Good morning, Grand Island.

Local veteran artists will show their work at an open house on September 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the United Veterans Club — the event is part of the Grand Island Veteran Creative Arts Competition where winners in visual arts and creative writing will be sent to a national contest and the open house is free to attend.

Imagination Bacon raised nearly $45,000 in a fundraiser supported by hundreds of bacon and brew lovers — the funds will buy a year's worth of books for 1,497 kids in Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick counties.

Hundreds of bacon and brew lovers gathered in Grand Island on Aug.

1 and raised nearly $45k to fund Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, helping 1,497 children get free books over a year—Jim’s Championship Chili & Catering won the golden pig award while local brewers were also recognized at the sold-out, annual event.

Middle and high school bands competed in the 66th annual UNK Band Day Parade in Kearney on Saturday—Kearney High School won the sweepstakes trophy and outstanding drum line award while Hastings High School received recognition for its color guard as the event prepares bands for the Harvest of Harmony Parade and Field Competition on Oct. 4 in Grand Island.

Nebraska's Department of Water, Energy, and Environment and local Natural Resources Districts have updated the NiRIA program guidelines for 2026 to offer payments to farmers who reduce nitrogen use on crops—applications are due by November 15 and payments vary by area based on water quality risks. Farmers growing corn, sugar beets, wheat, and potatoes must show documented fertilizer reductions to qualify.

Grand Island Mayor Roger Steele has recommended Pat Brown as the new City Administrator and the council will vote on his appointment today.

Brown, who has served as Assistant City Administrator and CFO, will replace Laura McAloon, who resigned on Sept. 9—he brings experience from Colorado and Arkansas to the role.

Central Community College will give out Narcan boxes for Save a Life Day on Sept.

25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at campuses in Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, and Kearney—this builds on a program started in April 2022 that has given over 300 kits and trained more than 200 workers.

Nebraska and Michigan State will play a Big Ten football game on Oct.

4 at 3 p.m.—the conference announced the schedule.

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.