News

City leaders voted unanimously Dec. 11 to initiate the process of operating a fire-based emergency medical service, authorizing the mayor and city administrator to continue negotiating final terms of an interlocal agreement with Hamilton County.
That vote came one day after the county board voted 3-2 on the same motion, though both parties recognize there is still considerable work to be done before the city launches a new ambulance service.

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Monday’s Hamilton County Board of Commissioners meeting featured the opening of bids for finishing demolition of the Hamilton Manor.
The Manor is now reaching its final stages of life as crews prepare to bring what is left of the well-known building to the ground.
Planning and zoning administrator Scott Stuhr approached the board Monday, asking for a motion to open the sealed bids for inspection and choice by commissioners.

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What started as a need for a hair bow for her daughter on the Fourth of July a couple of years ago has developed into a small business for Caleigh Heeg of Aurora.
“It is kind of a side hobby,” Heeg said of her new venture, Oh Cay Bows. “This is the first year I have done a lot of Christmas bows. Last year I made a few Christmas bows, but there was a lot more interest than I thought there was going to be.” Read more in this week's print or e-editions.

Area residents were invited to go back in time to ancient Bethlehem Dec. 9 with guests able to visit the stable where Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus helped portray a timeless tale.
“Night in Bethlehem is kind of a re-enactment,” Cross of Christ Pastor Tim Wells said. “We have kind of debated that word, but what we are trying to do is re-create the city streets of Bethlehem the night the Christ child was born.”

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How exactly does Santa deliver all of his presents in one night? It’s a question that has baffled most of society for centuries. In an effort to get to the bottom of this mystery, I enlisted the help of some of the world’s best -- and most creative -- investigative journalists, the young students at the Aurora Preschool.
These local experts made it clear to me that the big question surrounding the big man himself, may be simpler than some complicated math problem. I think I was thinking too hard, but nonetheless I had to start my research and this was the place to do it.

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Salvation Army bell wringers have been ringing in the season at the Aurora Mall, where volutneers help raise funds for a charitable cause. Pictured from left are Aurora Rotarians Tim Wells, with his daughter Elizabeth, and Jim Keopke.

Giltner Public Schools held its annual Christmas program Thursday night with a gym packed full of friends and family as Pre-K through 12th grade students took to the stage. 

Marlin Seeman takes the oath of office Tuesday as Aurora’s new mayor, having been re-elected in November to a position he held previously for 12 years. Reciting the oath is City Attorney Ross Luzum.

Viewers will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this weekend during a live narration of the nativity scene at Timberlake Ranch Camp near Hordville. The live narration drama, which features shows beginning every 20 minutes, will be performed from 6-8 p.m. Friday, 4-8 p.m. Saturday and 2-6 Sunday. Timberlake Ranch Camp is located at 2709 North S Road, Marquette.

A two-vehicle accident was reported on Highway 34 near the Leadership Center Thursday morning around 11:30 a.m. It is unclear if any injuries were sustained during the crash. More information will be shared as it becomes available.