AGP Executive Report

Nebraska Tourism & Events: Kearney is set to host the 2027 American Forensic Association National Speech Tournament (April 2–5) with about 65 college teams, bringing competitors, coaches, and families to Kearney High School, Central Community College, and the Younes Conference Centers. Local History & Culture: Walnut Middle School in Grand Island will host the traveling exhibit “Anne Frank: A History for Today” Oct. 14–27, with student peer docents trained to guide tours. Community Calendar: Omaha’s Porchfest OMA returns for its 10th annual celebration Sunday, Oct. 4, with free performances across Gifford Park and food trucks, plus pedicabs and free parking. Travel Watch: A new detour route is in place for a westbound U.S. 20/U.S. 75 on-ramp closure to northbound I-29 in Sioux City, with the ramp closed until mid-November. Road & Safety Notes: Nebraska State Patrol arrested a North Dakota man after a pursuit through eastern Nebraska that reached speeds over 100 mph, ending near Waverly after stop sticks were deployed. Fuel Prices (for road-trippers): GasBuddy reported the lowest E15 in Cass County at $3.89/gal (week ending Sept. 19), while Madison County’s cheapest premium hit $4.54/gal.

Outdoor Access: UNL’s Outdoor Adventure Center launched a Student Support Fund to help students afford trips and gear, including adventure trips, clinics, bike tune-ups, camping equipment, and semester bike rentals. Community & Travel Safety: Nebraska Extension will host a free range-recovery meeting after wildfire on Oct. 14 in Oshkosh, with a pasture tour, grazing-management guidance, and updates on NRCS disaster programs. Local Events: The 2026 Yellow Springs Film Festival brings Academy Award nominee Juliette Lewis to its closing-night discussion, plus a separate conversation with director Thom Zimny. Public Health & Tourism Support: The 2026 Veterans Mission of Mercy (VETMOM) delivered $611,850 in free dental care to Nebraska veterans and families, with thousands of services provided statewide. Weather Watch: Forecasters warn a “hybrid storm” could bring heavy rain and flash-flood risk across the central U.S. this week. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports Nebraska regular gas averaged $4.19 in the week ending Sept. 19, with some counties seeing lower single-station deals.

School Transportation Costs: Ralston Public Schools is voting on a budget tonight, with transportation and busing costs rising about 5% as diesel prices climb. Routes, field trips and athletic travel are expected to stay the same. Gas Prices Watch: In the week ending Sept. 19, Nebraska saw regular gas average $4.19 statewide, while diesel averaged $6.08; notable lows included Sheridan County regular at $4.29 and Antelope County diesel at $5.99. Harvest Update: Excessive rainfall has put Nebraska harvest “at a standstill,” with USDA reporting corn and soybeans behind last year. Weather Alert: Forecasters warn a “hybrid storm” could bring days of heavy rain and flash-flood risk across the central U.S. Community & Health: The 2026 Veterans Mission of Mercy (VETMOM) in Yutan delivered $611,850 in free dental care to veterans and families. Local Tech & Privacy: Lincoln/Omaha-area law enforcement use automatic license plate readers, raising questions about how vehicle location data is collected and stored.

Gas Prices Watch: In the week ending Sept. 19, Nebraska’s midgrade average rose to $4.45 a gallon, with Thayer County’s lone reported station hitting $4.09. Premium stayed around $5.01 statewide, while Johnson County’s only reported premium spot listed $5.09. Diesel averaged $6.08 statewide, with Box Butte County’s lowest at $5.97 and Fillmore County’s lowest at $5.59. Health & Environment: A new review says atrazine is contaminating nearly 25% of continental US rivers at levels that can harm wildlife and may threaten human health. Birth & Family Choices: A rural Nebraska doula describes choosing “free birth” after running into legal and access barriers for home birth with a midwife. Community & Care: Wyandotte County voters will decide on a 10-year ¼-cent sales tax aimed at funding health services and a permanent year-round emergency shelter. Rural Tech & Tourism Angle: An adaptive grazing field day near Anselmo showcased GPS, solar-powered “virtual fencing” to help ranchers manage pasture rest and grazing. Nebraska Sports: No. 1 Nebraska volleyball swept Ohio State 3-0 to finish a 9-0 home stand.

Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show Nebraska diesel and gas prices remain volatile in the week ending Sept. 19, with standout lows including $5.97 diesel in Box Butte County and $5.59 diesel in Fillmore County, plus regular gas lows like $4.09 in Gage County and $3.94 in Red Willow County. Road Safety: A fatal three-vehicle crash on Highway 30 in rural Merrick County killed Fullerton man Daniel R. Zegers; investigators said he wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Ranch Tech & Tourism Tie-In: An adaptive grazing field day near Anselmo highlighted “virtual fencing” using GPS and solar collars, showing how ranchers may manage pasture rest without building traditional wire fences. Local Travel Disruptions: Nebraska weather coverage points to a brief break this weekend, then heavy rain and flooding risk early next week—plan drives and outdoor stops accordingly. Community & Health: Riverwood Healthcare Center announced it will add urologist Dr. Grant McCormick to expand specialty care for rural patients.

Nebraska Sports Spotlight: No. 1 Nebraska volleyball kept rolling, sweeping Ohio State 3-0 in the final match of a 9-0 home stand, with the Huskers dropping just three sets all stretch. Big Ten Football Buzz: Nebraska football improved to 4-0 with a 31-13 win at Michigan State, highlighted by a defense that’s tightening up each week and forcing turnovers. Travel Planning Watch: Lincoln announced multiple street closures starting Sept. 28 for water main and utility work, including parts of O Street, South 40th Street, 10th Street, and North 56th Street—expect detours and schedule changes. Fuel Prices Check: GasBuddy reports show Nebraska diesel and gas prices staying volatile, with several counties listing some of the week’s lowest diesel rates around the Sept. 19 reporting period. Weekend Weather: A brief break in rain hits this weekend, then a heavier storm system is expected early next week with flooding concerns.

Nebraska Tourism & Travel Spending: Nebraska tourism spending hit $4.72 billion in 2025, a reminder that visitors remain a major driver for the state’s economy. Road & City Updates (Lincoln): Lincoln Transportation and Utilities announced multiple street closures starting Sept. 28, including parts of O Street, South 40th Street, 10th Street, and 56th Street, with detours and limited-time impacts for drivers and StarTran routes. Weather for Weekend Plans: A brief warmup and mostly dry stretch is expected this weekend, but heavy rain and flooding risk returns Tuesday through Thursday. Fuel Watch (Nebraska): GasBuddy’s week ending Sept. 19 showed diesel and E85 deals varying by county, with Nebraska’s diesel average around $6.08 and E85 averaging about $2.98. Agriculture Fuel Relief: Gov. Jim Pillen’s guidance clarifies that dyed diesel can be used for certain ag vehicles during a 90-day fuel emergency, including pickups and service trucks heading to harvest.

Sports Tourism & Travel Economy: Visit Lincoln says it’s pushing for more sports events in 2027, citing Nebraska travel spending hitting $4.72 billion in 2025, up 2.6%, supporting nearly 42,000 jobs. Road & Transit Updates: Lincoln announced multiple street closures starting Sept. 28 for water main and utility work, with detours and StarTran Route 53-SouthPointe reroutes. Rural Transit Funding Watch: NDOT says Open Plains Transit must clear outstanding single-audit compliance hurdles before new federal transit money can be awarded, warning funding could be affected statewide. Nebraska Tourism Numbers: The Nebraska Tourism Commission report also points to $339.5 million in state and local tax revenue from 2025 travel activity. Baseball Schedule: Nebraska baseball released its 2027 slate, including a marquee College Baseball Series in Surprise, Ariz., and matchups vs. Kansas, Oregon, Oregon State, South Dakota State and UC Santa Barbara. Gas Prices (Road-Trip Reality Check): GasBuddy reports show E15 and regular prices varying by county, with one Cuming County E15 station at $4.19 and Lancaster County regular as low as $3.77 for the week ending Sept. 19. International Ties: Czech President Petr Pavel visited UNL and toured Wilber, highlighting Nebraska’s Czech roots and education links.

