
šØš£ļø Step back in time and explore a unique piece of Nebraska history.
The Grand Island Public Library is hosting the Nebraska Arts Council's "50th Anniversary of the I-80 Bicentennial Sculpture Project" exhibit from June 18 through July 31 in the library rotunda.
The free exhibit features a 3D-printed model of Grand Island's I-80 sculpture (Erma's Desire), historical photographs, interpretive displays and video interviews that showcase the story and lasting impact of these iconic public art installations across Nebraska.
š Grand Island Public Library Rotunda
š June 18āJuly 31
šļø Free and open to the public during regular library hours
The Grand Island Public Library is hosting the Nebraska Arts Council's "50th Anniversary of the I-80 Bicentennial Sculpture Project" exhibit from June 18 through July 31 in the library rotunda.
The free exhibit features a 3D-printed model of Grand Island's I-80 sculpture (Erma's Desire), historical photographs, interpretive displays and video interviews that showcase the story and lasting impact of these iconic public art installations across Nebraska.
š Grand Island Public Library Rotunda
š June 18āJuly 31
šļø Free and open to the public during regular library hours

š¾ā³ļø Puttin' for Pups. Birdies for Kitties. ā³ļøš±
Join us on Sunday, June 21, for a Father's Day of golf that gives back!
š¾ 20% of all golf proceeds will be donated to the Central Nebraska Humane Society.
š For every additional $25 donated, you'll receive a FREE future 18-hole round of golf with a cart at Jackrabbit Run. Best of all, 100% of your donation goes directly to the Humane Society.
š Sunday, June 21
š Jackrabbit Run Golf Course
š jackrabbitrungolf.com
Who doesn't love saving money on golf while helping a great cause? šš¶š±
Join us on Sunday, June 21, for a Father's Day of golf that gives back!
š¾ 20% of all golf proceeds will be donated to the Central Nebraska Humane Society.
š For every additional $25 donated, you'll receive a FREE future 18-hole round of golf with a cart at Jackrabbit Run. Best of all, 100% of your donation goes directly to the Humane Society.
š Sunday, June 21
š Jackrabbit Run Golf Course
š jackrabbitrungolf.com
Who doesn't love saving money on golf while helping a great cause? šš¶š±

Busy day of filming Railside Passport video features! First stop is V's Deli!
Did you know you can get 20% off your order with a passport?? And they have them right on the counter!
Did you know you can get 20% off your order with a passport?? And they have them right on the counter!






š Welcome to GI, Railside Rides!!
Mayor Steele was happy to join the ceremonial first ride as this unique new attraction officially rolled into Grand Island. Weāre excited to have you here!
Mayor Steele was happy to join the ceremonial first ride as this unique new attraction officially rolled into Grand Island. Weāre excited to have you here!

šNOW HIRINGš
The application window for the next generation of Firefighter/EMTs and Firefighter/Paramedics is officially open.
Whether youāre just beginning your career or looking for a new opportunity in the fire service, GIFD offers competitive pay, paid training, strong retirement benefits, free college tuition for firefighters and their dependents and much more.
If youāre ready for a career built on teamwork and purpose, we want to hear from you.
š Application Deadline: July 9, 2026
Apply today: www.gifire.org/joinourteam

Congratulations to Bob Fisher on his 30 years of service (and counting!) at the Platte Generating Station. Here's to many more!

Ready, set, go! šāāļøšāāļø
Registration is now open for the Nebraska Youth Track & Field Meet, a free event for boys and girls ages 8ā13.
The local meet will take place Wednesday, May 20 at Grand Island Northwest High School starting at 4:30 p.m. The top four finishers in each event will qualify for the State Meet in Grand Island on Saturday, June 13.
Registration is free, but athletes must sign up by Saturday, May 16. Register online: www.giparks.com/trackmeet
Registration is now open for the Nebraska Youth Track & Field Meet, a free event for boys and girls ages 8ā13.
The local meet will take place Wednesday, May 20 at Grand Island Northwest High School starting at 4:30 p.m. The top four finishers in each event will qualify for the State Meet in Grand Island on Saturday, June 13.
Registration is free, but athletes must sign up by Saturday, May 16. Register online: www.giparks.com/trackmeet







