ensemble: Delaney Hill Ensemble: Cecily Jones Ensemble: Drake Jones Ensemble: Mickael Liermann Ensemble: Gene Mannewitz Ensemble: Tristen Menichetti Ensemble: Kayla Michalski Ensemble: Hannah Morrison Ensemble: Lauren Newstrom Ensemble: Trystan Nord Ensemble: Patrick Osborn Ensemble: Reagan Pearson Ensemble: Marek Penney Ensemble: Payton Plugge Ensemble: Faith Polivanov Ensemble: Kara Prorok Ensemble: Lane Roberts Ensemble: Payton Shoup Ensemble: Hannah Simpson Ensemble: Owen Smyser Ensemble: Cailyn Sykora Ensemble: Keegan Towey Ensemble: Serena Wilson Ensemble: Anthony Zaner

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Cast List

From left, Tyler Harpenau as Billy Crocker, Landon Watson as Moonface “Moonie” Martin and Nick Schickert as the captain.

Photo by Eugene Curtin

Roberts held out the possibility “in this crazy world of ours” that residents might have to enter the council chambers through a metal detector, but said no final decision has been made. City offices and staff will be secured behind locked doors, and visitors will be accompanied to appointments. The building has two stories, with the council chamber on the ground level and directly accessible from the parking lot. The offices of the mayor, the city administrator, the assistant administrator and most administrative offices are located on the second story, accessible by elevator. The new City Hall is the final piece of a puzzle that has seen the city move its functions to the Wall Street complex gradually over the past several years. The police department has already relocated to the 1510 Wall St., building, as has planning staff, public works and permits and inspections.

Landon Watson, left, as Moonface “Moonie” Martin, and Rachel Stage as Erma, Moonie’s girlfriend.

Purser: Nicole Carraher Purser: Brady Netzel Captain: Nicholas Schickert Reporter/Sinner: Sophia Montemarano Reporter/Sinner: Sydney Wagner Photographer/Sinner: Keana Hollendieck Photographer/Sinner: Johann Ott Reverend Henry T. Dobson: Cooper Graham Luke: Devin Brewer John: Lana Nguyen Reno Sweeney: Emelia Rau Angel Purity: Praise Bothwell Angel Chastity: Sydney Kimnach Angel Charity: Camryn Boone Angel Virtue: Payton Long Evangeline Harcourt: Angela Gahan Hope Harcourt: Macy Rasmussen Lord Evelyn Oakleigh: Jedidiah Merriman Elisha Whitney: Thomas Lamountain Billy Crocker: Tyler Harpenau FBI Agent: Braden Kanne FBI Agent: Sarah Ference Erma: Rachel Stage Moonface (Moonie) Martin: Landon Watson Sailor: Samuel Brodersen Sailor: Timothy Huber Sailor: Joshua Human Sailor: Samuel Ingledue Sailor: Jeremiah Merriman Ensemble: Marin Bartman Ensemble: Connor Beck Ensemble: Brynn Boes Ensemble: Brittney Bosak Ensemble: Autumn Bothwell

File photo

The arrival of Santa Claus is one of the highlights of Winter Wonderland. The annual downtown Papillion event, organized by the Papillion Community Foundation, will take place Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m.

Holiday celebrations begin Sunday in La Vista By Eric Taylor Times Managing Editor

By Rachel George Gretna Breeze Editor Gretna High School’s stage talent kicked off a string of performances Sunday, debuting this year’s one-act play “Anything Goes.” The story focuses on the eccentric foolery aboard an ocean liner traveling from New York to England, brimming with stowaways, gangsters, lords and everyone in between. “I was looking for a comedy and this seemed to ﬁt the kids I was working with,” said Carole Carraher, a counselor at GHS who directs the play each year. Students were set to perform at the Eastern Midlands Conference, slated for Tuesday at Elkhorn High School, after the Breeze’s publication deadline. A community performance will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at Gretna High School. There is no cost for admission, though a free-will donation will be accepted for donation to Gretna Neighbors food pantry. Students will then compete in the district competition December 2, which will be hosted at Gretna High School. The contest begins at 10 a.m. with Gretna set to perform at 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

File photo

Santa and Mrs. Claus will once again be making their way through La Vista Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. as part of Santa’s Sleigh Ride. The city will host its annual tree lighting and soup supper Monday evening.

