News

Noah Tripp, left, and Jared Snyder stand near drilling equipment as partners in their new Quality Underground LLC business.

Noah Tripp, left, and Jared Snyder stand near drilling equipment as partners in their new Quality Underground LLC business.

‘Fiber cowboys’ excited with launch of new business venture

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
Two young entrepreneurs who launched an excavating business last year in Aurora are reporting early success, touting themselves as “fiber cowboys” ready to work hard and go anywhere opportunity leads them.
From left, Soca Jukebox band members Jason Riley and Clay Johnston perform classic hits that connected with an audience of all ages.

From left, Soca Jukebox band members Jason Riley and Clay Johnston perform classic hits that connected with an audience of all ages.

Bands on the Bricks ends season on nostalgic note

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
The final night of Bands on the Bricks’ six-week run was met with high hopes and praise Friday evening in downtown Aurora.Audience members of every age made their way near the courthouse with lawnchairs in hand.
Aurora Huskies

Aurora Huskies

4R supt. projects tax decrease

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
While the Aurora school district’s budgeting process is several weeks from being finalized, Supt. Jody Phillips projected to his board and district patrons Monday that tax asking will go down for the coming fiscal year.
ANR

ANR

Educators gathering signatures to put LB 753 up for vote

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
A group of retired and current local educators say they support the concept of choice when it comes to sending your children to public or private schools, but they oppose a new state law focused on that topic and want to give voters a choice in the matter by putting the issue up to a vote in...
City leaders extended the city limits last week to include 12 lots, located in the top right portion of this photo extending from the street, which are now part of the Northridge Second Addition.

City leaders extended the city limits last week to include 12 lots, located in the top right portion of this photo extending from the street, which are now part of the Northridge Second Addition.

City annexes Northridge 2nd Addition

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
The Aurora City Council voted to extend the city limits during a brief meeting last week, approving the third and final reading of an ordinance that authorizes annexation of 12 large lots in the Northridge Second Subdivision.
Pictured are new Aurora teachers on the first official day to report for duty.

Pictured are new Aurora teachers on the first official day to report for duty.

New Aurora teachers

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
 Pictured on the first day of preparation for Aurora teachers are new members of the staff, including, from left:  Jarrett Havens (middle school -- 8th grade science), Leah Solko (middle school -- 7th grade reading), Jamie Mullarkey (elementary -- 4th grade), Miranda Hohm (elementary music), Kylee...
Erin Akerson gives a teary embrace to her daughter, Millie, while father Steve looks on.

Erin Akerson gives a teary embrace to her daughter, Millie, while father Steve looks on.

Welcome to kindergarten

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, August 15, 2023
There were smiles as well as tears Monday morning as parents dropped off their children for the first day of elementary school in Aurora. Pictured above, Erin Akerson gives a teary embrace to her daughter, Millie, while father Steve looks on.
An aerial view of the Aurora Development Corporation's Mission Critical site south of Aurora on Highway 14.

An aerial view of the Aurora Development Corporation's Mission Critical site south of Aurora on Highway 14.

ADC plans groundbreaking at Mission Critical site

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Golden shovels will break the dirt Friday at a 135-acre site on Highway 14 south of Aurora which local officials say represents a significant milestone in the growth of Aurora and greater Hamilton County.
Phillips Memorial Hall

Phillips Memorial Hall

Sale of Phillips hall off again

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
The sale of the Phillips Memorial Hall property from the village to the Phillips Community Foundation approved by the Village Board in a nearly three-hour meeting in July has been canceled, at least temporarily.
Dave Vettel, left, a co-owner of International Workforce Services, works with Tom Dibbern during a behind-the-wheel portion of the new bus driver training program. Dibbern was the first candidate to be trained in the program.

Dave Vettel, left, a co-owner of International Workforce Services, works with Tom Dibbern during a behind-the-wheel portion of the new bus driver training program. Dibbern was the first candidate to be trained in the program.

IWS working to fill niche with driver training services

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
An Aurora-based business which offers hands-on training for truck drivers has expanded its focus from international candidates to would-be drivers here in Nebraska, starting its broader mission by training local bus drivers to fill a pressing need within the Aurora 4R School District.