Good morning, Grand Island.

Forty community members joined the Heartland United Way Tour on Wednesday in Grand Island, where they visited 20 partner agencies offering services from youth mentoring to senior care + local support programs that help residents of all ages.

Eulisis Martin, 34, of Grand Island faced federal charges on June 9 for attempting to throw a Molotov cocktail at Homeland Security Investigations and ICE—he is indicted on four counts for damaging federal property, possessing a destructive device, and interfering with officials that carry penalties up to 20 years in prison.

The Grand Island Public Library is launching its third Cooking the Books Book Club series on Saturday, August 9 at 12 p.m.—the event ties in with an exhibit on local food culture and invites residents to share dishes from community cookbooks.

Since 2010, the Nebraska State Fair 1868 Foundation has invested nearly $3 million in fair improvements and has helped secure $20 million in ARPA funding for long-term upgrades at Fonner Park—supporting youth programs and agricultural heritage.

It will co-sponsor the fair’s opening night on August 22 with the Great Nebraska Steak Debate, an event that has raised over $1 million for future enhancements.

The GIPS Foundation has opened its Classroom Grants program for teachers to fund innovative projects with grants from $250 to $2,500—eligible educators must apply using a gips.org email by September 26 at 4:00 p.m. Awards will be announced in October and projects will begin after November 1—this program has previously funded 354 grants totaling $326,057 to benefit 73,788 students.

The Nebraska DMV will open its new Grand Island Service Center in Hall County at 3529 S.

Locust St.—operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.—on Wednesday, August 20. Appointments will begin on August 11, and driver license services will end at the old 121 S. Pine St. location on August 15.

Kids and Car Safety said the federal Hot Cars Act needs final rules from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require new cars to include radar technology+alerts that warn drivers when children are left in heated vehicles.

The act has been in limbo since 2021, and Nebraska lawmakers worry after 20 deaths nationwide this year raised concerns about the delay.

Grand Island’s City Council held a study session on Aug.

5 to discuss refinancing or funding five Parks and Recreation projects including Island Oasis, the Veterans Sports Complex, Ryder Park Baseball Field, Stolley Park Train Area, and a new South Locust Trail to Camp Augustine—officials reviewed options like debt issuance, reserves, and private contributions while mentioning potential property tax relief. No decisions were made as the session set the stage for future funding plans.

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.

Skillet Concert

7-9 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $48 GA, $69 PIT, $85 VIP (SOLD OUT) — Experience hard-hitting rock with Skillet as they take the stage at the Nebraska State Fair.