Lake Envy 📏

Happy Friday Ledgers,

Take a deep breath. Savor the crisp fall air as gentle winds send amber leaves spiraling to the ground. Take in the colors, the calm, the wonder. And rest easy—because in just a few days, the endless stream of political text messages disturbing your inner peace will finally come to an end. 🧘‍♀️

In this week’s issue:

• Lake Envy: Nebraska's lake to rival Okoboji sputters

• What To Do: Classics, secret parties, and holiday artistry

• Sportz: Ryan Day stars as “Toy Santa” in the Santa Clause 2 remake

• Neighborhood Watch: AirBnBetterBelieveIt

Since you asked.... here are three ways to help TLL grow.

1. Refer a friend (by forwarding this edition and having them using your link below)

2. Refer a family member (by forwarding this edition and having them using your link below)

3. Refer a previously sworn enemy. This might be the thing that brings you back to the table of friendship. Who knows?... 🤷

- Landon

#LAKE80

Lake envy. 📏

Nebraska and Iowa, despite our friendly rivalry, have more in common than we'd like to admit—similar weather, economic makeup, values—the list goes on. But there’s one thing Iowa has that leaves Nebraskans envious: Lake Okoboji. Known for its pristine water quality, scenic surroundings, and endless summer activities, Okoboji is a cherished destination for Iowans and Midwesterners alike. It's not surprising that Nebraska wants its own large recreational lake to boost outdoor activities and economic growth.

Introducing "Lake 80”… In 2022, a vision for a large lake alongside I-80 captured the interest of developers and locals alike. The project, referred to as "Lake 80," envisions a 3,600-acre sandpit lake that could draw tourists, support workforce recruitment, and boost economic development in the state. The first step toward realizing this dream is a feasibility study to evaluate its potential benefits, impacts, and overall viability.

However, recent findings have thrown a curveball at the original location. Last Thursday, a report was released that noted potential risks to the wellfields that supply Lincoln’s drinking water supply. Given the risks, the study removed the initial location—between Gretna and Ashland along I-80—from serious consideration.

New Locations Proposed… Rather than scrapping the project entirely, the report suggested alternative plans. The new proposal recommended developing two smaller sandpit lakes near Louisville, Nebraska, and constructing two dams—one on the Elkhorn River near Nickerson and another on Salt Creek near Ashland. While this isn’t the original vision, it keeps the possibility of a large-scale lake project alive, albeit in a different form.

So, what’s next... With the initial site off the table, the project will need additional research to identify the best location(s), potential floodplain impacts, and financial feasibility. Developers remain hopeful, but significant planning and analysis lie ahead.

Project Details (so far):

• Project Size: 3,600 acres (proposed initially)

• Estimated Cost: $3.3 billion

• Funding Method: 90% funded by developers and philanthropists

• Est. Annual Visits: 1.4 million/yr

Sources (the actual journalists):
Nebraska Examiner — “New report eliminates original site envisioned for huge lake between Omaha and Lincoln” | Paul Hammel

WHAT TO DO

Classics, secret parties, and holiday artistry.

🎹 A classical music night, for your fancy self.
Start November on an elevated note with last-minute tickets to see world-renowned classical pianist Yunchan Lim at the Lied Center. Dress to impress—it’s a black-tie kind of night. Begin with drinks at The Sitch or Barrymore’s, then head to The Oven for dinner if you’re in the mood for a complete night out.

Alternative: If you’re not quite ready to let Halloween go, check out the one-night-only return of Boombox Social in the Haymarket. The location’s a secret until today, adding a little intrigue to keep the spooky vibes alive.

✨ Glass Blowing Class
Tomorrow, you’ll try your hand at glass blowing and create custom Christmas ornaments. Hosted by CalyxAnn, this workshop runs from 12:30 PM - 2:45 PM and lets you create a one-of-a-kind piece to make your holiday decor shine. You’ll have a handmade ornament that just might spark some (loving) envy among friends—who’ll at least say, “I actually love this” to keep your spirits high.

Disclaimer: The Lincoln Ledger claims zero liability for any burns or bruised egos. Glass blowing, as they say, is an art as fickle as the holiday spirit itself.

SPORTZ

Sporting headlines from around the capital.

• 🏐 Volleyball: Huskers beat Michigan and improve to 10-0 in Big Ten Play ahead of game against #7 Wisconsin tonight

• 🏈 Football: Nebraska takes on UCLA at home on Saturday, looks to secure bowl game berth

• 🏌️ Golf: Rudy Sautron set a new school record at the Steelwood Country Club, shooting a 63 (-9)

• 🤼 Wrestling: Former NU wrestler and coach Matt Lindland is to be inducted to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

• 🎳 Bowling: Jillian Martin was selected to represent Team USA at the IBF World Cup in Hong Kong

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

3750 S 44th St, Lincoln, NE 68506

In-city forest retreat. 🌲

Welcome to your own urban sanctuary. Tucked away on a full acre of private forest, this home brings the calm and beauty of nature right to the city. It’s not just a house; it’s a retreat—fully updated, radiating warmth, and ready for someone who values a little extra breathing room. The kind of place that feels like it was meant for raising a family (if that’s your thing), or simply sprawling out and enjoying all that space for yourself.

And here’s the kicker: this property isn’t just about the serenity; it’s an investment opportunity already set to return. As an Airbnb, it reportedly generates $30,000 a year, covering a healthy portion of the mortgage. With a little strategic hosting (and yes, that all-important $200 cleaning fee 😩), this home could easily start paying for itself, making it an attractive low-net-expense property.

The Details:

• 5 beds, 4 baths

• 3,282 sq/ft

• Built in 1915

❤️ KEEP: The lush wooded setting, the cozy modern updates throughout, the abundant natural light, and the large windows that invite the outdoors in.

🗑️ TOSS: Honestly, very little. Perhaps add some outdoor lighting for evening gatherings or a few pathways to explore your own private woodland.

CHECKLIST

An over-ambitious weekend to-do list.

• Pick up any candy trash from Halloween left

• Send out an early invite to your legendary holiday party

• Swap out your air filter, we’re coming into furnace season

• Disconnect any hoses attached to your home

• Clean your storage room a little

HEADLINES

More news from around the capital.

• Friday Night Lights: High school football in Nebraska is highlighting district inequity

• Railyard: Longwells, the longest-running bar in the railyard, has been purchased and will be rebranded to The CORNer bar

• More Lakes: A lake in Ashland will undergo a $2.7M restoration effort, beginning next year

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

• R/Lincoln: This gentle parking reminder