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Limited again, 49ers QB Brock Purdy still fighting sore shoulder
Kilkenny launches Festive Fridays at Yulefest 2024!BATAVIA, Ill., Dec. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- High Wire Networks, Inc. (OTCQB: HWNI), an award-winning leading global provider of managed cybersecurity solutions, has initiated the next phase of its new strategic growth plan with the addition of new sales team members and additional marketing resources. These moves are aimed at accelerating growth in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) from the company’s Overwatch cyber portfolio, and building upon the record revenue from continuing operations generated in the third quarter of 2024 . The company has appointed industry veterans with proven track records in managed cybersecurity who are now focused on attracting larger channel partners who represent enterprise-class clients. These efforts align with the company’s transition to increased average contract size and higher average MRR per channel partner which began earlier this year. The company will continue to support and grow its well-established base of smaller managed service providers (MSPs) and enable them to grow their managed cybersecurity business. High Wire’s sales organization will also continue to evolve with the goal of creating competitive advantages for all of its channel partners through hyperautomation and greater agility as provided by the company’s Overwatch managed cybersecurity platform. “In the second and third quarter of this year we were intensely focused on making the changes necessary to transform our Overwatch business, which has quickly evolved from ‘start-up mode’ to becoming recognized by Frost & Sullivan and others as one of the best Managed Security Services Providers (MSSPs) in the country,” stated High Wire Networks CEO, Mark Porter. “We believe this elevated status reflects how we have assembled the strongest and most experienced management team in the managed cybersecurity space and are now ready to scale at a much greater pace,” continued Porter. “We are now focused on accelerating revenue growth and tracking our MRR ‘exit velocity’ at the end of each quarter, and this is keeping us on track for our strongest quarter yet in Q4.” The Overwatch operations team continues to develop and deploy the company’s proprietary hyperautomations, with this enabling revenue growth and gross profit expansion at a faster pace than the need for adding personnel to the security operations team. “We see this leverage in our operational model as our key to profitability and stronger cash flow, and we are pushing forward on this path very aggressively,” added Porter. The new Overwatch team additions will report directly to the company’s chief revenue officer, Mark Dallmeier, who joined High Wire in third quarter of this year. Dallmeier has brought to Overwatch more than 27 years of senior leadership experience in taking technology and managed services companies into ‘hypergrowth.’ Dallmeier’s appointment followed the earlier appointment of veteran cybersecurity thought leader and executive, Edward Vasko, CISSP, as High Wire’s chief operations officer and chief executive officer of the Overwatch managed cybersecurity services division. Vasko brings more than 33 years of experience and achievement in the cybersecurity industry, including business formation and product development, and leading strategic M&As and major exits. “Our greater focus on MRR and team building efforts have already resulted in the largest pipeline of large deals in our company’s history,” added Porter. “Several of these are currently in the final closing stages. “Combined with now a much cleaner capital structure, we are well positioned for an uplisting to a major exchange—especially given how the capital markets are looking the best they’ve been in a long time. Capable players in the banking space have expressed strong interest and confidence in assisting us with such an endeavor and we’re quickly moving forward to seize the opportunity.” To learn more about High Wire and its award-winning managed cybersecurity services go to HighWireNetworks.com or view the company’s free video series on its YouTube channel. About High Wire Networks High Wire Networks, Inc. (OTCQB: HWNI) is a fast-growing, award-winning global provider of managed cybersecurity. Through over 200 channel partners, it delivers trusted managed services for more than 1,100 managed security customers worldwide. End-customers include Fortune 500 companies and many of the nation’s largest government agencies. Its U.S. based 24/7 Network Operations Center and Security Operations Center is located in Chicago, Illinois. High Wire was ranked by Frost & Sullivan as a Top 15 Managed Security Service Provider in the Americas for 2024. The company was also named to CRN’s MSP 500 and Elite 150 lists of the nation’s