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Anthem Brings Tex-Asian Flavor to the Old Market

QUASAR DRIVE-IN THEATER

OWNERS JEFF AND JENNY KARLS

KEEP THE DRIVE-IN TRADITION ALIVE

Schramm Park Offers a Relaxing Look at Nebraska Nature

LETTER from the PUBLISHER

AsI

reflect on the incredible journey we’ve walked together at Edge Magazine, I’m excited to embrace a new chapter of leadership. While I’ll still be behind the scenes, my role is shifting as Edge merges with Omaha Magazine. It’s bittersweet, but I’m filled with gratitude for every story we’ve told together.

This August issue is no exception. Our food feature takes you to Anthem, a stunning new Flagship Restaurant in downtown Omaha. Then read our article on artfully crafted cocktails at The Perch Rooftop Bar. Our Varsity Corner feature, Sofia Hoegemeyer, is a Millard West Nebraska girls’ wrestling champion, and our youth spotlight shines on the Ironhawk Juniors, empowering young girls in triathlons.

Readers will enjoy a nostalgic trip to the Quasar Drive-In Theater, reminding us all that some forms of entertainment are timeless. Finally, in Leisure, we highlight Schramm Park’s transformation with its inviting interactive stream and fresh renovations.

As I step back, I’m grateful to know Edge will remain in good hands with the Omaha Publications team whose creativity and commitment to storytelling will carry the magazine forward. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your lives—and rest assured, the stories will keep inspiring.

Carole Sprunk Publisher

Cover photo by OMAHA HEADSHOT COMPANY

PUBLISHER

Carole Sprunk (402) 884-2056 // Carole@EdgeMagazine.com

SENIOR EDITOR

Natalie Veloso (402) 210-3616 // Natalie@OmahaPublications.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Kasie Wilcox (402) 957-8780 // hello@thekmcagency.com

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR

Dave Trouba Dave@OmahaPublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tamsen Butler, Kyle Eustice, Holly McAtee, Mike Watkins, Andy Williams

DESIGNER

Kelly Murkins (402) 980-0607 // hello@kellylainedesign.com

PHOTO STAFF

Omaha Headshot Company (402) 677-3096

Yum Omaha (402) 541-8457

Edge Magazine is published six times annually by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68137. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, without permission in writing from the publisher. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, Edge assumes no responsibility therefore. Some sections of this issue were contributed by preferred partners. Contact us to become a preferred partner.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Edge Magazine, 5921 S. 118th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68137

At Symphony Pointe, it's the people who make the difference Neighbors become friends, family is always welcome, and even your four-legged companion has a place in the ensemble. Whether you're sharing a meal, doing water aerobics, or simply enjoying time with others, you'll find a warm and welcoming community where everyone belongs. Discover senior living that's filled with connection, laughter, and the freedom to live life your way

Ready to start planning for life’s next beautiful verse? Scan the QR code, reach out to us at info@symphonypointe com, or call 402-502-8577 to schedule a visit.

Quiet Luxury in Elkhorn

A Sophisticated Estate Built for Privacy and Everyday Ease

Luxury homes are often defined by size. Others by amenities. A select few stand apart because they offer something increasingly difficult to find: privacy.

Tucked behind the gates of The Preserve at the Farm in Elkhorn, the estate at 23303 K Plaza combines all three qualities on a scale rarely seen in the Omaha metro area. The five-bedroom, seven-bath residence spans 7,720 square feet and sits on nearly six wooded acres—creating a secluded retreat that feels worlds away from the city while remaining

just minutes from shopping, dining, work, and everyday conveniences.

It blends clean modern lines, expansive glass, natural materials, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape to fulfill its architectural destiny as a contemporary luxury ranch with modern prairie influences.

“This home was custom-designed to the owners, and they love the flow of the house,” said Michael Maley, Real Estate Advisor with M2 Real Estate Group. “They use every inch of it—although nearly 7,800

LUXURY ESTATE AT 23303 K PLAZA

STORY BY MIKE WATKINS

PHOTOS BY AMOURA PRODUCTIONS

MAIN-LEVEL MODERN LIVING AREA

KITCHEN EQUIPPED WITH PREMIUM DACOR APPLIANCES

square feet can seem large, every space was designed for use, even down to the garage that is oversized and fits the owner’s Sprinter van nicely.”

