News
Hall County one of 22 counties eligible for USDA emergency loans
Uninsured farm and ranch families feel health care costs pinch
LYONS -- A new report released this week by the Access Project found that farm and ranch operators, like many self-employed Americans, cannot afford the cost of health insurance offered to small business owners. While family farmers and ranchers are insured at a rate higher than the general population, still 10 percent was uninsured or had an uninsured family member at some time during the previous year.
Corn producers launch 'Sustaining Innovation' campaign
LINCOLN -- Building off a campaign conducted in Washington, D.C., by several state corn organizations, the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association have launched a campaign in Nebraska to promote some of the positive aspects of farming today.
ISU researcher optimistic about agriculture's future
Despite some of the doom-and-gloom scenarios concerning climate change, the food vs. fuel debate, high input costs and others problems, an Iowa State University researcher is optimistic about agriculture's future.
State cattle group opposes mandatory ID program
Dwindling support for a National Animal Identification System (NAIS) has one Nebraska livestock organization calling on state livestock producers to reject the idea of making the program mandatory.
Listening session on Animal Identification System planned in Omaha
As the Nebraska Department of Agriculture continues to trace the locations of cattle in the ongoing bovine tuberculosis case, U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb., is commending the U.S. Department of Agriculture for choosing Omaha for a National Animal Identification System listening session.
Johanns critical of EPA biofuel regulations
Proposed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations tieing U.S. biofuel production to world crop production is being criticized by U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns, R-Neb.
College notes for Sunday, July 5
Nebraska Wesleyan awards degrees
Daily Record
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The Day's Record for July 4, 2009
Police/Sheriff
Day's record for Friday, July 3
Other birth
The Day's Record for July 1, 2009
Hospital notes
The Day's Record for June 30, 2009
Hospital notes
The Day's record for June 26, 2009
Hospital notes
The Day's Record for June 25, 2009
Hospital notes
Daily record for Wednesday, June 24
Hospital notes
Daily record for Sunday, June 21
Police/Sheriff
1,600 miles to go for Habitat -- and then another 500
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Every year since 1996, Tim Dellett of Alamosa, Colo., has taken to the road on his bike traveling across America to help raise money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity.
Hastings processing plant continues workers' furlough
HASTINGS -- What was to be a two-week furlough for workers at the Premium Protein Products plant in Hastings and Lincoln has now been extended through July 15.
Heineman requests federal disaster declaration as a result of June storms
Gov. Dave Heineman is seeking a federal disaster declaration for 13 Nebraska counties, including Hamilton and Custer, due to storm and tornado damage during June.
First Central Nebraska swine flu case confirmed
Central Nebraska has its first confirmed swine flu case.
Crew works through night on stadium field
Workers for Nemaha Construction and Landscaping, which is installing artificial turf at Grand Island Senior High's Memorial Stadium, pulled an all-nighter Wednesday night and Thursday morning to install lime stabilization in the subsoil.
Two teens each face almost 70 charges
Two Grand Island teens have been charged with one felony count each of theft by receiving stolen property and one felony count each of criminal mischief, as well as 66 misdemeanor counts each of criminal mischief.
Burglars break into one fireworks stand, attempt another
One Grand Island fireworks stand was burglarized and an attempted burglary occurred at another fireworks stand in southeast Grand Island.
Karaoke Challenge: The songs folks love to hear
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CENTRAL CITY - It was billed as the sixth annual Karaoke Challenge, but Thursday's contest didn't have the feel of a competition as much as a bunch of friends getting together to have a good time.
CVB to help distribute 'Welcome' signs in 12 languages
The Grand Island/Hall County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the "Nebraska Is Home" campaign will be distributing "Welcome" signs in 12 languages in Grand Island.
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The age of the children in your family plays a factor in the household budget.
