News

A controversial wind energy proposal will be back on the agenda Nov. 19 when county planners meet at the fairgrounds.

Three members of the Aurora community were honored as esteemed guests during Aurora High School’s Veteran’s Day program. Those men, Ramer Fassnacht, Ron Paider and Stan Wilshusen, were each presented their very own Quilt of Valor by Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild representative Jeanette Friesen, surrounded by community members, friends and other loved ones.
“It is especially meaningful to make this presentation with family members, veterans and many from the community here to share in this honor,” she began.
Friesen first began her presentation like she does time and time again, with the story of how the Quilt of Valor Foundation came to be.

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Hampton village board members agreed to hire a new full-time maintenance employee, tabled a decision on allowing a telecommunications company to install equipment on the water tower and discussed ways to address abandoned properties Monday during a busy monthly meeting.
Regarding personnel, the board has been discussing ways in recent months to help utility superintendent Tanner Jensen keep up with all the necessary maintenance work in town. A member of the community raised several concerns during the public comment period, prompting the board to move forward immediately with plans to hire a new full-time employee.

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A chilly Monday morning didn’t stop the communities that form High Plains from gathering to honor and celebrate veterans from all walks of life.
The public program was organized by music teacher Quentin Zeller and displayed the school’s support of servicemen and women through many different songs and instrumental performances. That included two solo songs, “We Shall Be Free” performed by Lexi Wostrel and “Thinking ‘bout You” in recognition of PTSD awareness sang by Bailey Urkoski.
“I just wanted to let you know that this is always a great day for us at our school to showcase our kids, but more importantly to honor veterans and current active-duty members of the military,” Principal Cameron Hudson said.

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The Aurora High School One-Act will be holding a public performance Monday, Nov. 18 at the middle school theatre, with a public, timed stage crew set-up at 6:45 p.m. and the performance at 7.
Tickets are $5 and are available from one-act cast and crew at the high school office or at the door.
The show, “The Infamous Soothing System of Professor Maillard,” adapted by Raleigh Marcell Jr. and based on Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, “The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether” gives the cast a chance to explore comedy with some dark humor.

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Serving in the United States military is a bit like Nebraska’s new state motto, according to Air Force SM Sgt. Jodi Jefferson. “It’s not for everyone.”
But for Jefferson, and scores of other men and women who are now or who have ever worn a military uniform, it is a noble and honorable calling to serve their nation. Jefferson shared her thoughts as a proud member of the Air Force as the keynote speaker during Monday’s Veteran’s Day program at Hampton Public School.
“For those who choose to serve, whether it be for two, four or 30 years, I guarantee that not one person would say they are worse off for serving,” Jefferson said.

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The High Plains Community School Board voted unanimously during Monday’s meeting to renew the co-op for softball with Osceola and Cross County.
“There are a number of girls that wouldn’t go out for other sports without softball,” Principal Cameron Hudson explained to the board. “We want a wide variety of experiences and opportunities for our students.”
The board discussed Supt. Brian Tonniges evaluation. Board president Kent Helgoth explained that all the questions about his performance were either excellent or performance meets expectation.

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I should have known this was coming and been better prepared.
My wonderful wife Justise has, since the day I met her, longed for the day she could own her first dog. As for me, I have enough trouble trying to feed myself. A dog isn’t necessary.
So to recap, my wife wants a dog more than anything and it was a big no from me. We compromised and we’ll be dog parents by Thanksgiving.
Marriage is great.
Compromise was again a wonderful thing when choosing a breed of our four-legged friend.
Justise wanted a corgi because, well, I still haven’t figured that out yet. Probably because of those internet influencers. I was hopeful for a big, beefy bulldog with a laughable underbite.
Again, we talked, compromised and we’re getting a corgi.
Glad I could have input.
Now that a puppy was picked out and the deposit thrown in, the most important part was on deck -- the name.
I got this.

Following an executive session to discuss the superintendent contract at Giltner’s regular monthly school board meeting Nov. 11, Supt. and 7-12 principal Stuart Lenz turned in a letter of resignation to the board.
Lenz will complete the 2019-20 school year and effectively leave his position in June. Lenz gave no reason for his resignation in his letter to the board.
Giltner board president Chris Waddle expressed his gratitude for Lenz’ efforts in his time at Giltner and also noted that the board will soon begin its search for a new superintendent.
“The board thanked Dr. Lenz for his service to our district,” Waddle mentioned. “We will begin the search for his successor in the near future.”
Lenz was initially hired for the GPS superintendent position starting for the 2017-18 school year.

Hawk alumni Jodi Jefferson was the guest speaker at a Veteran's Day program in Hampton, where local veterans shared shared details about their time in uniform.