From the moment visitors enter the property, it becomes clear that this is not a typical luxury home. Mature trees, rolling terrain, and carefully maintained landscaping surround the residence, creating an atmosphere more reminiscent of a private resort than a suburban neighborhood. Wildlife frequently moves through the wooded acreage offering a sense of tranquility rarely associated with modern developments.

Built in 2024, the contemporary ranch-style home showcases a blend

of sophistication and comfort. Large windows throughout the residence invite natural light into virtually every room while providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape. Hallmark true oak flooring, soaring ceilings, designer lighting, and custom cabinetry contribute to a polished yet welcoming aesthetic.

“They built this home as their dream home,” Maley said. “Everything from property clean-up to adding a nature walking trail around their 5.86 acres. They designed every aspect of it.”

The heart of the home is its expansive kitchen, designed for both everyday living and entertaining. Premium Dacor appliances, a dramatic quartz island, and a spacious butler’s pantry provide the functionality expected in a home of this caliber. Whether hosting holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or intimate dinner parties, the kitchen serves as a central gathering space that seamlessly connects to the home’s larger entertaining areas.

“From the way the kitchen can close off totally to hide the cooktop and pantry, the house focuses on simplicity while being incredibly high end,” Maley said.

The primary suite elevates luxury living even further. Heated floors, a spa-inspired bathroom, and an oversized custom closet create a private sanctuary within the residence. It’s the kind of space that transforms routine mornings and evenings into something far more relaxing and indulgent.

What truly separates this property from other highend homes, however, is its extensive collection of lifestyle amenities.

The finished lower level is designed for recreation and entertainment, featuring a custom bar, fitness room, expansive gathering areas, and even a safe room. Three fireplaces throughout the home add warmth and character, while flexible spaces provide opportunities for game rooms, media rooms, home offices, or guest accommodations.

Outside, the amenities continue. A covered patio equipped with heaters extends outdoor living well beyond Nebraska’s warmer months. Yet, perhaps the property’s most distinctive feature is its detached indoor pool pavilion.

Rather than limiting swimming to a few summer

QUARTZ KITCHEN ISLAND

months, the climate-controlled structure creates a year-round wellness and recreation space that can be enjoyed regardless of weather conditions.

“The indoor pool was thought about thoroughly, as the lot is heavily treed and they did not want the pool exposed to all the elements that come with that many trees,” Maley said. “It’s just another example of the thought and feeling that went into the design and build of this home.”

Automobile enthusiasts can appreciate another standout feature: a heated garage capable of accommodating more than seven vehicles. For collectors, hobbyists, or families with recreational vehicles and equipment, this level of storage is exceptionally rare. The gated courtyard adds both privacy and architectural presence, all while reinforcing the estate-like character of the property.

For prospective buyers, several factors make the property especially appealing.

The home resides within The Preserve, one of the area’s more exclusive gated communities, offering security and privacy while maintaining convenient access

to Elkhorn’s highly regarded schools and growing amenities.

The nearly six-acre lot offers room to breathe, a luxury becoming increasingly difficult to secure as residential development continues across western Douglas County. The surrounding acreage functions as an extension of the home’s wellness-minded design. A serene wood-chipped trail winds through the front woods, creating an inviting setting for quiet walks, while a sep-

arate trail through the deeper forest offers a sense of adventure through the landscape’s natural character.

The home’s modern construction is another advantage. Because it was completed in 2024, buyers can enjoy contemporary building standards, energy-efficient systems, and updated design elements without undertaking major renovations or updates.

“The neighborhood is the most prestigious in Elkhorn south,

tucked away off Skyline Drive,” Maley said. “This gated neighborhood has rolling hills, trees, 2- to 6-acre lots, privacy, and quietness. Driving through here feels like you are not in Omaha at all—but close to all the amenities in Elkhorn like schools, dining, golf, and more. For the right buyer, it offers something increasingly rare in today’s world: the feeling of having a private resort all to yourself.”

PRIVATE INDOOR POOL SPACE

SPACIOUS OUTDOOR PATIO

THE BIG PICTURE

Quasar Drive-In Theater Brings Community Back to the Movies

Carloads of families start streaming into the Quasar Drive-In in Valley a couple of hours before showtime. Frisbees fly. Kids chase toads at the pond, climb the rescued vintage playground, and feed quarters into a throwback Galaga machine.

As the sun drops behind the dual screens, phones go in pockets and work weeks go on pause—for a few hours everyone’s attention falls on the screen they’re settled in front of.

