Mellie Petersen (right) was first to grab the cup before her opponent Lillie Land to survive elimination and advance to the next round.

Jeffrey Ross has written 13 books during his decade-long career as an author. His latest book, “Voices from the Small Stage”, documents the experiences of musicians from Hamilton County and elsewhere who dreamed of making it big in the music scene.

Village of Hampton

Andrew and Taylor Willis stand outside their Diamond J location on Grant Street in Aurora, after announcing that their company has been acquired by Hastings-based Cooperative Producers, Inc. The company is now operating as Diamond J Custom Services, powered by CPI.

Second-year teacher Kelsey Schulte, center, helped her FFA students host their first Giltner FFA Fun Run on Saturday, Aug. 10. Pictured from left are Giltner FFA officers Karly Eastman, Kailyn Wilson, Tanner Schelkopf, Schulte, Peyton Schutt, Avery Reeson and Gracie Kreutz.

Giltner Public Schools

Melissa Widner holds her daughter, Bailey, during Friday’s half-time PCAN presentation. Bailey is now in remission, a year after the family received proceeds from the Aurora PCAN donation night in the midst of her battle against cancer.

ANR will feature profiles of candidates in five competitive races starting next week.