Good morning, Grand Island.

Hope Harbor, a nonprofit in Grand Island, received a $1.25 million grant from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund on Dec.

1 — the largest gift in its history. The funds will improve its shelter and support the launch of Lighthouse Apartments — a permanent supportive housing project for local families.

Grand Island will light up neighborhoods with its second annual Christmas Light Contest that offers an increased prize pool of $800 from local donations.

Registration is open to the first 25 homes and Parks & Recreation will choose the top five displays for public voting on social media — a bright showcase of community spirit.

Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce are accepting nominations for the 2026 Top 35 Under 35 award to honor young professionals who live or work in the area — only current members can nominate and entries are due by Dec.

12 with winners recognized at the June Annual Meeting.

A special 'Letters to Santa' mailbox appeared at Good Samaritan’s West Tower entrance and St. Francis’s main lobby to let children drop off letters for direct delivery to the North Pole—each child who includes return information will get a response from Santa.

The mailboxes will be available until Dec. 15.

Grand Island shoppers are adjusting their holiday buying plans amid rising prices as the National Retail Federation projects over $1 trillion in spending this season—many residents are delaying purchases and seeking unique gifts at busy local stores.

The Greater Grand Island Community Foundation opened its 2025—2026 scholarship application cycle on Dec 1 to help high school seniors, college students, and adult learners apply for over 150 awards.

The program, which awarded more than $324,500 to 101 students last year, will accept applications until Feb 10 at 11:59 p.m.

Central Community College will honor December graduate candidates during its Fifth Annual Winter Commencement at 2 p.m. on Dec.

12 at the Raider Fieldhouse at Columbus Campus—Traci Skalberg, executive director of the CCC Foundation, will deliver the keynote address.

Four public power utilities in Nebraska and Oklahoma — NPPD, OPPD, LES and GRDA — signed an MOU to form the Great Plains New Nuclear Consortium to study the feasibility of deploying small modular reactors in Nebraska.

The group will conduct studies on site options and technology assessments while each utility funds its own early-stage work.

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.

Los Pescadores Del Rio Conchos Concert

8 p.m. — Diamond Reception Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling regional music with the electrifying Los Pescadores Del Rio Conchos.

Cruz Control Christmas with UPSET & DJ Bliss

7-11 p.m. — Liederkranz — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays at an Ugly Sweater Party with live music from Cruz Control.

Spud-tacular: Unearth the Potential of Potatoes

10 a.m. — Raising Nebraska — Check event page for pricing — Discover the world of potatoes through engaging activities and yummy treats.