Good morning, Grand Island.

After last month's heavy rain and flash flooding, many Hall County residents faced severe damage to their homes—one home on Voss Road had its basement completely gutted and a local daycare saw 16 inches of sewer water rise, forcing an evacuation and heavy financial loss.

Grand Island officials and county representatives urged residents to complete Form 425 to expedite assistance through state and federal aid programs.

Central Nebraska Regional Airport set a record in June with 6,489 enplanements—its highest count for June as extra flights from Allegiant Air boosted numbers; American Airlines will add larger jets for its Dallas-Ft. Worth route on August 6.

The 48th annual Nebraska State 4-H Horse Show is underway at Fonner Park where kids learn by riding and competing with over 400 horses from 47 counties.

The event began Sunday and runs until Wednesday and gives young riders a chance to learn proper horse care during the summer drought.

Parts of central Nebraska recorded a wettest June on record with some areas receiving over 12 inches of rain—Grand Island reported 11.36 inches and nearby areas reached over 12 inches—while the heavy rains helped ease drought conditions.

First Star Recycling is launching an educational campaign to show Grand Island residents how to recycle take-out cups and containers correctly—using website updates, social media, and billboards at local coffee shops.

The campaign, supported by a grant from the Foodservice Packaging Institute, expands the recycling program to include paper cups and will help nearly 500,000 households reduce waste.

The City of Grand Island gave $50,000 to 'Hear Grand Island' through its LB 840 Economic Development Program to keep the free concert series running+ the boost will allow organizers to plan 10 concerts in 2026 after hosting six this summer due to financial challenges.

The City provided a $50,000 funding boost to 'Hear Grand Island' to keep the program free for residents despite rising costs—this move helps maintain public access amid increasing expenses.

Nebraska residents have another chance to sign EPIC Option 2.0—an initiative to remove property, personal, corporate and inheritance taxes by January 1, 2028.

The campaign will need valid signatures from 10% of voters, including 5% from at least 38 counties by July 2026 to qualify for the general election ballot.

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.