Sausser Summers, PC

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Trademark Attorney Working With Clients in Omaha, NE

If you're an entrepreneur, you know that protecting your intellectual property should be high on your list when it comes to safeguarding your company. However, as a successful business owner, you also know the steps and costs of filing a trademark in the U.S. can be expensive and arduous.

This conundrum can be even more overwhelming for new business owners who want to do everything possible to minimize the price of securing trademarks. They try to handle complicated tasks like trademark registration on their own, which can be a big mistake - especially when juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. You may be thinking, "But what about those set-it-and-forget-it services you can find online? All you have to do is plug in your info, and you're done." Using pre-made templates for trademark filing can be tempting, but doing so can leave you with inadequate protection and hurt you in the long run.

So, what is the easiest, most cost-effective route to consider that also minimizes legal risk? The truth is, before you spend money on an online filing service, it's best to consult with a trademark attorney working with clients in Omaha, NE.

At Sausser Summers, PC, our experienced trademark attorneys can help you understand the trademark process step by step. We can even help with U.S. trademark filing, U.S. trademark responses, and U.S. trademark renewals at a price you can actually afford. That way, you can make an informed decision regarding your business without having to break the bank.

Sausser Summers, PC: Simplifying the U.S. Trademark Process

Hiring an attorney can be a daunting task, but at Sausser Summers, PC, our goal is to make the process as simple and seamless as possible for you. That's why we offer a straightforward checkout service. First, you choose your flat fee trademark service and fill out a short questionnaire. Then, we will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the details of our service. From there, one of our experienced trademark attorneys will get to work on your behalf.

Using a trademark attorney for filing in Omaha, NE, can significantly increase your chances of a successful registration. The U.S. government recommends hiring a trademark attorney to help with your application, and our team of trademark lawyers is dedicated to meeting your needs. In fact, we help ensure your application is filed correctly the first time so you can get on with your life and avoid legal risks.

At Sausser Summers, PC, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and provide them with sound professional advice. We never offer incomplete services, such as simply filing for registration, because that would leave you open to legal risks. You can rely on us to handle your intellectual property matters, and our flat fee services can help protect your business in a simple, straightforward, and affordable way. It's really that simple.

In terms of filing a U.S. trademark, we provide an easy three-step process to protect your intellectual property:

1. You provide your trademark info to our team via an online form.

2. Our team performs a comprehensive trademark search. This search ensures that no other marks will prevent you from registering your trademark in the U.S. Once performed, we'll send you a legal opinion letter that details our findings.

3. Sausser Summers, PC, files your U.S. trademark application. We are then listed as your Attorney of Record on file. From there, we'll provide ongoing updates regarding the status of your trademark as it works through the registration process.

The bottom line? At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.

The bottom line?

At Sausser Summers, PC, we give both new and seasoned business owners an easy, efficient, cost-effective way to protect the one asset that sets them apart from others: their name.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

Do I Really Need a Trademark Attorney for Protecting My Business in Omaha, NE?

It's not necessary to be a lawyer in order to apply for a trademark. Anyone can submit a trademark application to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). However, registering a trademark involves more than just filling out a form. It's essential to conduct thorough research, accurately identify and clearly explain your trademark to ensure it receives adequate protection. And even after securing a trademark, you've got to monitor it consistently to make sure it's free from infringement.

The big takeaway here is that it's always a good idea to work with a trademark attorney to protect the intellectual property that you've worked so hard to establish. According to the Wall Street Journal, applicants are approximately 50% more likely to secure their trademark than people who file applications on their own. If your trademark application is rejected by the USPTO, you will need to revise and refile it, incurring additional filing fees. To avoid delays and extra costs, it is best to have a trademark lawyer help you get it right the first time.

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Additional Benefits of Using a Trademark Attorney

Great trademark attorneys (like those you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC) will help with every step of filing and enforcing your trademark. Some additional benefits include the following:

Check to see if your proposed trademark is registered by another entity.

Conduct research to see if another business is using the trademark for which you're applying.

Provide advice and guidance on the strength of your trademark.

Draft and submit your trademark applications and application revisions.

Advice and guidance regarding trademark maintenance and protection.

Monitor the market for unauthorized use of your trademark.

Trademark enforcement to protect you against infringement.

Curious whether our trademark attorney services are right for you and your business? Contact Sausser Summer, PC, today. Let's talk about what you need, and how we can help.