Ralston Mayor Don Groesser is at home recovering after suffering a mild heart attack on Nov. 11. Groesser’s wife, Deb, said the mayor was released from the hospital on Nov. 13. Groesser had spoke at the city’s Veterans Day ceremony on the day he suffered his heart attack. Groesser “He hadn’t been feeling well that morning, but he didn’t think anything of it,” Deb said. “He said he wanted to go give his speech and then see how he felt afterwards. He was feeling OK when he got home, but then he started feeling some pressure so we went to the ER. Within about 45 minutes of checking him, they determined he had suffered a mild heart attack.” A stent was inserted after it was discovered the mayor had 99 percent blockage in one artery. The Groessers had recently been out of town for a six-week trip and the mayor was scheduled to be out of town this week. “It could have been so much worse so we were thankful it happened when it did,” she said. “We were on a sixweek road trip and in some pretty remote areas, so we’re fortunate it didn’t happen then.” Deb said her husband began cardiac rehab on Friday. “He’s on lots of new medicine and a new low-sodium diet,” Deb said. “He needs to rest and recuperate and the doctor told him absolutely no stress. He’s going to be off work for at least a couple of weeks.” City Administrator Dave Forrest is handling city affairs during Groesser’s absence. “Everyone is doing a great job to make sure everything is running smoothly so Don can rest,” Deb said. “He’s a very strong, positive guy and he loves being active so he can’t wait to return.” Along with city staff, Deb said there has been plenty of support from people throughout the Ralston community. “We have had literally hundreds of messages and emails and have just been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for Don,” she said. “We’re so grateful he’s going to be OK. God’s timing was amazing and we have a lot extra to be thankful for this

XNSP28766

Family Owned & Operated

ever has.” Hopson will retire after nearly 25 years in the Air Force as an active duty and ANG member. He earned his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1991 and joined the Guard in 2002. “During Mark’s time in command of the 170th and throughout his career he showed tremendous leadership and courage, so I’d like to congratulate him on a job well done,” Schell said. “I’m humbled and

honored and it has been a privilege to be in the 55th Wing, to be in the Nebraska Air National Guard and to be the commander of the awesome 170th Group,” Hopson said. “ The 170th Group was activated June 26, 2007, under the Offutt AFB Future Total Force Initiative. Their mission is to provide initial qualiﬁcation, re-qualiﬁcation and upgrade training to active duty and ANG aircrew members within the 55th Wing.

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

May 16, 2018

A Dream Come True

The Dream For A Major Expansion In Sarpy County Became A Reality In 1988. Thank You For This Special Induction Into The 2018 Sarpy County Business Hall Of Fame! From the Rotella Family

rotellasbakery.com 2094106-01

SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

KENT SIEVERS/BHMedia

Traditional Vienna bread rides a conveyor from the oven into the cooling towers at Rotella’s Italian Bakery in La Vista.

Continued from page 8 ing him to return to the family trade and purchase a bakery in South Omaha for $25 a month. Nearly a century later, Alessandro’s vision is alive and well, having been passed to three generations, beginning with Lou Rotella Sr. Today, Lou Jr. and his cousin, Jim, run the bakery alongside Dean Jacobsen, a son-in-law of Lou Sr. “It all goes back to what my grandfather told my dad, and that was to buy quality ingredients, make a quality product and sell it at a fair price,” said Lou Jr. “We were the fourth generation of the family taking over and we didn’t want to be the ones to ruin it,” Jim said. Rotella’s has not been afraid to take chances along the way. It introduced sliced bread in plastic packaging in the early 1960s. A major breakthrough came in 1982, when Rotella’s began selling fresh, frozen bread nationally. “That was a turning point for us,” Lou Jr. said. “About 75 percent of our business is frozen bread sold nationally.” As the product line began to expand, so did the family involvement. Lou Jr., Jim and Dean have been handling the day-today operations for many years. Lou III and his brother, John, joined the team along

May 16, 2018

with Jim’s son and daughter, Rocky and Gina, and Dean Jr. and his sister, Helena Anderson. “We each have our own niche of what we do here and we trust each other,” Lou Jr. said. “We also get along really well. “I’m an open-minded person and I’ve always told everyone that if they only tell me what I want to hear, then it only goes as far as my mind. We’re always open to discuss anything. We’re going to have differences of opinions, but then we monitor the results. There might be disagreements, but we all want what’s best for the company.” The family environment makes Rotella’s unique, according to Rocky. “The neatest part for me is to bring my 6-year-old daughter around here and have her be a part of the family atmosphere.” “Our employees are an extension of our family,” Lou III said. “We have a lot of dedicated, passionate people working for us.” Treating customers with respect is a longstanding tenet. “My Uncle Lou always told us that how we treated the customer was very important,” Jim said. “We’re fortunate that we’ve all worked hard to get to this point,” Lou Jr. said. “But we always keep it in the back of our minds that we need to stay on top (of the business) or we could fail.”

