News

The 149th Hamilton County Fair is set to highlight the fairgrounds in Aurora July 27 through Aug. 2 -- despite it looking quite a bit different than it has in years past.
Many events have been moved to accommodate for social distancing and to keep exhibitors, judges and volunteers safe.

Read more in this week's print or e-editions.

Local residents wanting to get tested to see if they have contracted the coronavirus can now do so in Aurora as part of the TestNebraska program.
The Central Nebraska Health Department announced last week that tests are being conducted Mondays and Friday mornings in Grand Island and on Wednesdays in Aurora from 2 to 4 p.m. The Aurora test site was made possible due to a contract with Memorial Community Health, which will provide trained staff members to facilitate the tests.
“We’ll be the ones that do the nasal swab for people as they drive through,” explained Diane Keller, MCHI’s CEO. “We’ll take the swab test, put it in the test tube and get it bagged. Our staff is well trained since we’re used to doing that.”
The Aurora test site will be at East Park Villa this week and again July 29 from 2-4 p.m. Keller reported that the contract for weekly testing runs through the end of October, though the testing site may be moved in the future.

Hampton seniors were honored one last time with a graduation ceremony open to the community Saturday afternoon. Pictured here during the always emotional flower presentation are Colby Nissen and his mother, Amy. Click the link below to view a video highlight feature.

Graduation

Aurora Fire Chief Tom Cox agrees that although the roster number at the Aurora Fire Department has stayed relatively the same in recent years the department still needs more volunteers -- especially those readily available to respond.

The Hampton Public School Board discussed several issues Monday related to safety precautions that will be required to start the school year Aug. 12, ultimately realizing that it’s too soon to set policies and schedules in stone due to the rapidly changing status of the COVID pandemic.
“Our plan is not finalized because it’s going to change again,” Supt. Holly Herzberg advised the board during its regular July meeting.

Read more in this week's print or e-editions.

During Monday’s High Plains Community School’s Board meeting the co-op committee presented information gained from a meeting with Osceola school officials.
The board has been in talks with Osceola in regards to a possible athletic co-op for both high school and junior high students.
“The discussion of all high school activities there and junior high here was part of their survey,” reported Jamie Gustafson, board secretary. “We talked about a partnership, not being absorbed by anyone.”

Read more in this week's print or e-editions.

The High Plains Board of Education met in Clarks Monday to discuss the upcoming school year amid the uncertainty of the coronavirus.
Board members and administrators looked at a number of options for resolutions that could be accepted for the 2020/21 academic year.
“We have a blueprint for a tiered approach if in green, yellow or red,” Supt. Brian Tonniges explained. “The committee that was put together consists of an array of all staff members. We’ve gone through the protocol and called the local health departments to get feedback and answer questions.”

Read more in this week's print or e-editions.

Giltner’s board of education approved several aspects of its return to school policy during Monday’s regular meeting.
Several of those bullet points revolved around the wearing of masks and face coverings. It was voted on and approved that no student or faculty member within the school would be required to wear one, though it would be strongly encouraged.
As with most things during the current state of affairs, Giltner Supt. Nick Mumm pointed out that the plans of reopening are subject to change as things develop throughout the year.

Read more in this week's print or e-editions.

With the return to school quickly approaching July’s 4R School Board meeting held eventful decisions, a welcome to a new principal and superintendent and an update on what plans could look like in the face of the current coronavirus pandemic.
“First and foremost, I do want to give credit to our administrative staff,” Supt. Jody Phillips began. “I called them in on July 3, which is supposed to be a national holiday, and we sat here for about 4-1/2 hours and really hashed out all the details.

Read more in this week's print or e-editions.

Twenty-four hours, 137 nonprofits and “a million gifts for the world we want to make.” These words signaled the start of the Heartland United Way’s annual Go Big Give fundraiser during which Hall, Hamilton, Howard and Merrick county residents rallied together to give 5,025 donations totaling $1,007,671. Read more in this week's print or e-editions.