‘Here we grow’

“Here we grow, Hamilton County.”
That phrase may sound to some like a marketing tagline, or perhaps real-time commentary on a corn crop that is looking like a bin-buster at this stage of the game in late July. Both descriptions reflect a kernel of truth, but there is another concept worth considering.
Despite the real and concerning economic challenges of our time across the state and nation, there is in fact a whole lot of growth unfolding throughout the county in 2024, with seeds planted promising even more in the years ahead. The News-Register has been documenting some of those developments one story at a time, but when you step back at look at what in some cases are unrelated projects you’ll notice a recurring theme. It’s called progress!
You don’t have to look hard to see growth in local business and industry, growth in local housing developments, as well as growth in opportunity for long-time local residents and newcomers alike. It’s noteworthy, and newsworthy, to be sure.

It’s been many years since the News-Register staff published a “Progress Edition,” but such significant signs of growth and positive change convinced us that the time is right. 

The list of stories we deemed worth a closer look included: 

* a detailed review of the history and recent development of the 135-acre Mission Critical site, where three businesses have firmly planted their flags and shovel-ready sites have opened the door for more;
* recapping business investments along Highway 34, where traffic and visibility have created an economic growth corridor;
* an inside look at a housing initiative, boosted by $3.5 million worth of state grants and local matching funds, which has Aurora primed for rapid growth;
* tracing more than 30 years worth of remarkable evolution in the ethanol industry and massive investment in the facilities on the west edge of Aurora; 
* exploring recent efforts by Tallgrass to blaze a new trail with a CO2 capturing facility in the county;
* talking to locals in Hampton about the secret of their recent success involving business and housing development projects;
* sharing insight from Giltner folks on how locals are working together to help the community grow;
* a summary look at the rapid housing growth in Phillips, as well as the successful re-debut of Winchesters Saloon;
* a candid conversation with movers and shakers in Hordville who are staying flexible with properties available for local business development;
* and finally, a unique approach by a visionary local company to address a national workforce shortage by building a bridge from Central Nebraska to Kenya.
Hoping to reflect the tone of the stories you’ll read in this special edition, we raised the bar on the product itself with a higher grade of paper and full-color reproduction throughout. That’s a not-so-subtle message that this content is worth your time and attention. It’s not a quick read.
We hope you enjoy our stories and photos in this special edition and gain a better perspective of some of the positive things happening at this moment in time.
Here we grow, Hamilton County -- Indeed!
— Kurt Johnson