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This edition will be a keeper, so pick up your copy today!

This edition will be a keeper, so pick up your copy today!

ANR celebrates the USA!

News Staff
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
It's here! On news stands now is the Aurora News-Register's special salute to America at 250! The entire issue is a star-spangled celebration of our nation's 250th birthday and a look at what makes America great. Beginning right on the front page is a feature story entitled “Why I love America.
The Aurora fireworks display makes a triumphal return Thursday in celebration of America's 250th birthday

The Aurora fireworks display makes a triumphal return Thursday in celebration of America's 250th birthday

Aurora fireworks to return with a bang

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Fireworks will be returning to Aurora with a bang this year as the beloved Fourth of July event returns to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds on Thursday, July 2, with the show to begin at 10 p.m.The fireworks display was discontinued in 2024 due to the cost of organizing the event.
This year’s A’ROR’N Days parade featured patriotic floats. Representing Memorial Community Health on its float are from left: Kaiya Crabtree, Haidyn Scribner, Angelique Moore, Sam Sorensen and Colin Sorensen. See more A’ROR’N Days photos at auroranewsregister.com

This year’s A’ROR’N Days parade featured patriotic floats. Representing Memorial Community Health on its float are from left: Kaiya Crabtree, Haidyn Scribner, Angelique Moore, Sam Sorensen and Colin Sorensen. See more A’ROR’N Days photos at auroranewsregister.com

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Hometown pride shines

Staff Reports
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
As Aurora kicked off the local celebration of  America’s 250th birthday, the community had plenty of reasons to celebrate its own hometown tradition as well.
Plainsman 50th Anniversary Celebration committee members are excited to mark the museum’s history since it first opened on July 4, 1976.

Plainsman 50th Anniversary Celebration committee members are excited to mark the museum’s history since it first opened on July 4, 1976.

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Plainsman to host 50-year celebration

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The Plainsman Museum will be hosting its 50th anniversary celebration Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with the party beginning at 5 p.m.
This section of Highway 34 by the Aurora swimming pool will be the focus of a study to consider the concept and cost of building an undercrossing in conjunction with an NDOT highway improvement project planned for approximately 2030.

This section of Highway 34 by the Aurora swimming pool will be the focus of a study to consider the concept and cost of building an undercrossing in conjunction with an NDOT highway improvement project planned for approximately 2030.

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JEO study to explore underpass on Hwy 34

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The Aurora City Council initiated a design study last week to explore the possibility and cost of installing an undercrossing on Highway 34 near the swimming pool in the area of 12th and 13th streets.
A 30-40 minute fireworks display will conclude the July 3rd Celebration in Phillips

A 30-40 minute fireworks display will conclude the July 3rd Celebration in Phillips

Phillips to light up night sky July 3rd

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Anticipation is building for Phillips’s 7th annual July 3rd Celebration this Friday. Memorial Hall will be the rallying point for a variety of family activities starting at 6 p.m. which will lead up to the annual fireworks display after dark.
Caleb Arnett

Caleb Arnett

Insanity defense planned for Arnett

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
It appears the first degree murder trial of Caleb Arnett may not take place as scheduled in August following the recent filing of a motion by defense attorneys.
The original lodge building at CRC was replaced by this new one 12 years ago, which has given the facility more room for indoor activities on hot summer days. A rack with the campers’ lunch bags stands out front.

The original lodge building at CRC was replaced by this new one 12 years ago, which has given the facility more room for indoor activities on hot summer days. A rack with the campers’ lunch bags stands out front.

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CRC marks a half century of Christian ministry

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Years that end in the number 76 seem to be good ones for starting things that last. The year 1776 was, of course, the birth year of the United States of America, which has stood strong now for 250 years.
Volunteers carry food donations into the food pantry during last week's Can Care-A-Van

Volunteers carry food donations into the food pantry during last week's Can Care-A-Van

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Annual Can Care-A-Van drive exceeds collection goal

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The Hamilton County Food Pantry (HCFP) saw a strong turnout during the 39th annual Can Care-A-Van last Tuesday. After seven hours of volunteers collecting donations from local organizations and individuals, the food pantry had collected 24,502 pounds of non-perishable foods.
The Aurora City Council gave first reading approval last week to an ordinance that would lower the speed limit to 35 miles per hour on an expanded area along Highway 34 running through Aurora.

The Aurora City Council gave first reading approval last week to an ordinance that would lower the speed limit to 35 miles per hour on an expanded area along Highway 34 running through Aurora.

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Slow down advised on Highway 34

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
The Aurora City Council approved the first reading last week of an ordinance that would reduce the speed limit on portions of Highway 34 running through Aurora from 45 to 35 miles per hour, based on recommendations from the Nebraska Department of Transportation.