Good morning, Grand Island.

Residents in Grand Island and nearby Kearney watched as the iconic Big Boy train drew a crowd yesterday.

Local rail fans took photos + shared stories about its historic design.

Central Community College earned a STARS gold rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education today, recognizing its progress in academics, operations and community engagement.

The rating places the college among the nation’s top five associate schools for sustainability achievements.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney recognized four spring graduates with the Mary Jane and William R.

Nester Student Leadership Award for academic and service excellence. Grand Island native Jonathan Schardt, who graduated summa cum laude in health sciences, will attend dental college in Lincoln.

The Grand Island Public Library will host a free summer storytime program at the Literacy Council (115 W.

Charles St.) at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, with sessions starting June 3 until July 29 (no session on July 1); children and families can enjoy readings and sign up for library cards.

Residents interested in launching small businesses can enroll in free classes offered by Rural Prosperity Nebraska; for more details, contact Sandra Barrera (UNL) or John Hamilton (UNO).

Horizon Middle School (Kearney) announced the 2026 President's Awards for Education Excellence for students who earned at least a 3.5 GPA and scored in the 85th percentile on fall MAP tests; the program honors top-performing 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, with several eighth graders recognized.

The Grand Island Public Library is launching a Summer Reading Challenge for readers of all ages starting tomorrow.

The program will offer engaging book activities & community events at the library.

Hall County District Judge John Marsh ordered Swift Beef Co. to pay a $1.25 million civil penalty for releasing wastewater that raised concerns in January 2024—funds are set to support local schools at the Grand Island facility.

At its May 28 meeting, the CPNRD board sent letters and issued cease and desist orders to 37 producers for nitrogen violations.

It also approved chemigation & reverse osmosis cost-share programs, reported Conservation Tree sales, and said its new office is 93% complete with a planned move in late July.

Gov. Pillen signed an executive order Friday requiring Nebraska schools and universities to strengthen reporting, prevention and education efforts for antisemitism (using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition).

The order directs the state Department of Education to offer training and supplemental curriculum on the Holocaust, Israel, and Jewish American history.

Grand Island Fightin’ Cranes defeated the Hastings Sodbusters 9-6 on Thursday, May 28 at Ryder Park in their first home opener.

Grand Island native Ethan Mader started the game as the team marked a promising beginning at the new venue.

Nebraska SIEGE Pro Arena Football

7-11 p.m. — Heartland Events Center — Prices vary — Experience the excitement of arena football with Nebraska SIEGE in Grand Island.

Nebraska SIEGE Pro Arena Football

7-11 p.m. — Heartland Events Center — Tickets start at $48 — Experience thrilling arena football action at this local favorite event.