“Once people come out, they see the atmosphere, the kids being allowed to roam...that’s really when they’re like, ‘I get it,’” said co-owner Jenny Karls. “We always say once we get them here, then we can keep them.”

The Quasar experience is the culmination of a dream Jeff and Jenny Karls cooked up on their honeymoon in 2013.

Story by ANDY WILLIAMS

Photos by OMAHA HEADSHOT COMPANY

Jane and Rob Lee watch Dazed and Confused from their 1957 Ford Fairlane 500

Jenny planned the couple’s trip around a stop in West Virginia to pick up a 1946 Ford sedan delivery—the same truck Jeff’s dad built when Jeff was a kid. Driving it home through Pennsylvania, they stumbled onto the Dependable Drive-In outside of Pittsburgh and talked about the family entertainment void back home with classic movie venues out of commission.

“We thought it would be cool to bring this back to Omaha, build it up and putter around with when we retire.”

The following summer, the couple took Jeff’s older kids in that same truck on a cross-country trip retracing the movie Cars along old Route 66—fulfilling a promise Jeff made years earlier while watching the film with them during the Council Bluffs

Drive-Ins final season. A stop at the Tulsa Twin sealed it: they would build a drive-in of their own.

“That trip kind of galvanized our resolve to want to bring this back, because everywhere we went to a drive-in, it was the same block party atmosphere,” Jeff said. “It was like a community center for that city.”

They had no idea what it would take to get there.

First stop in 2015 was the United Drive-In Theatre Owners Association Convention in Orlando where the Karls learned the trade and slowly earned trust from a skeptical industry. “There’s a lot of gatekeeping with that group,” Jeff said. “You don’t want another drive-in to spring up six miles down the road from you. They were accepting once they figured out we were in earnest and not just drive-in

Moviegoers settle in before a recent screening of Footloose

theater fans.”

They found a promising piece of property in Gretna, but got “chased out of a city meeting with torches and pitchforks,” Jeff noted. So when Jenny spotted an auction sign for 40 acres in Valley in 2017, she did her homework. “I didn’t want a repeat of Gretna,” she said. “I started with city officials and asked if they would even consider it.” They spent two years navigating Douglas County and Nebraska DOT red tape before the deal was done.

The theater broke ground on March 15, 2020— the exact moment the world shut down. “That was when the movie industry changed forever,” Jeff said. “Every theater in the country except the drive-ins closed. So we had this great spotlight on what was still a construction project.”

When Quasar finally opened in May 2021, the spotlight had dimmed—everything else in town was reopening at the same time. “It was a bit of an

anticlimactic launch,” Jeff said. “There was so much other noise about things to do, and everybody was chomping at the bit to get out and do them.”

Anticlimactic or not, 267 cars pulled in on opening night. “As green as we were at handling crowds, we thought we were going to tip over,” Jeff said. “Now, that’s just a decent night.”

That’s because the Karls have spent the past five years growing, adapting, and building more than a movie theater—starting with innovations such as Classics with a Cause.

As a single-screen operation initially, Quasar was boxed in by studio contracts that required them to run a new release every night they were open. Jeff wanted to do throwback nights; the studios wouldn’t allow it unless their contracted film stayed on screen. Jenny found a loophole: if it’s not ticketed, it’s not a contracted screening—it’s a private rental.

So, on Thursday nights, Quasar shows a classic

Chris and Jule of Omaha enjoy popcorn and soda

Sarah Farritor takes a selfie before movie time

Jenny Karls works in the concessions building

Concessions building at Quasar

film for free, but still staffs the box office and collects voluntary donations instead of ticket money. At the end of the night, the pot goes to a local cause such as the Millard South dance team, the Valley public library, and on one memorable night, to a local teen who needed the final $1,500 to purchase and train a diabetic alert dog. Cause night at the Quasar put him over his life-saving goal.

“It is the best test drive that somebody could ever get for the drive-in theater,” said Jenny, an architect whose love for the mid-century vibe is all over Quasar. “It’s a low-cost way to enjoy a movie that you already know you love.”

Other drive-in owners weren’t so sure. “You can’t give your product away,” they warned the Karls, certain the idea would backfire. Years later, Jeff doesn’t mind lauding Jenny’s idea: “Now, almost all of them have some night of the week that shares aspects of our Classics with a Cause.”

The growth hasn’t stopped there. A second screen officially makes Quasar a first-run twin drive-in theater—the next-near-

est first-run drive-in is more than 150 miles away. The two screens now run dueling classics on Thursday nights.

