5 colorful characters that make living in Omaha so special

If Omaha has anything, it is plenty of colorful characters. Meet five of the most bizarre. And lovable.

Cletus “Cornstalk” McGraw, the Corn Whisperer of Whispering Pines Farm

Nestled in the heart of Maize Meadow, just outside Omaha, you’ll find Cletus, a man so in tune with his cornfield at Whispering Pines Farm that he claims to communicate with each stalk. His sage advice? “If you listen closely on a quiet night, the corn will tell you the secrets of the universe – and which neighbor borrowed your lawnmower and never returned it.” Cletus can often be found conversing with his crops at dusk, offering kernels of wisdom to anyone who’ll listen, usually just the crows.

Betty-Sue “Biscuit” Johnson, the Backwoods Baker of Bakersfield Woods

Deep in the heart of Bakersfield Woods, close to Omaha’s outskirts, lives Betty-Sue, known for her biscuits as wide as tractor tires. She offers this nugget: “If your dough is as tough as a boot, you’ve kneaded it enough.” Renowned in her community for baking with anything she finds in the woods, Betty-Sue’s creations range from acorn-flavored scones to pine needle pies. Her culinary “delights” are as adventurous as her philosophy on life.

Jed “Jug” Thompson, the Philosophical Fisherman of Creekbend Shores

Along the serene banks of Creekbend Shores, a stone’s throw from Omaha, Jed spends his days, fishing rod in hand, pondering life’s great mysteries. His country wisdom? “A fish in the bucket is worth two in the stream, but a talking fish is worth listening to.” Known for his bizarre fish tales and a supposed friendship with a wise old catfish named Earl, Jed’s insights are as deep as the waters he fishes.

Maude “Mudpie” Perkins, the Eccentric Gardener of Greenbriar Grove

In the lush, overgrown expanse of Greenbriar Grove, just on the edge of Omaha, Maude’s garden is a wonderland of strange plants and even stranger gardening tips. Her favorite piece of advice: “Talk to your plants; insult your weeds. Kind words help flowers grow, and harsh words make the weeds cry themselves to death.” Maude’s belief in the emotional lives of her plants has made her garden a place of great curiosity and even greater avoidance by the local deer population.

Earl “Echo” Haskins, the Yodeling Lumberjack of Echo Ridge Forest

Deep in the Echo Ridge Forest, within earshot of Omaha, Earl’s claim to fame is his ability to communicate with the woods through yodeling. His wisdom? “A good yodel keeps the trees in line – and scares away any bears thinking about messing with your picnic.” His echoing yodels are said to be so powerful they once started an argument between two hillsides. Earl’s blend of forestry and vocal acrobatics makes him a legend in the local logging camps.

Each of these characters, with their unique talents and peculiar philosophies, are as integral to the fabric of the areas surrounding Omaha as the landscapes they inhabit.