Good morning, Grand Island.

BigIron Events Center plans to add staff and repair its facility in the 2026 fiscal year (its few workers currently spend long hours setting up and tearing down event equipment).

The Nebraska Arts Council awarded a $100,000 grant to the Grand Island Creative District—one of several statewide awards aimed at boosting cultural tourism and job creation.

The funding will support public art and community projects.

Agriculture producers can reduce fertilizer costs with the Nebraska Corn Board’s $1 million Nitrogen Use Efficiency Program for 2026; meeting a 1.0 nitrogen score earns $15 per acre (max 160 acres) if they apply by May 15.

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment runs the program.

At Rowe Sanctuary — 20 miles east of Kearney — UNK freshman Katie Arens and researchers are testing a new ultraviolet collision avoidance system on power lines along the Platte River to reduce sandhill crane crashes; early tests are promising.

Weather permitting, work will begin on March 23 on US-30 from reference post 274+92 to reference post 276+83 in Buffalo County, with Ensley Electrical Services of Grand Island handling roadway lighting improvements and completion set for July 2026.

On Mar. 18, Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03) addressed the House floor and prayed for Nebraskans as they battled a severe wildfire crisis affecting local areas.

His remarks underscored a call for strengthened unity amid the ongoing emergency.

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.