The Quasar Bazaar, a recurring open-air flea market, draws 70-plus vendors a month. When a storm tore a panel off the screen last summer, the community rallied to help and had Quasar up and running again within two hours.

“God’s never given us more than we could handle,” Jeff said. “You’ve got to keep growing to survive. If you go stagnant, people stop coming.”

On a busy night these days, Quasar is buzzing with city kids stomping through the mud to chase toads, forgetting their tablets in the car while their parents get a break from a hectic week and form strong community ties. It’s the kind of thing the Karls still can’t get over.

“I love to walk out front during a busy show night and watch people interact with the thing that we made exactly as it was intended,” Jeff said. “We’re like, ‘yes—you understood the assignment completely.’”

Annie Swanson, Anessa Loftman, Brynn Loftman, and dog Zara

Quasar’s control room features relics from the past

OPERA OMAHA

anthem A NEW for Omaha

FLAGSHIP’S LATEST DINING CONCEPT

AIMS FOR ENDLESS SUMMER VIBES

VEGAN

Flagship Restaurant Group’s latest dining concept, Anthem, sits on the southwest corner of 12th and Howard streets, the former location of Plank Provisions. With its prime real estate, exquisite interior design, vibrant Tex-Asian menu, and colorful cocktails, business is booming—despite the nightmare construction projects currently turning downtown Omaha into an orange cone maze. But Flagship’s Regional Operations Director Cole Carpenter isn’t sweating it. He, along with General Manager Reba O’Neal, are focused on making Anthem

Anthem 1205 Howard St. (402) 507-4480 eatdrinkanthem.com

Story by KYLE EUSTICE

Photos by YUM OMAHA

PONZU SALMON NOODLES

a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike.

Anthem was originally started in Austin, Texas, by owner/COO Anthony Hitchcock who wanted a restaurant deep-rooted in nostalgia. That theme followed him to the new Omaha location where surfboards and vinyl records line the walls. In fact, the Anthem website boasts an old photo of Hitchcock doing a keg stand in 1992, a throwback to his wild college days. As Carpenter explains, Hitchcock wanted that “party” vibe and the chance for patrons to escape their woes—even for just an hour.

“What we’re trying to create is a dining experience and an atmosphere where people are able to be laid-back and carefree in a really fun environment,” Carpenter said. “It’s kind of like a little vacation in the Old Market.

“When you’re in there, we want to bring back memories of being young, so you can forget about your job, bills, and whatever you got going on in life. It’s the feeling of endless summer nights and not having anything to worry about. That’s what we’re going for—a collection of nostalgia.”

The menu is as eclectic as its decor.

From deep-fried crab rangoons stuffed with cream cheese, crab mix, and scallions (topped with Chinese mustard aioli and gochujang sweet and sour), to tiger-style sticky ribs and vegan curry cauliflower, the wide variety of adventurous dishes is unique.

“It’s Tex-Mex food with a lot of Asian influence, including Korean, some Japanese, and Chinese,” Carpenter explained. “The menu is really something you can’t find elsewhere. There aren’t really places that have all of these flavors ingrained throughout. It’s a really fun menu. You really have something for

QUESO BIRRIA BEEF TACOS

everybody. Anytime I’m in there and chatting with guests, a lot of people are like, ‘I haven’t really tasted anything like this before!’”

The cocktails are overflowing with flavor, too. A customer favorite is the frozen blood orange margarita which is made with El Jimador Silver, reposado tequila, blood orange, agave, and lime. Another is a prickly mojito made with Bacardi Superior rum, prickly pear nectar, lime, and mint, then topped with soda, while the EXSW (East by Southwest) margarita comes with El Jimador Silver, repo tequila, Gekkeikan sake, yuzu, lemon, and frozen blood orange.

Virgin cocktails are plentiful, too, one being the matcha colada. As the name suggests, it’s a spirit-free mix of matcha tea, coconut, and pineapple juice, though it can be served with

rum. Of course, beer and wine are always another option.

“All of our cocktails are incredible,” Carpenter said. “They’re like vacation drinks. They’re fun and refreshing.”

The menu also caters to larger groups. The Pu Pu platters are enormous and can feed four-to-six people. There are two varieties that are priced at $40: The Cure—crab rangoon, hatch chili queso, salted charred edamame, popcorn chicken, and yummy fries—and The Cheat Code—thai curry fries, crispy wonton tuna tacos, flautas del sol, jalapeño mac poppers, and crab rangoon.