What About Online Filing Services?

Online services, can provide you with basic assistance in filing your trademark. However, they will never be a legitimate substitute for an experienced trademark attorney helping clients in Omaha, NE.

Although online filing services offer a step-by-step process, they take a one-size-fits-all approach to preparing legal documents. Even their advanced service only provides basic attorney assistance in completing your paperwork and helping with minor roadblocks. Online filing services' disclaimer highlights the many limitations of its services, including the fact that communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege. In addition, online filing services cannot provide advice, explanations, opinions, recommendations, or any kind of legal guidance on possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.

In other words, online filing services can offer you the necessary forms and point you in the right direction, but they cannot customize their services to your specific needs or help you with serious complications that may arise.

For the most comprehensive trademark service and protection, it's always wise to work with highly rated trademark lawyers, like you'll find at Sausser Summers, PC.

Understanding Trademarks Over Time

Trademarks in the U.S. can last indefinitely, but did you know that clients in Omaha, NE can file a trademark online, only to lose protection in some circumstances? Trademarks differ from patents and copyrights in that they do not have an expiration date. However, to prevent the cancellation of a trademark, you must maintain it. To ensure that your trademark remains protected, you must actively use it in commerce and renew it with the USPTO every ten years.

The Lanham Act tells us that "use in commerce" is the legitimate use of a trademark in the ordinary course of trade. In other words, you cannot register a trademark solely to reserve the rights to it in the future. In most cases, a trademark must be used continuously in connection with the goods or services it is registered for.

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Steps to Renew Your Trademark

Trademarks are registered with the USPTO and generally need to be renewed every ten years. However, there is one crucial exception that you should be aware of. Within the first ten years of owning a trademark, you must file for renewal between the fifth and sixth year from the date of your initial registration.

During this renewal period, you are required to submit a Section 8 declaration, a specimen that shows how the mark is being used, and pay the required fee. You can also apply for Section 15 Incontestability status, which can strengthen your trademark rights. This application, although not mandatory, can make it harder for others to challenge your ownership of the mark.

After the first renewal, which falls between the fifth and sixth year of ownership, the next renewal filing is due between the ninth and tenth year, and then every tenth year thereafter. In the ninth year you will need to file a Section 8 declaration, attesting to your use of the mark or excusable nonuse. You've also got to file a Section 9 renewal application before the end of the tenth year to keep your registration active.

It is worth noting that the USPTO provides a six-month grace period if you fail to renew your mark within the required time frame, but it is best not to rely on it. If you don't file within the grace period time limits, the USPTO will cancel and expire your mark.

By hiring trademark attorneys helping clients in Omaha, NE, you can avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that can arise and cause you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Abandonment

In the event that you stop using your trademark and have no plans to resume using it in commerce, it may be considered abandoned by the USPTO. This could result in the loss of your protective rights to the mark. Typically, a trademark is assumed to be abandoned if it has not been used for three years. However, you may be able to refute this presumption by providing evidence that you intend to use the mark again in the future.

Losing Your Trademark Rights Through Inappropriate Licensing

In addition to trademark abandonment, you should also be wary of improper licensing. It's important to remember that once you allow someone else to use your trademark, you must keep an eye on how they use it. You should monitor the products or services that feature your trademark to ensure that they meet consumers' expectations in terms of quality. Failure to do so can lead to a "naked" trademark license and the loss of your protective trademark rights.

How to Avoid Having to Refile Your Trademark

If you're wondering how you can avoid refiling your trademark, the answer is simple: file it correctly the first time around. Filing a trademark isn't inherently difficult, but when doing so, it's very important that certain aspects are filled out accurately in your application. If any information is missing or incorrect, the trademark application may be considered "void ab initio" or void from the beginning, requiring you to file again.

To avoid this, make sure that the information you provide in the application is accurate and complete, including the ownership of the trademark. For instance, if a corporation has multiple shareholders, it should not file under the President's personal name. The rightful owner should be the one/entity that ultimately controls the trademark and the associated goods/services.

It is also important to ensure that the goods and/or services description is precise. For example, if you sell electronic products, you should not file for research and development services despite having a research and development department. The goods/services description should reflect the goods/services you offer to customers, not the departments within your business.

Additionally, providing accurate dates of first use when filing for a trademark is crucial. The USPTO requires two dates to be specified - the date of first use anywhere and the date of first use in interstate commerce. Contact our trademark law office today to learn more about having accurate dates on your filing paperwork.

