News
VeraSun Energy seeking returns from farmers
Area farmers who sold corn to the former VeraSun Energy Corp. have recently been receiving notices from law firms in New York demanding that they pay back any money received from VeraSun 90 days prior to the company filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 31, 2008.
Plant scientists move closer to making any crop drought-tolerant
Drought-tolerant crops have moved closer to becoming reality.
Co-products and cornstalk residue can cut cow feed costs by a dollar a day
University of Illinois researchers recently discovered that feeding co-products and cornstalk residue in the winter can save cow-calf producers up to $1 per day per cow as compared to feeding hay.
Finishing the irrigation season the right way
With the advent of the recent rains in our immediate area most corn production is probably done with irrigation for the remainder of the season.
Drought drives decade-long decline in plant growth
Global plant productivity that once was on the rise with warming temperatures and a lengthened growing season is now on the decline because of regional drought according to a new study of NASA satellite data.
Sorghum board to meet in Grand Island
Start thinking about fall lawn care
School has started so cooler temperatures can't be far behind. Now is the best time to take care of your cool season lawns. Fungus and hot temperatures have wreaked havoc on lawns this year, but there is still time to make your lawn look full and lush this fall.
Farm payment limitation introduced in Senate
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., recently introduced legislation to establish more stringent farm program payment limits and close legal loopholes that render current statutory limits meaningless, according to John Crabtree of the Center for Rural Affairs.
Farmer should think like a CFO, ag economist recommends
Farmers who want to make money in today's unpredictable economy would do well to assume a corporate mindset and think like a chief financial officer, a Purdue University agricultural economist says.
Daily Record
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Daily record for Thursday, Sept. 2
Birth announcements
Daily record for Tuesday, Aug. 31
Birth announcements
Daily record for Saturday, Aug. 28
Birth announcements
Daily record for Tuesday, Aug. 24
Police/Sheriff
The day's record for August 21, 2010
Local births
Roadside bomb kills G.I. native in Afghanistan
When a chaplain and captain knocked on Doreatha Noziska’s door late Monday night, she knew her worst fears had been realized.
Reorganized VeraSun asks farmers to return payments
Area farmers who sold corn to the former VeraSun Energy Corporation have recently been receiving notices from law firms in New York demanding that they pay back any money received from VeraSun 90 days prior to the company filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 31, 2008. The money is to be returned to the bankruptcy-reorganized VeraSun.
Troopers plan extra enforcement during Husker home games
The Nebraska State Patrol will be working overtime during Husker home football games in September.
CCC offering Adult Education classes
Central Community College is offering Adult Education classes during the 2010 fall semester in Central Nebraska communities.
Fourth person charged in attempted murder case
A fourth person has been charged for his role in an attempted second-degree murder case.
Ord man dies while trying to fix electrical problem
Ord man dies while trying to fix electrical problem
Commission advances Village at Riverside
A fenced development of duplexes and a handful of single family homes for adults was OK'd by the Regional Planning Commission Wednesday night.
JBS Swift sued over treatment of Muslims at Grand Island plant
OMAHA — Somali Muslim workers at a meatpacking plant in Grand Island were denied prayer time and faced harassment and even termination for asking to pray, according to a lawsuit filed Monday by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Three charged for their roles in attempted murder
Three people were charged in Hall County Court on Monday with felonies for their roles in an attempted murder this weekend.
Northwest school board sets aside funds in advance of ‘cliff effect’
Hall County to abolish building codes
It will be a whole new ball game for building construction in Hall County outside city or village limits after Tuesday’s Hall County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Special meeting set for G.I. City Council
The Grand Island City Council has a special 5:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday night and may have another Wednesday to enact the city’s new salary ordinance.
Trio arrested for possessing forged traveler's checks
Three California women have been charged in Hall County with possessing approximately $39,000 in forged traveler’s checks.
Weekend shooting may have been mistaken ID
A shooting this past weekend that resulted in attempted-murder charges may have been a case of mistaken identity.
Rotary Club seeks area professionals for goodwill exchange to India
Enthusiastic young professionals who are not Rotarians are invited to apply to be part of this year's Western Nebraska Rotary District 5630 Group Study Exchange to Nagpur in Central India.
Foundation gives $152,000 in grants
The Grand Island Community Foundation reported more than $152,000 has been awarded in grants and scholarships to date in 2010.
Three arrested in connection with attempted murder
Three Grand Island residents were arrested early Sunday morning in connection with what police are calling a "gang-related" attempted murder.