top IT managed service providers for 2023 and 2024, and ranked among the Top 250 MSSPs for 2024 according to MSSP Alert . Learn more at HighWireNetworks.com . Follow the company on X , view its extensive video series on YouTube or connect on LinkedIn . Forward-Looking Statements The above news release contains forward-looking statements. The statements contained in this document that are not statements of historical fact, including but not limited to, statements identified by the use of terms such as "anticipate," "appear," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "hope," "indicate," "intend," "likely," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "project," "seek," "should," "will," "would," and other variations or negative expressions of these terms, including statements related to expected market trends and the Company's performance, are all "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable based on currently available information, and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performances and are subject to a wide range of external factors, uncertainties, business risks, and other risks identified in filings made by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in the company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances upon which any statement is based except as required by applicable law and regulations. High Wire Contact Mark Porter Chief Executive Officer High Wire Networks Tel +1 (952) 974-4000 Email Contact Investor Relations Ronald Both or Grant Stude CMA Investor Relations Tel +1 (949) 432-7557 Email Contact
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Kentucky attorney general targets another big pharmacy benefit manager in opioid-related lawsuitBronx nonprofits say the city is months late in reimbursing them for millions of dollars in contracted services, straining their financial outlook and ability to provide critical social services. While this issue is not new, leaders of organizations say this year has been worse than ever. BronxWorks — which provides youth programming, meals, homeless shelters and more — is currently owed $9 million in unreimbursed services and recently had to use a line of credit to cover payroll, chief financial officer Gordon Miller told the Bronx Times. Bronx Defenders, a provider of legal assistance and holisti c support for Bronxites in the criminal justice system, is waiting on $1 million, according to Executive Director Juval Scott. The Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS), however, told the Bronx Times that the city is dedicated to helping nonprofits “navigate the invoicing challenges” and assisting them in getting paid. Despite the city’s pledge, organizations say that late payments, which have been a persistent problem, are now even worse. The city contracts with social service providers for billions each year, but slow payments are leaving many scrambling, forcing some to cover expenses through borrowing — and footing the bill for high interest costs. Small nonprofits are especially affected — even waiting on $10,000 can have a drastic impact on their bottom line, said June Jimenez, interim executive director of the Bronx Community Foundation, which supports the borough’s nonprofit sector. Lack of consequences Past attempts to improve the city contract process resulted in temporary gains. Shortly after Mayor Eric Adams was elected, he and Comptroller Brad Lander announced a Task Force on Nonprofit Contracting, culminating in a February 2022 report with recommendations for improving the “onerous and slow” process. That spring, the mayor touted his “Clear the Backlog” initiative, which freed up over $4 billion in contractual dollars owed to nonprofits. But any past progress is now “stalled” — and the city is again unacceptably late in payments to many nonprofits doing critical work, said Council Members Althea Stevens and Justin Brannan in a recent op-ed . Stevens, who represents the southwest Bronx, and Brannan, who represents Brooklyn neighborhoods including Bay Ridge and Coney Island, said the current contract process creates no incentive for prompt repayment, as it has no set timeframes or deadlines — a fact that has apparently not changed since the same concern was raised in the 2022 task force report. “[T]he city is behaving like a disengaged, deadbeat parent,” wrote Stevens and Brannan, who are working together on legislation requiring the city to pay interest on late payments. Stevens told the Bronx Times that “Clear the Backlog” was proof that the administration knows how to resolve the issue but has not consistently made it a priority — leaving nonprofits “essentially floating the city.” “If the city doesn’t have consequences, they don’t have incentive to pay these people,” she said. In a statement to the Bronx Times, MOCS affirmed the administration’s commitment to keeping critical service organizations going, noting