Sports Tourism in Lincoln: Visit Lincoln wants more sporting events in 2027, pointing to Nebraska’s tourism growth to $4.72B in 2025 and nearly 42,000 jobs supported. Nebraska Baseball Schedule: The Huskers’ 2027 slate features eight games vs. five 2026 NCAA Tournament qualifiers, opening Feb. 19-21 in Surprise, Arizona, plus a Battle at the Ballpark trip to San Antonio. Agriculture Fuel Relief: Gov. Jim Pillen’s 90-day emergency guidance lets Nebraska farmers and ranchers use dyed diesel in highway-registered ag vehicles, with refunds via Form 84AG for clear diesel. Rural Water Tech: RanchBot is expanding real-time water monitoring for wells, pumps, pipes, and tanks using satellite-connected sensors—built for areas with weak cell service. Local Governance & Travel Impact: Lancaster County leaders respond to a state audit alleging major treasurer accounting errors, while NDOT says Open Plains Transit can’t get new federal funding until required audits are cleared. Community Events: Cairo’s Junk Jaunt kicks off with hundreds of miles of flea markets and garage sales across central Nebraska. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show Nebraska averages around $4.19 regular and $6.08 diesel for the week ending Sept. 19, with big county-by-county swings.

Nebraska Czech Heritage Spotlight: Czech President Petr Pavel visited UNL and Lincoln, highlighting deep education and cultural ties and touring Wilber, “the Czech capital of the U.S.” Local Leadership & Tourism Angle: UNK grad Tell Jensen began his first days as Ogallala city manager, noting the town’s tourism and small-community feel. Travel & Community Ideas: A Creighton student shared how short Nebraska road trips (Lincoln, Sioux Falls, Iowa State Fair) are an easy, low-cost way to recharge. Nebraska Sports Draws Visitors: Nebraska soccer fell to Michigan State in the final minutes, while Husker football continues its Big Ten build-up after a strong nonconference run—good news for fans planning game-week travel. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reported Nebraska regular gas averaging about $4.19/g in the week ending Sept. 19, with some counties seeing lower prices. Food & Livestock Supply: The U.S. plans to reopen a major cattle inspection port on the Mexico border, but officials say record beef prices likely won’t drop soon.

Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the week ending Sept. 19 brought some of the lowest E15 and regular prices in Nebraska’s counties—Hall County’s E15 hit $3.87 (one station), while regular gas in Pawnee County dipped to $3.99 and Platte County’s regular to $3.92. Diesel Costs: Diesel stayed pricey, with Buffalo County’s low at $5.69 and Thurston County’s low at $5.80; Nebraska’s diesel average was $6.08. Tourism & Travel Economy: A national sports-travel boom is driving airline route changes, including United’s special service tied to major matchups. Local Travel Planning: Morrill County’s visitors committee paused courthouse/jail rock lighting plans, saying lodging-tax money can only fund promotion unless a separate improvement fund is created. Community Events: Kearney hosted the Thriving Children, Families and Communities Conference, drawing nearly 500 people to tackle child care challenges. Nebraska Spotlight: An Omaha mother is walking 450 miles across Nebraska to raise $50,000 for female empowerment scholarships and support female veterans.

Fuel Watch: Diesel prices stayed high across Nebraska, with Dakota County’s lowest reported diesel at $5.89/gal (week ending Sept. 19) and Saunders County’s cheapest regular gas at $3.99/gal, while statewide averages edged up. Tourism Funding Rules: The Morrill County Visitors Committee paused a proposed lighting project at Courthouse and Jail Rocks, saying the county’s 2% lodging tax can only be used for promotion unless a separate improvement fund is created. Border Beef Update: The U.S. plans to reopen a major livestock inspection port on the NM border after a screwworm-related ban, likely boosting cattle supply but not immediately lowering record beef prices. Local Travel & Events: Grand Island is hosting the Upper Midwest tourism conference, and the Harvest of Harmony Parade and Field Competition returns Oct. 3 with a record 236 entries. On the Road: Nebraska State Patrol escorted a historic F-14 jet across the state overnight en route to a Colorado museum. Community Tech: Norfolk City Council discussed Flock license plate reader cameras, focusing on privacy, oversight, and local procedures. Nebraska Sports Travel: Nebraska soccer heads north for ranked Big Ten tests against Michigan State and Michigan.

