Good morning, Grand Island.

The city's annual fireworks display on July 4 to mark the nation's 250th and local anniversaries will get a budget boost from $40,000 to $60,000 and use larger, six-inch shells.

The committee is recruiting new members to meet its funding goal (planning began two years ago).

Local businesses in Grand Island are backing the Ice Out Protest by launching special sales promotions to boost community spirit.

The initiative was announced earlier this week and highlights a commitment + shared local energy.

The Grand Island Public Library will host the free collage art exhibit “The Soft Cruelty of Time” by Omaha-based visual artist Bart Vargas from Monday, Feb.

9 through Friday, March 6 during regular library hours.

Grand Island Tourism has spent three years planning USA250, a celebration honoring our community's heritage, and will host events later this year to showcase local history and culture.

The local station celebrates 70 years with a show featuring tributes from viewers and former staff, along with segments on sports with Ed Littler, weather with John Walsh, and local history retrospectives.

The program airs today and honors contributions that have shaped community news.

Six Nebraska college students have been awarded $2,500 tuition scholarships by the NE Chamber Foundation for business excellence.

The awards honor leadership, academic success, and community involvement (only for sophomores or juniors with a minimum 3.0 GPA).

Residents attended Board 101 at Westridge Middle School on Wednesday night to learn about serving on the school board and how the role rewards kids and the community.

The event offered insight into board duties and highlighted its benefit to local education.

Between July 1 and Dec.

31, 2025, Central Community College awarded GED high school diplomas to 24 individuals, marking a milestone in adult education.

Central Community College named full-time students on the President’s and Dean’s honor lists for fall 2025, recognizing their academic achievements at the college.

Grand Island middle school students competed in a Quiz Bowl last Friday, answering rapid-fire questions and showing teamwork at their school.

State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg has launched a statewide push for unclaimed funds tomorrow, Feb.

1, urging residents to check NebraskaLostCash.gov (or MissingMoney.com for multi-state histories) as Gov. Jim Pillen declared Unclaimed Property Day to return missing money to local economies.

Three Dog Night and Ambrosia Concert

7-9 p.m. — Heartland Events Center — Check ticket prices for a night of classic hits from two iconic bands.

Jhon Alex Castaño Concert

9 p.m. – 1 a.m. — 4th St. Banquet — Ticket pricing varies — Enjoy an evening of vibrant music with Jhon Alex Castaño and La Iguana.

Master Plan for Entrepreneurship: Dream, Plan, Do - Interactive Business Plan Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Central Community College - Grand Island — Registration required — Develop a comprehensive business plan using practical tools and templates in this interactive workshop.

American Chili Cook Off

11 AM – 1 PM — Fonner Park — Tickets available at the door — Enjoy a day filled with delicious homemade chilis and support the American Red Cross.