Good morning, Grand Island.

The Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation awarded funds to 22 new agricultural education teachers to support classroom and FFA programs across Nebraska — the awards come from a program named for Dr. Allen G. and Kay L.

Blezek.

Walnut Middle School will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a week-long Homecoming from Oct.

12–17 that invites the Grand Island community to join in planned activities. The festivities will begin with a Museum Experience at an Open House on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m., continue with a 100th Anniversary football game on Thursday, Oct. 16 at GISH Memorial Stadium, and end with a 'Pink Out' volleyball showcase on Friday, Oct. 17 with donated goods for Hope Harbor.

UNL plans to cut nearly $500,000 from its community and regional planning program as part of a $27.5 million reduction, and Grand Island’s community development director Chad Nabity warned the cuts will hurt local planning—he urged Nebraskans to speak out before the proposal becomes official.

Walnut Middle School will mark its 100th anniversary with a homecoming week that starts with an Open House on October 12th, followed by a Walnut vs Barr football game on October 16th and a Pink Out volleyball showcase on October 17th—inviting students, staff, alumni, and families to celebrate a century of education and community spirit.

Grand Island City Council held a study session on Sept.

23 to review an updated economic impact study for a proposed Good Life District sports complex—Grow Grand Island Chairwoman Tonja Brown explained that the plan focuses on multipurpose courts while some council members require an aquatics center before giving their full support. The final study will be available soon.

Grand Island City Council approved Patrick Brown as the new City Administrator effective Sept.

23—he replaced Laura McAloon with a 9-0 vote and a $254,000 annual salary, having served as CFO and Assistant City Administrator since 2018. The council also approved a contract for a lead service line inventory worth up to $300,000 and tax increment financing for a housing development and a redevelopment plan with votes of 9-0 and 8-0-1, actions that support the city’s public projects.

The Hall County Commission voted Tuesday to form a committee that will study housing development sites to protect prime farmland—its members include Planning Commission representatives, county commissioners and local stakeholders who will use the county's comprehensive plan and soil quality as guides for future growth.

With deer season underway, hunters are urged to handle animals safely to prevent chronic wasting disease—experts say to avoid eating high-risk tissues such as brain and spinal cord, soak knives in a 50% bleach solution for five minutes, and double-bag unwanted parts for proper landfill disposal. Hunters should also use protective gloves and avoid cutting through bones to reduce contamination risks.

Gov Pillen visited Hastings on September 24 to highlight Nebraska's new certified community behavioral health clinics — seven centers using a prospective payment model to expand mental health and substance abuse services across rural areas.

The clinics will officially launch on Jan. 1 and aim to reduce hospitalizations by getting patients help before their issues become critical.

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.

Yomo in Concert - Nebraska

8 PM — La Jaula — Ticket info available online — Experience the legendary reggaeton pioneer Yomo live in Grand Island for the first time.