Good morning, Grand Island.

The City of Grand Island announced that crews removed a Colorado Blue Spruce from Cindy Lowenstein's yard at 1103 East Sunset Ave and moved it to Amur Plaza to serve as this year’s Railside Christmas tree.

The project was coordinated by Utilities, Parks and Recreation, and Police (which escorted the tree) and will lead into the celebration on Nov. 21 (when local festivities are held).

Equitable Bank—established in 1882—announced it will build its new headquarters in the Prairie Commons District in Grand Island to modernize its services.

The Grand Island Public Schools board approved nearly $1 million for a new parking lot at the Kneale Administration Building on Thursday night—officials say the project will move forward soon.

The Grand Island Police Department has revived its chaplain program through community support—training new chaplains to care for officers and their families in Hall County and Grand Island.

A pinning ceremony is scheduled for Nov 19th at 4 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Center Community Meeting Room—inviting the public and media to meet the new chaplains.

Nebraska Public Power District's board approved a 3% retail and 1% wholesale rate increase that will take effect in 2026 and raise the average residential bill by just over $5 per month—adding a $30.8 million production cost credit for wholesale customers to help offset operating and material expenses.

At a Grand Island city council meeting, members reviewed plans for Project Veterans Village— a 400-acre, multi-million-dollar development approved over a year ago that will be built in three phases with a sports complex and aquatic center in its first phase.

Council raised concerns about the aquatic center and housing plans and will meet again on December 2 to ensure the project meets local expectations.

A veteran graduated from the Central Nebraska Veterans Treatment Court on November 13 and the program helped veterans rebuild their lives — officials said the milestone shows progress in support services.

CHI Health Good Samaritan and CHI Health St. Francis both earned an A from The Leapfrog Group to show they meet high safety standards for patients, protecting them from errors, infections and injuries.

Only three hospitals in Nebraska earned the top mark, with St. Francis earning its third A plus Good Samaritan its fourth.

Dashing for Donuts

8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Grand Island YMCA — Registration fee required — Participate in a delightful 1-mile dash and enjoy some sweet treats in Grand Island.

2025 NICCA Annual Meeting

12:30-6:30 p.m. — Bosselman Conference Center — Pre-registration required — Engage in insightful agricultural discussions and networking opportunities.