Beyond the food and libations, music is also often at the core of Anthem. A range of DJs provide the soundtrack on certain evenings and during weekend brunch.

“You can go out for brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and there’s a fun DJ that’ll be playing,” Carpenter said. “Whether you’re in your 20s or in your 40s and want to have a great time out, it’s a really cool place to be.”

Carpenter eats at Anthem whenever he gets the chance and is proud of the atmosphere Flagship Restaurant Group has cultivated.

“One thing that Flagship is really good at is catering to all kinds of diets,” he added. “We pride ourselves on being approachable to anybody, whether they’re gluten-free or vegan— whatever it’s a preference or an allergy. I’m not vegan, and our vegan curry cauliflower is one of my favorite things on the menu. It’s so good.”

ANTHEM BARTENDER RYAN BENTLEY MAKES A SHAKEN COCKTAIL

FROZEN BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITA, FROZEN BANANA DAIQUIRI

Shaping Financial Futures

HOW UBT’S FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM HAS MADE AN IMPACT IN OMAHA

Story by EDGE CONTRIBUTOR

In any community, financial literacy is a key component of well-being and quality of life. When people understand money, they’re empowered to improve their lives through smart financial decisions. Recognizing this, UBT–Union Bank & Trust (Member FDIC) began its own Financial Literacy Program in 2020 with the simple goal of making financial education accessible, practical, and even fun for members of the local community. Since its inception, UBT’s program has partnered with more than 50 nonprofit organizations and supported more than 3,000 individuals with financial education.

2025 marked a big year for the Financial Literacy Program, drawing 1,242 attendees across 87 educational workshops. The program also expanded its reach to the Omaha area with the addition of Molly Christenson. With a background in homeownership education and nonprofit work, Molly has been instrumental in helping local individuals build practical financial skills and confidence through the interactive workshops she leads.

“This role has given me the opportunity to engage with individuals and families across the Omaha metro, all with different levels of understanding about finances,”

Photos courtesy of UNION BANK & TRUST

UBT’s Financial Literacy Program partners with nonprofit organizations

Molly said. “I grew up in Omaha, so having the opportunity to give back to my community in such a meaningful and continued way is incredibly fulfilling.”

Having operated in the area for just under a year, the program’s impact has already been felt in several different Omaha communities. Molly has provided workshops at 21 nonprofit organizations and counting, including multiple workshops at CompletelyKIDS in downtown Omaha for parents in their Family Program and youths in their Teen Employment Program.

“Through financial literacy education for both teens and adults, UBT helps equip families with practical skills that build confidence and create opportunities for the future,” said Carla Rizzo, CEO of CompletelyKIDS. “For teens, these lessons are critical as they prepare for adulthood. For parents and caregivers, financial stability and confidence strengthen the entire household.”

CompletelyKIDS assists more than 3,400 children and their families in an effort to create a safe, healthy, successful, and connected community. A high percentage of children served by the organization are eligible for free or reduced lunch—indicating significant financial need—and most of the families served fall below the poverty threshold.

“Families in our community are often navigating challenges on their own, and we believe they deserve consistent support and access to opportunities that set them up for long-term success,” Rizzo said. “Our

partnership with UBT reflects that shared commitment in meaningful ways.”

Nonprofits like CompletelyKIDS represent the exact type of organizations that the Financial Literacy Program was created to support. Moving forward, the program will continue to support the broader goals that Omaha nonprofits are already advancing by integrating financial education into their existing services.

“Looking ahead, our focus in Omaha is on growing thoughtfully and staying responsive to community needs,” said Brittany Planos, who leads the overall strategy for the Financial Literacy Program and manages its efforts in the Lincoln area. “Ultimately, meaningful progress comes from collective effort, and we’re committed to strengthening financial well-being across the Omaha community together.”

Program staff members bring financial education to the community

2025 drew 1,200-plus attendees across 87 educational workshops

Songbirds and Scenic Views at Schramm Park

How Nebraska’s Oldest State Fish Hatchery Became a

Hidden Gem

Along the winding trails of Gretna’s Schramm Park, hikers and visitors explore the wooded bluffs of the Platte River Valley—sharing the natural environment with the protected animals that call the valley their home. Within the park’s interactive indoor facilities, an assortment of over 60 different species can be found in aquatic wildlife exhibits, while interactive activities guide families through journeys of ecological education and historical discovery.

