Good morning, Grand Island.

Local special education supervisor Cassie Blase received the Nebraska Friend of Autism Administrator Award early April, highlighting her commitment to inclusive student supports, while Dr. Amanda Levos earned the ADK Excellence in Education Award at the state convention; both leaders bolstered local school communities.

GIPS educators Cassie Blase and Dr. Amanda Levos received statewide awards for their inclusive leadership and dedication to nurturing Nebraska students.

Islander Express is a program launched through a partnership between Big Apple Bagels and Grand Island Public Schools that teaches job skills via the Workforce Prep Academy (a local initiative) in Grand Island.

Stolley Park Road will be closed from South Locust Street to the south entrance of the Fonner Park Campus — starting Monday, May 4 — with a detour on South Locust, Fonner Park, and Stuhr Roads; construction will finish on August 15 with the final phase in fall.

Grand Island City Council approved a $388,000 grant for the CNH plant to expand its workforce from 680 to 725 — the funding supports a redesigned combine with greater efficiency.

CHI Health Good Samaritan and CHI Health St. Francis will be lit up in red from May 6-12 to honor National Nurses Week and celebrate the work of local nurses.

The lighting is part of the American Nurses Association campaign to shine a light on the power of nursing.

Nebraska will start new Medicaid work requirements tomorrow for expansion recipients aged 19 to 64 who must report 80 hours per month of work, job training or community engagement, and health advocates warn that the rushed rollout + limited staffing may lead to coverage gaps and strain rural hospitals.

Regional youth golfers will compete at the U.S. Kids Golf Teen Series event at Jackrabbit Run Golf Course on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31.

Registration ends May 27 plus tee times on May 30 begin at 11 a.m.

Nebraska SIEGE Pro Arena Football

7:05-11:05 p.m. — Heartland Events Center — Ticket availability limited — Catch the thrilling Nebraska Siege Pro Arena Football action right in Grand Island.