On behalf of the Citizens, Mayor & City Council and Staff,

Congratulations, Rotella’s!

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SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

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May 16, 2018

DOUG SPETH

Keeping Papillion on the road By Eugene Curtin Suburban Newspapers Doug Speth has been keeping Papillion on the road since 1993, when he bought his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Papillion Firestone tire store. Spethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father and grandfather both owned Texaco gas stations in Papillion and Omaha, eventually joining the highly competitive tire business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole thing that separates us from a lot of other places is that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re independent,â&#x20AC;? Speth said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A lot of the other stores around here are owned by big corporations. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just a small company that takes care of people and keeps its reputation good.â&#x20AC;? The independent status of his

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole thing that separate us from a lot of other places is that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re independent.â&#x20AC;? Doug Speth shop, Papilion Tire, is not accidental. Speth dropped the affiliation with Firestone when he bought the company from his father. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That way I was able to go in a different direction with the products that I sold,â&#x20AC;? Speth said. Besides tire sales and service, technicians at the shop also do other auto repairs. With five employees and like most small businesses, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a family affair. His wife of 26 years, See page 12

Eugene Curtin/Suburban Newspapers

Doug Speth, owner of Papillion Tire, poses in his front office where 25 years of successful ownership has resulted in his being inducted into the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame.

2094114-01

SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

May 16, 2018

Continued from page 11 Teresa, manages the books. Speth worked alongside his father as a youngster, helping to clean the family’s gas stations. He eventually became a technician at Papillion Firestone, where he learned the ropes and prepared to take over. Speth is a longtime supporter of sports teams in the public schools and has been involved with Tom Osborne’s Teammates mentoring program. His building at 1221 Royal Drive in Papillion is tucked away in an industrial park off 84th Street. It reflects his business, Speth said — uncomplicated and honest. “This is my place here,” he said. “This is what I do. This is what I like to do. This is it.” Induction into the Sarpy County Business Hall of Fame means a lot, he said. “Sarpy County is a good county. It’s growing, and I’m just happy to be part of it.” Tom Knox/Suburban Newspapers

Papillion Tire does more than just tires. Technicians perform all types of repairs and maintenance in the shop’s bays.

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SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

May 16, 2018

ED SEDLACEK

Chance at investment embeds Sedlaceks in Gretna community By Rachel George Suburban Newspapers Early retirement and a desire to do more were driving factors for Ed Sedlacek in building SilverRidge Assisted Living & Memory Support in Gretna a decade ago. After working 25 years for Kiewit and retiring in his early 50s, Sedlacek bought a condo in Florida and lived there for a time. He was at a Husker tailgate party in Lincoln when he was introduced to Mike Wilcox, a senior housing consultant and developer in Omaha. Sedlacek began touring residential care facilities that Wilcox was opening. “I had gotten to know him (Mike) pretty well,” Sedlacek said. An idea was percolating. “I asked him: ‘If I built one, would you manage it?’” Wilcox agreed and Sedlacek broke ground broke on SilverRidge in the spring of 2000. Wilcox managed the facility for five years upon opening. “After that, we took over,” Sedlacek said. “My family, we’re all here.” See page 14

Adam Klinker /Subruban Newspapers

Maurie Johnson, at right, used to provide the land on which the Gretna United Methodist Church planted its community garden. Now a resident of SilverRidge Assisted Living, Johnson helps out with a community garden the church has planted there in conjunction with SilverRidge. The church’s harvest goes to fill local food banks while fruits and vegetables grown by SilverRidge find their way into dishes served at the facility. Joining Johnson here are, from left, Gretna UMC Outreach Coordinator Mary Lou Kane, Gretna UMC garden coordinator Donna Doolittle, SilverRidge Dietary Director Tim Steinbach and Christel Van Meter of SilverRidge.

Rachel George/Suburban Newspapers

Ed Sedlacek, founder of SilverRidge Assisted Living & Memory Support in Gretna. “Time flew by so fast. I can’t believe we’re in our 17th year.”

Congratulations

Yo u ’ v e A l w a y s B e e n a

Hall of Famer

Aspen Creek Elementary • 402-332-5617 Gretna Elementary • 402-332-3341 Thomas Elementary • 402-332-5578 Palisades Elementary • 402-895-2194 Whitetail Creek Elementary • 402-895-3388 Aspen Creek Middle • 402-332-3866 Middle School • 402-332-3048 High School • 402-332-3936 Administration Office • 402-332-3265

to Us!