What Makes an Online Trademark Attorney Great?

At Sausser Summers, PC, we often get questions about how to distinguish run-of-the-mill consultants and others from great trademark attorneys. After all - when you're looking for an attorney to file or prosecute your business trademark, you should know their qualifications. Here are three ways you can separate the proverbial wheat from the chaff when it comes to trademark attorneys.

FILE A TRADEMARK NOW

It's crucial to seek legal advice from a licensed trademark lawyer rather than relying on advice from non-professionals like trademark consultants. The USPTO even recommends hiring an attorney to help with the trademark process. Although trademark consultants may provide advice on trademark availability or name marketability, they cannot file the trademark for you or offer legal advice. According to the Rules of Practicing in trademark cases, "Individuals who are not attorneys are not recognized to practice before the Office in trademark matters." This rule applies to individuals who assist trademark applicants.

When searching for a trademark attorney, it's important to find someone with a strong background in trademark law. Look for an attorney who specializes in this area and has significant experience handling trademark-related cases. Avoid lawyers who don't have expertise in this field, as they may not be able to provide the guidance and support you need.

Ensure your attorney provides updates throughout the trademark registration process to avoid missing deadlines, including responding to any Office actions within six months. Failure to do so can result in trademark abandonment. The USPTO will only correspond with the listed attorney of record, so make sure your attorney keeps you informed.

In summary:

Be sure you're using a licensed trademark attorney helping clients in Omaha, NE.
It's best to work with a trademark lawyer who has years of experience filing trademarks.
Ensure that your trademark lawyer is willing to provide ongoing notifications relating to your trademark application process.

Trademark Attorneys Working Hard for You

Building your brand and gaining recognition for it is a significant achievement, and it's important to protect it. However, there are certain pitfalls and mistakes that can arise, causing you to lose your rights to the mark that represents it. By working with knowledgeable trademark attorneys, you can avoid these issues and file your trademark successfully.

With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Sausser Summers, PC, offers comprehensive guidance, strategic advice, and reliable representation for a variety of trademark matters. Our attorneys have years of real-world experience and, having registered countless trademarks with the USPTO, provide our clients with individualized representation when they need it most.

If you're looking for skilled, adept, and experienced counsel, look no further than our trademark law firm. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation and learn how we can help you safeguard your brand.

Final Snow Update: Here's who gets 0" vs. 18"

Sunday morning, the snow will start to shrink back down to the south, with the snow ending in the morning for Omaha and areas farther north.Heavy snow will continue at times south of the Omaha metro into the afternoon, but the heaviest snow should keep sinking farther south through the afternoon. It will likely take until mid-afternoon for the worst of the snow to push south of Nebraska City. The last places to see the snow end will be far southeast Nebraska and northwest Missouri, which could take until the early evening. It will be ...

Sunday morning, the snow will start to shrink back down to the south, with the snow ending in the morning for Omaha and areas farther north.

Heavy snow will continue at times south of the Omaha metro into the afternoon, but the heaviest snow should keep sinking farther south through the afternoon. It will likely take until mid-afternoon for the worst of the snow to push south of Nebraska City. The last places to see the snow end will be far southeast Nebraska and northwest Missouri, which could take until the early evening. It will be windy as the snow falls, blowing it back onto already cleared roads and greatly reducing visibility at times. Travel should only be for emergency reasons in southeast Nebraska, far southwest Iowa, and northwest Missouri on Sunday.

Along with Sunday's snow, it will also be very cold with highs in the teens and wind chills struggling to get above zero.

There will be a sharp cutoff between the higher snow totals and lower totals, so any slight shift in the storm's path will greatly impact our forecast. For cities along and north of I-80 like Omaha and Council Bluffs, there will be a battle between dry air and the snow, and it's impossible to say exactly which one is going to be stronger, adding a lot of uncertainty to the snow total forecast in those areas. Here is what we think is most likely:

Neighborhoods north of Omaha have the best chance to see less than an inch of snow. For Columbus, Omaha, Council Bluffs, and Red Oak, a range of 1-3 inches is most likely. As of Saturday night, Omaha looks to be heading towards the low end of that range. Totals then grow rapidly south. York, Lincoln, and Plattsmouth should end up from 2-5 inches. Crete, Nebraska City, and Clarinda could see 4-8 inches. Beatrice and Maryville could see 8-12 inches, but neighborhoods along the Kansas border, including Falls City, could see 12-18 inches.