Schramm Park provides a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities. River access points for kayaks and canoes, hiking trails with varying degrees of difficulty, and children’s play areas provide opportunities to get active and exercise, while features like the trout feeding pond and interactive stream offer comforting sensory experiences.

One of the park’s most recently renovated features is the interactive stream just east of the hatchery. In 2025, donations, as well as funding from the Nebraska Environmental Trust, allowed Schramm to convert some of their old canyon ponds into a new stream and construct accessible walkways for visitors to get to the natural spring. In natural spring water, Families are free to wade, play, and splash away in the stream. As the water flows downhill, it feeds into a deep trout pond where the fish are on full display all year round. Nearby, quarters can be exchanged for fish food at mounted dispensers, allowing for further interactivity with the aquatic wildlife.

ULEMAN

Story and Photos by RHETT

Interactive stream and fish hatchery

Peeking through the canopy of the trees overlooking the stream is another new addition, the Treehouse Classroom. Opened in May 2025, the treehouse provides a gathering area for visiting school children on field trips and educational visits. Complete with reading nooks, classroom seating, a projector setup, and large windows for viewing the environment below, the thoughtful space is designed to provide the best experience for the 10,000-plus visitors a year that the park hosts for field trip programs.

A hike on any one of Schramm Park’s three main trail loops can bring about encounters with whitetail deer, rabbits, turkeys, coyotes, foxes, and more. That’s not even mentioning the impressive variety of beautiful birds that populate and sing confidently throughout the park. Birdwatchers are bound to enjoy a feast for the eyes and ears by observing the sights and sounds of northern cardinals,

bluejays, great blue herons, black-capped chickadees, red tailed hawks, and even bald eagles, to name a few.

The recent improvements and additions at Schramm reflect a broader focus on maximizing accessibility—reinforced by the belief that nature can and should be enjoyed by everybody.

“Here, we have a tagline: Time outdoors is time well spent,” Schramm Outdoor Education Specialist Kelly Ekue said. “Some people are very comfortable going on a 5-mile hike through the woods, while some people want to experience the outdoors but don’t have as much experience with it. I like that Schramm is very accessible, and it has both kinds of opportunities for people.”

Back in 1882, long before Schramm Park was developed into the attraction it is today, natural cold water springs found surfacing in the forested area caught the attention of the Board of Fish Com-

missioners—a state agency established by the Nebraska legislature that would later become the state Game and Parks Commission. The state purchased 54 acres of land that same year, acquiring the privately owned fish hatchery on-site and got to work raising fish to stock the waters of Nebraska.

In 1914, a larger hatch house was built to allow for operational growth. This house would be used all the way up until the hatchery ceased production in the mid-1970s, and was then converted into an educational exhibit space. The house has been preserved as a historic building to this day, standing as a symbol of Nebraska’s ecological history. Just beside the house, some of the original canyon ponds are still present. Supplied by the cold, clean spring water on-site, these ponds are where thousands of fish were hatched and raised over the hatchery’s nearly 100 years of service.

Schramm Park’s historic fish hatchery

The story of the century-old fish hatchery is an important piece of Schramm Park State Recreation Area’s history, but the park wouldn’t even exist today without the staggering contribution of UNL geology professor Eck Frank Schramm in the 1930s.

The passionate educator owned around 275 acres of land adjacent to the 54-acre plot owned by the state hatchery operation. He often brought his students to the land to study the area’s unique geological outcrop, but in 1937, he donated the entire tract of land to the state under the condition that it was to be used as a public park.

The development of the fish hatchery and the massive contribution from Professor Schramm were aligned—both being essential to the process of creating the foundation for what would become one of Nebraska’s greatest leisure hidden gems.

Trout pond

Treehouse classroom exterior

ALT-ROCK LINE-UP HOT

s

OOn Friday, September 11, the 8th annual Shadow Ridge Music Festival will bring the biggest 90s alt-rock lineup of the summer to Omaha. This year’s headliner is BLUES TRAVELER, featuring the iconic harmonica-playing lead singer, John Popper. Over the band’s illustrious career, Blues Traveler has played over 2,000 live shows in front of more than 30 million people, won a grammy for their hit, “RunAround,” which was the longest-charting radio single in Billboard history, and sold over 11 million albums.

