Hamilton County farmers are behind the eight-ball as they wrap up spring fieldwork -- disking and fertilizing -- in an effort to begin planting their corn crop before the rain falls again later this week.
Hamilton County Extension educator Todd Whitney said most farmers are about ready to break out their planters for the 2013 growing season, although there’s still prep work to be done. For a more complete report, see this week's print or e-edition.

The contract between Marlan Ferguson and the City of Aurora was unanimously ratified April 23, clearing the way for Ferguson to begin as the new city administrator.
Though the contract is in place, Ferguson’s first day on the job won’t be until May 20 as he finishes his current duties as president of the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation.