Buffalo Joe 🦬

The Lincoln Ledger: September 6th, 2024

September 06, 2024

Happy Friday Ledgers,

After a long hiatus, Nebraska's iconic red balloons are set to soar again this weekend to celebrate the much-anticipated matchup against Colorado.

The balloons have been absent for a few years after former athletic director Trev Alberts ended the tradition, citing a global helium shortage in 2022. But the decision to bring them back is a big PR win for the university and newly hired athletic director Troy Dannen.

Just a reminder: those balloons only take flight for touchdowns, not field goals. 🎈

In this week’s issue:

  • Manufacturing: ‘Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska’ competition.

  • What To Do: Storage Wars with a touch of Sunken Gardens.

  • Sportz: Let me clear my throat.

  • Neighborhood Watch: Maybe a trapezoid?

Happy Friday—enjoy the fall vibes this weekend. 🍂

- Landon

MANUFACTURING

How Its Made Vintage GIF by Safran

Gif by SafranGroup on Giphy

Manufacturing competition heats up. 🛠️

As red-blooded Americans, we love ourselves a bit of competition. Sixteen Nebraska manufacturing companies are going head-to-head for the coveted title of ‘Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska.’ Hosted by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Nebraska Manufacturing Alliance, this contest is all about shining a light on the impressive work being done by manufacturers across the state—companies that often fly under the radar for the average Nebraskan.

Meet the Lincoln contenders... The competition features five standout companies from Lincoln, each bringing something unique to the table, from agri-tech to interior home finishes:

You might recognize Virtual Incision from our past coverage of their cutting-edge surgical robots, designed for use in remote clinics and even in space. Another notable Lincoln entrant is Marble Technologies, whose automated meat processing system is revolutionizing the industry with its smart meat identification and classification technology.

🔢 By the numbers: manufacturing in Nebraska

  • 100,000: # of Nebraskans are employed in the manufacturing sector (roughly 10% of Nebraska’s total workforce

  • 1,600: Manufacturing facilities across NE

  • $14.2B+: The amount our manufacturing sector contributes to Nebraska’s total economic output

By the Numbers Data - Via NE Manufacturing Alliance website

WHAT TO DO

Season 1 Art GIF by Nanalan'

Gif by nanalan on Giphy

You are artsy. You are a bargain hunter. You are a buffalo hunter. 🦬

We know you’re still recovering from Sexyy Red’s show last night, but buckle up, because we still have a whole weekend ahead of us.

🖼️ First Fridays
The weather's too good to stay inside, so spend the evening hopping between your favorite galleries—and maybe discover a hidden gem or two. Here are a few spots to put on your list:

  • International Quilt Museum: Shake things up with this underrated Lincoln treasure. Free admission from 4:00-7:00 PM makes this one a must.

  • Oak Creek Plants and Flowers: Known for its immaculate houseplants, Oak Creek is now venturing into the First Fridays scene.

  • Kiechel Fine Art: The essential stop. Expect elegant art, a classy atmosphere, and a glass of champagne perfect for contemplating life's big questions—or pretending to.

  • Tugboat: Quirky and authentic, this collective showcases some of Lincoln’s top talents. It’s the artist's art gallery.

🗣️ Saturday morning: Storage Wars (IRL)
Start your Saturday with a try at a storage unit auction. There’s no telling what hidden treasures or junk you’ll find when those garage doors roll up. Channel your inner reality TV star and dive in.

🦬 Saturday evening: NU vs Colorado
The historic rivalry that never disappoints—NU vs. Colorado. Two teams with a deep-seated grudge, two talented quarterbacks, and two beers in hands as you ride the Husker football hype train. The Railyard is the place to be, but wear your Wellies; it’ll get messy.

There's a new honky-tonk in town, and it’s ready to make a splash. Tank’s Country, located in the Haymarket, is the perfect spot to catch what might be the game of the season. Kickoff is at 6:30 PM, so grab a cold one, cheer on the Huskers, and, if we win, hit the dance floor for some celebratory line dancing.

🌸 Sunken Sunday
Sunday is for resetting and rehydrating. Start with a late breakfast at The Green Gateau—try the eggs benedict, you won’t regret it. Then, take a leisurely stroll through Sunken Gardens. Breathe in the flowers, exhale the stress, and brace yourself for the Sunday Scaries.

SPORTZ

Sporting headlines from around the capital.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Trapezoid Anyone? 🎨

Calling all aspiring artists, deep thinkers, and those who find solace in the solitude of their craft—this home is your canvas. Designed by an architect for his own family, this one-of-a-kind residence is not just a house; it's an experience. Nestled amid tall, whispering grasses, this private haven is as unique as the mind of its creator.

As you meander up the long driveway, you’ll feel yourself leaving the ordinary world behind. The main home, with its unconventional shape (can someone who passed geometry let us know what shape this is?), embraces the outdoors as its muse. The architect's vision was clear: to create a living space where the indoors flow seamlessly into the outdoors, with a deck that practically begs for morning coffee or twilight conversations under the stars.

And let's talk about the studio space—a separate building on the lot that's pure Pinterest magic. Bathed in natural light, it's the perfect place to lose yourself in creativity. Whether you're sorting through prints, throwing pottery, or painting your next masterpiece, this studio offers inspiration in every beam of light that streams through its generous windows.

This house is quirky, unconventional, and full of character, and we are here for it. And as the city grows around you, you'll enjoy your own little bubble of peace and privacy on a generous 2-acre lot. You don't just buy this home; you become part of its story.

The Details:

  • 2 beds, 3 baths

  • 2,250 sq/ft

  • Built in 1972

  • A crafting area worth every dime.

❤️ KEEP: The unique architectural design that sets this home apart from anything else on the market, the spacious deck that seamlessly connects the home to nature, and the sun-drenched studio space that’s perfect for any creative pursuit.

🗑️ TOSS: A few of the dated interior finishes could use a refresh—think modern lighting, updated flooring, and maybe a pop of bold color to play up the home's artsy vibe. The kitchen could also benefit from some new cabinetry and hardware to match the rest of the house's distinctive flair.

CHECKLIST

An over-ambitious weekend to-do list.

  • Grab some free mulch at one of three parks this weekend.

  • Overseed your yard for fall. Here’s how.

  • Wipe the inside of your windshield down to cut down on the glare.

  • Schedule your next family hangout for this fall.

  • Take 5 minutes to jot down a few items on your Christmas wish list. To get ahead of the curve, do the same for your loved ones’ lists.

HEADLINES

More news from around the capital.

🐯 Weekly Wildcard:
One headline (or post) we never saw coming.

⇲ Corrections Corner:
We get stuff wrong sometimes, here’s where we’ll track notable corrections.

ABOUT TLL

We created this sliver of the internet to make it easy for no-coasters to keep tabs on what’s happening in Lincoln and to give you new ideas on how to spend your time.

Weekend Poll Note:
You’ve been iced, punk. 🧊

Should you attend the to-be-announced Lincoln Ledger tailgate, you may or may not find a Smirnoff Ice with your name on it.