Bellevue's Top Ten Stories of 2025
Bellevue’s Top Ten Stories of 2025
At the Bellevue Times, we recently wrapped up another year of sharing local news through our iPhone/iPad App, our Andriod/Google Play App, and our Digital News Site. As we move forward, we continue to see steady growth in both readership and engagement, with more visitors checking in regularly to stay informed about what’s happening in Bellevue. Thanks in large part to Offutt Air Force Base, Bellevue remains a truly global community, with readers from around the world following local news and events right here in Nebraska.
Throughout 2025, we continued to build out and refine our Public Record Section, offering expanded coverage of construction projects across the city, along with ongoing information on city council, board of education, and planning commission meetings. These additions reflect our commitment to providing residents with timely, accessible information on the issues shaping Bellevue’s future.
The Bellevue Community Calendar once again proved to be the most-used feature on the site, with especially strong interest around major events such as Bellevue Rocks!, the Offutt Air Show, the Renaissance Fair, Olde Towne Halloween, and Olde Towne Christmas. As always, community members are encouraged to submit their own events to the calendar to help keep Bellevue connected and informed. Remember, you can add your community events to the calendar by clicking here.
Here are the ten stories that generated the most views, interactions, and engagement over the course of 2025. They span a wide range of topics—from inspiring personal journeys to major development announcements and community milestones. While each story is unique, they all share one common thread: a strong connection to Bellevue.
Bellevue’s Top Ten Stories of 2025
#10: Gyro Kings Adds New Flavors to Bellevue
Bellevue’s local dining scene got a flavorful boost in 2025 with the opening of Gyro Kings. Known for its bold Mediterranean menu and generous portions, the new restaurant quickly drew attention from both longtime residents and food lovers across the metro area.
From opening week crowds to social media buzz, Gyro Kings proved there’s always room in Bellevue for something new—especially when it comes with fresh flavors and a strong local following.
#9: Bellevue Woman Celebrates Life One Year After Heart Transplant
This deeply personal story resonated far beyond Bellevue. A local woman’s journey through heart failure, transplant surgery, and recovery captured the attention—and hearts—of readers throughout the year.
As Kim Castellano celebrated one year with her new heart, her message of gratitude, resilience, and hope served as a powerful reminder of the impact of organ donation and the strength of the human spirit.
#8: Bellevue Brothers Complete the Fifty Yard Challenge
What began as a shared challenge between brothers Timmy and Vinny Coy grew into one of Bellevue’s most compelling human-interest stories of 2025. Working together, the pair took on the Fifty Yard Challenge, pushing their endurance, mental toughness, and commitment as the community followed their progress every step of the way.
Their successful completion of the challenge sparked conversation both locally and online, highlighting the power of perseverance, mutual support, and the impact of tackling ambitious goals side by side.
#7: Best of Bellevue Adds Business & Nonprofit of the Year, Along with Community Impact and Spirit of Bellevue Awards
One of Bellevue’s favorite annual traditions returned with a celebration of the people and organizations making a difference. The 2025 Spirit of Bellevue Awards honored excellence across business, nonprofit service, and community leadership.
This year’s major honorees included Business of the Year – Cornhusker Auto Wash, Nonprofit of the Year – Bellevue Public Schools Foundation, and the Community Impact Award – Beardmore Chevrolet, Subaru, & Hyundai, along with two individual organizations recognized with the Spirit of Bellevue Awards – Hoogeveen Chiropractic Wellness Center and Bellevue Together! The event once again showcased the dedication and pride that define Bellevue.
#6: Bridge Study Takes Center Stage in Bellevue
Infrastructure may not always grab headlines—but this one did. The announcement of a public meeting tied to the Fort Crook Road Bridge Study drew significant interest from residents, commuters, and business owners alike.
With Fort Crook Road serving as a major north-south corridor, the study marked an important step toward long-term planning, safety improvements, and future connectivity for Bellevue.
#5: New Chapter for Baseball Village Begins with Bellevue University Purchase
A major milestone for both Bellevue University and the city came with the purchase of Baseball Village and a ground-breaking ceremony signaling what’s next for the site.
The project represents a new chapter for the area, strengthening Bellevue University’s athletic footprint while opening the door for future development tied to education, sports, and community engagement.
#4: Affordable Housing Approved for Former Putt-Putt Site
After months of discussion and public interest, the Bellevue City Council approved plans for an affordable housing project at the former Putt-Putt site—one of the most closely watched development stories of the year.
The decision highlighted ongoing efforts to balance growth, housing needs, and redevelopment, sparking conversation across the community about Bellevue’s future and how best to meet it.
#3: $7.2 Million Project Moves Forward to Expand Food Pantry Services
Few stories illustrated Bellevue’s heart better than the announcement of a $7.2 million expansion aimed at increasing food pantry services across the community.
Designed to serve more families and improve access to essential resources, the project underscored the importance of collaboration, compassion, and long-term solutions to food insecurity in Bellevue.
#2: Bellevue Bay Groundbreaking Marks Major Milestone
After years of anticipation, plans, and discussion, shovels finally hit the ground at the future site of Bellevue Bay. The groundbreaking ceremony marked a turning point for the long-awaited waterpark project.
Held at what many dubbed Bellevue’s “Field of Dreams,” the event symbolized progress, possibility, and a project that has captured public attention like few others in Bellevue’s long history.
#1: National Spotlight: Mattel Partnership Elevates Bellevue’s Waterpark Vision
The biggest Bellevue story of 2025 brought national attention to the city. Plans to finalize an agreement allowing Mattel-branded attractions at the Bellevue Bay waterpark elevated the project from a regional draw to a destination with nationwide recognition.
Beyond the excitement, the announcement highlighted significant economic impact—tourism potential, job creation, and long-term growth—cementing the waterpark’s role as a transformational project for Bellevue’s future.
Just Outside the Top Ten:
- Avery Rents Marks More Than 60 Years as Bellevue Business
- Cornhusker Auto Wash Continues Evolution with Latest Renovations
- A Life of Service: Honoring Herman Colvin
- Village Voices Choir at Richmont Village
- 3D Print Shop Hosts Grand Opening
- Omaha Bakery Abruptly Closes Doors in Elkhorn and Bellevue
Looking Back…. Bellevue’s Top Ten Stories of 2024
- #10 – McDonald’s to Open 4th Bellevue Location
- #9 – Bellevue’s New Good Life Entertainment District
- #8 – Google Fiber Begins Citywide Network Install
- #7 – Bellevue Construction News Added to Public Record
- #6 – New Bellevue Public Library Opens
- #5 – For the Love of Food Moves into New Location
- #4 – Who’s Who in the Bellevue Board of Education Race
- #3 – BPS Unveils Frank Kumor Career Center
- #2 – Omaha Bakery Changes Hands
- #1 – Waterpark Q&A with Mayor Hike