Maintenance and revenue part of State Fair contract
Grand Island, Fonner Park and the Nebraska State Fair Board put a fair amount of detail into the lease agreement regarding who takes care of what and who gets what revenue when the State Fair relocates to Fonner Park in 2010.
Nabity believes G.I. population higher than census estimate
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity has his own estimate for Grand Island's population as of December 2008, and his is a lot higher than the current estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau.
G.I. sees huge one-year jump in population
Grand Island had its largest one-year gain in population so far this decade -- an increase of 935 people -- from 2007 to 2008, according to the latest estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau, released Wednesday.
The Nebraska State Patrol responded Wednesday morning to a report of a dead body found at a Nebraska rest area.
Ethanol weeks away at Central City, Ord plants
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CENTRAL CITY -- The sale of Central City's and Ord's ethanol plants is expected to be closed by today, and both plants are scheduled to be operating by the end of the month.
Local businesses celebrate bringing jobs back from overseas
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CENTRAL CITY -- Wayne Williams' excitement was difficult to hide on Wednesday morning.
Trial set for teen driver involved in fatal traffic accident
Judge Philip Martin entered a not guilty plea Wednesday for 18-year-old Andrew Kerzmann, who was arraigned in Hall County Court on a charge of misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide.
Phillips to celebrate 125th, other holiday activities planned
PHILLIPS -- The small Hamilton County town of Phillips is used to hosting two annual community events -- one modest July 3 celebration and a two-day town festival each fall.
Kansas-Nebraska water fight likely headed to court
Wire services
GI mayor: 'Give ourselves a hand' for State Fair efforts
Tracy Overstreet
tracy.overstreet@theindependent.com
Nebraska State Patrol to focus on impaired drivers over July Fourth weekend
Motorists traveling Nebraska roadways over the long July Fourth holiday weekend can expect to see a strong Nebraska State Patrol presence.
Three fast-food restaurants broken into
Three Grand Island fast-food restaurants were broken into overnight Sunday.
Aurora fireworks stand burglarized
AURORA -- An estimated $700 in fireworks were stolen from one Aurora fireworks stand, while a break-in at another fireworks stand in Aurora did not result in any lost merchandise.
Drug case against sheriff's captain's son moves to district court
The drug case against a Hall County sheriff's captain's son was bound over today to Hall County District Court, though it may yet end up in juvenile court.
Nebraska State Patrol to focus on impaired drivers over July Fourth weekend
Motorists traveling Nebraska roadways over the long July Fourth holiday weekend can expect to see a strong Nebraska State Patrol presence.
Aurora fireworks stand burglarized
AURORA -- An estimated $700 in fireworks were stolen from one Aurora fireworks stand, while a break-in at another fireworks stand in Aurora did not result in any lost merchandise.
Drug case against sheriff's captain's son moves to district court
The drug case against a Hall County sheriff's captain's son was bound over Tuesday to Hall County District Court, though it may yet end up in juvenile court.
Lyman Ritchie Corp. has finished mining the sand and gravel from its South Locust Street pit and is now seeking to have the area rezoned.
Family health agency to close G.I. office
Family health services provider Visinet will close its Grand Island office July 31.
Officials celebrate first-time homeowners
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Sue Hieb remembers the date her world changed: Oct. 28, 2006.
CHAT LIVE AT 9:30am!
Join the Conversation
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Click on the play button on the box to your left, and join George Ayoub in this morning's live am:gi chat. Chat starts at our new time of 9:30am. Take a few minutes and join the conversation.
State Fair
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Marchers tout unity as Grand Island's strength
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More than 400 people turned out Saturday morning for the second annual Unity Walk in Grand Island.