It will still be breezy Monday morning, but the wind should lighten up for the afternoon. Highs will be in the teens after starting the day in the low single digits. While very cold, it should at least be mostly sunny.

Tuesday will be mostly cloudy with upper teens.

With a little more sunshine Wednesday, Omaha could get to 20.

We push into the upper 20s Thursday and Friday, and we could get to 30 on Saturday.

SUNDAYMostly CloudySnowy SouthWindyHigh: 16

SUNDAY NIGHTMostly CloudyBreezyLow: 2

MONDAYMostly SunnyBreezy MorningHigh: 16

TUESDAYMostly CloudyColdHigh: 19

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FIRST LOOK: Weekend snow timing and totals, with parts of Nebraska up to a foot of snow

Posted and last updated We keep getting colder today with highs in the low and mid 20s across the Omaha metro under mostly cloudy skies. South of Omaha, some cities will enjoy the upper 20s. Our coldest neighborhoods will be northeast of the metro with some spots like Denison falling just shy of 20.We get a little extra cold overnight, falling into the low teens for Saturday morning.Most of us will be dry Saturday morning and afternoon with mostly cloudy skies, but there could be a couple isolated pockets of snow...

Posted

and last updated

We keep getting colder today with highs in the low and mid 20s across the Omaha metro under mostly cloudy skies. South of Omaha, some cities will enjoy the upper 20s. Our coldest neighborhoods will be northeast of the metro with some spots like Denison falling just shy of 20.

We get a little extra cold overnight, falling into the low teens for Saturday morning.

Most of us will be dry Saturday morning and afternoon with mostly cloudy skies, but there could be a couple isolated pockets of snow around the region during the day. Highs will only be near 20.

Scattered snow will start to become more common around 5 p.m. Saturday, then become widespread across our neighborhoods in both eastern Nebraska and western Iowa heading into early Saturday night. Snow will continue overnight. For Omaha and cities north, the snow will end Sunday morning. South of the Omaha metro, heavy snow will continue at times through the rest of the morning and through the afternoon. The remaining snow will start to end from west to east Sunday evening, but it could take until late Sunday night for the snow to end in northwest Missouri.

Sunday will also be cold, with highs in the teens, making for a light and fluffy snow. The stronger wind Sunday, around 30 mph, will blow the snow around and lower visibility as it falls. Some roads will also be snow covered, making for dangerous travel, especially in areas with higher totals.

There will be a sharp cutoff between the higher snow totals and lower totals, so any slight shift in the storm's path will greatly impact our forecast. As of Friday morning, here is what we think is most likely:

The smallest snow totals will be northeast of the Omaha metro. In fact, some parts of Carroll and Crawford counties in Iowa may struggle to even reach an inch of new snow. For the city of Omaha, the rest of Douglas County, Fremont and other cities farther north, we think 1-3 inches will be common. For Columbus, Lincoln, areas just south of Omaha, including Sarpy County, and over into Red Oak, 2-5 inches will be common.

Totals continue to grow farther south. Areas from Crete and east into Nebraska City and Clarinda could see 4-8 inches. The snow winners will be along the Kansas border and into northwest Misouri. From Beatrice, Pawnee, Falls City, and Maryville, 8-12 inches will be likely by Sunday night.

Monday will be a little breezy, especially early in the day. Highs will be in the teens with a mix of sunshine and clouds.

Tuesday looks mostly sunny, but after starting the day in the low single digits, we will only get to the teens again in the afternoon.

The teens continue Wednesday with partly cloudy skies.

Thursday brings a small improvement with low 20s.

FRIDAYMostly CloudyColderHigh: 23

FRIDAY NIGHTMostly CloudyColdLow: 13

SATURDAYMostly CloudySnow LateHigh: 20

SUNDAYMostly CloudySnowyBreezyHigh: 16

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Omaha officials say trash truck driver removed barricade before crashing into sinkhole

OMAHA, Neb. —A garbage truck crashed into a sinkhole in downtown Omaha on Thursday morning.The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. near 16th and Farnam streets. Omaha City Engineer Austin Rowser told KETV NewsWatch 7 that the alley has been a concern for the city.The driver pulled away a barricade to drive through the alley, Rowser said.This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site...

OMAHA, Neb. —

A garbage truck crashed into a sinkhole in downtown Omaha on Thursday morning.