Welcome to the badge. š®āāļøš®āāļø
Today, GIPD officially swore in four new officers:
⢠Lexus Corado
⢠Anna Katen
⢠Asia Mason
⢠Christopher Costa
Officer Costa joins as a lateral transfer, while Corado, Katen and Mason previously served GIPD in civilian roles before earning their badges. Congratulations and welcome to the family!
Today, GIPD officially swore in four new officers:
⢠Lexus Corado
⢠Anna Katen
⢠Asia Mason
⢠Christopher Costa
Officer Costa joins as a lateral transfer, while Corado, Katen and Mason previously served GIPD in civilian roles before earning their badges. Congratulations and welcome to the family!










Our home away from home!
This week weāre back in the basement of City Hall as we install brand new radio consoles in our dispatch center. This current team has been with us long enough to REMEMBER our City Hall days. A heavy dose of nostalgia this morning!
This week weāre back in the basement of City Hall as we install brand new radio consoles in our dispatch center. This current team has been with us long enough to REMEMBER our City Hall days. A heavy dose of nostalgia this morning!





We are excited and grateful to share that the National Civic League has named us one of 20 finalists for the 2026 All-America City Award! šŗšø
This recognition reflects the work happening across our community ā from residents and local organizations to businesses and city teams ā all working to move Grand Island forward. We'd like to thank Grow Grand Island for all of its work in helping us earn this nomination!
We know thereās always more to do, but weāre grateful to be part of a community that continues to grow, collaborate and show up for one another.
More info: https://www.grand-island.com/article/2807325
This recognition reflects the work happening across our community ā from residents and local organizations to businesses and city teams ā all working to move Grand Island forward. We'd like to thank Grow Grand Island for all of its work in helping us earn this nomination!
We know thereās always more to do, but weāre grateful to be part of a community that continues to grow, collaborate and show up for one another.
More info: https://www.grand-island.com/article/2807325



š§ Playground Update š§
Resurfacing work at the Pirnie Playground in Ryder Park begins Monday, April 6.
Crews will start by removing the top layer before installing new surfacing to improve safety and durability. Work is weather-dependent and will require temporary playground closures.
The playground will be closed for a few days to allow for this work, so please consider alternate playgrounds during construction. Updates will be shared as the project progresses.
Resurfacing work at the Pirnie Playground in Ryder Park begins Monday, April 6.
Crews will start by removing the top layer before installing new surfacing to improve safety and durability. Work is weather-dependent and will require temporary playground closures.
The playground will be closed for a few days to allow for this work, so please consider alternate playgrounds during construction. Updates will be shared as the project progresses.

š Big news for GIUD š
We have earned the RP3 Diamond Level designation from the American Public Power Association ā the highest national honor for public power.
ā” Only about 5% of utilities nationwide achieve this level, and we're one of just three in Nebraska to earn the honor. This first-time recognition reflects our strong commitment to reliable, safe and forward-thinking service.
Thank you for all of your support!
We have earned the RP3 Diamond Level designation from the American Public Power Association ā the highest national honor for public power.
ā” Only about 5% of utilities nationwide achieve this level, and we're one of just three in Nebraska to earn the honor. This first-time recognition reflects our strong commitment to reliable, safe and forward-thinking service.
Thank you for all of your support!


āļø Mayor Roger Steele and Council President Ryan OāNeill were proud to join todayās ribbon cutting at Central Nebraska Regional Airport - Fly GRI, celebrating continued growth at the airport with a new facility to hold its snow removal equipment.
The City of Grand Island fully supports the great work happening out there ā helping drive connections, opportunity and progress for our community.
The City of Grand Island fully supports the great work happening out there ā helping drive connections, opportunity and progress for our community.