Previous News Headlines
The family bottom line
The age of the children in your family plays a factor in the household budget.CVB to help distribute 'Welcome' signs in 12 languages
The Grand Island/Hall County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the "Nebraska Is Home" campaign will be distributing "Welcome" signs in 12 languages in Grand Island.1,600 miles to go for Habitat -- and then another 500
Every year since 1996, Tim Dellett of Alamosa, Colo., has taken to the road on his bike traveling across America to help raise money and awareness for Habitat for Humanity.Maintenance and revenue part of State Fair contract
Grand Island, Fonner Park and the Nebraska State Fair Board put a fair amount of detail into the lease agreement regarding who takes care of what and who gets what revenue when the State Fair relocates to Fonner Park in 2010.Grand Island fireworks stand burglarized
One Grand Island fireworks stand was burglarized and an attempted burglary occurred at another fireworks stand in southeast Grand Island.Hastings processing plant continues workers' furlough
HASTINGS -- What was to be a two-week furlough for workers at the Premium Protein Products plant in Hastings and Lincoln has now been extended through July 15.Crew works through night on stadium field
Workers for Nemaha Construction and Landscaping, which is installing artificial turf at Grand Island Senior High's Memorial Stadium, pulled an all-nighter Wednesday night and Thursday morning to install lime stabilization in the subsoil.Two teens each face almost 70 charges
Two Grand Island teens have been charged with one felony count each of theft by receiving stolen property and one felony count each of criminal mischief, as well as 66 misdemeanor counts each of criminal mischief.Phillips to celebrate 125th, other holiday activities planned
PHILLIPS -- The small Hamilton County town of Phillips is used to hosting two annual community events -- one modest July 3 celebration and a two-day town festival each fall.State Fair naming rights spelled out
State Fair buildings at Fonner Park in Grand Island may bear corporate and commercial names in the future.Burglars break into one fireworks stand, attempt another
One Grand Island fireworks stand was burglarized and an attempted burglary occurred at another fireworks stand in southeast Grand Island.Karaoke Challenge: The songs folks love to hear
CENTRAL CITY - It was billed as the sixth annual Karaoke Challenge, but Thursday's contest didn't have the feel of a competition as much as a bunch of friends getting together to have a good time.First Central Nebraska swine flu case confirmed
Central Nebraska has its first confirmed swine flu case.Heineman requests federal disaster declaration as a result of June storms
Gov. Dave Heineman is seeking a federal disaster declaration for 13 Nebraska counties, including Hamilton and Custer, due to storm and tornado damage during June.Work goes all night on GISH's Memorial Stadium turf
Workers for Nemaha Construction and Landscaping, which is installing artificial turf at Grand Island Senior High’s Memorial Stadium, pulled an all-nighter Wednesday night and Thursday morning to install lime stabilization in the subsoil.Teens face charges for criminal mischief
Two Grand Island teens have been charged with one felony count each of theft by receiving stolen property and one felony count each of criminal mischief, as well as 66 misdemeanor counts each of criminal mischief.City facilities close for holiday
Grand Island City Hall and many other City of Grand Island facilities will be closed Friday, July 3, in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.CHAT LIVE AT 9:30am!
