Good morning, Grand Island.

Project Connect 2026 is scheduled for Thursday, Oct.

22 at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center at Fonner Park (700 E. Stolley Park Road) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hope Harbor will break ground on Oct.

9 at 10 a.m. at 615 W 1st Street for Lighthouse Apartments, its largest capital project in Grand Island featuring 20 supportive housing units. The $11.9 million development (backed by local partners) is expected to open in early 2028.

Andy and Erin Marsh (honored as Community Champions) were recognized by Highstreet Insurance and Financial Services for their service to Stuhr Museum and other local groups in Grand Island.

Registration for holiday assistance is underway for Heartland United Way programs in Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick counties + the online window opened Thursday and runs through Nov.

15.

Central Community College honored Dean Marni Danhauer, alumna Angela Grover and welding instructor Landon Hunt with awards at the Nebraska Community College Association conference on Oct.

4 in Scottsbluff. The honors recognize their roles in career and workforce education and contributions to student success and community impact.

Farmers in central Nebraska are battling tar spot disease that damages corn crops with recurring mold and fungus, which reduces standability.

UNL Extension (the local agricultural advisor) recommends regular field scouting and crop rotation to manage the soil-borne fungus.

Burn permits are available for purchase until Oct.

23 at City Hall (or Fire Station No.1) for the open burn period from Oct. 11 to Oct. 24; permits cover owned property or one- to two-family dwellings and may be suspended if weather exceeds safe limits.

The national Alzheimer’s Association will hold its Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Amur Plaza on Sunday, Oct.

11 at 1:30 p.m. with registration starting at 1 p.m.; participants will carry flowers to show personal connections (blue for patients, purple for loss, yellow for caregivers, orange for supporters).

The Lou Platte Conference released its volleyball championship bracket with games on Monday, Oct.

12, Tuesday, Oct. 13 and Thursday, Oct. 15 in Gibbon (St. Paul is the defending champion). Country 96 will cover the semifinals if St. Paul wins on Monday.