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Hi Grand Island, we made it to Thursday!
In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Alpha Chi honors, barista competition, and dueling pianos + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this 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.
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📰 In the news
Bright minds earn campus honors: Hastings College inducted eight students into Alpha Chi, recognizing top scholars across majors. The class includes Grand Island’s Hadlee Hasselmann. Another 12 students were inducted in the fall — read the full story.
Tourism gains and next steps: At Cairo’s Sandhills Journey Byway meeting on Feb. 28, members toured Roots Museum, honored partners, heard from Grand Island’s tourism director, and elected Terri Licking as 2026 president — read the full meeting recap.
Year-one facility concerns: Following a November report, the Adams County Justice Center in Hastings has completed roof, window, and plumbing repairs, but some issues remain, including nonworking intercoms, with more fixes still planned — 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.
Highlights this week:
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💎 Local business spotlight
Cue the curtain: Grand Island Little Theatre keeps the community spotlight bright with a full season of local talent, familiar stories, and fresh surprises. It’s live theatre that feels close to home, gloriously unplugged, with weeknight escapes and weekend magic for anyone craving something real.
Classic coney fix: At Coney Island Lunch Room, a chili-smothered coney piled with diced onions brings Grand Island nostalgia, with hand-cut fries and thick malts rounding it out. When the midday slump hits, slide onto a counter stool, and let the sizzle lift your spirits.
Fresh page-turn fix: Whether you’re chasing your next can’t-put-it-down novel, picking up a thoughtful gift, or settling into a cozy chair, Rooted Books and Gifts keeps Grand Island readers stocked with new titles, lively author events, and warm community vibes.
\*These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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🫶 We got your back
Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →
Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →
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📆 Grand Island for grown ups
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.
🌿 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.
☕ Barista Competition @ LD Coffee Roasters (Hastings) | Saturday (3/14) at 4:00 PM – Whether you’ve been caffeinated since the Clinton years, or just need a reason to leave the house that isn’t Costco, LD Coffee is hosting a barista throwdown where you’re the judge. Expect handcrafted drinks, foam art, and friendly smack talk, then choose the champion.
👼 Our Little Angels 5th Annual Gala @ Adams County Fairgrounds (Hastings) | Saturday (3/14) at 5:00 PM – Take a break from chores and dust off the boots for the fifth Our Little Angels gala at the Fairgrounds. Tickets vanished faster than free kolaches, so jump on the waitlist, or bid from the recliner in the online silent auction.
🎹 Dueling Pianos @ Valley of Hastings Scottish Rite | Saturday (3/14) at 7:00 PM – Think you know all the throwback tunes? Colorado Keys brings dueling pianos to the Masonic Temple Ballroom in Hastings, with loud singalongs, cheeky banter, and a very persuasive tip jar. Tickets are $30, VIP table $250; call 402-462-5813, or Venmo @TehamaShriners with location.
🎗 Live Well After Cancer: Survivorship 101 @ CHI Health St. Francis | Monday (3/16) at 5:30 PM – Whether you’re just out of treatment or years in remission, a free 9-week program at CHI Health St. Francis helps rebuild body, mind, and spirit in a small, supportive group. Led by nurses and mental health pros, it’s practical and no-nonsense, so RSVP at 308-398-8912.
🍺 Beer Dinner @ Steeple Brewing Co. (Hastings) | Monday (3/16) at 6:30 PM – Think of it as adult snack time, only with five MeanBone sliders, each paired with a Steeple brew and brought to your table. You sit, sip, and judge like a pro. Advance tickets, reserved seats, limited spots, so claim yours before the regulars do.
🍷 Mountains @ Arts & Drafts | Wednesday (3/18) at 6:30 PM – Pour a glass and roll up your sleeves for Wine Down Wednesday, a guided painting night where the mountain scene rises with your spirits. Low pressure, just brushes, banter, and a canvas you might actually hang, then hit the ticket link to save a spot.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Grand Island report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 72°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 15 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. West northwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 52°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. North wind 10 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32.
This house is wild
Set on Kuester Lake, this west-facing home serves up sunsets and patio shade. Windows frame the water and the Saddle Club’s renovated patio, seen from inside and the backyard. An updated granite kitchen and newer wood floors anchor a cathedral-ceiling living room with a gas log fireplace, plus gazebo, private boat dock, oversized two-car garage, and storage shed.
Take a peek inside →
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