Good morning, Grand Island.

Rural Prosperity Nebraska is offering new programs to help community leaders make towns better by working with Nebraska Extension and the Kearney Chamber—these programs focus on placemaking, customer service, and a secret shopper idea.

Leaders who want more information are encouraged to contact their local extension office.

City of Grand Island approved a $105,000 grant to launch the Business Blueprint Workshop, a three six-week series that provides business training in planning, finance and marketing for trade industry workers.

The classes will meet at Central Community College—Entrepreneurship Center from 6—8 p.m. on Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6, and participants may earn a $3,000 grant upon completion.

The Grand Island Public Library invited area artists 18 and older to submit up to three artworks for its annual non-juried Community Art Show.

The library will accept submissions from September 17 through September 30 and artists may pick up their works from November 15 to November 22 — contact the library for details.

Researchers from UNL Extension unveiled a self-powered irrigation device at Husker Harvest Days in Hall County on September 11— the device uses GPS data and wireless communication to tell valves how much water to use and is still being tested to fix connection issues.

GISH senior Katherin Xicara was named as a new student representative on the GIPS Board of Education.

She will support student voices - strengthening a sense of belonging among peers.

Nebraska State Treasurer Tom Briese visited the NTV studio—where he talked about the burden of student loan debt on the economy and the need to save for college—and explained that the Nest529 plan is a tax-advantaged account families can use to prepare for higher education.

Nebraskans gathered at the Capitol on Friday to oppose Gov. Jim Pillen's plan to turn a McCook state prison into an ICE detention center—known as the Cornhusker Clink—after he skipped the hearing.

Four dozen community members testified against the plan and raised concerns that the move would worsen overcrowding in state prisons.

Minor league baseball will come to Grand Island in 2026—officials expect to reveal more details on team operations and stadium plans soon.

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.

Oktoberfest Celebration

4-10 p.m. — Liederkranz — Members $5, Non-Members $10 — Enjoy live music by The Killigans, food, and family fun at this festive event.

Platte Valley Boer-Nanza Goat Sale

11 AM – 11:59 PM — Fonner Park — Free entry — Experience the excitement of the annual Boer goat sale in Grand Island.

Colten Wyatt Band: Boot Barn Grand Opening

3-7 p.m. — Old Town Boot Barn — Free entry — Enjoy live music and vibes at the Boot Barn's Grand Opening celebration in Grand Island, Nebraska.