that the nonprofits also have many employees. “The Adams administration has made it clear that supporting the workers that provide vital services to New Yorkers, particularly our most vulnerable residents is a top priority.” The office pointed to measures aimed at protecting vulnerable New Yorkers — while acknowledging challenges in the contract process. “MOCS continues to collaborate with the City’s contracting agencies to ensure that procurement professionals and our nonprofits receive the necessary information, resources, and personalized support to successfully navigate the invoicing challenges.” But Stevens said local nonprofits are not receiving enough help. The task force should be reconvened, she said, because many social service organizations are worried about even making payroll in December — putting thousands of New Yorkers at risk for a terrible holiday season without the services they rely on. Stevens predicted that until change comes to the contract process, more nonprofits may suffer the same fate as Sheltering Arms, which shuttered and filed for bankruptcy in 2023 after years of budget cuts and delayed city payments. “It’s not their fault. This is not okay,” she said. ‘It’s unsustainable’ Many New York City nonprofits are increasingly dissatisfied when contracting with the city. In a recent survey by the Human Services Council of New York, a coalition of nonprofit organizations, half of its 70 respondents called the contract process “the worst it has ever been.” Raye Barbieri, CEO of the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center, agreed. “This year seems to be particularly horrible for everybody across the board.” The center was founded in 1974 and has a food justice arm, a rape crisis center, early childhood programming and more. The Human Services Council survey found that 90% of respondents were waiting on payments totaling $365 million — and nearly one-third were delayed by more than six months. Additionally, the survey found that 48% of respondents had to use loans or lines of credit to cover the late funds, saddling them with a total of $6 million in interest that cannot be reimbursed. A major contributor to the delays lies with PASSPort, the city’s system for contract management, which was upgraded this year to include invoicing and payment capabilities, said Miller at BronxWorks. Problems with implementing the new functionality appear to have made the existing backlog problem even worse, he said. The public version of PASSPort can be found here . The city defended the technology, saying in a statement that “MOCS is diligently working around the clock to evaluate the PASSPort system and implement upgrades that enhance in-system payment processes. This is to guarantee that payments to our valued nonprofit contracting partners are not interrupted.” But Miller said payments have indeed been severely interrupted — and that BronxWorks is paying the price. While he said he has seen recent signs that the backlog is slowly clearing and the city granted two partial advances on their contract, those funds dried up, leaving BronxWorks no choice but to use a line of credit to make payroll. For now, the organization is getting by, he said. “We’re still continuing our excellent service and working with our clients.” But even if every problem with PASSPort was fixed tomorrow, “You gotta play catch up.” Barbieri said her organization has not yet needed to use its available line of credit, thanks only to scrimping and saving, and she could not give a dollar amount for which the Kingsbridge Heights Community Center is owed. But she said there is much anxiety around the delays, especially for their largest contracts with the Department of Education. Barbieri said nonprofits are treated unfairly compared to other entities that contract with the city. Despite — or perhaps because of — the essential nature of their work, they have little choice but to keep going while waiting on their funds. “There’s no other category of vendor in New York City that would ever be expected to or asked to provide services, programming or supplies before a contract is registered and in place,” she said. There’s no construction company that’s going to say, ‘Sure, we’ll start working without a contract.’” ‘It’s unsustainable’ Scott at Bronx Defenders also expressed frustration at not being able to begin any steps of the reimbursement process. The organization has been unable to submit invoices in PASSPort for the past six months due to technical problems, she said. The late payments are bringing down staff morale, adding another layer of stress to their already challenging workload — which in turn trickles down to clients, said Scott. Within Bronx Defenders, the sectors waiting on the most money are legal services for immigrant families and residents facing eviction, areas that already struggle to meet demand, said Scott. The late payments “seriously jeopardize” the