Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 11th of February.
Good morning, Grand Island.
🏘️ Community
Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska announces that local cookie booths will open this Friday, Feb.
13. The cookie season runs until March 15 and offers a new Exploremores cookie (inspired by Rocky Road) that supports local Girl Scout programs.
🎓 Education
Grand Island Public Schools announced Monday that Selena Lukasiewicz was named the next principal at Walnut Middle School and Kelli Wemhoff was selected to lead Starr Elementary School.
Both will begin their roles this summer as the district prepares for the 2026-27 school year.
🌲 Environment
Hall County officials met Tuesday to review preventive measures after 7,800 gallons of diluted wastewater spilled at the JBS beef plant and to discuss ways to protect groundwater (and residents downstream).
Future discussions may focus on installing a berm to prevent further incidents.
Sandhill cranes will arrive on the Platte River around Valentine's Day between Grand Island and Kearney, Rowe Sanctuary director Marcos Stoltzfus said.
The 3,000-acre sanctuary offers tours from March 4 to April 7 (with tickets as low as $25) for visitors to safely view the annual spectacle.
🏛️ Government
Sen. Dave Murman introduced bill LB940 to ban six petroleum-based food dyes from K-12 schools beginning August 2027.
The proposal aligns with federal efforts (eliminating synthetic dyes from taxpayer lunches) and has advanced to further debate.
🏥 Health
In 2025, Nebraska set a record when 121 organ donors saved 314 lives and over 1,200 people donated organs or tissues to help about 53,000 individuals.
Organ donation remains important as around 400 Nebraskans still wait for transplants (registration is open to anyone 16 or older).
Sandhill and whooping cranes are migrating into the Tri-Cities carrying the H5N1 virus, and Crane Trust experts are monitoring birds at local lakes and ponds.
Grand Island officials are taking safety measures and advise residents to watch for abnormal bird behavior (clusters of dead birds may signal illness).
📰 Real Estate
A recent analysis by Stacker using Zillow data shows Chapman posted a 9.9% one-year rise while Palmer, Clarks and other cities experienced notable increases.
The list details one- and five-year changes in local home values, including Grand Island’s steady market.
🏈 Sports
Nebraska men’s basketball rallied from a 14-1 deficit but lost 80-77 in overtime Tuesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena as Purdue secured the win with key free throws.
The Huskers will face Northwestern on Saturday at noon (game details confirmed).
🎉 Grand Island Events
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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.
Ian Munsick: The Eagle Flies Free Tour
7-9 p.m. — Heartland Events Center — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Enjoy an evening of captivating music from rising star Ian Munsick in a community-friendly setting.
🏠 Grand Island Real Estate
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💼 Grand Island Job Board
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📣 Grand Island Announcements
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