Dr. Jesse Bell, a professor of water, climate and health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, shared his research and views on studies involving the presence and impact of nitrates in the state’s drinking water supply at the Grain Place Foundation’s Field Day on July 18.

Dr. Jesse Bell, a professor of water, climate and health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, shared his research and views on studies involving the presence and impact of nitrates in the state’s drinking water supply at the Grain Place Foundation’s Field Day on July 18.

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Researcher: Nitrate exposure a growing public health concern

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Concerns about nitrate contamination in Nebraska’s groundwater extend well beyond drinking water...
Budgets are under scrutiny at Aurora City Hall

Budgets are under scrutiny at Aurora City Hall

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City focusing in on fiscal budget

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
City leaders are in the midst of a thorough review of the city’s finances, preparing a budget that...
The water level in this picture of a group of River Rats enjoying a day on the river is almost too low for maximum jeeping enjoyment, according to River Rats President Jake Brown. He says members like a water flow of about 1,200 cubic feet per second so that riders can be in the water to cool off on a hot day.

The water level in this picture of a group of River Rats enjoying a day on the river is almost too low for maximum jeeping enjoyment, according to River Rats President Jake Brown. He says members like a water flow of about 1,200 cubic feet per second so that riders can be in the water to cool off on a hot day.

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River Rats jeepers mark silver anniversary

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
 Out-of-state visitors to this area are sometimes treated to an unusual and surprising sight when...
A participant in the 4-H Dog Show walks her critter through the show ring on Tuesday.

A participant in the 4-H Dog Show walks her critter through the show ring on Tuesday.

Fair to feature patriotic vibe

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Following in the footsteps of other summer festivals this American anniversary year, this week’s Hamilton County Fair has adopted an America 250 theme for its 155th edition Thursday through Sunday.
Aurora News-Register e-Edition

Ag Life

Despite some green snap from winds associated with the July 8 thunderstorm, local agronimist Orvin Bontrager said the corn crop in Hamilton County looks good this year.

Despite some green snap from winds associated with the July 8 thunderstorm, local agronimist Orvin Bontrager said the corn crop in Hamilton County looks good this year.

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Corn, bean crops reported in good shape

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Despite some damage caused by the storms that rolled across the county earlier in July, Aurora...
The Grain Place Foundation hosted its annual Field Day Saturday, which included three keynote speakers, all of whom participated in a panel discussion at the end. Pictured from left are: Chris Helzer with the Nature Conservancy, Dr. Jesse Bell, KSU sociology professor Matthew Sanderson and Grain Place Farms founder Dave Vetter.

The Grain Place Foundation hosted its annual Field Day Saturday, which included three keynote speakers, all of whom participated in a panel discussion at the end. Pictured from left are: Chris Helzer with the Nature Conservancy, Dr. Jesse Bell, KSU sociology professor Matthew Sanderson and Grain Place Farms founder Dave Vetter.

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Changing minds about changing soil

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
For Kansas State University sociologist Matthew Sanderson, regenerative agriculture isn’t simply...
Regenerative agriculture is about working with nature – enhancing soil health, boosting biodiversity and building resilience – to create ecological wins and put money in the bank.

Regenerative agriculture is about working with nature – enhancing soil health, boosting biodiversity and building resilience – to create ecological wins and put money in the bank.

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Regenerative ag economics: From the ground up

News Staff
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
“If it improves the ground, it’s going to improve my potential income.
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News

On Thursday, July 9, students in the Pathway to Independence pilot program went to Small Town Apparel in Aurora where they worked together to create a t-shirt design for the program.

On Thursday, July 9, students in the Pathway to Independence pilot program went to Small Town Apparel in Aurora where they worked together to create a t-shirt design for the program.

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Walking a ‘Pathway to Independence’

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Over the past couple of months Opportune Acres has been testing a pilot program designed to help...
NPPD officials reviewed maps and gathered feedback Thursday in Aurora regarding a proposed transmission line project between Central City and Aurora.

NPPD officials reviewed maps and gathered feedback Thursday in Aurora regarding a proposed transmission line project between Central City and Aurora.

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Transmission line project draws feedback in Aurora

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
More than 50 area property owners attended a public hearing Thursday in Aurora, offering feedback...
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Sports

Sawyer Kiner is met at the plate by Jace Dorsey, Jack Carstensen and Lukas Fry after his grand slam during Aurora’s 13-5 win over Overton in Saturday’s elimination game at the Area 6 tournament in Holdrege.

Sawyer Kiner is met at the plate by Jace Dorsey, Jack Carstensen and Lukas Fry after his grand slam during Aurora’s 13-5 win over Overton in Saturday’s elimination game at the Area 6 tournament in Holdrege.

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Pinnacle Bank Seniors burn bats in area tourney

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Despite its best efforts, the Aurora Pinnacle Bank Post 42 Seniors team was unable to overcome...
Landen Hansen tries to leg out a hard hit ball through the infield during Aurora’s 11-2 loss to Alliance at the Class B state tournament in Wayne July 20.

Landen Hansen tries to leg out a hard hit ball through the infield during Aurora’s 11-2 loss to Alliance at the Class B state tournament in Wayne July 20.

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Aurora Cooperative Juniors end season at state tourney

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Despite being the hottest day of the year, the Aurora Cooperative Post 42 Juniors team couldn’t get...
Aurora Cooperative Juniors ace Dylan Ronnau was masterful against Wayne at Hank Overin Field Saturday, tossing 5-2/3 innings while allowing just one run on three hits and striking out eight.

Aurora Cooperative Juniors ace Dylan Ronnau was masterful against Wayne at Hank Overin Field Saturday, tossing 5-2/3 innings while allowing just one run on three hits and striking out eight.

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Aurora opens state tourney with win

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
The Aurora Cooperative Post 42 Juniors squad did something the previous team to qualify for the...
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