Good morning, Lincoln.

The Downtown Lincoln Association announced its O is Open campaign (a community sweepstakes offering $1,000 gift cards) to promote local shops and restaurants downtown.

Residents must visit businesses in person to enter by Oct. 15, and winners will be drawn on Oct. 20.

Attendance at Lancaster County Super Fair is up as a new $5 fee per person for ages five and older and free wildlife encounters draw more families.

The fair runs until Saturday & cooler, milder weather helps offset some grandstand events canceled by rain.

A newly released preliminary report details rescue efforts during a Colorado wildfire that claimed the life of Lincoln firefighter Nathan Matthews (and three others, including an Arizona firefighter) as officials continue their investigation.

Ember & Ink opened Friday in Lincoln’s Telegraph District, providing low-cost workspace and tools such as sewing machines, a pottery wheel, and a 3D printer.

It runs from Thursday through Sunday at $15 a day for local artists seeking creative space.

TMCO launched its Education Initiative on Thursday, Aug.

6 with a new Prep Academy for employees and children and a Garden Center near 4th and E that supports a childcare center and greenhouse space (for Lincoln Parks and Rec). The effort fosters hands-on learning in STEM, nature, wellness, and community.

Education Commissioner Brian Maher said Gov. Jim Pillen’s request for a 5% spending cut will not affect the state’s school funding formula.

The Education Department must trim about $2.3 million from its budget (cutting travel and nonessential expenses) as it responds to the memo.

Nebraska’s State Board of Education delayed its vote on approving Identity Preparatory Academy due to temporary language on its website (referring to an abolitionist framework) and will reconvene on Aug.

11 before the school plans to open on Aug. 19.

Local farmer Larry Hudkins, a former Lancaster County Commissioner, warned that rising input costs and uncertainty burden producers after the farm bill failed to pass committee on Thursday.

He urged lawmakers to compromise on SNAP funding and E15 sales (which could help local growers) to move the bill forward.

A major safety project is underway in Lincoln County to realign a dangerous highway curve after a local landowner (Kirk Olson of Olson Farms) donated land and water to cut costs.

Motorists are urged to slow down and expect delays as crews widen the road and add larger shoulders.

Owner Manuel Hurd had a stroke at SoulFULL Cocina last Friday on Havelock Avenue, so the restaurant is temporarily closed as he recovers.

His wife asks neighbors to help spread the word about the family-owned business.

Lincoln Northeast Rockets will build on last season’s 6-3 record as head coach Javonta Boyd leads a team of experienced playmakers into upcoming football games.

They will face Lincoln East on Aug. 27 and Lincoln North Star on Oct. 8 as they vie for a playoff spot.

Lincoln North Star football coach James Thompson (in his 5th season) leads his team toward a competitive run with standout players like Kobe Allen and Josh Anderson.

KFOR will cover games on Sept. 18 at Omaha Westview, Oct. 8 at Lincoln Northeast, and Oct. 22 at Lincoln Southwest.

Lincoln East football, led by coach John Gingery (30th year) and star players such as linebacker Will Manning, will open their season on Aug.

27 against Lincoln Northeast from home while a tough schedule awaits with additional games against Omaha North, Lincoln Standing Bear, Kearney, Lincoln Southwest and Lincoln Southeast.