The ‘good news’ paper: Omaha Star CEO shares renovation behind-the-scenes, fundraising goals

We're getting another look inside the Omaha Star's construction site as they get ready to open their doors at the end of the year.

Read the full article on KETV 7

Omaha Star CEO talks challenges, wins during renovation process

OMAHA, Neb. —

Six months ago, we shared an exclusive look at the Omaha Star’s transformation: They’re creating a museum honoring black journalism and expanding their footprint.

Now we’re getting another look inside the construction site as they get ready to open their doors

Omaha Star publisher and CEO Terri Sanders says construction has been steadily moving since they started last December.

“Now there are walls, and there is electrical being run, and the floor has been closed in. A lot of things have gone on since I’ve seen you,” said Sanders.

They’re taking their former newsroom and preserving a space to honor their founder, Mildred brown.

When it opens next year, it’ll showcase Brown’s original living quarters behind the newsroom, complete with her furniture.

They’re also adding a workspace, a conference room, and an outdoor gathering area. These additions will be finished at the end of this year.

Sanders says they’re effectively tripling their footprint.

“So that is being a visionary and believing in the future of the Omaha Star,” said Sanders.

Sanders says there were unexpected challenges hidden in the building.

“Termites in the flooring. So, they took up the floors, and I came in here one day, and I could see through to the basement,” said Sanders.

She says they’ve had logistical issues, too, with tariffs affecting construction costs and immigration issues impacting local crews.

“That is real. That’s people’s lives. And we’re the ‘good news’ paper. So, we believe in the good news, and we don’t like to see people suffer like that,” said Sanders.

As construction moves forward, Sanders is focusing on the good news.

“People are still contributing. People are still subscribing. And people support the Omaha Star,” said Sanders.

Sanders says they need to raise one million dollars more to complete the project.

She says you can support them by visiting the omahastarinstitute.org. There, you will get a chance to buy a brick which will be part of a walkway surrounding Mildred Brown’s statue at the front of the building.

Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.