Good morning, Grand Island.

The Nebraska State Fair began with record crowds from Aug.

22 to Aug. 24—fair staff report higher attendance than last year and families enjoyed a range of animal shows and 4-H displays. Organizers say the fair will continue with drone and fireworks shows and special event days until Sept. 1.

On Aug. 21, Hall County District Judge Andrew Butler ordered Kelli Lepler of Grand Island to take antipsychotic medication as she is held at the Lincoln Regional Center and faces 46 counts of theft by deception (38 felonies) after receiving $258,404 from 43 customers for her monument business; a review hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 1.

Nebraska researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and their German partners discovered new ways to control corn genes that could soon improve the crop's ability to withstand drought and other stresses.

The team plans to use precise genome editing techniques in future studies (effects may take 9 to 12 years to show).

Central Community College in Grand Island joined year 7 of the Metallica Scholars Initiative with a $5,000 grant to boost its criminal justice program—adding support for law enforcement, security and corrections careers.

The initiative now spans 75 colleges nationwide and is expected to help about 10,000 students gain skills for family-sustaining wages.

Adam Kester, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission access program manager, received the Public Lands Hero Award from the Nebraska chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers on August 13 in North Platte.

He led programs that opened more than 435,000 acres of private land to hunters and anglers—earning high praise for his work improving public access.

The City of Grand Island is finalizing a 12-month budget for fiscal 2026 after meeting with department heads on Thursday — an outline will be released this week with public feedback sought ahead of hearings on Sept 3 and a vote on Sept 9.

Assistant City Administrator Pat Brown said the new process aims to streamline decisions and improve transparency.

The Central Platte NRD Board will hold a public hearing on Sept.

4 at 2:00 p.m. at 215 Kaufman Avenue to set the property tax request and levy—this follows the board’s approval of a reduced 2025/2026 fiscal budget and includes updates on the vacancy search for Subdistrict 3.

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.