organization’s ability to continue services, she said. As with BronxWorks, the city also gave the Bronx Defenders a partial advance on their contract, which got them through for a time. But now, with the advance running out, Scott said she desperately wants to avoid taking out a loan. “It’s unsustainable,” she said. “It’s not a good way to manage.” Scott said while the late payments seem mainly due to technical and administrative problems, they have a real “punitive effect” on nonprofit organizations. If the Bronx Defenders takes away funds for other services to cover loan interest, “The people that benefit from this are the banks.” Barbieri said while nonprofits are resilient, the sector needs to be treated with greater priority. Until reform comes, her organization will continue its work — such as providing holiday food packages for over 500 residents last week — even if running on fumes. “We’re gonna deliver services because that’s our mission,” she said. “A construction company can say ‘full work stoppage.’ We can’t do that.” Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Missouri’s governor on Monday denied clemency for Christopher Collings , a death row inmate facing execution for sexually assaulting and killing a 9-year-old girl and leaving her body in a sinkhole. Collings, 49, is scheduled to receive a single injection of pentobarbital at 6 p.m. CST Tuesday at the state prison in Bonne Terre, Missouri, for the 2007 killing of fourth-grader Rowan Ford. It would be the 23rd execution in the U.S. this year and the fourth in Missouri. “Mr. Collings has received every protection afforded by the Missouri and United States Constitutions, and Mr. Collings’ conviction and sentence remain for his horrendous and callous crime,” Republican Gov. Mike Parson said in a statement. Parson’s decision likely sealed Collings’ fate. Earlier Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied an appeal on behalf of Collings, without comment. No additional appeals are planned, Collings' attorney, Jeremy Weis, said. Parson's decision was not unexpected — a former sheriff, Parson has overseen 12 previous executions without granting clemency. Weis said Parson has allowed other executions to proceed for inmates with innocence claims, intellectual disabilities and for men who were “reformed and remorseful” for their crimes. “In each case of redemption, the Governor has ignored the evidence and sought vengeance,” Weis said in a statement. Collings confessed to killing Rowan, a child who referred to him as “Uncle Chris” after Collings lived for several months with the girl’s family in tiny Stella, Missouri. Rowan was killed on Nov. 3, 2007. Her body was found in a sinkhole outside of town six days later. She had been strangled. The clemency petition said an abnormality of Collings’ brain causes him to suffer from “functional deficits in awareness, judgment and deliberation, comportment, appropriate social inhibition, and emotional regulation.” It also noted that he suffered from frequent and often violent abuse as a child. “The result was a damaged human being with no guidance on how to grow into a functioning adult,” the petition stated. The petition also challenged the fairness of executing Collings when another man charged in the crime, Rowan’s stepfather, David Spears, also confessed but was allowed to plead to lesser crimes. Spears served more than seven years in prison before his release in 2015. Collings told authorities that he drank heavily and smoked marijuana with Spears and another man in the hours before the attack on Rowan, according to court records. Collings said he picked up the sleeping child from her bed, took her to the camper where he lived and assaulted her there. He said he strangled the child with a rope when he realized she recognized him. Collings told investigators that he took the girl's body to a sinkhole. He burned the rope used in the attack, along with the clothes he was wearing and his bloodstained mattress, prosecutors said. Spears also implicated himself in the crimes, according to court documents and the clemency petition. A transcript of Spears’ statement to police, cited in the petition, said he told police that Collings handed him a cord and that he killed Rowan. “I choke her with it. I realize she’s gone. She’s ... she’s really gone,” Spears said, according to the transcript. It was Spears who led authorities to the sinkhole where her body was found, according to court documents. No phone listing could be found for Spears. The Supreme Court appeal challenged the reliability of the key law enforcement witness at Collings’ trial, a police chief from a neighboring town who had four AWOL convictions while serving in the Army. Failure to disclose details about that criminal history at trial violated Collings’ right to due process, Weis contended. “His credibility was really at the heart of the entire case against Mr. Collings," Weis