State Fair Coalition
Coordinator Lisa Willman
Click on the play button on the box to your left, and join George Ayoub in this morning's live am:gi chat. Lisa Willman, Coordinator for the State Fair Coalition will be joining us to answer your questions about the State Fair move. Chat starts at our new time of 9:30am. Take a few minutes and join the conversation.Ethanol weeks away at Central City, Ord plants
CENTRAL CITY -- The sale of Central City's and Ord's ethanol plants is expected to be closed by today, and both plants are scheduled to be operating by the end of the month.G.I. sees huge one-year jump in population
Grand Island had its largest one-year gain in population so far this decade -- an increase of 935 people -- from 2007 to 2008, according to the latest estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau, released Wednesday.Nabity believes G.I. population higher than census estimate
Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity has his own estimate for Grand Island's population as of December 2008, and his is a lot higher than the current estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau.Phillips to celebrate 125th, other holiday activities planned
PHILLIPS -- The small Hamilton County town of Phillips is used to hosting two annual community events -- one modest July 3 celebration and a two-day town festival each fall.Hall County fair moves up dates, will overlap with State 4-H Horse Show
After decades as an August fair, the Hall County Fair is moving up three weeks.Local businesses celebrate bringing jobs back from overseas
CENTRAL CITY -- Wayne Williams' excitement was difficult to hide on Wednesday morning.Trial set for teen driver involved in fatal traffic accident
Judge Philip Martin entered a not guilty plea Wednesday for 18-year-old Andrew Kerzmann, who was arraigned in Hall County Court on a charge of misdemeanor motor vehicle homicide.Dead body found at rest area
The Nebraska State Patrol responded Wednesday morning to a report of a dead body found at a Nebraska rest area.Drug case against sheriff's captain's son moves to district court
The drug case against a Hall County sheriff's captain's son was bound over today to Hall County District Court, though it may yet end up in juvenile court.Three G.I. fast-food restaurants burglarized
Three Grand Island fast-food restaurants were broken into early Monday morning.Street closures
Diers Avenue immediately north of Capital Avenue will be closed beginning Monday, July 6 until further notice.Family health agency to close G.I. office
Family health services provider Visinet will close its Grand Island office July 31.Aurora fireworks stand burglarized
AURORA -- An estimated $700 in fireworks were stolen from one Aurora fireworks stand, while a break-in at another fireworks stand in Aurora did not result in any lost merchandise.Bickford to host veterans appreciation ceremony
A veterans appreciation ceremony will be on Wednesday, July 1, at Bickford Cottage assisted living center in Grand Island.Officials celebrate first-time homeowners
Sue Hieb remembers the date her world changed: Oct. 28, 2006.State Fair financing a done deal
Grand Island has raised all of the $8.5 million of its local share toward the $42 million State Fair relocation budget and will meet today's July 1 certification of the same to the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services.Lyman Ritchie seeks rezoning
Lyman Ritchie Corp. has finished mining the sand and gravel from its South Locust Street pit and is now seeking to have the area rezoned.City to begin asphalt projects after holiday
Grand Island will begin its asphalt paving projects immediately after the Fourth of July holiday. Private contractor J.I.L. Asphalt will begin redoing 17 city streets Monday, July 6 and have the work done by Friday, Sept. 25.Drug case against sheriff's captain's son moves to district court
The drug case against a Hall County sheriff's captain's son was bound over Tuesday to Hall County District Court, though it may yet end up in juvenile court.Hastings man sentenced in meth case
Marco Antonio Arita, 39, a former resident of Hastings and Lincoln, was sentenced Tuesday to five years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and $100 fine, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine between July 1999 and April 2003.Nebraska State Patrol to focus on impaired drivers over July Fourth weekend
Motorists traveling Nebraska roadways over the long July Fourth holiday weekend can expect to see a strong Nebraska State Patrol presence.GI mayor: 'Give ourselves a hand' for State Fair efforts
Tracy Overstreettracy.overstreet@theindependent.com
Aurora fireworks stand burglarized
AURORA -- An estimated $700 in fireworks were stolen from one Aurora fireworks stand, while a break-in at another fireworks stand in Aurora did not result in any lost merchandise.Three fast-food restaurants broken into
