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Hi Grand Island, hope you’re having a great weekend!

In today’s in-case-you-missed-it edition: Sandhill Crane migration, Tri-City Con 2026, and Live Sky Tonight + the top stories from this week & a sneak peek at next week.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Grand Island protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 Most-clicked stories this week

Nebraska’s grand spring spectacle: The Sandhill Crane migration is underway along the Central Platte River Valley near Grand Island, with peak viewing typically in mid to late March at sunrise and sunset — see where and when to go.

Openings reshape gaming landscape: January casino revenue in Nebraska jumped 46.5% to $25.9 million, with Grand Island Casino leading after opening a casino in April, while Omaha’s WarHorse saw gains at its permanent site — get all the details.

New stop for event-goers: Grand Island City Council approved an eight-stall RV park at 1333 E. Stolley Park in February, for short-term visitors to Fonner Park and Nebraska State Fair, with landscaping and privacy — get all the details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

All the crowd favorites:

• Walk while listening to audiobooks together
• Paint Red Moon at Sluggers
• Get crafty at HPL Crafternoon
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 This week’s top finds

Small-town recovery boost: If your back, brain, or mood need a quick reboot, Core Wellness delivers therapeutic massage, infrared sauna, cold plunge, mineral soaks, and red light therapy… basically everything winter-weary bodies crave. Expect deep relief and a clear head, then float out feeling human again.

Classic movie night vibes: Need a low-key plan this week? At Grand Island Grand Theater, settle into a beautifully kept historic venue with weekend showings and that cozy popcorn-and-previews magic you missed. An easy win for date night, kid night, or a solo escape… no fuss, just movies and community.

Hunt for quirky finds: Barn Boy Antiques is a locals-only treasure hunt, decades of picking stacked into outdoor pathways of architectural salvage, old car parts, characterful furniture, and garden-worthy oddities. Stop for a quick wander that somehow becomes an afternoon. Bring curiosity, and expect to leave with a story.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Sneak peek at next week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🥞 Pancake Day @ Adams County Fairgrounds (Hastings) | Tuesday (3/10) at 7:00 AM – Since 1953, Hastings Kiwanis has been flipping pancakes for their biggest fundraiser. Come for short stacks and small-town catch-ups, and feel virtuous while you save a buck by buying ahead, $7 adults, $6 kids 12 and under, or $1 more at the door.

🔭 Live Sky Tonight @ Brickyard Park (Hastings) | Wednesday (3/11) at 9:00 PM – If you’ve been looking for a reason to sit in the dark with neighbors, this is it. Kirk Rosberg will trace constellations with a green laser at Brickyard Park, answer sky questions, and it’s free, weather permitting. Bring a lawn chair, and maybe a sweater.

🌿 Terrarium Workshop @ The Vintageleaf Boutique | Thursday (3/12) at 6:00 PM – Terrarium Workshop is getting your hands dirty, building a tiny garden with CCC at Grand Island’s own The Vintageleaf Boutique. Newbie or plant lifer, you’ll pick plants, layer moss, and take home a low-maintenance showpiece for $45, no green thumb required.

🍿 Spring Break: Movie & Snacks @ Hastings Public Library | Friday (3/13) at 2:00 PM – Whether you are dodging cabin fever or entertaining the grandkids, the library caps Spring Break with a community-picked movie and snacks. Help choose the flick by popping in earlier for board games, Crafternoon, and LEGOs, then enjoy a cozy watch, no sticky floors, just treats.

🎟 Tri-City Con 2026 @ Pinnacle Expo Center | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Tri-City’s geek-out brings comics, cards, collectibles, and guest artists ready to help you buy back your youth one issue at a time. Shop, browse, chat, then toast your haul at Dylan’s Drink and Draw at The Liederkranz, all while raising money for GRACE Cancer Foundation.

🧸 Pooh Corner Craft and Vendor Show @ Pooh Corner Day Care & Preschool (Hastings) | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Feel like browsing handmade goodies without wrestling mall parking? Pooh Corner’s craft and vendor roundup brings local makers, easygoing games, and comfort-food bites, all in one neighborly sprawl. Bring your inner kid, your reusable tote, and that cash you keep for “just looking.”

🐾 Luck O’ The Paws Chili Feed @ Hamilton County Fairgrounds (Aurora) | Saturday (3/14) at 5:00 PM – Warm up for a cause with chili and cinnamon rolls, because that Nebraska combo just works, all benefiting Aurora Adopt a Pet. Bid a little, raffle a little, enjoy Larry Molczyk and Doris Winkler, dine in or carryout, $12 adults, $5 kids 5 and under.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Grand Island report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 71°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 71. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 41. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 77°F – Low: 40°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 77. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

Most popular house this week

Kuester Lake living comes with sweeping water views and Saddle Club’s renovated patio sightlines. West-facing sunsets glow over outdoor areas, including a gazebo and patio. Inside, an updated kitchen with granite and wood floors meets a cathedral ceiling living room with gas log fireplace. A private dock with direct lake access, an oversized two-car garage, and storage shed add convenience.

Take a peek inside →