said in an interview. Three men have been executed in Missouri this year — Brian Dorsey on April 9, David Hosier on June 11 and Marcellus Williams on Sept. 24. Only Alabama, with six, and Texas, with five, have performed more executions than Missouri in 2024.Section 144 imposed at MDCAT centres today The Sindh Home Department has issued a notification to impose Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) around the educational institutes where the Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) will take place on Sunday (today). The notification states that the health department had requested necessary security arrangements and the enforcement of Sections 144 at seven MDCAT centres. The identified centres are the University of Karachi; the NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi; the Public Health School, Hyderabad; the Mehran University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro; Quaid-e-Azam University of Engineering, Science & Technology, Shaheed Benazirabad; Police Training School, Larkana; and the IBA Public School, Sukkur. The notification said the provincial government sees the need to take the necessary measures to hold MDCAT peacefully and transparently, and to maintain the centres’ sanctity during the test. Exercising the powers conferred under Section 144(6) of the CrPC, the government declared the premises of the above-mentioned centres as restricted areas for the general public, except the candidates bearing valid admit cards and slips, and the staff on duty. The government also prohibited the presence of mobile phones, other digital devices, ladies’ purses and reading material on the premises, and the movement of general traffic in the surroundings of the centres during the test hours. In pursuance of Section 195(i)(a) of the CrPC, the station house officers concerned have been authorised to register complaints under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code in writing against those who violate Section 144.
Celsius founder Alex Mashinsky agrees to plead guilty to two fraud counts
After multiple winters of futility, the San Francisco Giants have found a free agent willing to take gobs of their money. Shortstop Willy Adames, formerly of the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Giants . The deal was first reported by ESPN. The deal, which has yet to be confirmed by the Giants, is the largest in franchise history and the first major move under the team’s new president of baseball operations, Buster Posey. Adames, ranked fifth on , was considered by some to be the market’s second-best offensive player behind only superstar slugger Juan Soto. In the past two offseasons, San Francisco, then under former POBO Farhan Zaidi, made spirited charges at the market's biggest fish. At every turn, the Giants struck out or were thwarted by fate. Aaron Judge used the Giants as leverage before returning to the Bronx. Shohei Ohtani considered San Francisco but always had his sights set on Los Angeles. And in December 2022, a pact with Carlos Correa was bizarrely scuttled at the 11th hour after a medical revealed issues with the shortstop’s ankle. He signed with the Minnesota Twins instead. But now, finally, the Giants have an offensive catalyst to try to build around. Adames, who finished 10th in NL MVP voting this season, represents an obvious fit for a team in dire need of firepower. The ebullient 29-year-old has clubbed 112 home runs since the start of 2022, tied with Corey Seager for the most by a shortstop over that span. Offensively, Adames’ 2024 season was one of his best, with career highs in home runs and RBI. He has always been a high-strikeout player, but he offers rare juice for a shortstop. The Giants will take any power they can get. In 2024, San Francisco finished middling or worse in most offensive categories. Finishing one game below .500, the club was competent but painfully forgettable and well off the torrid pace set by the Dodgers, Padres and Diamondbacks in the NL West. That regrettable finish led to Zaidi’s ouster and the shocking entrance of Posey, a franchise legend and likely Hall of Famer who last played in 2021. Since taking over, the new head honcho has been vocal about his desire to reestablish a winning culture by the Bay. Adames, beloved and respected around baseball as a great clubhouse presence, will help with that goal. Still, this landmark contract registers as something of a surprise. Multiple reports earlier this offseason indicated that the Giants expected a reduction in payroll entering 2025. That said, even with Adames’ $26 million per year, San Francisco is approximately $26 million under its $206 million outlay from last season. For Adames, the deal is a big win. Most projections had his average annual value pegged correctly, but few predicted a seventh year. The total surpasses the seven-year, $177 million pact Dansby Swanson and the Cubs inked before