Three Grand Island fast-food restaurants were broken into overnight Sunday.Nebraska State Patrol to focus on impaired drivers over July Fourth weekend
Motorists traveling Nebraska roadways over the long July Fourth holiday weekend can expect to see a strong Nebraska State Patrol presence.Swift expands beef recall
JBS Swift Beef Co. of Greeley, Colo., which operates a beef slaughter plant in Grand Island, expanded its voluntary beef recall over the weekend to include about 380,000 pounds of products because of possible E. coli contamination.Fireworks sales important
Pastor Russell Wolf of Calvary Tabernacle Church hopes the economy won't have a downturn on fireworks sales at his church's stand this year.State Fair contracts 'down to the wire'
The Hall County Fair would move from the first week in August to dates in mid-July under a lease agreement before the Grand Island City Council Tuesday night.Swift expands beef recall
JBS Swift Beef Co. of Greeley, Colo., which operates a beef slaughter plant in Grand Island, expanded its voluntary beef recall over the weekend to include about 380,000 pounds of products because of possible E. coli contamination.Vehicles broken into, stolen from during church
Several vehicles in two Grand Island church parking lots were broken into and stolen from on Sunday morning.Eagle Scout project will give Suck's a nice seat
Boys Scout Troop 119 members, led by Eagle Scout candidate Caleb Ward, were out Monday morning improving the quality of life of Grand Island residents.For Hampton grad, college is time to serve
HAMPTON -- At age 22, John Buller already has a lifetime's worth of experiences working with the poor and downtrodden across the globe.Sudanese group tells stories through dance at Ethnic Festival
The equipment used by the Dinka Malual dance group at the Grand Island Ethnic Festival on Sunday afternoon was quite simple -- wooden sticks, rags, pom-poms and rings of crushed pop cans around the ankles.Uninsured farm and ranch families feel health care costs pinch
LYONS -- A new report released this week by the Access Project found that farm and ranch operators, like many self-employed Americans, cannot afford the cost of health insurance offered to small business owners. While family farmers and ranchers are insured at a rate higher than the general population, still 10 percent was uninsured or had an uninsured family member at some time during the previous year.Corn producers launch 'Sustaining Innovation' campaign
LINCOLN -- Building off a campaign conducted in Washington, D.C., by several state corn organizations, the Nebraska Corn Board and Nebraska Corn Growers Association have launched a campaign in Nebraska to promote some of the positive aspects of farming today.ISU researcher optimistic about agriculture's future
Despite some of the doom-and-gloom scenarios concerning climate change, the food vs. fuel debate, high input costs and others problems, an Iowa State University researcher is optimistic about agriculture's future.State cattle group opposes mandatory ID program
Dwindling support for a National Animal Identification System (NAIS) has one Nebraska livestock organization calling on state livestock producers to reject the idea of making the program mandatory.After coping with disease alone, woman helping others
Melissa Hall went through her struggle with the rare disease chiari malformation alone.Marchers tout unity as Grand Island's strength
More than 400 people turned out Saturday morning for the second annual Unity Walk in Grand Island.Flag exchange::1
A free flag exchange is being offered today (Saturday, June 27) at several area businesses. Older American flags can be exchanged for new ones.Judge's ruling opens door to begin State Fair construction
Construction should begin as early as next month at Fonner Park to bring the Nebraska State Fair to Grand Island now that a Lancaster County district judge Friday rejected an attempt to block the State Fair's move from Lincoln to Grand Island.City council resolves dispute over setting agenda
A three-year error in Grand Island City Code has been corrected due to a videotape and the persistence of two council members.Elba split over fate of water tower
ELBA -- Elba's silver water tower has become something of a Rorschach test for the tiny town's residents.Grand Island housing project receives DED funding
LINCOLN — The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has awarded $601,996 in tax credit HOME funding to the Housing Development Corp. of Hastings to undertake the Ridgewood CROWN project in Grand Island.Putting the public in a public meeting
Listening to the public has been a recent topic at meetings for both the Hall County Board of Supervisors and the Grand Island City Council.Fishing derby a popular attraction
The Izaak Walton Fishing Derby caught a break from the sultry weather Saturday, and everyone young and old found the day perfect for angling and learning.Elba water tower: historic or an eyesore?