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The 2010 Nebraska State Fair — the first at the new Grand Island location — officially opened about 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Ag hearing focuses on state response to livestock diseases
Nebraska Department of Agriculture budget cuts have raised questions about the agency’s ability to effectively respond to a possible outbreak of a damaging livestock disease.
Does tax-increment financing 'erode the tax base?'
At a time when local government budgets are becoming more and more cash-strapped, one local elected official is sounding a warning about how Grand Island is promoting development -- through the use of tax-increment financing.
Genetics expert to speak in Hastings
HASTINGS -- An expert in genetics will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hastings College, Room 131, in the Morrison-Reeves Science Center.
When businesses close, gift card holders often stuck
What's a gift card holder to do when a business goes belly up? What about employees who are owed their last paycheck?
Open house to focus on Highway 11 project
NORTH LOUP -- The Nebraska Department of Roads will host an information open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Legends Grub & Pub meeting room, 208 First St., in North Loup.
Road projects in place but funding issues make completion difficult
Officials with the Nebraska Department of Roads reviewed seven of the numerous projects in District 4 during a meeting in Grand Island on Friday. Those projects are scheduled to be contracted during the current budget year with a total cost of more than $55 million.
Run/walk planned in September in Hastings
HASTINGS -- The 2010 Ram Run and Walk will be Sept. 11 at Central Community College-Hastings.
Volunteers discover major fire hazard
It was a startling discovery.
Mormon Island given new lease on life
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CREDITSTARTWorld-Herald News ServiceThe rebirth of Mormon Island's west lake begins when a new fish population is stocked this fall.
Statewide reading test results released
For the first time ever, the Nebraska Department of Education has released reading results in which all Nebraska students in the same grade took the exact same test.
Education commissioner says reading test results are a starting point
Nebraska Education Commissioner Roger Breed said the first-ever statewide grade-level reading test results should be a starting point for schools, parents and state officials to discuss how to raise reading scores.
Smith to students: Government is involved with everything from streets to jobs
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Government can involve everything from whether to close a street to encouraging more young people to go into science and technology fields.
Live at 9:30am!
am:gi's final show
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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. Today will be the last show. We are going to restructure the concept and launch those later in November. Log in and find out more details. Chat starts at 9:30am. Take a few minutes and join the conversation.
State Fair
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Grand Island girl shows reserve champion waterfowl
MacKenzie Ahlman of Grand Island had her African Goose selected as the Reserve Champion Waterfowl at the 2010 Nebraska State Fair 4-H Poultry Show. MacKenzie was right at home in the great new facilities for the Nebraska State Fair in Grand Island, Nebraska. Geese are sometimes a challenge, MacKenzie gets the chores done well, but credits her mother with helping her catch the goose for show time. MacKenzie is the daughter of Shannon and Pam Ahlman.
Previous News Headlines
VeraSun Energy seeking returns from farmers
Area farmers who sold corn to the former VeraSun Energy Corp. have recently been receiving notices from law firms in New York demanding that they pay back any money received from VeraSun 90 days prior to the company filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 31, 2008.Reorganized VeraSun asks farmers to return payments
Area farmers who sold corn to the former VeraSun Energy Corporation have recently been receiving notices from law firms in New York demanding that they pay back any money received from VeraSun 90 days prior to the company filing Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 31, 2008. The money is to be returned to the bankruptcy-reorganized VeraSun.Commission advances Village at Riverside
A fenced development of duplexes and a handful of single family homes for adults was OK'd by the Regional Planning Commission Wednesday night.Roadside bomb kills G.I. native in Afghanistan
When a chaplain and captain knocked on Doreatha Noziska’s door late Monday night, she knew her worst fears had been realized.Fourth person charged in attempted murder case
A fourth person has been charged for his role in an attempted second-degree murder case.Ord man dies while trying to fix electrical problem
Ord man dies while trying to fix electrical problemTroopers plan extra enforcement during Husker home games
The Nebraska State Patrol will be working overtime during Husker home football games in September.CCC offering Adult Education classes
Central Community College is offering Adult Education classes during the 2010 fall semester in Central Nebraska communities.Grand Island bands perform at State Fair close to home