the 2023 season, a contract that many saw as a potential comp here. Adames had voiced a willingness to move to other infield positions if needed, but that won’t be necessary at Oracle Park, as hot-corner wizard Matt Chapman recently agreed to an extension that will keep him in San Francisco through 2030. Whether Posey and the Giants are finished spending this winter remains to be seen. The club has a number of glaring needs, most notably a power-oriented corner outfielder and another starting pitcher to replace the departed Blake Snell. As currently constructed, the Giants remain behind Los Angeles and San Diego in the NL West picture. The Adames deal is good, but Posey and Co. should keep going.Mega Millions jackpot reaches $489M ahead of Thanksgiving: When's the next drawing?Wednesday, Dec. 4 “A Perk and a Prayer,” free drive-thru coffee, 7 to 9 a.m., First-Faith United Methodist Church parking lot, 4190 W. Capital Ave., Grand Island (weather permitting); 308-384-5620. Bingo, 1 p.m., Grand Generation Center, 304 E. Third St., Grand Island; 308-385-5308. Thursday, Dec. 5 “Forever In Our Hearts,” Tree of Love ceremonial blessing, 11:30 a.m., CHI Health St. Francis Medical Center lobby; 308-398-5400. Danish Christmas Celebration, 4 to 8 p.m., Dannebrog. Event includes vendors for holiday shopping, pizza night at the Danish bakery, festival of trees, visit from Santa and more. Danish Christmas dinner, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, 403 S. Mill St., Dannebrog, Menu includes ham, scrambled eggs, applesauce, juice and coffee will be part of the meal in addition to aebleskiver, sweet Danish pancake balls. Suggested donations of $7 for the meal will go toward the church’s continued ministry and Wednesday Bible fellowship. “Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas,” 5 to 7:30 p.m., Main Street, Henderson. Event includes a Live Nativity and open house at Bethesda Church; Santa at City Hall for photos and treats; craft show, cookies or special treats from local businesses; lights on Main Street and more; Henderson Chamber of Commerce, 402-723-4228 or hchamber@mainstaycomm.net Women’s Christmas Dessert Night, featuring Becca Becker from the Todd Becker Foundation, 6:30 p.m., GI Free Church, 2609 S. Blaine; doors open at 6. Cost is $10 per person. Register at 308-382-1898 or gifree.org . Pitch Party for Seniors, 2 to 3:30 p.m., The Heritage at Sagewood, 1920 Sagewood Ave., Grand Island. Parties usually offered the first Thursday of the month; Erica Long, 308-398-8005. G.W. Frank Museum of History and Culture, holiday tours, 1 and 3 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, 2010 University Drive, Kearney. Experience the holiday much like the Frank family did while learning about its long history. Free hot cocoa and apple cider served on Saturdays. Exhibit remains on display through mid-January. Museum hours: 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday; noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; 308-865-8284 or email frankmuseum@unk.edu .’ UNK Wind Ensemble, in concert, 7:30 p.m., University of Nebraska at Kearney Fine Arts Recital Hall. No admission charge; 308-865-8618. Tabitha’s Closet, free clothing giveaway, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Stolley Park Church of Christ, 2822 W. Stolley Park Road, Grand Island. Clothing donations accepted; no housewares; 308-384-2613. Coloring with Friends, 2 p.m., the Chocolate Bar, 116 W. Third St., Grand Island. Adult coloring get-together led by Trinity United Methodist Church most Thursday afternoons; 308-382-1952. Bingo, 7 p.m., United Veterans Club, 1914 W. Capital, Grand Island. Doors open at 6; open to the public; 308-381-1555. Friday, Dec. 6 “Christmas Past and Present,” Stuhr Museum’s “signature holiday event,” 6 to 9 p.m. Friday (members-only preview night), and Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Stuhr Museum (continues Dec. 13-14). Check out the Fantasy of Trees exhibit in the Stuhr Building while you’re there. Admission is 15 for anyone age 6 and older, and free for children 5 and younger; 308 385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org Christmas in the Country Boutique , 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, 4425 N. Engleman Road/ Event features all handmade items; Sandy Leiser, 308-379-8344. “An Old-Fashioned Christmas,” Friday and Saturday, Fullerton. Event includes a soup and dessert supper (5 to 7 p.m. Friday), bake and craft sales, children’s activities, special meals, tour of homes (tickers are $10), visit from Santa and more; Fullerton Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration, Friday and Saturday, Genoa. Friday events include a block party with tree lighting and a Live Nativity from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Green Space; hayrack rides, Christmas Parade (8 p.m., Main Street) and more. Saturday activities include a pancake feed, Christmas music, Festival of Trees, crafts for kids, visit from Santa, soup luncheon and more. Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” presented by the Husk Community Theatre, 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, the Golden Husk, 129 S. 16th St., Ord. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth; 308-730-8133, or the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, 308-728-7875, or online at goldenhuskarts.org Saturday, Dec. 7 Hargis House Holiday Tour of Homes, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Tour includes six homes; tickets are $25 and will be available until noon Friday at Home Federal on Stolley Park Road, Five Points Bank on North Diers or by calling Anita Lewandowski at 308-850-1480. Tickets will be available at each home for $30 the day of the event. “The Light of Christmas,” presented by the Grand Island City Singers, 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Harrison. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for youth through fifth grade. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Tickets are available from any City Singers member or at the door; or Norbert Wenzl, 308-383-7829. Tree of Hope Soup Supper, with Quarter Auction and Dessert Dash, sponsored by the Central Nebraska Council on Alcohol and Addictions, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Grand Generation Center, 303 E. Third; freewill donations; 308-385-5520. Dashing for Donuts, 8:30 a.m. YMCA, 211 E. South Front St. Come and walk-run-roll-stroll this 1-Mile Dash in Railside. Santa visits Railside, 1 to 3 p.m., The Tattered Book, 110 W. Third St. “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” presented by the True North Kidz and True North Church, 7 p.m., 1804 State St. Bring the whole family and enjoy the quirks of the Peanuts gang as they all discover the true meaning of Christmas! Candy Cane Hunt, hosted by Santa himself, 2 p.m., Chautauqua Park, Hastings. Bring your own bag; special canes offer prizes. Holiday Hullabalooza Craft Fair, hosted by the GISH Show Choir Boosters, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Grand Island Senior High, 2124 N. Lafayette (door 34, east side by the auditorium); 308-850-4279. “Stocking Stuffer” vendor fair with “soups to go” and a bake sale, noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, Resurrection Catholic Church. 4110 Cannon Road. Event includes multiple vendors; a variety of soups and a bake sale. Proceeds will be used to assemble fruit baskets to spread holiday cheer’ 308-382-8644. Christmas with a Jingle, Civic Center, Parish Life Center, and Historical Society, St. Paul. A fun day filled with activities for everyone from Santa, craft/vendor show, soup luncheon, inflatables for the kids, Christmas Around the Town and ending with a Christmas Light Parade (8 p.m.); information/schedule: St. Paul, NE Area Chamber of Commerce page on Facebook; or 308-754-5558. “Celebrate the Season,” Cairo. Event includes breakfast with Santa, 9 to 11 a.m., Community Center (freewill donation); Christmas cookie shop, 9 a.m. to noon, Gathering Place); and “Christmas Around the World,” children’s theater, 3 p.m., Community Center; Cairo, Ne page on Facebook. Winter Fest, hosted by the Albion Arts Council, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hwy 14 Brewing Co., 124 S. Fourth St., Albion. Grinch-themed event includes artisans and vendors, soup and pie, drinks and more. Donations will support local arts programs. “Mapping Buffalo County,” 37th annual Christmas Tree Walk, 1 to 5 p.m. daily through Dec. 15, Trails and Rails Museum, 710 W. 11th St., Kearney. Vote for your favorite trees, bid on silent auctions to benefit the museum and the Buffalo County Historical Society; 308-234-3041. Loper Holiday Handcrafts & Arts Extravaganza, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Cushing Coliseum, University of Nebraska at Kearney. This inaugural event is a juried show, meaning all items for sale have been approved by show organizers; Katie Ackermann, ackermannk@unk.edu or 308-627-3618. Pop Culture vendor fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., City Auditorium, Hastings. Vendors will be displaying and selling a variety of pop culture items, including comic books, action figures, memorabilia and more. Participate in any of our pop culture challenges to earn a chance to win a sponsored raffle prize; 402-461-2324. Skating at the Glaciarium (synthetic rink), noon to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, through Dec. 31, Stuhr Museum. Rink will be open from noon to 4 p.m. daily Dec. 21 through 31 (closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 24 and 31 and is closed Christmas Day). Cost is $3 for Stuhr members, $5 for non-members, includes skate rental (no museum admission charge for those who just want to skate; except during Christmas Past and Present on Dec. 8.); 