The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. near 16th and Farnam streets. Omaha City Engineer Austin Rowser told KETV NewsWatch 7 that the alley has been a concern for the city.

The driver pulled away a barricade to drive through the alley, Rowser said.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Sinkhole: 16th St. from Farnam to Harney by the Orpheum is shut down. City official says a dump truck driver pulled aside a barricade meant to guard a trouble spot in the alleyway. Firefighters and a tow truck have been standing around the truck since 8:30am Thursday. @KETV pic.twitter.com/WddImX12DH
— Alex McLoon KETV (@AlexMcLoon) January 2, 2025

It's unclear at this time if that barricade was blocking a sinkhole or if the truck created the sinkhole. Firefighters said the truck fell into a 10- to 12-foot deep hole with a number of utility lines, including power lines and gas lines.

Officials said power was briefly shut off, and gas remained shut off for part of the downtown area for much of the day. All utilities were restored by 6 p.m. Thursday. The Omaha Public Power District and the Metropolitan Utilities District were involved at the scene.

This content is imported from Twitter. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

Gas and water services have been restored to the area. Thank you for your patience as our crews navigated this situation. https://t.co/L6awbiS8HC
— M.U.D. Omaha (@mudomahane) January 3, 2025

Video: Aftermath of garbage truck crashing into sinkhole in downtown Omaha

Removing the truck from the hole went as smoothly as possible, officials said. Crews are now assessing utility lines underground by removing chunks of concrete before gas can be turned back on.

MUD said they are in communication with representatives from all affected buildings.

Crews have secured all gas meters and will work to perform pilot relights in a timely manner. Officials said to expect an automated call when repairs are done.

The chaos of the sinkhole, forced businesses in the area to make a decision. Many of them chose to close for the day, but one local restaurant was determined to stay open.

Cumbia co-owner Andrea Macias, said they just reopened seven months ago and are working to launch a new menu, but, unfortunately, the construction outside their windows is not a new sight.

"There's a lot of expectations, from the business owners perspective," Macias said. "But if the, sidewalk is not helping us, of course, our business has been impacted. Last month, there was, some work happening just here at the corner. Now, this week, today, for example, all my neighbors are closed. We don't have, parking available in front of us."

Macias said she's remaining hopeful though that the work will be done swiftly.

This content is imported from Facebook. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.

City engineers and inspectors said a "number of factors" could have caused the pavement to collapse, according to officials.

Officials are shutting down 16th Street from Harney to Farnam until further notice.

Rowser added that the city has been looking into issues surrounded the sewer system at the alley.

Click here for the latest headlines from KETV NewsWatch 7

Man injured in shootout with Washington County deputies flown to Omaha for surgery

ARLINGTON, Neb. (WOWT) - A man was taken to a Fremont hospital Monday afternoon and eventually flown to Omaha for surgery after a traffic stop escalated into a shootout with authorities.The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the incident unfolded just after 2 p.m. Monday when a deputy initiated a traffic stop after they thought they recognized the driver of the vehicle as someone with a suspended license. WCSO confirmed Monday evening that the woman had been arrested and taken to the county sheriff’s office.She...

ARLINGTON, Neb. (WOWT) - A man was taken to a Fremont hospital Monday afternoon and eventually flown to Omaha for surgery after a traffic stop escalated into a shootout with authorities.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said the incident unfolded just after 2 p.m. Monday when a deputy initiated a traffic stop after they thought they recognized the driver of the vehicle as someone with a suspended license. WCSO confirmed Monday evening that the woman had been arrested and taken to the county sheriff’s office.

Sheriff Mike Robinson confirmed with First Alert 6 the driver’s baby was in the car at the time of the incident. Her baby was unharmed, according to Robinson. First Alert 6 was unable to confirm the relationship between the driver and the man.

A witness who saw the traffic stop, at Highway 30 and First Street in Arlington, told First Alert 6 at the scene that a woman had gotten out of the driver’s side of the vehicle, but that the man on the passenger side seemed to be uncooperative. Sources told First Alert 6 that the man appeared to have a weapon in his waistband and wasn’t complying a deputy’s instructions.

The witness said he saw authorities in a “standoff” with the man shortly thereafter, shouting at him to come out. A few minutes later, the witness said, the man in the vehicle fired a few shots and tried to run. Law enforcement fired back at the man, and hit him. They then tended to the victim, the witness said.