ā³ļø BIG things are taking shape out by Island Oasis Water Parkš
We are bringing miniature golf BACK ā and this isnāt your old course.
š„ Check out the progress in this video as work is already underway on a brand new, state-of-the-art mini golf experience right here in Grand Island.
š ļø Crews are moving fast
š± The vision is coming to life
āļø Opening is on track for late summer 2026
This is going to be a fun, family-friendly destination you wonāt want to miss. Stay tuned⦠weāre just getting started. š
We are bringing miniature golf BACK ā and this isnāt your old course.
š„ Check out the progress in this video as work is already underway on a brand new, state-of-the-art mini golf experience right here in Grand Island.
š ļø Crews are moving fast
š± The vision is coming to life
āļø Opening is on track for late summer 2026
This is going to be a fun, family-friendly destination you wonāt want to miss. Stay tuned⦠weāre just getting started. š





š³š State Champions šš³
Tonight, the Grand Island City Council recognized the Grand Island Senior High girls bowling team for their State Championship season!
Congratulations to the athletes and coaches on an outstanding achievement. Grand Island is proud of you!
Tonight, the Grand Island City Council recognized the Grand Island Senior High girls bowling team for their State Championship season!
Congratulations to the athletes and coaches on an outstanding achievement. Grand Island is proud of you!










āļø Ready to trade snow for sunshine? Weāve got you covered.
The 2026 Grand Island Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is here! š
š³ Summer camps
š¶ Park concert series
š Grand Island Games (late July!)
š¦ Island Oasis Water Park & Lincoln Pool info
š· Seasonal job opportunities
Everything you need to plan your summer is just a click away:
š www.giparks.com/summerguide
š Prefer a hard copy? Pick one up starting March 30 at the Parks & Recreation Office.
Letās start thinking summer, Grand Island š
The 2026 Grand Island Parks & Recreation Summer Activity Guide is here! š
š³ Summer camps
š¶ Park concert series
š Grand Island Games (late July!)
š¦ Island Oasis Water Park & Lincoln Pool info
š· Seasonal job opportunities
Everything you need to plan your summer is just a click away:
š www.giparks.com/summerguide
š Prefer a hard copy? Pick one up starting March 30 at the Parks & Recreation Office.
Letās start thinking summer, Grand Island š

šØ Statewide Burn Ban Still in Effect šØ
We want to remind you that Grand Island remains under a Critical Fire Watch.
šØ Winds gusting 35ā40 mph
š„ Extreme fire danger
š« No burning of ANY kind
š See smoke or fire?
š Call 9-1-1 immediately
Please do your part so we can all stay safe!
We want to remind you that Grand Island remains under a Critical Fire Watch.
šØ Winds gusting 35ā40 mph
š„ Extreme fire danger
š« No burning of ANY kind
š See smoke or fire?
š Call 9-1-1 immediately
Please do your part so we can all stay safe!

šā𦺠K9 Mando is now better protected on the job.
Thanks to a generous donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., K9 Mando has received a bullet and stab protective vest designed to help keep him safe while serving our community.
The nonprofit organization has provided thousands of protective vests to law enforcement K9s across the country, helping ensure these four-legged officers have the protection they deserve.
Weāre grateful to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. for supporting the safety of K9 teams like Mando. š¾š
Thanks to a generous donation from Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., K9 Mando has received a bullet and stab protective vest designed to help keep him safe while serving our community.
The nonprofit organization has provided thousands of protective vests to law enforcement K9s across the country, helping ensure these four-legged officers have the protection they deserve.
Weāre grateful to Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. for supporting the safety of K9 teams like Mando. š¾š




The Governor didnāt disappoint tonight. She certainly earned the match MVP honors!
(Photos courtesy of Josh Salmon/The Independent)
(Photos courtesy of Josh Salmon/The Independent)





On March 5, we had the honor of recognizing several members of the Grand Island Fire Department during a promotional ceremony at Station 1. These promotions reflect years of dedication, leadership and service to the community.
Please join us in congratulating:
⢠Austin Miller ā Captain
⢠TJ Nordstrom ā Captain
⢠Justin Ferris ā Battalion Chief
⢠Ed Carlin ā Division Chief
We are proud of the commitment these individuals continue to show to the Grand Island community every day. Congratulations on this well-earned next step in your careers. šš
Please join us in congratulating:
⢠Austin Miller ā Captain
⢠TJ Nordstrom ā Captain
⢠Justin Ferris ā Battalion Chief
⢠Ed Carlin ā Division Chief
We are proud of the commitment these individuals continue to show to the Grand Island community every day. Congratulations on this well-earned next step in your careers. šš









