Good morning, Grand Island.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Nebraska has reached a record 100 matches during six months of renewed leadership under Executive Director Christine Haba — the agency is using innovative strategies to boost community ties.

Early Thursday morning, city crews removed a Colorado Blue Spruce from Cindy Lowenstein’s yard at 1103 East Sunset Avenue and transported it to Amur Plaza—where it now serves as the centerpiece for Railside Christmas.

Crews are continuing preparations as the city readies the tree for the celebration on Friday, November 21.

Amos Anson has transformed the historic Hedde Building at 201 West Third Street into a hub where community members work and live — preserving key historic features — and the renovated space now includes shops and 20 apartments.

The Grand Island Public Schools Board heard a report on the EPIC Discovery Center, which is set to open in spring and cost $14.2 million to turn the old Armory building into a hands-on learning center for kids up to 18.

Board members also approved a $994,637 repaving plan at the Kneale Administration Building and received updates on civics lessons, a new Educator Fellowship for school leaders next year, meal programs, and a state aid error.

Eighty sixth graders from Adams Central School visited Innovative Prosthetics and Orthotics in Hastings to learn about 3D printing, medical modeling and biomechanics through hands-on demos.

The students explored how modern prosthetic technology can create local career opportunities — a development that may bring new jobs to our area.

The City of Grand Island plans to cut down 10 of the 14 cottonwood trees on the north side of Pier Park Lake due to concerns about their health and safety risks near utility lines and homes.

City officials said the work will begin as soon as a contractor is available (residents had until Nov. 12 to voice concerns and no one responded).

Drew Snyder and Mitch Hohlen from Woodsonia Real Estate presented a revised Good Life District plan to the Grand Island City Council on November 12, outlining a $600 million Veteran’s Village project on 225 acres between Broadwell Avenue and Webb Road (Phase 1 is planned for 2026–2030). They will present a final version on December 9 as negotiations continue.

NDOT District 4 will visit Giltner Elementary School on November 17 at 9 a.m. to honor 'Tricera-Frost'—the winning name chosen from nearly 4,500 entries in the 2025 Name-a-Snowplow contest.

NDOT employees will present the award, lead a tour of the snowplow, and answer student questions.

Two Rivers Public Health Department reported the first COVID-related death of the 2025-26 respiratory season—a resident from its seven-county area—and advised everyone to stay current on their COVID and flu vaccines.

No. 1 Nebraska volleyball ended its 48-set winning streak in a Friday night match against UCLA in Los Angeles — the team won 25-17, 25-23, 19-25, 25-15 and stayed undefeated.

The Huskers will face USC Sunday at 2 p.m. with pregame coverage starting at 1 p.m. on KLIN and B-107.3.

The Grand Island Central Catholic Crusaders defeated the Ord Chanticleers 23—13 on Nov.

14th in the C2 semifinals, showing strong play throughout the game.

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.