Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of December.
Good morning, Grand Island.
🏘️ Community
Heartland United Way hosted its Holiday Toy Collection & Toys for Tots Distribution on Thursday, Dec.
12 at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center, where families from counties picked two gifts per child and 240 volunteers sorted and delivered toys. Donations for the Christmas Cheer Food program remain open for families.
The 28th annual Community Christmas Dinner will serve about 1,000 meals including turkey, ham, potatoes, dressing, corn and pumpkin pie at St. Pauls Lutheran Church on Dec.
25 from noon to 2 p.m. Volunteers will also prepare lunches for Meals on Wheels deliveries to seniors, law enforcement officers, fire department staff + Hope Harbor participants.
📰 Economy
A Nebraska Lottery ticket sold at Pump and Pantry #54 (3436 S Locust St) won the $120,000 Pick 5 jackpot from Sunday, Dec.
14. The winner is advised to claim the prize before it expires in 180 days.
🎓 Education
The Nebraska School Activities Association released football classifications for the 2026-27 cycle, with Grand Island staying in Class A and several local schools changing classes.
District assignments will be announced later and schedules released on Feb. 11.
The Grand Island Public Library will host its month-long Winter Reading Program, Get in the SPIRIT of Reading, starting Dec.
22 for children, teens & adults in Hall County. The program runs until Jan. 31 and offers reading goals and fun activity challenges through Beanstack.
🏈 Sports
Cornhusker Chaos, a major indoor demolition derby, will take place at Heartland Events Center from Feb.
4 to Feb. 7, 2026 with 278 drivers competing for a share of a $200,000 purse. Ticket presale begins tomorrow at 10 a.m. via Wreckless Promotions, followed by general sales on Dec. 19.
Nebraska junior setter Bergen Reilly is one of four finalists for the AVCA Division I Women’s Volleyball Player of the Year Award — the announcement will be in Kansas City on Friday.
She led Huskers with .351 hitting percentage during a season that ended with a 3-2 loss to Texas A&M.
🎉 Grand Island Events
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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.
🏠 Grand Island Real Estate
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💼 Grand Island Job Board
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📣 Grand Island Announcements
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