Good morning, Grand Island.

Today, Heartland United Way welcomed Sarah Cover as the newest member of its Board of Directors—Cover is originally from Kearney and now lives in Central City with extensive volunteer and education experience.

She will help the nonprofit connect people across Hall, Hamilton, Howard, and Merrick counties with needed support.

The Grand Island Parks and Recreation Department will host the Haunted Halloween Express at Stolley Park Railroad on Friday, Oct.

17 from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 18 from 5-10 p.m.—families can board a decorated train to enjoy themed surprises, face painting, and concessions, with tickets at $4.50 for ages 3 and up while children 2 and under ride free.

Grand Island’s annual Community Fireworks celebration will return for its fourth year in 2026—relocated to the Stuhr Museum campus to honor America’s 250th birthday—for a special local celebration planned with input from local officials and community partners.

The Case IH AF Series won the 'Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska' contest after competing in three rounds—showing its high quality among the entries.

CNH Industrial’s AF Series Combine was named the 2025 Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska after more than 40,000 votes were cast in a bracket style contest held at the NE Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit in La Vista on October 6.

Grand Island plant manager Dustin Alexander said the combine, featuring one of the industry’s largest grain tanks and advanced automation technology, is built to cover more acres and handle various crop conditions—showing its unmatched efficiency.

Grand Island Target held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday and is now in a soft launch phase, welcoming guests into its 148,000-square feet store.

The store has 150 parking spots and employs 164 team members—while it continues hiring—to boost the local shopping experience.

Grand Island Senior High grad Claire Kelly was elected homecoming queen at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln after a rare tie vote that marked an unusual decision for the event.

Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said he is willing to provide voter registration data to the Department of Justice—despite a lawsuit challenging the request based on state privacy laws.

He explained that Nebraska’s data practices are complete and proper and mentioned that other states are being questioned for their methods.

The Central Nebraska Medical Reserve Corps' V.I.P.E.R. program — started by Ron Pughes after a Hastings fire — earned national acclaim in July for its new way to help move vulnerable people in emergencies.

Its quick-response trailer is now available for tours this week at the Adams County Office of Emergency Management in Hastings.

Nebraska hospitals warned seniors in rural areas about Medicare Advantage plans as open enrollment begins Oct 15 due to issues like prior authorization denials and extra administrative costs at facilities such as Great Plains Health in North Platte.

The Nebraska Hospital Association advised seniors to verify that local hospitals accept these plans before enrollment ends on Dec 7.

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.