Today in Columbus

Here is a quick look at what is happening in and around Columbus as of Saturday, February 7, 2026.

Family Palette exhibit opens downtown

A new Family Palette exhibit is now on display in the art gallery on the third floor of the Columbus Community Building at 2500 14th Street. The show brings together multiple members of the same family, each sharing their own style and medium, to highlight how creativity can run across generations.

The exhibit is part of the Trax Creative District and features photography, painting and other visual work. One of the highlighted artists is city library staff member and photographer Elisabeth Wielgus, whose images add a local voice to the collection. The exhibit is scheduled to run through February 26, giving residents several weeks to stop by.

“Columbus In Focus” aims to open up City Hall

City leaders have rolled out a new public information effort called Columbus In Focus, introduced during the February 2 City Council meeting and formally announced this week. The program is designed to give residents clearer, more regular updates on what different departments are working on and how those efforts connect back to the city’s strategic plan.

The General Administration leadership group will take turns presenting at council meetings, walking through priorities, projects and progress across City Hall. Staff are also working on more bilingual content, streamlined office processes and better use of technology so that information is easier for residents to find and understand.

City stresses strong financial health

Earlier this week the city released a short update emphasizing that Columbus remains in solid financial shape. Officials point residents to the budget guide, full budget and recent audits as ways to see how tax dollars are being collected and spent. The message reinforces themes from the mayor’s State of the City address, including careful use of sales tax revenue and continued investment in public safety, streets and water projects.

Weekend event: Platte Valley Dinner

Outdoors and conservation supporters will gather this evening for the Platte Valley Dinner, a Ducks Unlimited spring dinner and auction scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Quality Inn on 33rd Avenue. The event typically features a meal, raffles and fundraising for wetland and wildlife habitat projects, and offers a chance for local hunters and families to connect before spring seasons arrive.

Sources

• https://www.columbusne.us/
• https://www.columbusne.us/m/newsflash?cat=5,1
• https://ducksunlimited.myeventscenter.com/event/Platte-Valley-Dinner-Columbus-113531
• https://www.centralnebraskatoday.com/2026/01/06/four-confirmed-measles-cases-reported-in-platte-county/