Good morning, Grand Island.

Students from Central Nebraska earned degrees, academic honors, and research grants from colleges statewide last spring.

Undergraduates received summer research stipends at UNL while local award winners were named to various President’s and Dean’s Honor Rolls at institutions including FHSU, Drake, and Iowa State.

More than 250 University of Nebraska-Lincoln students were named to the Deans' Commendation List for the spring semester of the 2024-25 academic year based on their high grade-point averages + Grand Island honorees on the list include Cameron Carlson, Carly Gartner and Brooke Murr.

Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz said Grand Island must boost its owned generation capacity because the aging Platte Generating Station may soon go offline under new regulations—meeting the required 174 megawatts plus a 15% reserve.

He explained the city is weighing a 22-megawatt increase or a 37-megawatt expansion and will request proposals in August to ensure reliable electric service and support economic development.

The Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island was dedicated on July 12 with veterans, families, Governor Jim Pillen, Senators Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer, and State Senator Dan Quick attending—this site offers a closer resting place for veterans and their families.

Officials said statues and a carillon tower will be added later in the fall—enhancing the cemetery's honor and reflection.

Central Platte NRD is almost halfway done with its new office and education center west of Grand Island—its $4 million line of credit with Five Points Bank will help finish the project.

Dr. Susan Newman—a family physician—has joined Vibrance Family Health Care in Grand Island, and the clinic said she will begin seeing patients soon.

Angie Kriz and the PolkaToons Concert

7-9 p.m. — Stuhr Museum — Free entry — Dance the night away to lively Czech polkas and waltzes performed by Angie Kriz and the PolkaToons.

Trailer Races

6-9 p.m. — Hall County Fair — Admission: ONE CANNED GOOD — Experience the thrill of destruction as trailers race in a night of fun and live music.

2025 Nebraska Small Business Conference

1-7 p.m. — College Park, Grand Island — Free admission — Discover tools and strategies to grow your small business and network with other entrepreneurs.