Lt. Gov. Joe Kelly was one of several speakers during a press conference Thursday in Grand Island kicking off the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative in the Central Region. Pictured behind him from left are K.C. Belitz with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; CCC President Matt Gotschall; Nebraska Chamber President Brian Sloan; and Region 6 co-chair Dave Rippe. Not pictured is Region 6 co-chair Jim Ediger of Aurora.

As a member of the American Legion color guard, Robert ‘Bob’ Leach, folded and presented dozens of American flags to family members of deceased veterans. In May he joined the color guard again to present a flag to the family of fellow veteran and long-time friend Richard ‘Dick’ Grosshans.

Mike Semrad and the Nighthawks deliver tunes to Aurora’s downtown square. This is the band’s fourth time playing at Bands on the Bricks.

Aurora native and veteran Omaha broadcaster Vonn Jones speaks at the ceremony in which he was inducted into the Omaha Press Club Journalists of Excellence Hall of Fame on June 8.

The crew at Danish Oak in Hampton includes, from left: Grant Ferguson, Justin Kliewer, owners Jennifer and Dane Schafer, Shauna Pursley and Drake Schafer.

EMT captain Erin Ditloff goes waist deep in the training trailer to help firefighters train for a grain rescue scenario. Coffer dams were used to prevent grain from falling back as firefighters dig Ditloff and a training dummy out throughout the evening.

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Aurora 4R School Board news

Village of Hampton

Mason and Carter Howland have formed M&C Dawg Patrol and are dedicated to helping pet owners keep their yards free of pet waste all year around.