Good morning, Grand Island.

Nominations for the Grand Island Inspire Awards are open through February 20.

Residents can submit entries online + honor local leaders.

The Tri‑City Food Fight has concluded with Hastings Museum, Stuhr Museum and Kearney Archway collecting 2,324 pounds of food for local pantries as Hastings Museum recorded a win with 1,311 pounds—more than doubling last year’s total.

The food drive supported pantries in Hastings + Grand Island + Kearney.

Nebraska workers now earn a $15 minimum wage, a change that took effect with the new year.

The policy is raising pay for employees and prompting adjustments for employers statewide.

Hunters can buy spring turkey permits starting Monday, Jan.

12 from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission after 1 p.m. online or in person. Permits cost (residents $34, nonresidents $158) and allow one turkey harvest per day until May 31, with only 10,000 nonresident permits available.

Yesterday, Nebraska officials unveiled a new Semi-Quincentennial logo and launched a series of events for America's 250th anniversary, including a museum exhibit at the Capitol open through summer, a student contest due March 30, and a large flag display planned for Memorial Day weekend in Omaha and Lincoln.

Josh Sikes announced his resignation from Grand Island Public Schools Board after nearly three years of service as he moves for a new opportunity; the board will accept his resignation Jan.

8 and begin searching for a replacement with interviews on Feb. 12 and a member serving starting March 16.

Grand Island police conducted vape and tobacco compliance checks at five local businesses Tuesday morning, finding four complied while VIP Smoke Shop was cited for selling a vape device to a minor as part of efforts to reduce youth access to tobacco products.

UNLV quarterback Anthony Colandrea has committed to Nebraska from the transfer portal, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

He posted impressive numbers (3,459 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, 649 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores) last season for the Rebels.