Good morning, Grand Island.

HDC has launched its Owner-Occupied Repair–Disaster Recovery Program to provide up to $20,000 in 0% interest loans for essential flood repairs in Grand Island and four surrounding counties.

The program will serve low-income homeowners and will be activated as needed following natural disasters.

Grand Island Police are investigating a theft at Baasch Laundromat on North Pine Street—where a suspect wearing all black and a mask broke into two gambling machines at 3:30 a.m. and caused $3,000 in damage, taking $183 from one machine and $1,500 from the other—and are asking anyone with information to come forward.

Grand Island’s Pioneer Park will host the dedication of a new Nebraska State Historical Marker honoring O.A.

Abbott, Nebraska’s first Lieutenant Governor, on Monday, August 4 at 3 p.m. The free event will feature speeches from local leaders including Lieutenant Governor Joe Kelly + representatives from the Nebraska State Historical Society and the Hall County Bar Association.

Grand Island Public Schools had a cellphone protocol set in fall 2023 and advised the governor’s office before Gov. Pillen signed LB140, which mandates every district to have a policy.

The district’s rules—such as requiring elementary students to check in phones and middle schoolers to store theirs—aim to reduce classroom disruptions and bullying.

VenuWorks Heartland Events Center in Grand Island is planning to upgrade to energy efficient LED lights to reduce maintenance costs and improve safety.

Honeywell is conducting a study that will be presented to the City Council in the coming months—after which the council will decide on the upgrade.

On Saturday, Grand Island Home Federal beat Kearney Misko 10-3 in the opening round of the state tournament at Ryder Park—photos by Rick Tucker show the action.

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.

Liederkranz Craft Brew & Sausage Fest

4-7 p.m. — Liederkranz — Ticket required — Indulge in craft beers and sausages while enjoying live music in a festive atmosphere.

Jarana Concert

7-9 p.m. — Stuhr Museum — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of energetic, danceable music blending South American and Mexican folk styles while relaxing outdoors.

Northwest vs. Hastings Softball Game

6:30-8:15 p.m. — Northwest High School — Free entry — Catch the exciting non-conference matchup between the Northwest varsity softball team and Hastings.

One Day Carnival Wristband at Nebraska State Fair

12:10 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $31 — Enjoy unlimited rides for one day at the carnival during the Nebraska State Fair.

Ultimate Bullfighters

7-8:30 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $29-$72 — Experience the thrill of bullfighting with VIP options and exclusive perks at this exciting event.

Birthing Pavilion VIP Experience

8-9 a.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $15.75 — Discover the birthing process with exclusive access and interact with the animals.

Brian Regan Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $51, $62, $78 Reserved Seating — Enjoy the laughs of one of America's top comedians, Brian Regan, at a must-see performance.

The Marshall Tucker Band Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $42 reserved seating — Experience legendary Southern rock tunes from The Marshall Tucker Band and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Worley.

Sawyer Brown Free Concert

7:30-10 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — Free with gate admission — Enjoy a night filled with legendary country hits from Sawyer Brown.