“We’ve tried for years to get Blues Traveler to headline the Shadow Ridge Music Festival, so we are very excited to finally get them here” said Festival founder Justin Shanahan. “They put on an incredible live show and are the perfect band for an outdoor late-summer concert.”

received multiple grammy nominations, and produced some of the biggest hits of 90s, including “Hey Jealousy,” “Follow You Down,” “Two Princes,” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong”.

“Gin Blossoms has so many incredible songs that every 90s music fan knows by heart. And Spin Doctors had some of the most recognizable alt-rock hits of the 90s” Shanahan said. “These three bands have had more hits than any lineup we’ve ever had.”

Colorado jam band THE SAMPLES will open the show. The SAMPLES bring a unique blend of reggae-influenced alt-rock that made them one of the most popular indie acts of the early 90s across the Midwest, including Omaha.

Story by EDGE CONTRIBUTOR

Photos courtesy of SHADOW RIDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL

Joining BLUES TRAVELER are GIN BLOSSOMS and SPIN DOCTORS, who, together sold over 9 million albums,

“The Samples were huge in Omaha back in the early 90s. I remember seeing them at the Ranch Bowl when I was 15, and they have been one of my favorite bands ever since. They actually toured with our headliner, BLUES TRAVELER,

Shadow Ridge Music Festival

“WE ARE BECOMING A SUMMER TRADITION THAT PEOPLE LOOK FORWARD TO AND EVERY YEAR JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER. I AM VERY PROUD OF HOW MUCH OUR FESTIVAL HAS GROWN, AND THIS YEAR IS SHAPING UP TO BE OUR BEST SHOW EVER. ”

FESTIVAL FOUNDER JUSTIN SHANAHAN

in the mid-90s so it will be fun to see them take the stage together again.”

In addition to great music and cold beverages, a dozen local restaurants and food trucks will be on hand for festival goers to enjoy. “Great food is important and we always try to bring in interesting local food trucks that represent the diverse culinary scene Omaha has. We have some great new additions this year that festival goers will love.”

This year, the Shadow Ridge Music Festival has partnered with the 50 MILE MARCH Foundation, whose mission is to empower and support military veterans facing mental health challenges. A portion of every ticket sold will go to supporting our veterans, with a guaranteed donation of at least $10,000.

“With our festival falling on September 11 this year, we thought it would be a great idea to pay homage to our veterans here locally.” Shanahan said. “The 50 MILE MARCH foundation does great work and I am really proud to support their cause.”

With nearly 6,000 in attendance last year, the Shadow Ridge Music Festival was one of the biggest paid outdoor concerts in Omaha in 2025, putting the Music Festival on the map as a premier concert event.

For tickets and information, visit www.ShadowRidgeMusicFestival.com

THE BAR: Perch Rooftop

THE BARTENDER: Morgan

THE DRINK: Cardinal Gin

TO GETHER

stronger

Ironhawk Juniors Trains Girls for More Than Just Triathlons

Story by LUCY MASON • Photos courtesy of NICOLE FERGUSON PHOTOGRAPHY

The Ironhawk Juniors Triathlon Club (IHJ) is an Omaha-based nonprofit organization that provides a free, multi-week triathlon training program for young girls ages 7-14. The culmination of hard work and athletics from their weekly practices is showcased on Event Day, when the girls participate in a triathlon and earn their medals at the end of the program.

Four sisters from the Ferguson family are veteran participants of the program. Evelyn, 18, has been with the program from the very beginning. She will be going to college in the fall. She and her sister Vivian, 15, are group leaders for the organization. Vera, 12, began the program the moment she aged into it. Ilia, 7, followed in all her sisters’ footsteps and is the newest Ironhawk Junior member in the family.

All of the girls have taken their athleticism beyond the program. Evelyn and Vivian are both wrestlers at Skutt, Vera plays soccer at St. Patrick’s, and Ilia is an avid biker and currently learning how to swim. The Ferguson girls are prime examples of how Ironhawk Juniors fosters teamwork and hard work in young girls.

Edge: What made you want to return each year to Ironhawk Juniors and subsequently return to be a volunteer?

Evelyn: The atmosphere. Everyone lifts each other up and I wanted to give that back to the community!

Vivian: I love the weekly workout and routine. Race day was my favorite and I like working with kids.

Edge: How does being a volunteer differ

from being in the program? How do you like it?

Evelyn: There is a lot more leadership being used. I like it because I get to watch the girls succeed and meet their end goal.

Vivian: I get to help kids succeed in the ways I was helped!

Edge: How has being in a triathlon and training each year affected your life outside of Ironhawk?

