Good morning, Grand Island.

The Heartland United Way announced today that Sarah Cover has joined its Board of Directors—born in Kearney and now a Central City resident, she brings experience from her work as an educator and volunteer with the local Parent-Teacher Organization—adding strong local insight to the board.

The Imagination City Children’s Museum will host a Night in White event at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov.

8 — it will be held at the Chocolate Bar at 116 W. Third St. in Railside.

Hargis House will host an open house and the Bygone Book Club will meet on Saturday, while Crane Trust holds its speak program on Tuesday.

GILT has set audition times for its holiday show—more details to come.

Yesterday, voters chose a combine as the Coolest Thing Made in Nebraska while Grand Island Target held its ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the Red Cross noted a high need for blood as the HPS superintendent warned that a government shutdown might soon affect local families—events that shaped a busy day for our community.

Nearly 5,000 residents lost power Wednesday morning when a squirrel crawled into a substation—crews restored power within five minutes.

Grand Island’s Target store opened Tuesday — it will hold a grand opening with special events on Sunday.

The Nebraska Chamber Foundation partners with the U.S. Chamber Foundation to bring the National Civics Bee to Nebraska for the 2025-2026 program year, inviting middle school students to compete through a written essay and live rounds.

Applications will be accepted until February 3 at 11:59 p.m. HST and state finalists will meet in Lincoln next spring—participants can earn cash prizes and an education savings plan contribution.

Nebraska VR partners were honored during October's National Disability Employment Awareness Month with Deb Schauer of Kearney receiving the Champion of Disability Employment Recognition Award for her 30-year career in teaching and coaching that has helped students and athletes prepare for competitive jobs—other awards recognized successful partnerships with businesses in Scottsbluff, North Platte, Columbus, and Omaha.

The Hall County board restored the tax exemption for the longtime chamber home after learning that the building remained in use.

Commissioners reversed their previous decision—miscommunication between the chamber and the County Assessor's Office led to the error.

Nebraska hospitals warned seniors to closely review their Medicare Advantage plans this fall—nearly every hospital in the Nebraska Hospital Association report reported delays and denials in care that increase costs and lengthen hospital stays, with rural facilities faced with extra burdens leading some to drop these plans.

Kobe Chamberlin of Ravenna Football was named Platte Valley Auto Athlete of the Week after he ran for 177 yards and three touchdowns in a 52-8 win over Arcadia/Loup City — he now leads the Bluejays with 913 yards and 18 touchdowns as the team remains undefeated at 6-0 on the road against South Loup and West Holt.

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.