Good morning, Grand Island.

The City of Grand Island in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on September 25 for the new Pier Park Skatepark—built after nearly 25 years—with an investment of $892,783.50.

The Grand Island Area Farmers Market will host its first annual Harvest Festival on Sept.

20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1607 S. Locust — the event will feature over 50 local vendors, live music, train rides, mechanical bull rides and activities for all ages.

A Case IH combine made in Grand Island finished in the Top 4 of the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska contest + this result showcases local manufacturing skill.

UNL Extension is testing nematodes as a natural control for the western bean cutworm, which can reduce corn yields by up to 40%—intern Vojin Miloevi said early research after two years shows promise in protecting crops.

NDOT dedicated the week to raising railroad safety awareness—See Tracks?

Think Train Week—as Gov. Pillen signed a proclamation on Sept. 16. Federal funds also helped launch projects such as a $600,000 Grand Island rail crossing study to improve safety at tracks.

Fall turkey hunting season will begin October 1 in Nebraska and run through November 30—hunters must report any harvested turkey using Telecheck within 48 hours, wear hunter orange during the November 15-23 deer season, and follow the one turkey per permit rule.

Grand Island and Central District Health Department are launching a program using $100,000 to help unlicensed home day cares become licensed; the program will begin accepting applications in October—this effort is designed to add four to five safe daycare spots for working families.

State Senator Margo Juarez held town halls on Tuesday, September 16 to push for a study of rail infrastructure and expand passenger rail across Nebraska.

Her plan aims to provide safer, cheaper, and more convenient transportation—offering daytime Amtrak service and special trips for events.

Library supporters spoke at a City Council meeting to show how important the library’s services and hours are to the community—asking that cuts be avoided.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture and USDA APHIS confirmed a case of highly pathogenic avian influenza in a central Nebraska dairy herd, marking the first known case in dairy cattle and prompting an immediate quarantine; state veterinarian Roger Dudley urged local dairy producers to follow strict biosecurity protocols and contact their veterinarian if animals show signs of illness.

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.

Jeff Smithart LIVE!

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Bandits Sports Bar — Free entry — Enjoy live music and festivities during the Nebraska vs Minnesota football game.