Ode to a weatherman 🌦️

Happy Friday Ledgers,

What’s the weather doing this weekend? Honestly… we’re not sure anymore.

After 44 years on air, local weather legend Ken Siemek has officially retired, leaving Lincoln unsure whether to pack a parka, grab an umbrella, or just stay inside and panic.

Ken wasn’t just a meteorologist; he was a barometer of public mood. According to trusted sources, you could gauge the severity of a storm by his outfit: jacket on, you're fine. Tie off and sleeves rolled up? Get in the basement.

The man was the Doppler. 📡

In this week’s issue:

• SNAP: Lincoln rises to the occasion

• What To Do: A very sporty weekend

• Sportz: Excessive celebration

• Neighborhood Watch: Middle of the Century

Sunny and 65 in November. Who could want more?

- Landon

SHOUT OUT

Lincoln rises to the occasion

This week we’re using this section to highlight the businesses and organizations that are going the extra mile to help those affected by the government shutdown and SNAP benefit uncertainty. This list is by no means comprehensive, but we thought these efforts were worth highlighting. If you know of others doing good work, send them our way. We’d love to keep it going.

• Aging Partners - Providing hot meals to those 60 years and older

• Birria Boss - Opened the Boss Pantry, providing mini chicken & rice bowls for anyone in need

• Center for People - Distributing food and essential items through The People’s Pantry

• FoodNet - Distributing food and preventing food waste

• Food Bank of Lincoln - Working tirelessly and hosting an additional food distribution this Saturday from 12:30-2:00pm

• Little Free Pantry LNK - Created a map of all free pantries across Lincoln

• LNK Health Department - Created a map of all food resources locations

• Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach - Providing hot meals every day

• Muchachos - Opened Muchachos Lil Pantry, Provided judgement free SNAPadillas

• Salon Voe - Collecting food donations for Food Bank of Lincoln

• Sower Books - Hosting a food drive for Food Bank of Lincoln

• The Gathering Place - Served nearly 300 meals this Wednesday in partnership with Food Bank of Lincoln

• We Feed Kids - We Can Do This - Setting up two pop-up food pantries and coordinating donations

Sources (the real journalists):

Reddit: u/interrobangAnnie - Places to donate food because of SNAP pause

Channel 8 News - Lincoln officials work with food organizations to keep people fed during SNAP pause | Lincoln’s Muchachos opens up free food pantry amid government shutdown, SNAP cuts

10/11 Now - Food assistance organizations gear up as federal shutdown pauses SNAP benefits

Lincoln Journal Star - “No one will go hungry': Lincoln's Gathering Place works to meet need during SNAP freeze”

WHAT TO DO

A sporty weekend

After last week’s USC letdown, you’ll rally with a lineup that reminds you why being a sports fan is about more than just football heartbreak → here’s your weekend game plan:

🏐 High School State Volleyball
It’s only fitting that in a state dubbed “the volleyball state” you’d start this weekend by paying your respects. Head to the NSAA State Volleyball Tournament and watch the top High School volleyball teams duke it out for a shot at yearbook glory.

🏃‍♀️ Good Life Halfsy
Nothing beats the joyous atmosphere of a marathon (or half marathon for that matter). Hit up the race course tomorrow morning and cheer on the runners as they make their way through pain and glory.

🎾 Women’s Pro Tennis
The ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour returns to the Sid and Hazel Dillon Tennis Center, bringing rising stars from around the globe to compete. You’ll drop by, realize just how fast a 110 mph serve really is, and leave convinced you’ve just seen the next Coco Gauff.

🐎 NFRP Barrel Racing
Let your inner cowboy out at the NFRP Barrel Racing competition. Watch elite riders chase prize money (and pride) at breakneck speed. You don’t need a hat or boots, but no one’s stopping you either. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?

SPORTZ

Sporting headlines from around the capital.

• 🍻 Booze: Nebraska is leading the nation in alcohol sales at sporting events, a title no one is sure we want…

• 🏐 Volleyball: #1 Nebraska swept Illinois last night, takes on Minnesota tomorrow

• 🏈 Football: Nebraska, led by Freshman QB TJ Lateef, looks to bounce back vs UCLA on the road at 8:00pm (where to watch)

• ⛹️ NCAAMB: Nebrasketball takes on FIU tomorrow at PBA at 12:00pm

• 🏀 NCAAWB: The NU women’s team tips off vs Samford at 5:00pm at home

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

4541 Meadow Ln, Lincoln, NE 68506

Middle of the Century

Sometimes you just have to commit to the bit. Why buy a Spanish villa if what you really wanted was a ‘90s loft? Or a Tudor if your heart’s set on something modern? Not every home needs to be “reimagined.” Some already know exactly who they are.

That’s what we love about 4541 Meadow Lane. Mid-century through and through, this home stays true to its roots with updates that respect the vibe. No “buyer beware” here, you know what you’re getting, and it’s clear the last owners liked it that way.

The Details:

• 4 beds, 3 baths

• 2,867 sq/ft

• Built in 1958

• An outdoor lounge so chic that we’re considering becoming squatters

❤️ KEEP:
All of the exterior, from the landscaping to the decking. The big living room windows, the vibrant art that makes the space pop, and the triple fireplaces. 🔥🔥🔥

🗑️ TOSS:
Swap the grey walls for something with more personality, there are plenty of great options to choose from here.

CHECKLIST

An over-ambitious weekend to-do list.

• Set your fans to clockwise to pull cool air up during the winter

• Swap the batteries to your garage door remote

• Make that spare key for the door you’ve lost all the other keys to

• Take family photos for the holiday card

• Ask your spouse in a subtle way what they want for Christmas

HEADLINES

More news from around the capital.

• O Street: Lincoln is set to break ground in January on the city’s largest downtown revitalization project

• Reduction: Nebraska Wesleyan cut 14 staff members

• Cancelled: Airport cancellations are starting to stack up in Nebraska

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

• Boiled: Wahoo, NE residents are currently under a “boil order” after traces of E. Coli were found in their water supply