Happy Friday Ledgers,

It might be hard to believe, given our many perfectly manicured lawns and obsessive watering schedules, but Nebraska is in a drought. Over 35% of the state, including Lincoln and Lancaster County, is now classified as being in a moderate drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

In this week’s issue:

• Pink Slip: Property tax increase for Lincoln.

• What To Do: Autumnal Bliss

• Sportz: Kicks for 3 points. Picks for 6 points. Tricks are for kids.

• Neighborhood Watch: Dutch Delight 🇳🇱

It’s Friday, the weather’s beautiful, and the weekend is calling. Have a great one, y’all!

- Landon

PINK SLIPS

Pink postcards draw public fire. 💸

Here’s a shocker: most people don’t jump for joy at the thought of property taxes. And if you were one of the many Lincoln residents who recently received a bright pink postcard, you probably got the hint—taxes are on the rise. Behind the eye-catching pink color was an unwelcome notice announcing a proposed increase in property taxes.

On Thursday, the public had their chance to speak up—and they didn’t hold back. According to the Lincoln Journal Star, over 75 citizens packed a public hearing to voice their opposition to the increase.

What’s going on?.. Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), which relies on property taxes for about 66% of its total funding, is proposing a nearly four-cent increase in the property tax levy for the 2024-2025 budget. This proposed increase is intended to cover a $32 million shortfall in state aid, with approximately $31 million expected to be raised through the tax hike.

How does this increase compare to the past?.. While the proposed increase would raise property taxes, it remains about 10 cents lower than the levy from 2023, when LPS implemented a 14-cent decrease. The current proposal is a response to the decrease in state aid and aims to ensure the district can meet its financial needs for the upcoming year.

Double Trouble… When it rains, it pours. This public feedback session came on the eve of the announcement that LES is looking to increase its rates by 3.3% for 2025. This would be the third consecutive year of rate increases, totaling 8.5% since 2023. 😕

Sources:
Lincoln Journal Star — “Dozens voice concerns at heated 'pink postcard' tax hearing for LPS” | By Jenna Ebbers

WHAT TO DO

Autumnal apple bliss. 🍎

The first weekend of official fall is stacked. As such, we’ve built a full itinerary that’ll even satisfy the most fussy adults.

FRIDAY

🏟️ Friday Night Lights
For the past eight years, Husker Football hasn’t given fans much to cheer for after week three, but this year’s different. There's real excitement going into week four as the Huskers take on the ranked Fighting Illini at home. Kickoff is Friday at 7:00 PM. Head downtown one more time before the team hits the road for their first away game of the season.

 🤡 Paranormal Cirque
Love a good scare? Or maybe you enjoy that unsettling feeling of being on edge (for fun, of course)? Enter Paranormal Cirque—a circus with a spooky twist. Though this writer hasn’t been, the reviews speak for themselves. Running Friday through Monday, it’s an experience that will get your heart racing.

SATURDAY

🍏 Applejack Festival
Nothing says fall like the scent of warm apple donuts fresh from the oven at Kimmel Orchard. The Applejack Festival is a Nebraskan tradition, packed with all the seasonal goodness you crave. Head to Nebraska City for the official festival from Saturday to Sunday, and with the weather looking perfect, you won’t be disappointed.

Other contenders for your Saturday:

🌙 Twilight Trek
Need a fresh perspective? Take a guided twilight hike at the Pioneers Park Nature Center. This guided tour runs from 7:30-9:00 PM and gives you a new look at a familiar landscape—after dark. Admission is just $5, and it's a peaceful way to cap off your Saturday. Note: Scroll down through the catalog of hit CTR+F (then search Twilight on the page to quickly find this item in the Parks and Rec catalog).

🍺 White Elm Oktoberfest
Raise your stein and celebrate Oktoberfest at White Elm! Expect live music and good vibes from noon to 10:00 PM. Prost!

SUNDAY

🎪 Cooper & Co. Fall Festival
One of this writer's personal favorites, Cooper & Co. is a hidden gem for home decor lovers. This Sunday, they’re hosting their annual Fall Festival with over 30 local vendors from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Whether shopping or just soaking up the atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday.

SPORTZ

Sporting headlines from around the capital.

• 🏐 Volleyball: Nebraska swept #2 Stanford (3-0) in dominant fashion earlier this week. Takes on #4 Louisville on Sunday.

• 🏈 NCAAF: Nebraska hosts Illinois tonight at 7:00 for its first top-25 matchup since 2013. Here’s where to watch.

• 🎟️ Sellout: Tonight marks the 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium. Here is a statistical breakdown to put this achievement into context.

• 🏀 NCAAB: Nebraska basketball team schedules have been released. (Mens | Womens)

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

1945 Park Avenue, Lincoln NE 68502

Dutch Delight 🇳🇱

There's something about 1945 Park that makes you want to put down roots. Nestled in the heart of Lincoln, this Dutch Colonial charmer is brimming with original character while offering just the right touch of modern-day luxury. At $290,000, it’s almost trying to pass as a starter home.

At 1,593 square feet, this isn’t a sprawling estate, but that’s part of its charm. It’s the kind of home that whispers “potential,” the kind where every little ding on the baseboards tells a story. Here, you have a solid foundation that lets you roll up your sleeves and put your personal stamp on it—not because the place is falling apart, but because you’ll want to. And with everything seemingly in proper working order, it’s a home where you can get your hands dirty, without likely needing to worry if every pipe in the wall is going to burst this winter.

The Details:

• 3 beds, 2 baths

• 1,592 sq/ft

• Built in 1918

❤️ KEEP: The green exterior shakes, the kitchen and its Viking appliances, the adorable sun room, and the craftsman-esque trim and molding, and the funky little nook that borders either side of the fireplace (but don’t be afraid to add a little color here).

🗑️ TOSS: The bright red door which seems to be attempting random red color theory, the blue room, and maybe the separator in the living room. While the floors have an old-time character that works, it may be time to refinish the floors in this home, a repair btw that has a 118% ROI in terms of resale value.

CHECKLIST

An over-ambitious weekend to-do list.

• Schedule your Holiday card photos (I know, it is crazy to even think about).

• Add new batteries to that clock on the wall that hasn’t moved past 11:11 since 11/11/2011.

• Check your tire tread depth to see if you need to replace before winter. Here’s how.

• Time how long you can hold your breath.

• Beat your rug (or wash it).

HEADLINES

More news from around the capital.

• Polls: Polling locations have been changed for two precincts in Lincoln.

• DeLorean: The Lied Center will display a Delorean for photos Friday afternoon before the game.

• Trend “Setter”: Nebraska volleyball’s “Volleyball Day” has inspired more events in the U.S.

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

• PawPaw: Nebraska is now a grower of a tropical fruit.