Good morning, Grand Island.

The Nebraska State Fair opened Friday with remarks from Governor Jim Pillen, Congressman Don Bacon and Fair officials as they introduced events like Fairtober Fest and Battle of the DJs.

Organizers listened to guest feedback and added more shade—and extra seating—to improve the fair experience for everyone.

A Grand Island judge ruled that 47-year-old Kelli Lepler—charged with 46 counts of theft by deception for allegedly stealing over $200,000 from customers to buy headstones—will be forced to take anti-psychotic drugs to help her stand trial, with a hearing on her fitness set for Oct. 1.

Grand Island Police reported that scammers impersonated the Hall County Sheriff’s Office on Aug.

20 by calling a 70-year-old resident and demanding $2,000 based on a false arrest warrant—officials warn of similar scams—and the department is investigating the incident.

Grand Island Parks and Recreation invites families to join free outdoor movie nights in September at Stolley Park—movies will be shown in the open field west of Kids Kingdom, starting at dusk.

Residents should bring picnic blankets, lawn chairs, and warm clothing for cooler evenings.

The Grand Island Public Library will host a Preschool Prom on Sunday, September 7 at 2 p.m. for children ages 5 and under — the event includes crafts, snacks, photo opportunities and dancing.

Registration opens today with limited space available.

Governor Pillen joined DMV Director Rhonda Lamb for the official opening of the new Grand Island Service Center on Friday, Aug.

22. The center, which had a soft opening on Aug. 20, expands an efficient service model used in metro areas + including Bellevue, north Omaha, west Omaha and Lincoln + to offer faster services statewide.

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.

Forever Young Tour

7:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Nebraska State Fair — Tickets from $51 — A throwback concert featuring 90s and 2000s hits with Vanilla Ice and more.

La Arrolladora Banda Concert

9-11 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $45-$83 — Experience the dynamic sounds of La Arrolladora Banda, award-winning icons of Banda music.

Nebraska State Fair Carnival Wristband

1-11 p.m. — Nebraska State Fair — $42 — Experience a full day of unlimited rides at the Wade Shows Carnival.

Husker Harvest Days

9 AM - 4 PM — Husker Harvest Days — Free entry — Explore Polaris Off-Road Vehicles and enjoy product demos at this major agricultural event.

Grand Island Varsity Volleyball Match

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Grand Island Senior High School — Cost info not provided — Cheer on the Grand Island varsity volleyball team as they face Lincoln Southwest in a thrilling non-conference match.