Nebraska Tourism: Nebraska tourism spending hit $4.72 billion in 2025, up 2.6%, according to a new state report, with Visit Nebraska and Gov. Pillen highlighting the impact on jobs and local communities. Grand Island Events: The 84th Harvest of Harmony Parade and Field Competition returns Oct. 3 with a record 236 entries and thousands expected downtown, followed by marching band competition at Grand Island Senior High School’s stadium. Travel & Transport: The Nebraska State Patrol escorted a historic F-14 Tomcat on a 2,700-mile road trip from Florida to a Colorado museum, traveling through Nebraska overnight. Community Updates (Kearney): Kearney announced downtown traffic changes including new all-way stops and a 35th St. closure for water repairs from Sept. 23 through Oct. 7. Local Tourism Industry Networking: Grand Island hosted the Upper Midwest Convention and Visitors Bureaus conference, bringing tourism professionals from eight states to share best practices. Military Travel: Veterans toured Omaha’s USS Hazard at Freedom Park, part of a broader effort to connect service members with local history.

Public Transit Upgrade: Lincoln broke ground on StarTran’s $33M Multi-modal Transportation Center, adding 19 covered bus bays and easier transfers, with completion targeted for spring 2028. Downtown Driving Changes: Kearney is replacing several downtown traffic signals with all-way stop signs and updating stop control at Central Avenue near North Railroad Street—drivers should expect a new flow. Road Safety Incident: Nebraska State Patrol arrested two after a high-speed I-80 pursuit near Lincoln, recovering a bag with 1.5 ounces of marijuana. Tourism & Travel Economy: Nebraska travel spending hit $4.72B in 2025, and Visit Nebraska leaders highlighted the tourism impact. Outdoor & Trails: The Great American Rail-Trail gets a boost as riders travel segments including Nebraska-linked trail work. Aviation Career Spotlight: UNK’s Fila Yusuf is turning a lifelong interest in flying into a professional flight path. Farm & Rural Safety: Nebraska marks National Farm Safety and Health Week with reminders for safer harvest days.

Downtown Lincoln Transit: City officials broke ground on StarTran’s $33 million Multi-modal Transportation Center, with 19 covered bus bays and connections to ScooterLNK and BikeLNK; the project is funded by federal and state grants plus local funds and is slated for spring 2028. Nebraska Tourism Dollars: State officials say Nebraska travel spending hit $4.72 billion in 2025, up 2.6% from 2024, supporting about 42,000 jobs and boosting state lodging-tax collections. Kearney Road Work: Traffic signal upgrades at 39th Street and N Avenue begin Sept. 23, with drivers merging to one lane and stop-sign control during the workday. Aviation Career Path: UNK senior Fila Yusuf is turning a lifelong interest in aviation into a professional-flight track, including work as a flight instructor with the Loper Flight Academy. Travel-Adjacent Infrastructure: Hastings partially opened a new roundabout at South Street and Elm Avenue, with NDOT rerouting US Highway 6 and detours still in place. Local Events & Community: Nebraska Alumni Association plans a Homecoming parade watch party and Cornstock Festival Sept. 24 at the Wick Alumni Center.

Road & Detours: Hastings crews partially opened a new roundabout at South Street and Elm Avenue, with U.S. Highway 6 rerouted to Showboat Avenue and J Street; grading, paving and new lighting are expected to take 6–10 weeks. Tourism Economy: Nebraska tourism spending hit $4.72 billion in 2025, up 2.6%, supporting about 42,000 jobs and generating $339.5 million in state and local tax revenue. Visit Nebraska Spotlight: Gov. Jim Pillen and Visit Nebraska highlighted the tourism lift, noting tourists spent nearly $5 billion last year and that lodging-tax revenue helps balance the budget. Hospitality Education: UNL Regents approved naming an Elinor Kerrey classroom in the Scarlet Hotel, honoring her decades of teaching and influence on hospitality and nutrition. Ranching Tech: Virtual fencing with GPS collars is changing cattle management by replacing wire with phone-drawn boundaries and training that can take days. Community Events: The Nebraska Alumni Association plans a Homecoming parade watch party at the Wick Alumni Center on Sept. 24, with floats, band performances, and Cornstock Festival activities. Travel Planning Note: AAA reports pump prices remain elevated, with diesel climbing above $6.50—another cost pressure for travelers and food supply chains.