Marching in the parade at the State Fair is all the more special when it's in your hometown.Governor enthused by State Fair tour
There was no shortage of positive adjectives when Gov. Dave Heineman toured the State Fair Wednesday morning.Giant Walking Tree Man brings smiles to fair-goers
When asked about his act, Cliff Spenger of Oakland, Calif., simply says, "I dress up as a tree, and I go out amongst the people."LIVE Coverage of State Fair Tuesday, Aug. 31
George Ayoub and Jack Sheard are out and about the Nebraska State Fair -- as well as manning the Independent's vendor booth. They will be sending pictures, giving updates and reporting on the fun and events happening today at the fair.Hall County to abolish building codes
It will be a whole new ball game for building construction in Hall County outside city or village limits after Tuesday’s Hall County Board of Supervisors meeting.Three charged for their roles in attempted murder
Three people were charged in Hall County Court on Monday with felonies for their roles in an attempted murder this weekend.Weekend shooting may have been mistaken ID
A shooting this past weekend that resulted in attempted-murder charges may have been a case of mistaken identity.Trio arrested for possessing forged traveler's checks
Three California women have been charged in Hall County with possessing approximately $39,000 in forged traveler’s checks.Special meeting set for G.I. City Council
The Grand Island City Council has a special 5:30 p.m. meeting Tuesday night and may have another Wednesday to enact the city’s new salary ordinance.State Fair attendance 'phenomenal,' says board chairman
While the final count isn’t in, Sallie Atkins, Nebraska State Fair board chairman, said, “We think we are looking at a record crowd for the opening.”Out-of-the-way location cuts into attendance at fair’s Texas longhorn show
Those who found the Texas longhorn show at the Nebraska State Fair saw a good show with good, quality animals.Geese got him walking, now delight fair-goers
They started out as a 431-pound man and 13 baby geese walking down the sidewalk in Missouri Valley, Iowa.Tuesday's State Fair crowd causes traffic jam
Mel Tillis and the Older Nebraskans Festival at the State Fair drew a big crowd, and caused temporary traffic jams, Tuesday morning.Police fine-tuning enforcement around fairgrounds
The Grand Island Police Department is continuing to tweak its traffic direction after the first weekend of the Nebraska State Fair.JBS Swift sued over treatment of Muslims at Grand Island plant
OMAHA — Somali Muslim workers at a meatpacking plant in Grand Island were denied prayer time and faced harassment and even termination for asking to pray, according to a lawsuit filed Monday by the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.Bradshaw family has close connections with Mel Tillis
BRADSHAW -- Like many others, Terry and Elizabeth King of Bradshaw will be attending the Mel Tillis concert Tuesday.Rotary Club seeks area professionals for goodwill exchange to India
Enthusiastic young professionals who are not Rotarians are invited to apply to be part of this year's Western Nebraska Rotary District 5630 Group Study Exchange to Nagpur in Central India.Foundation gives $152,000 in grants
The Grand Island Community Foundation reported more than $152,000 has been awarded in grants and scholarships to date in 2010.Three arrested in connection with attempted murder
Three Grand Island residents were arrested early Sunday morning in connection with what police are calling a "gang-related" attempted murder.Crouch talks nutrition, exercise at State Fair
Drew Collings and his cousin, Eme Troy, both decked out in new Nebraska Cornhusker gear, maybe two of the youngest people to ever catch passes from former Husker quarterback Eric Crouch.Cultural celebration at State Fair
The richness of the Hispanic and Latin American culture was celebrated on stage at the Nebraska State Fair Sunday as part of "Festejo Latino."State Fair targets teens
From Saturday night's Lifehouse concert to thrill rides and high technology, the Nebraska State Fair is targeting teens and young adults.Today at the 2010 State Fair
Here are The Independent’s picks for the top five things to see at the fair Sunday:Co-products and cornstalk residue can cut cow feed costs by a dollar a day
University of Illinois researchers recently discovered that feeding co-products and cornstalk residue in the winter can save cow-calf producers up to $1 per day per cow as compared to feeding hay.Genetics expert to speak in Hastings
HASTINGS -- An expert in genetics will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Hastings College, Room 131, in the Morrison-Reeves Science Center.Today at the 2010 State Fair
Here are The Independent’s picks for the top five things to see at the fair Sunday:First impressions of first G.I. fair: ‘Impressive’
“Impressive,” was the word heard a lot from the first attendees of the 2010 Nebraska State Fair, in Grand Island for the first time in its 142-year history.Ag hearing focuses on state response to livestock diseases
Nebraska Department of Agriculture budget cuts have raised questions about the agency’s ability to effectively respond to a possible outbreak of a damaging livestock disease.When businesses close, gift card holders often stuck
What's a gift card holder to do when a business goes belly up? What about employees who are owed their last paycheck?Does tax-increment financing 'erode the tax base?'
