Good morning, Grand Island.

The G.I. Area Clean Community System + partially funded by a $35,000 City grant + offers hazardous waste drop-offs and a free Swap Shop at 3661 Sky Park Road near the regional airport while running recycling, litter prevention, and education programs for local residents.

The 84th Harvest of Harmony Parade and Field Competition will occur Saturday, Oct.

3, starting at 8:15 a.m. downtown with a record 236 entries honoring America's 250th birthday — sponsored by Woodhouse Toyota — with a field competition beginning at 11 a.m. at Memorial Stadium.

Voting is open in the 'Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska' bracket competition featuring 16 homegrown products, with rounds progressing through October.

Votes are accepted until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4 (advanced rounds continue and the winner will be announced Oct. 29 at the Nebraska Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista).

Nebraska lawmakers approved a law that will raise the minimum wage to $15.26 on Jan.

1, 2027, which is 29¢ less than the voter-approved increase from 2022. The measure also sets a lower rate for teens (14-15) at $13.50 starting July 19 to aid business planning.

Grand Island is hosting a Midwest tourism conference to boost local travel and business.

The event will let local experts share ideas and network to improve tourism.

University of Nebraska at Kearney is named Nebraska’s top regional university by U.S. News & World Report, earning high marks for value and quality.

The recognition marks its 19th straight year among the Midwest’s best public schools.

Grand Island Public Schools held a hearing on Sept.

21 about the 2026-27 budget and tax levy set at $1.065936 per $100 of home value. The board will meet at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 28 to vote on a budget that grows nearly 4% and boosts the property tax request by over $3.2 million while keeping the levy flat.

Grand Island's JBS plant is making strides in environmental protection as it works to prevent future issues, Commissioner Jane Richardson said + the company is committed to improved practices.

CHI Health providers in Grand Island urge residents to learn the sepsis warning signs during Sepsis Awareness Month.

They advise calling 911 if unusual symptoms such as abnormal temperature, confusion or severe pain occur (using the T.I.M.E. guideline).

The top-ranked Huskers beat Missouri Tuesday night in Lincoln in a rematch for an outdoor volleyball game suspended in Chicago due to high humidity — fans who traveled during Labor Day weekend finally saw the match completed under safer conditions.