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Happy weekend, Grand Island!
In today’s happening-today edition: Ken Siemek enters the hall of fame, quirky roadside stops, and a 5th annual chili cookoff + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor (Money.com) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.
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📰 In the news
Broadcast legends earn recognition: Ken Siemek, longtime 10/11 meteorologist seen in Grand Island, will join John Knicely, Kevin Kugler and Steve Lundy in the Nebraska Broadcasters Hall of Fame on August 11 in Lincoln — meet the 2026 inductees.
Alum’s gift builds futures: A Hastings Public Schools Foundation scholarship honoring a former teacher will support two Hastings High seniors annually, prioritizing education majors, with first awards set for Senior Night on May 11 — get all the details.
Eccentric detours worth exploring: From Hastings’ Bigfoot museum packed with footprint casts to Alliance’s Carhenge and Hebron’s giant porch swing, six quirky Nebraska roadside stops make a fun weekend drive from Grand Island — check out the full lineup.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.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 all that up – learn more here.
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Local color boost: The Webb Plaza Mural stacks a Holstein, sunflowers, a jackrabbit, and Nebraska-sunset glow into a wall of hometown stories. It’s an easy micro-detour for a brain break, a bright selfie backdrop, or a quick reminder that Grand Island’s got heart.
Stitch confidence boost: The Dropped Stitch is a by-appointment studio in Grand Island offering friendly help, classes, patterns, and handmade project bags. Knitters fix mistakes, learn new tricks, and keep WIPs moving without that fifth round of frogging… just supportive guidance and the tools to finish with confidence.
Small town suds, big smiles: Steeple Brewing Co.pours tank-to-table beers in downtown Hastings, a cozy taproom where the lineup spans International Preacher IPA to Fellowship Hour Coffee Stout. Expect small-town warmth, bright flavors, and pints that taste like here, all in one welcoming room.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town today & tomorrow
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.
🥞 Conductors Table Pancake Feed @ Burlington Station | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 AM – Burlington Station is serving bottomless pancakes, built for lingering, not rushing. Fill your plate, then wander next door to the Freight House to ogle the train layout, swap a few stories, and count boxcars, not carbs.
🥊 2026 Battle in the Barn @ Jensen RC Raceway (Aurora) | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – The season’s grand finale trophy race, finally something worth leaving the cozy slippers for. Warm up at Friday’s practice, then return for hot laps, concessions, and Holly’s breakfast, just register first; crash at Aurora Inn, or nearby in York, Grand Island, or Central City.
☕ Espressions Jam @ The Leadership Center at Espressions (Aurora) | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – First Saturday calls for strings and caffeine: the monthly acoustic jam brings folk, Americana, bluegrass, and country to the cafe. Bring your guitar, fiddle, or best foot-tap, or just settle in with something from the menu, and soak it up.
📚 Seussapalooza! @ Hastings Public Library | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Whether you can still recite One Fish, Two Fish, or you’re just here for the glue sticks, this Read Across America party brings a group reading, Seuss-inspired crafts, and a costume parade. Dress the kids or grandkids, march, and maybe snag a themed gift basket.
🌶 5th Annual Chili Cookoff @ Grand Island Liederkranz | Saturday (3/7) at 5:30 PM – Think your chili can outshine Grandma’s? Liederkranz members can throw down at the 5th Annual Chili Cookoff, no entry fee, just bragging rights and beans. Pre-register by March 4 at https://forms.gle/3eFZjsHXUNPBmFLf8, and yes, tasting is open to the public.
🎬 Song Sung Blue – Film @ Hastings Museum | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – Call it a budget date night: for $5.50 you get Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, and a feel-good Neil Diamond tribute tale reminding us it is never too late to chase a dream. Stock up on popcorn, bottled beverages, and candy. You already know the words.
🧠 Taproom Trivia @ Steeple Brewing Co. (Hastings) | Sunday (3/8) at 5:00 PM – Make Second Sunday your standing date at Steeple for a good old-fashioned pub quiz with The Askin’ Nebraskan. Bring friends, grab a pint, and prove those random facts you shout at the TV matter, movies, music, history, and more. Bragging rights, fellowship, and fabulous prizes.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 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.
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📻 Grand Island report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 54°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 54. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 34. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 41°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 69. West southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 41.
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