At a time when local government budgets are becoming more and more cash-strapped, one local elected official is sounding a warning about how Grand Island is promoting development -- through the use of tax-increment financing.Birthing pavilion helps educate public about animal agriculture
Now that the Nebraska State Fair has moved to Grand Island from Lincoln, everything has a new home, including the Livestock Birthing Pavilion in the front part of the new Sheep Barn facility at Fonner Park.Boy Scout Adventure Base 100 keeps kids active
The Nebraska State Fair may have a 10-day run in Grand Island, but some of the parts of the fair are in town for only a few days.Bradshaw family has close connections with Mel Tillis
BRADSHAW -- Like many others, Terry and Elizabeth King of Bradshaw will be attending the Mel Tillis concert Tuesday.Plant scientists move closer to making any crop drought-tolerant
Drought-tolerant crops have moved closer to becoming reality.State Fair lifts off
The 2010 Nebraska State Fair — the first at the new Grand Island location — officially opened about 4:30 p.m. Friday.Finishing the irrigation season the right way
With the advent of the recent rains in our immediate area most corn production is probably done with irrigation for the remainder of the season.State Fair hay bales winners announced
A dog, a tractor and a Ferris wheel were winners of the 2010 Nebraska State Fair Hay Bale Decorating Contest.Road projects in place but funding issues make completion difficult
Officials with the Nebraska Department of Roads reviewed seven of the numerous projects in District 4 during a meeting in Grand Island on Friday. Those projects are scheduled to be contracted during the current budget year with a total cost of more than $55 million.Volunteers dip up ice cream cones for a good cause at State Fair
The Heartland United Way is working to create a fun experience for State Fair attendees and raise some funds for local agencies at its Old-fashioned Ice Cream Parlor during the fair.Open house to focus on Highway 11 project
NORTH LOUP -- The Nebraska Department of Roads will host an information open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, at Legends Grub & Pub meeting room, 208 First St., in North Loup.NSP's State Fair booth to include driving simulator
A new location and new experiences await visitors to the Nebraska State Patrol booth at the State Fair in Grand Island.One for the books: Draft show numbers sets record at State Fair
The Draft Horse Show inaugurated the Nebraska State Fair's new livestock arena on opening night of the fair's debut in Grand Island.Excitement bubbling over as officials wait for fair to open
The superlatives started flowing as soon as Cindy Johnson, president of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce and one of the people who helped bring the Nebraska State Fair to Grand Island, was asked how she was feeling.Today's the day
The Nebraska State Fair officially broke ground in its move from Lincoln to Grand Island 414 days ago. In that time, which saw record snow and rain, construction crews have accomplished something pretty spectacular -- more than 500,000 square feet of new buildings and infrastructure at Fonner Park.Mormon Island given new lease on life
CREDITSTARTWorld-Herald News ServiceThe rebirth of Mormon Island's west lake begins when a new fish population is stocked this fall.Run/walk planned in September in Hastings
HASTINGS -- The 2010 Ram Run and Walk will be Sept. 11 at Central Community College-Hastings.Gus, the blind llama, will be shown at State Fair
OSCEOLA -- Gus the llama doesn't let a little thing like being blind keep him from showing at the Nebraska State Fair.City's State Fair involvement called 'incredible'
The city of Grand Island's commitment to become host for the Nebraska State Fair is far more than its $5 million contribution of an exhibition hall, a $1.6 million athletic complex and $400,000 in state lottery matching funds.Statewide reading test results released
For the first time ever, the Nebraska Department of Education has released reading results in which all Nebraska students in the same grade took the exact same test.Ties between UNL and fair remain strong, despite distance
The Nebraska State Fair is now 90 miles farther from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but the university's presence at the fair is stronger than ever, said Beth Birnstihl, associate dean and associate director of UNL Extension and state 4-H administrator.Smith discusses small business in G.I.
