Victoria Ayotte

4 weeks ago | theindependent.com | Victoria Ayotte

Nebraska lawmakers this week gave second-round approval to changes in the state’s Good Life District economic development program, some of which will affect Grand Island. If the bill gets final approval and is signed by the governor, it will limit how much sales tax revenue can be collected from existing businesses within the district.

4 weeks ago | theindependent.com | Victoria Ayotte

Nebraska lawmakers this week gave second-round approval to changes in the state’s Good Life District economic development program, some of which will affect Grand Island. If the bill gets final approval and is signed by the governor, it will limit how much sales tax revenue can be collected from existing businesses within the district.

1 month ago | theindependent.com | Victoria Ayotte

The city of Grand Island is almost a month into an investment grade energy audit contract with Honeywell that could have far-reaching effects on the city’s key buildings, including Heartland Events Center. Here’s a look at the details and potential outcomes of the one-year contract, which was approved by a vote of 9-0 by the City Council and went into effect April 29 after being signed by Mayor Roger Steele. The decisions to come will be major. What are the needs?

1 month ago | theindependent.com | Victoria Ayotte

The Central Platte Natural Resources District board voted Thursday to issue cease-and-desist orders to 30 producers, meaning they can no longer irrigate. Tricia Dudley, water quality specialist for CPNRD, said the district sends out numerous notices to producers when they violate the district's Nitrogen Management Program by not submitting required annual crop reports or providing water and soil sample results. The deadline each year is March 31.

1 month ago | theindependent.com | Victoria Ayotte

The Fourth Street Business Improvement District will get vastly improved lighting in the near future to improve safety and the nighttime look of the area. The City Council voted Tuesday to use $250,000 in keno funds to pay for the poles and lights from Eddy to Kimball streets on Fourth Street. Utilities Director Ryan Schmitz said the number of lights is about 30 right now and will be increased to 52 soft white LED lights over the nine-block area.