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Carly Noack takes the oath as she is sworn in as Hamilton County clerk magistrate by Judge Lynelle D. Homolka Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 13.

Carly Noack takes the oath as she is sworn in as Hamilton County clerk magistrate by Judge Lynelle D. Homolka Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 13.

Noack sworn in as clerk magistrate

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Approximately 20 associates and family members gathered in a Hamilton County courtroom Sept. 13 to witness the swearing in of newly appointed Clerk Magistrate Carly Noack.  The oath of office was administered by Judge Lynelle D. Homolka with Noack’s peers and family in attendance.
Aurora City Hall

Aurora City Hall

City council OKs fiscal budget

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
The Aurora City Council signed off on the 2023-24 fiscal year budget last week, approving a $62,000 increase in tax asking and a 2 percent increase in the tax levy.
The Hamilton County Commission has approved a two-year interlocal agreement with the Village of Marquette for law enforcemnt.

The Hamilton County Commission has approved a two-year interlocal agreement with the Village of Marquette for law enforcemnt.

County inks Marquette sheriff interlocal pact

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Under an interlocal agreement approved by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Sept. 11, the Village of Marquette will receive 10 hours of patrol time by sheriff’s deputies each month beginning Oct. 1.
Nebraska Commissioner of Education, Brian Maher, left, presents Aurora Middle School teacher Scott Phillips with the 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year award on Wednesday morning.

Nebraska Commissioner of Education, Brian Maher, left, presents Aurora Middle School teacher Scott Phillips with the 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year award on Wednesday morning.

Aurora's Scott Phillips named 2024 Nebraska Teacher of the Year

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
Scott Phillips was teaching his 7th Grade math class at Aurora Middle School at about 9:30 Wednesday morning when suddenly the door opened and a flood of TV and print reporters, school officials and Phillips' own family members poured into the classroom.
Musical artist Myles Jasnowski performs outside the courthouse during Art Walk Aurora Sunday afternoon.

Musical artist Myles Jasnowski performs outside the courthouse during Art Walk Aurora Sunday afternoon.

Art Walk marks 10th anniversary

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, September 20, 2023
A splash of fall color made its way early at the Hamilton County Courthouse lawn Sunday as artists presented their artwork for the 10th annual Aurora Art Walk. Since 2014, Art Walk has been a fall event that helps promote the arts within the community.
Zion Lutheran Church near Hampton will celebrate its 150th anniversary Sunday.

Zion Lutheran Church near Hampton will celebrate its 150th anniversary Sunday.

Zion Lutheran celebrates 150 years

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
When German Lutheran immigrants were homesteading in eastern Hamilton County in the late 1860s, they knew they needed two things — a place to worship and a place to educate their children.
The 4R School Board passed the FY 2023/24 budget on Monday night

The 4R School Board passed the FY 2023/24 budget on Monday night

4R budget drops levy, tax asking

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
The Aurora 4R School Board approved a $15.26 million budget for fiscal year 2023-24 Monday, which due to a $1.7 million increase in state aid and other factors will result in an estimated 8 percent decrease for local taxpayers.Supt.
Barbie and Clint Mickey with their sons Creighton and Corbin and friend Emerson Myers discuss the process of wood carving with spoon carver Alex Brechbill on Sunday in the newly renovated Wesley Huenefeld Agricultural Museum during Day on the Farm on Sunday.

Barbie and Clint Mickey with their sons Creighton and Corbin and friend Emerson Myers discuss the process of wood carving with spoon carver Alex Brechbill on Sunday in the newly renovated Wesley Huenefeld Agricultural Museum during Day on the Farm on Sunday.

Day on Farm wet but well-attended

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
Although much-needed rain showers brought dampness to the activities at the Plainsman Museum’s biennial Day on the Farm Sunday afternoon, it didn’t dampen the attitude of the dozens of people in attendance.
Sara Brown runs in The Blade 5K using her state-of-the-art running blade.

Sara Brown runs in The Blade 5K using her state-of-the-art running blade.

Sara Brown’s world turned upside down

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
“It literally just turned our lives upside down in a matter of minutes!”Sara Brown of Aurora is talking about the February, 2008 car accident in western Nebraska that left her with a shattered right leg which eventually resulted in having her leg amputated below the knee 12 years later.
NDE Commissioner Brian Maher addresses the Aurora teaching staff last week during a three-day visit here, which included a Friday board meeting at The Leadership Center.

NDE Commissioner Brian Maher addresses the Aurora teaching staff last week during a three-day visit here, which included a Friday board meeting at The Leadership Center.

State Board of Education, new commissioner visit local schools

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
The Nebraska State Board of Education and staff spent three days in Aurora last week, culminating Friday with the first public board meeting to be conducted in outstate Nebraska under newly-hired commissioner Brian Maher.