The largest roadblock when starting a small business and for keeping that business afloat is one and the same -- moneySmith to students: Government is involved with everything from streets to jobs
Government can involve everything from whether to close a street to encouraging more young people to go into science and technology fields.Education commissioner says reading test results are a starting point
Nebraska Education Commissioner Roger Breed said the first-ever statewide grade-level reading test results should be a starting point for schools, parents and state officials to discuss how to raise reading scores.Businesses on South Locust looking to meet State Fair parking demand
Ten dollars seems to be the going rate for fairgoers to park at South Locust businesses, if they are allowed to park at all.Fair brings back beauty pageants
Janie McBride was a small-town girl from Shelton. She had to skip her college choir practices in Kearney to go to the Nebraska State Fair. Her mom had to bring extra clothes for the rest of the fair. But, for a few days, she was the "queen of queens."Free entertainment important part of State Fair
"I've been one of those guys that has always insisted that, without free entertainment at a fair, what else is there," professional high-diver Dana Kunze said.Kallos denied liquor license recommendation again
The Grand Island City Council has narrowly denied Nickie Kallos a second time for a liquor license for a downtown bar.Heavy rains soak south Central Nebraska
For the second week straight, portions of south Central Nebraska received heavy overnight rains that prompted the National Weather Service in Hastings to issue flood warnings for local rivers and streams.CDHD detects mosquitoes with West Nile virus
The Central District Health Department announced Tuesday that it has detected West Nile virus activity in Hall County.Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Hall County
West Nile virus surveillance conducted by the Central District Health Department has indicated West Nile activity in the area.Lightning, rain cut short GISH pep rally
Lightning and the threat of rain shortened the fall sports pep rally at Grand Island Senior High Monday.G.I. scores lower than state average on reading test
Robin Dexter, assistant superintendent for the Grand Island Public Schools, called the school district's results on the first statewide reading test disappointing, but she said the district is taking a number of steps to improve student scores.Second man enters plea in Yund Street murder case
The Hall County attorney's office has one less murder trial to prosecute.Second man enters plea in Yund St. murder case
A second man charged with a shooting death last summer and a shooting at a fast food restaurant has entered plea agreements.Red Cross asking eligible donors to give blood
Blood donations through the local American Red Cross Blood Services Region have declined this summer and supplies are less than sufficient. All blood types are needed to ensure blood supplies do not drop to emergency levels.Window winners awarded ribbons
Purple ribbons were handed out Monday to Heartland Antique Mall, Copy Cat Printing and The Grand Island Independent.Safe, uncongested streets a State Fair priority
During the Hall County Fair, Marlene Johnson saw two mothers corralling 12 children down East Stolley Park Road south of Fonner Park. They had no sidewalks to walk on, and Johnson, a day care provider, was worried.Lightning, rain cut short GISH pep rally
Lightning and the threat of rain shortened the fall sports pep rally at Grand Island Senior High Monday.Engleman Elementary wins library reading award
Winning the Grand Island City Library's reading trophy is always a good thing.First-day enrollment figures announced
The unofficial first-day count for the Grand Island Public Schools edged just past 9,000, with a preliminary tally of 9,001 students.State to receive more stimulus funds for education
Gov. Dave Heineman held a Monday morning press conference announcing that Nebraska would be receiving $58.9 million in federal stimulus dollars to support K-12 education.Woman in stable condition, man charged after motorcycle crash
A Grand Island man was charged with a felony Monday after a motorcycle crash that injured his passenger.2 boys on bikes hit by car
Two boys were injured Monday after being struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles.Two boys injured while riding bikes
Two boys were injured Monday after being struck by a vehicle while riding their bicycles.Club 69 owner seeking new liquor license
The owner of Club 69, a downtown bar the Grand Island City Council successfully sought to shut down, is seeking a new liquor license under a new name.South Locust lanes open
Grand Island's new northbound lanes on South Locust Street were opened Monday morning.South Locust lanes open
Grand Island's new northbound lanes on South Locust Street were opened Monday morning.State Fair gate keepers: It's all in the family
When Pete Kuenning took a job as a ticket seller at the Nebraska State Fair, he just needed a part-time job, with a baby on the way. But his pregnant wife wouldn’t be left out.'Sunday Afternoon with Tom and Huck'
Wearing rolled up denim overalls and straw hats, Grand Island brothers Eli and Ian Arends looked just the part at the “Sunday Afternoon With Tom and Huck” celebration at Stuhr Museum.Giltner woman injured in accident in Grand Island
A Giltner woman was severely injured when the pickup she was riding in collided with a car at 11th and Boggs in Grand Island Sunday morning.Accordion Festival ready to swing again
The 14th annual Accordion Jamboree will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 5, at the Platt-Duetsche in Grand Island.Straight shooter
A work-related injury led Tom Conlon to a place he dreaded going on Saturdays as a newly licensed driver years ago.Beef Pit restaurant a staple at the fair
Funnel cakes. Turkey legs. Fried-something-on-a-stick. Anything-on-a-stick.
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