News

The Hamilton County Fairgrounds will be transformed with the debut of the first annual “Scare at the Fair” Haunted Fairgrounds event.

The Hamilton County Fairgrounds will be transformed with the debut of the first annual “Scare at the Fair” Haunted Fairgrounds event.

Haunted fairgrounds to make dreadful debut

The Hamilton County Fairgrounds will be transformed with the debut of the first annual “Scare at the Fair” Haunted Fairgrounds event.
Jason Friesen, owner of Friesen Ford in Aurora, stands on the cement foundation where a new parts distribution warehouse will be built to the north of the dealership. He hopes the facility will be completed “before the snow flies.”

Jason Friesen, owner of Friesen Ford in Aurora, stands on the cement foundation where a new parts distribution warehouse will be built to the north of the dealership. He hopes the facility will be completed “before the snow flies.”

Friesen Ford expanding parts operation

The foundation is poured and a new structure will go vertical soon at the Friesen Ford dealership near Aurora’s I-80 interchange, paving the way for an expanded parts distribution operation. Owner Jason Friesen reported this week that the 12,000 sq. ft.
With the CDC community transmission level currently showing as yellow, MCHI’s staff, including clinic lab staff Arianna Harvey (left) and Morgan Sutter, are not required to wear a mask within the facility unless certain circumstances exist or while performing any tests that may normally require them to wear a mask.

With the CDC community transmission level currently showing as yellow, MCHI’s staff, including clinic lab staff Arianna Harvey (left) and Morgan Sutter, are not required to wear a mask within the facility unless certain circumstances exist or while performing any tests that may normally require them to wear a mask.

MCHI takes masks off

Memorial Community Health, Inc. administrators gave two big announcements this week in the fight against COVID-19.  First, healthcare providers and visitors at MCHI have the choice to go maskless since Oct. 3 after 2-1/2 years of a mask mandate.
Courtesy Photo Chad Rykhoek poses with Shaun Williams at the book signing event at Susan’s Books and Gifts on Oct. 12. Rykhoek stated he hopes his story is inspiring to young athletes.

Courtesy Photo Chad Rykhoek poses with Shaun Williams at the book signing event at Susan’s Books and Gifts on Oct. 12. Rykhoek stated he hopes his story is inspiring to young athletes.

Play writing: authors sign books at Susan’s

Former college basketball player Chad Rykhoek was at Susan’s Books and Gifts in Aurora last week signing copies of his 2019 book “College Basketball: A Player’s Perspective” along with co-author, mother Teri (Lee) Crisco.
Liam Faller was all smiles showing off his National Pedal Pull Championships medal in South Dakota this September. He said he had a good time.

Liam Faller was all smiles showing off his National Pedal Pull Championships medal in South Dakota this September. He said he had a good time.

Liam Faller competes in national tractor pull

Young Hampton native Liam Faller has had quite the success in the pedal tractor pull world as of late. What started as a fun thing to do during Hampton Booster Days over the summer grew into a state competition and then nationals in September.
Hampton Fire Cheif Dane Schafer credited area farmers, who showed up in force to disc the burning field, as being a crucial part of the fire-fighting effort Thursday.

Hampton Fire Cheif Dane Schafer credited area farmers, who showed up in force to disc the burning field, as being a crucial part of the fire-fighting effort Thursday.

Teamwork bests field fire south of Aurora

More than a handful of “red flag” fire weather warnings and watches have been enacted over the past week in and around Hamilton County.  These warnings, according to information released by the National Weather Service Hastings office, were issued due to low relative humidity and high winds.
King Jack Allen and queen Emma Bullerman.

King Jack Allen and queen Emma Bullerman.

Husky royalty

Jack Allen, Emma Bullerman crowed homecoming king and queen during halftime of Aurora's win over Fairbury.
Kelsey Mersch’s family helped her construct the final form of her 4-H playground project at Pioneer Trails outside of Aurora. Mersch is excited that the equipment will provide entertainment for children now and in the future.

Kelsey Mersch’s family helped her construct the final form of her 4-H playground project at Pioneer Trails outside of Aurora. Mersch is excited that the equipment will provide entertainment for children now and in the future.

This week's top stories

Local 4-Her brings playground to Pioneer Trails Local 4-Her Kelsey Mersch has taken her dedication for community and love for 4-H over the past 10 years and transformed it into something special for generations to come.
Early voting kicked off Tuesday, with local residents invited to apply for an early voting ballot leading up to the Nov. 8 general election. 

Early voting kicked off Tuesday, with local residents invited to apply for an early voting ballot leading up to the Nov. 8 general election. 

Early voting begins

Early voting kicked off Tuesday, with local residents invited to apply for an early voting ballot leading up to the Nov. 8 general election.  Mail-in ballots will be sent out Oct. 19, according to Jill DeMers, county clerk and election commissioner.  On election day Nov.