Vera (12), Vivian (15), Evelyn (18), and Ilia (7) Ferguson at College of Saint Mary where the program is held.

Evelyn: It has taught me that nothing is impossible if you put the hard work in. For me, it carried on with female wresting and trap shooting in high school.

Vivian: It strengthens my endurance.

Edge: What is it like to see your younger sisters following in the same direction?

Evelyn: I am happy they get to have the same experience I had! They get to be around the same atmosphere and positivity.

Vivian: It is great that we get to stay together and do Ironhawk as sisters!

Edge: How do you think being in the program has affected growing up from a girl to a young woman?

Evelyn: I have a lot more self-confidence than my female peers outside of Ironhawk. It has taught perseverance, endurance, and teamwork.

Vivian: It is great to see Ironhawk have something special for girls to grow.

Edge: What did you expect when you started going to Ironhawk that turned out to be different?

Vera: I thought no one would help me. But they improved my swimming, my breathing for running, and my posture for biking. Always wear a helmet!

Edge: How has Ironhawk affected your athleticism and your competitiveness?

Vera: Ironhawk has helped my athleticism and competitiveness come easily, both mentally and physically, and helped me learn that breaks are OK.

Edge: How do you feel being surrounded by other girls who are as into athletics as you are?

Ilia: Really good!

Edge: How does it make you feel to learn how to do a triathlon and to train with other girls for it?

Ilia: It’s fun! I love playing with the girls!

Ironhawk Juniors is a free girls’ triathlon training program

Juniors receive a medal at the annual IHJ Triathlon

Participants get bike safety checks

Crossing the marathon finish line

IN IT TO

WIN IT

UNIQUE STRATEGY AND SISTERHOOD WINS

SOFIA HOEGEMEYER STATE CHAMPION

Sofia Hoegemeyer | Senior | Millard West High School

Story by LUCY MASON

Sweat, grit, and a Russian tongue. That is what Sofia Hoegemeyer brings to the mat as a two-time girls wrestling state champion. She is the first girls’ state champion in Millard West history to win a girls’ state title. Finishing the wrestling season undefeated, she surpassed one hundred career wins this year.

Hoegemeyer has been competing for Millard West for four years, always a competitor who strives to never give up a fight. Through tough work and a drive to always chase after competition, Hoegemeyer said she’s surprised how success-

ful her career has turned out.

“My success had definitely exceeded what I had originally imagined, but that is from a combination of hard work, not giving up, and always chasing the best,” she said.

Though Hoegemeyer is ruthless when it comes to her determination, she isn’t completely alone out there on the mat. At each competition, the Hoegemeyer clan is right behind Sofia cheering her on. From parents coordinating practices and competitions, Sofia’s three younger siblings also having a passion for wrestling. This sport is not just Sofia’s. It’s her family’s as well.

Photo by ANTONYO JOHNSON

Sofia Hoegemeyer competes at the 2025 Council Bluffs Classic

Photo by ANTONYO JOHNSON Hoegemeyer wins by fall

“Being across from my opponent on a lonely stage and hearing my family cheering for me in the background is the most empowering feeling.” Hoegemeyer said.

Front and center in this is her younger sister, Maria, who joined the team in 2023. What makes this sister duo so unique is their clever way of talking to each other during matches, which has given them an edge in communication on the mat.

Sharing a heritage of Russian ancestry, their connection with the culture goes past just their genetics. The sisters lived in Russia for a few years with their grandmother (who spoke very little English), leading to them frequently speaking Russian around the house to communicate. The role of Russian in Hoegemeyer’s life now manifests as not just a connection to her heritage, but as a way to be closer to Maria on the mat— not just as sisters, but as teammates in action.

“It creates kind of a unique bond between us and we also have fun joking with each other sometimes, usually to make fun of each other, but only in a friendly rivalry sort of way,” she said. “Usually, coaches in each corner try to listen to us at least a little bit in an attempt to decipher what each wrestler is going to do. However, when the strategy is being communicated in Russian, it quickly earns some confused facial expressions and moments of distraction. It’s hilarious!”

Moving forward, Hoegemeyer plans to train to wrestle at the highest level possible. Always striving for competition, there’s no doubt her creativity and willpower will bring her there.

“I want to see how far I can go and how much I can give back to the sport of wrestling…Even if I’m down by 13 points, I still work hard to get the win,” she said. “I am determined to shoot high and keep working hard in life.”