308-385-5316 or stuhrmuseum.org Bader Park nature hike, hosted by the Prairie Plains Resource Institute, 9 to 11 a.m., Bader Park, south of Chapman; free; 402-694-5535. Hastings College Sachtleben Observatory, 7:30 p.m., 4725 S Wabash Ave, Hastings. Programs are weather permitting, for any cancellations or more information, contact the Starline, 402-461-7717. Merrick County drive-thru food bank, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. (or until food is gone), Central City Municipal Airport, 1346 Ormsby Road, Central City (note new location). Perishable and nonperishable items from Food Bank for the Heartland in Omaha (an equal opportunity provider) will be available. Drivers should stay in their vehicles and volunteers will put the food in the trunk or backseat; 308-946-2853. Sunday, Dec. 8 Grand Island Area Habitat for Humanity Cookie Walk, 1 p.m. St. Pauls Lutheran Church, 1515 S. Harrison; $8 per pound; come early as they quickly sell out; 308-385-5510. Central Catholic middle and high school Christmas vocal concert, 7:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Cathedral, 112 S. Cedar St.; 308-384-2440. Grand Island Senior High Chamber Choir and Children’s Choir Concert, 3 p.m., Trinity United Methodist Church, 511 N. Elm St.; 308-385-5950. Sounds of Christmas at Peace, 7 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 1710 N. North Road; free. Merrick County Historical Museum annual Christmas Tea, 2 to 4 p.m., Central City Elementary School cafeteria. Event will include entertainment, refreshments and more; 308-624-3367. “Hawaiian Holidays,” “free family fun,” 2 to 5 p.m., Merrick County Courthouse, Central City. Event includes games, food, entertainment, craft and vendor fair, visit from Santa and more. Festival of Lessons and Carols, hosted by Hastings College, 3 p.m., First Presbyterian Church, 621 N, Lincoln Ave, Hastings. Christmas Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Elba Community Center, 518 12th St., Elba. Event also includes homemade soup, bake sale and door prizes; Santa will make an appearance at 11 a.m.; Missy Spilinek, 308-750-5847. “Light of the World” Christmas pageant, 7 p.m., Kearney County Courthouse square, Minden (also presented also on Dec. 15); www.mindenne.org . Christmas City Tour of Homes, hosted by the Minder Chamber of Commerce, 2 to 5 p.m., Minden. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the Chamber of Commerce office, 325 N. Colorado Ave., and Minden Opera House, 322 E. Fifth. During the day of the tour, tickets are available at Cozy Corner Christmas Store & More on the downtown square. Bingo, 2 p.m., United Veterans Club, 1914 W. Capital, Grand Island. Doors open at 1; open to the public; 308-381-1555. On display “Nature’s Inspirations,” featuring the work of local artists Amy J. McIntosh and Anita Louise, through Dec. 6, Grand Island Public Library, 1124 W. Second St. Library hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday (closed major holidays); 308-385-5333 or www.gilibrary.org Hastings College Student Art Show, featuring 23 pieces from 18 students, through Dec. 15, Jackson Dinsdale Art Center, 700 E. 12th St. Gallery hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and noon to 3 p.m. Saturday (closed major holidays); free. Ongoing Fantasy of Trees, through Jan. 5, Stuhr Museum. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission for nonmembers is $14 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for children 6-12. Museum closes at 3 p.m. Christmas Eve and New Years Eve and will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day; 308-385-5316 or www.stuhrmuseum.org Festival of Trees, 41st annual, through Jan. 2, Hastings Museum, 1330 N. Burlington Ave., Hastings. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday (closed Mondays, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day). Admission (museum only) is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors age 60 and older, and $7 for children; 402-461-4692 or www.hastingsmuseum.org . Winter Wonderland of Trees, through Dec. 31, Plainsman Museum, 210 16th St., Aurora. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors 60 and older and $4 for students age 5-17; 402-694-6531 or www.plainsmanmuseum.org . Worms Christmas Light Display, 6 to 10 p.m. daily, through Jan, 1, 1467 Fourth Road, Chapman. Display includes holiday decor and lights from the collections of Roger Luebbe, LeRoy Seim, Robyn Seim and John Seim, as well as the Grand Island Regional Airport. In recent years, pixel trees have added to the experience of the original display; tune radios to 107.1 FM. Santa visits with kids on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m.; free. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at Worms Christmas Light Show for updates throughout the season. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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