News

Two bison inspect the hay feeding station at the ranch north of Hordville. Kendra Hudson, whose grandfather Arlo Stevens founded the ranch, recalled feeding the bison with five-gallon feed buckets at an early age.

Two bison inspect the hay feeding station at the ranch north of Hordville. Kendra Hudson, whose grandfather Arlo Stevens founded the ranch, recalled feeding the bison with five-gallon feed buckets at an early age.

Couple processes bison meat near Hordville

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
For the past few years, Jace and Kendra Hudson have been bringing the massive beasts of the prairie right to the plate of Nebraska consumers and beyond.
It’s musical year in Aurora and after much suspense, Aurora High School vocal music teacher Jason Frew has released the news everyone (mermaid or not) has been waiting for. 

It’s musical year in Aurora and after much suspense, Aurora High School vocal music teacher Jason Frew has released the news everyone (mermaid or not) has been waiting for. 

Aurora musical set to take audience ‘under the sea’

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
It’s musical year in Aurora and after much suspense, Aurora High School vocal music teacher Jason Frew has released the news everyone (mermaid or not) has been waiting for.  Somewhere, under the sea, “The Little Mermaid” fans are screaming.
A Marquette firefighter uses a hose from a fire truck to put out flames in a ditch fire along Highway 14 Tuesday morning. Marquette firefighters also responded to a fire at a barn on North S Road Friday.

A Marquette firefighter uses a hose from a fire truck to put out flames in a ditch fire along Highway 14 Tuesday morning. Marquette firefighters also responded to a fire at a barn on North S Road Friday.

Fire departments kept busy this week

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
The Aurora Volunteer Fire Department responded to two fires caused by owners who had burn permits having embers from piles sparking out-of-control fires on Friday afternoon.
It has been clear over the last few years that Tooley Park, located in rural Marquette, is important to many members of the Hamilton County community. 

It has been clear over the last few years that Tooley Park, located in rural Marquette, is important to many members of the Hamilton County community. 

Project approved for Tooley Park

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
It has been clear over the last few years that Tooley Park, located in rural Marquette, is important to many members of the Hamilton County community.
Jay Phelps speaks in 2019 at ReactiveConf in Prague. Phelps has help found two businesses still in operation, and worked throughout the tech world without a college degree.

Jay Phelps speaks in 2019 at ReactiveConf in Prague. Phelps has help found two businesses still in operation, and worked throughout the tech world without a college degree.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Following a different tune: A career from music to technology Jay (Justin) Phelps attended Aurora High School until his last semester and has since gone on his own learning journey outside of college, working his way through the technology world from Silicon Valley and beyond.
Hamilton County Sheriff Jeromy McCoy escorts murder suspect Jeffrey Adams into county court Tuesday morning.

Hamilton County Sheriff Jeromy McCoy escorts murder suspect Jeffrey Adams into county court Tuesday morning.

Local murder suspect to face prelim March 21

News Staff
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Tuesday morning saw the Hamilton County Courthouse play host to its first murder case since 1989.  Escorted by law enforcement, suspect Jeffrey Adams entered the Hamilton County Court courtroom and was met by a full house.
The ethanol plant on Aurora’s western edge is under new ownership as of last week, with the Aurora Cooperative selling majority interest in the plant to Kearney-based KAAPA Ethanol Holdings.

The ethanol plant on Aurora’s western edge is under new ownership as of last week, with the Aurora Cooperative selling majority interest in the plant to Kearney-based KAAPA Ethanol Holdings.

Ethanol plant owned by new company

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
KAAPA Ethanol Holdings, LLC (“KAAPA”) and Aurora Cooperative Elevator Company announced Thursday that the parties have closed on a joint venture, forming a new company to be known as KAAPA Partners Aurora, LLC.
Shirley Barnell at her home in Aurora next to her piano and deck. Barnell lives in the same home as when she moved to the area in 1950.

Shirley Barnell at her home in Aurora next to her piano and deck. Barnell lives in the same home as when she moved to the area in 1950.

Living her life in service of others, Barnell turns 95

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Shirley (Grosshans) Barnell turns 95 on March 5, having been born in Stockham back in 1928. Her long life has been filled with many twists and a drive to participate and give back to her community.
Joining the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners for Monday’s meeting was South Central Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Hueftle.

Joining the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners for Monday’s meeting was South Central Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Hueftle.

ISSI’s $1 million contract approved

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Joining the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners for Monday’s meeting was South Central Economic Development Executive Director Sharon Hueftle. Hueftle was on hand to push a current project and $1 million Community Development Block Grant by International Sensor Systems (ISSI) in Aurora.