Video of the scene showed the man jump out of the vehicle, fire at authorities, and run off as they returned fire. WCSO said the man fired a handgun, hitting three patrol cars that are now out of service.

Authorities told First Alert 6 that the man had a felony warrant out in Douglas County.

Nebraska State Patrol will be investigating the shooting. The three WCSO deputies involved have been placed on paid administrative leave.

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Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified the destination of the medical helicopter. First Alert 6 regrets the error.

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Icy conditions cause road closures, numerous crashes across Omaha metro

Authorities: Stay inside, avoid travelUpdated: Dec. 13, 2024 at 6:51 PM PSTOMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Douglas County agencies were urging people to avoid venturing out Friday night as road conditions worsened, particularly in neighborhoods, where cars were seen careening out of control on icy hills.Interstate 80 was closed in both directions from the Highway 370 exit to the Platte River bridge.Emergency services across the county were inundated with calls, because of the icy road conditions.“We strongly u...

Authorities: Stay inside, avoid travel

Updated: Dec. 13, 2024 at 6:51 PM PST

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) - Douglas County agencies were urging people to avoid venturing out Friday night as road conditions worsened, particularly in neighborhoods, where cars were seen careening out of control on icy hills.

Interstate 80 was closed in both directions from the Highway 370 exit to the Platte River bridge.

Emergency services across the county were inundated with calls, because of the icy road conditions.

“We strongly urge all Douglas County residents to stay home and avoid driving until conditions improve,” said Kathy Allen, director of Douglas County 911.

The suggestions from law enforcement and weather officials quickly went from “drive slow,” to “just stay home,” as conditions worsened into the evening hours Friday night. Temperatures remained below freezing through 8 p.m. as rain and wintry mix continued to fall.

Several on social media were cautioning others about the dangerous road conditions, swapping accident reports and sharing stories of close calls, saying “don’t even consider it.”

As motorists attempted to get home during the evening commute, police were out performing traffic diversion as accidents stacked up across Sarpy and Douglas counties.

The City of Omaha said earlier Friday it was putting brine on the major streets.

First Alert 6 did see what appeared to be streaks of where they spread brine on the pavement on Dodge, Farnam, and Douglas streets. For the most part, those were pretty easy going. Even then, there were small, slick patches, and some sliding on turns.

There were at least four different vehicles involved in a crash near 105th Street and West Center Road.

On North 24th Street, which is a main thoroughfare in North Omaha, drivers were going only 10 miles per hour.

First Alert 6 spoke to one small business owner along that stretch, who said a vehicle slid into his car while it was parked on the street.

“It’s not surprising because the roads are really, really slick and everybody’s sliding sideways right now,” said Grown Folks Social Club owner George Robinson. “When they get up to any speed over 10, 15 miles an hour, they start going sideways.”

Robinson said he was even considering staying the night at his business instead of going home because of the road conditions.

He also has some advice for people thinking about going out.

“I would advise everyone pretty much to stay home because they are very slick,” he said.

Residential roads and other side streets are also very hazardous, especially when making turns.

Crews were out Friday morning preparing the Omaha-metro for approaching winter weather.

Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert’s office told First Alert 6 late Friday morning that crews were out brining major streets.

Meanwhile, Council Bluffs posted on social media at about 9:20 a.m. that Public Works crews were out pretreating roads in the area, asking drivers to take care, especially as conditions worsened.

Austin Yates with Iowa DOT said their snow equipment was prepped and ready and that salt and brine supplies were full. Trucks loaded up mid-morning in order to be ready to respond as weather conditions worsened.

Yates said there wasn’t a lot of pretreating happening there as there was still a residue leftover on roads that were pretreated ahead of a recent snow drop.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office was also advising drivers about the evening commute, encouraging them to allow extra drive time.

Metro Transit is now on Snow Route Option A, and it’s going to stay that way until Saturday morning at the earliest. Metro officials said they will give riders a two-hour heads up before any changes are made. Here are the buses that run during Snow Route Option A: Route 3, 5, 8, 11, 13, 15, 24, 26, 30, 35, 36, 55, and 120.

ORBT does not have a snow route.

Offutt Air Force Base put an advisory out just after 11:30 a.m. that they were planning to release non-essential staff at 2 p.m. to help them avoid traveling home in dangerous weather.

Some business and organizations followed suit, closing early and canceling evening activities.

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