Good morning, Grand Island.

Heartland United Way is awarding over $34,500 in grants to 31 nonprofits in Hamilton, Howard, Merrick and rural Hall Counties; check presentations occur on Thursday, May 14 at Hamilton County Youth Center (9:00 a.m.), Central City Public Library (10:15 a.m.), Howard County Medical Center (noon) and Heartland United Way (2:00 p.m.).

Data from the National Federation of Independent Business showed that in April small business optimism dropped to 95.9, below the average of 98 over 52 years + owners in Grand Island are worried about rising gas prices and labor shortages as they hold cash to buffer against cost pressures.

The Pony Express National Re-Ride will begin on Monday, Jun.

15 with the first rider leaving St. Joseph and continue nonstop for 10 days to Sacramento along the original 1,966-mile route. The ride will pass central Nebraska with stops starting Wednesday, Jun. 17 (at the Oregon Trail Marker near Hastings).

Norris FFA students planted 28 soybean varieties at a test plot across from their school on May 12 to gain hands-on experience in production agriculture.

Ebola survivor Ashoka Mukpo recalled his 2014 treatment at UNMC as officials said 16 Americans exposed to hantavirus are set to begin quarantine at the facility early Monday morning — the care mirror that once helped him recover.

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.