Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
Good morning, Grand Island.
🎭 Culture
The Grand Island Creative District received a $100K grant from the Nebraska Arts Council to boost arts downtown and along Fourth Street — the funds will support a part-time coordinator to expand community partnerships and complete strategic projects.
Contemporary Christian artist Phil Wickham will bring a worship concert with special guest Jamie MacDonald on Sunday, Aug.
30 at 6 p.m. inside the Heartland Events Center during the Nebraska State Fair. Pre-sale tickets begin today and public sales start Thursday, March 19.
🎓 Education
Dr. Kent Mann was sworn in as the new member of Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education on March 16 after being appointed on Feb 12 to replace Josh Sikes.
Mann + 73 brings 44 years of experience and has filed for election; his term ends in 2026.
On March 16, the Grand Island Public Schools Board approved its 2024-2025 Annual Report with detailed student statistics, a new postcard distribution featuring a QR code, and its 80-90-100 strategic plan, while also approving construction and engineering agreements for Gates Elementary and the Senior High School planetarium renovation.
The Nebraska Broadcasters Association Foundation is awarding $1,000 scholarships to four high school seniors planning to study broadcasting as board members reviewed the applications; one winner, Emily Spiehs (from Grand Island Northwest High School), will attend the University of Nebraska Lincoln.
🌲 Environment
Firefighters are patrolling and building firelines on the Cottonwood Fire near Jeffrey Lake today (after it burned 122,144 acres) while crews work on the 572,804-acre Morrill Fire amid warming weather and moderate winds.
🏥 Health
CS CASH advises local residents and cleanup crews to wear proper PPE — including N95 respirators, safety glasses and durable clothing — while working outdoors amid ongoing wildfires in Nebraska.
The agency urges monitoring of air quality and reducing exertion when conditions worsen.
CHI Health St. Francis is hosting a heart-education session at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Mar.
26 in Conference Room 2/3 to explain how nutrition can help reverse metabolic disease. Registered dietitian Holly Anderson (Virta Health) will lead the free event open to the community.
🏈 Sports
Grand Island Senior High announced Jadeyn VanDerwerken as its new head volleyball coach for the 2026-27 school year (she replaces Braeden Mlinar and brings strong local coaching experience).
🎉 Grand Island Events
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Dos Amigos Tour with Dwight Yoakam and ZZ Top
5:00 AM - 8:30 PM — Heartland Events Center — Tickets available — Experience legendary country and rock music with two iconic bands in one unforgettable concert event.
🏠 Grand Island Real Estate
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💼 Grand Island Job Board
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