The SilverRidge Family Congratulates Ed Sedlacek

Gretna Public Schools

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SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

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May 16, 2018

Continued from page 13 A resident of Sarpy County since 1985, Sedlacek kept his roots close to home, choosing Gretna because the area didn’t offer anything like SilverRidge for seniors. “I was just looking to diversify my investments, and since I knew how to build buildings...” Sedlacek said. SilverRidge’s philosophy focuses on four values: dignity in life, assistance when needed, independence forever and integrity above all. The complex has more than 100 apartment homes between its assisted living and memory care facilities, a courtyard, several coffee and beauty/ barber shops, an activities center and other quality of life amenities. Today, SilverRidge is a pillar in the community. For the past 16 years, SilverRidge has entered a float in the Gretna Days parade and invited the public to a post-parade hot dog feed at the retirement community. Family management, along with a reliable staff, leave Sedlacek feeling the facility is in good hands. “It’s done good,” he said. “Time flew by so fast. I can’t believe we’re in our 17th year.”

Emily Fink/Suburban Newspapers

The north building is the latest addition to SilverRidge Assisted Living. It opened in March and has 20 units for residents. Another feature is a day care center in the basement for employees’ children.

Congratulations Ed Sedlacek “I was just looking to diversify my investments, and since I knew how to build buildings...”

2094108-01

Ed Sedlacek

Well deserved! Both Silver Ridge and Little Ridges are integral parts of our community. Thank you for all your contributions to Gretna. Visit our website at www.gretnachamber.com

Congratulations Sarpy County Fair Board! Thank you for all you do to continually make the Sarpy County Fair a huge success!

Custom Building & Design

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SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

May 16, 2018

PAST INDUCTEES

FOUND ED IN 2012

2012 INDUCTEES

• R. Joe Dennis (Developer, founder of Bellevue University) • Andy Anderson (Formerly La Vista Mayor) & Tom Doyle (City Engineer) • Al Wenstrand (Sarpy County Economic Development) • Bob Dressen (TD2, Papillion City Engineer)

• Beardmore Chevrolet • Harlan Falk (Great Western Bank) • Dan Hoins (City of Papillion Administrator)

• John Thompson (Twin Creek Development) • Frank Kumor (Erwin’s Jewelers, Bellevue) • Mary Beth & Jim Harrold (Papillion Flower Patch and Papillion Barbers)

• • • •

Bellevue University CJ Werner (Werner Trucking) Gail DeBoer (SAC Federal Credit Union) Mike Hogan (Commercial & Retail Developer)

2013 INDUCTEES

• Jolene Roberts (President & CEO, Hillcrest Health Services) • Tim & Jan Vala (Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, Gretna)

2014 INDUCTEES

• Brad Stauffer (Gretna Chiropractic) • Pay Pal

2015 INDUCTEES

• Bob McCallie (McCallie & Associates –posthumously) • Doug Zoerb (Pinnacle Bank-Gretna) • Gene Pfahl (Gene’s Auto & Truck Service Inc.)

• Mike Branigan Stylehouse Barbershop (La Vista) • George Rybar (Offutt Collision Repair, Bellevue)

2016 INDUCTEES

• Rick & Rita Sanders (Richmont Village—Richmont Terrace, Bellevue) • Bob McKinney (McKinney’s Food Center-Gretna)

• Doug Kindig (Mayor, City of La Vista) • Jack Koke (Harney Realty, Gretna) • Don Bellino (Bellino Enterprises)

• Kim Ahlers (Kojama’s Boutique) • Soaring Wings Vineyard (Springﬁeld) • Bank of Nebraska

2017 INDUCTEES

• Keith Hentzen (Springﬁeld Drug and Soda Fountain) • Nebraska Medicine-Bellevue 2089373-01

SUBURBAN NEWSPAPERS INC.

SARPY COUNTY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

MYTH

It’s only abuse if it’s physical.

FACT

Abuse can be emotional, too.

May 16, 2018

I am for the child The child who lived in motels, cars and shelters. The child who now stands in the entryway of a group foster home, clutching a makeshift suitcase – a garbage bag ﬁlled with everything she owns. She is the child I am for. And because of that, she will be half as likely to languish in foster care, and that much more likely to ﬁnd a safe permanent home. I am a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer.

I am

YOU

2093088-01

Lift up a child’s voice. A child’s life.

Get involved at www.sarpy.com/casa