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Happy weekend, Kearney! In today’s edition: A new steakhouse with big plans, a mammoth bone and Civil War artifacts, a mega indoor garage sale, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Confidence behind new venture: Texas T-Bone is coming to Kearney, and the new restaurant will be larger than Grand Island’s. Owner Rey Lopez says the investment “will be well worth it” for local diners — read the full story.

A five-star tenure remembered: Kearney Area Chamber CEO Derek Rusher will step down on February 14 after eight years of leadership. He will become CEO at Team Concepts as the Chamber begins its transition — read about his next move.

Academic standouts spotlighted: UNK announced its fall 2025 dean’s list, honoring students who completed at least 12 credit hours with a 3.5 GPA or higher, a proud moment for Kearney families and neighbors — see who made the list.

Local scholars earn distinction: Kearney High School released its first semester Honor Rolls on January 28, recognizing many students, including seniors Kade Abbey, Abbigail Bausch, and Ava Benner, with more honorees across grades — see the full list.

Program seeks long-term home: CHI Health St. Francis substance-use unit will temporarily relocate to Richard Young Behavioral Health in Kearney before June 30. Services and staffing will continue, with the move date announced soon — get details on the transition.

A town’s timeline unveiled: Near Kearney, the Gibbon Heritage Center Museum showcases Civil War pieces, a mammoth bone about 100,000 years old, and a preserved 1899 church sanctuary on the National Register — discover the stories behind artifacts.

Gold continues to hold strong: After its best year in decades, gold remains near historic highs as investors look for stability amid inflation and debt. GoldCo has a free guide that covers everything you need to know. They’re also offering up to 10% free gold & silver – check it out here.

One emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ but pet insurance helps. I sure wished I’d had it after a $10k last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and 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.

What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.

🔥 Worth a peek

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

• Not all financial advisors are created equal. Find the best for you
• Got debt? See if you qualify to pay up to 45% less
• Open a GoldCo account & get up to 10% in free gold/silver
• Save $ on vet bills with Lemonade pet insurance
• This home warranty is 50% off right now
• Fellow ladies with thinning hair: Try Hers

📆 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.

🍸 Crafts and Cocktails @ The Other Side | Tuesday (2/17) at 5:30 PM – Trade doomscrolling for a Tuesday craft night at The Other Side, where you bring a project, order a cocktail, and meet the kind of neighbors you want to see again. No kit? They have supplies, patience, and good lighting. Low stakes, high vibes.

🔢 Bingo Night @ Old Town Hall | Tuesday (2/17) at 7:00 PM – Tuesdays are for daubers and a little friendly luck. Knights of Columbus host weekly bingo at Old Town Hall, with cash prizes and no guilt, since proceeds back local charities. Bring your lucky charm, your inside voice, and your best poker face.

🌙 Arc Night Out – February 2026 @ Cunningham’s Journal On The Lake | Wednesday (2/18) at 5:45 PM – Whether you’re due for a midweek morale boost, or just need an excuse to skip dishes, the monthly Arc Night Out lands at Cunninghams on the Lake in Kearney. Expect easy conversation, lake views, and small-town warmth that pairs well with a good pour.

🏷 Indoor Garage Sale @ Legacy on the Bricks | Thursday (2/19) at 10:00 AM – If you’re over porch pickups and “Is this still available?” messages, bring that closet-breeding pile to the mega indoor garage sale. Sell a little, or set up as a vendor. Reward yourself with the coffee bar, and fresh blooms from Rose & Co.

❄ NCC-The Classic – 35th Annual Winter Edition @ Buffalo County Fairgrounds | Thursday (2/19) at 12:00 PM – Bundle up and swing by NCC’s Classic, the 35th Annual Winter Edition, where winter pride, bragging rights, and layered outfits collide. It’s the local ritual that pairs best with a thermos, sensible boots, and catching up with folks you only see midwinter.

🥇 Go for the Gold: Decorate Olympic Themed Cupcakes @ Kearney Public Library | Friday (2/20) at 10:00 AM – Whether your kid can stick a landing or just stick frosting on a cupcake, this Olympic sendoff lets ages 10–18 decorate cupcakes, and buys you a quiet hour. It’s free with limited spots, food allergy warning. Sign up online at https://kearney.events.mylibrary.digital/event?id=282782, or call the library.

🎬 2026 Oscar Nominated Short Films @ The World Theatre | Friday (2/20) at 7:30 PM – Skip the three-hour epics and pop into The World Theatre for a weekend of Oscar-nominated shorts. Three feature-length programs cover Live Action, Documentary, and Animation, so you can feel cultured, debate picks like a pro, and still be home by dessert.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Kearney report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 58°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 37%

A chance of rain before 3pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 32. North wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 64°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 1%

Mostly sunny, with a high near 64. Southwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 36.

Most popular house this week

Meticulously maintained one-owner home on a quiet NW Kearney cul-de-sac near Fountain Hills Park, the YMCA, and trails. Kitchen features solid cherry cabinets and high-end appliances. The floor plan includes a main-floor office, laundry with chute, half bath, and a sunken den. The basement adds a bonus area, non-conforming bedroom, and storage. A park-like yard showcases new trees and perennials.

Take a peek inside →