ELBA — Elba’s silver water tower has become something of a Rorschach test for the tiny town’s residents.Wolbach Days and Rodeo continues this weekend
WOLBACH -- The 50th annual Wolbach Days and Rodeo will continue today and Sunday.Plainsman Museum to hold gift basket auction
AURORA -- The Plainsman Museum in Aurora will host its third annual gift basket auction fundraiser from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday.Ak-Sar-Ben announces 2009 Nebraska Pioneer Award winners
OMAHA -- The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben and the Nebraska Fair Managers Association have announced the 156 honorees for the 2009 Pioneer Farm Family Awards.It's dirty, but teen muzzleloaders love the sport
It’s loud and dirty, but that doesn’t deter those who enjoy the shooting sport of muzzleloading.Nebraska high court rules in favor of Guatemalan mom who immigrated to Grand Island
OMAHA (AP) — A Nebraska court ruled in favor of a Guatemalan mother Friday in a custody case that immigrant advocates say illustrates a nationwide problem.Second man charged in robbery admits his role
The second man charged with robbing the Dollar General store last month admitted his involvement to police, a prosecutor said.Pioneer Farm Families recognized
OMAHA — The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben and the Nebraska Fair Managers Association have announced the 156 honorees for the 2009 Pioneer Farm Family Awards.Researchers: Declining wind could impact more than energy industry
AMES, Iowa — Declining wind speeds in parts of the United States could impact more than the wind power industry, say Iowa State University climate researchers.Ethnic festival food vendors ready for big weekend
The Central Nebraska Ethnic Festival had only been open for about 10 minutes Friday and a line was already beginning to form at the food tent run by St. Mary's Cathedral.Man charged with assisting with robbery
A Grand Island man has been charged with aiding and abetting robbery in connection with an incident at Dollar General last month.Muzzleloading brings old-time flair to competition
It's loud and dirty, but that doesn't deter those who enjoy the shooting sport of muzzleloading.Iowa State researchers find declining wind speeds could impact wind energy
AMES, Iowa -- Declining wind speeds in parts of the United States could impact more than the wind power industry, say Iowa State University climate researchers.Kidz Central owner withdraws license request
The owner of Kidz Central has pulled her request for a child care license, ending an injunction filed by the state.$601,996 awarded for rent-to-own housing construction in Grand Island
LINCOLN -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has awarded $601,996 in tax credit HOME funding to the Housing Development Corp. of Hastings to undertake the Ridgewood CROWN project in Grand Island.Smith introduces legislation designed to protect producers
With the House set to vote on the American Clean Energy and Security Act, U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith, R-Neb., has introduced an amendment that would aid agricultural producers impacted by the legislation.CHAT LIVE AT 9:30am!
Joining us will be
Mayor Margaret Hornady
Click on the play button on the box to your left, and join George Ayoub in this morning's live am:gi chat. Grand Island Mayor, Margaret Hornady will join us at 9:45. Come early to get your questions in. Chat starts at our new time of 9:30am. Take a few minutes and join the conversation.Motion made to transfer drug case to juvenile court
A motion to transfer to juvenile court has been filed in the case against a high school wrestler charged with distributing ecstasy.Kidz Central owner withdraws license request
The owner of Kidz Central has pulled her request for a child care license, ending an injunction filed by the state.Swift recalls tainted beef products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Thursday that JBS Swift Beef Co., which is based in Greeley, Colo., and has a slaughter plant in Grand Island, is recalling approximately 41,280 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.Annual fishing derby set for Saturday at Grand Island Veteran's Home
The 17th annual Grand Island Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Derby is set for Saturday at the Grand Island Veterans Home's Freedom Lake.Teens compete in shotgun sporting clays
Tye Smith wasn't terribly happy with his shooting during the National 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational's sporting clays event.Urine-filled soda cans vexing merchants
YORK (AP) -- Police are keeping an eye on a downtown York parking lot where merchants are complaining about soda cans filled with urine.Few valuations protested
Two Hall County officials are in shock. They're surprised at how few protests have been filed regarding property valuations.Third City Christian Church hosts Celebration of Freedom
It's time to start gearing up for Fourth of July gatherings, and the Third City Christian Church wants to set the mood with its annual Heartland Celebration of Freedom on Saturday.