News

As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus spreads throughout the Central District, local community health leaders have shared their updates.

As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus spreads throughout the Central District, local community health leaders have shared their updates.

Insight shared on changing COVID status

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
As the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus spreads throughout the Central District, local community health leaders have shared their updates.  “Testing for COVID-19 at our Aurora clinic has seen a recent increase,” said Diane Keller, Memorial Community Health CEO.
This aerial view of the Streeter Subdivision in Aurora shows where 60 housing lots have been platted in an area now covered with soybeans. Streeter third and fourth additions are located toward the center portion of the photo, between Westfield Quality Care at far right and the 10-unit Streeter Second Subdivision at far left.

This aerial view of the Streeter Subdivision in Aurora shows where 60 housing lots have been platted in an area now covered with soybeans. Streeter third and fourth additions are located toward the center portion of the photo, between Westfield Quality Care at far right and the 10-unit Streeter Second Subdivision at far left.

City, AHDC take steps toward new housing subdivision

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
The Aurora City council approved the final plat last week for the fourth addition in the Streeter Subdivision, another potentially significant step forward in an effort to address a housing study’s recommendation that the community is in dire need of more townhomes and single-family dwellings.
Bill Whitney shared the journey of the Charles L. Whitney Education Center with visitors during Prairie Plains Resource Institutes’s open house on Saturday.

Bill Whitney shared the journey of the Charles L. Whitney Education Center with visitors during Prairie Plains Resource Institutes’s open house on Saturday.

PPRI unveils Charles L. Whitney Education Center

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
The grass was gently swaying Saturday while barn swallows playfully swooped around the restored barn at Gjerloff Prairie. More than 100 people stood outside as they were greeted by Bill Whitney, co-founder of Prairie Plains Resource Institute to the grand opening of the Charles L.
Dan Fitzgerald, center, was honored Friday during a retirement luncheon at BonnaVilla Homes, where he ended a 50-year career in the manufacturing industry. Pictured at left is Mike Morrow, the new plant manager in Aurora, and at right is DJ Eihusen, Chief Industries CEO.

Dan Fitzgerald, center, was honored Friday during a retirement luncheon at BonnaVilla Homes, where he ended a 50-year career in the manufacturing industry. Pictured at left is Mike Morrow, the new plant manager in Aurora, and at right is DJ Eihusen, Chief Industries CEO.

Fitzgerald retires as BonnaVilla plant manager

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for Dan Fitzgerald, who ended his 50-year career on the same day he started it, both falling on Friday the 13th.
A single-car rollover accident was reported just before noon on Aug. 10, leaving a pair of occupants with injuries and one in critical condition, according to law enforcement.

A single-car rollover accident was reported just before noon on Aug. 10, leaving a pair of occupants with injuries and one in critical condition, according to law enforcement.

Rollover leaves one in critical condition

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
Hamilton County Sheriffs officers were called to an accident on M Road just before noon Aug. 10 for a one-vehicle rollover accident.  Two teens, a brother and sister, were injured, one critical, in the rollover accident three miles southwest of Aurora, according to law enforcement.
Kim Staehr leads her kindergarten class in for the first day of school.

Kim Staehr leads her kindergarten class in for the first day of school.

School bells ring

Kurt Johnson
Thursday, August 12, 2021
Aurora kindergarten teacher Kim Staehr leads her kindergarten class into the building for the first day of school Thursday on a beautiful morning where the skies, eager students and teachers all shared a sunny disposition.
A former Sands family barn moved to the site in 2007 has been built into the edge of the Gjerloff Prairie and converted into the Charles L. Whitney Education Center.

A former Sands family barn moved to the site in 2007 has been built into the edge of the Gjerloff Prairie and converted into the Charles L. Whitney Education Center.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
PPRI’s new education center opens Saturday A facility envisioned decades ago which has been under construction since 2006 will officially open its doors Saturday with an open house celebration at the Charles L. Whitney Education Center west of Marquette.
Staff members from Aurora, Giltner, Hampton and Hampton Lutheran gathered for a luncheon Monday afternoon where they were served by a group of students from the four schools.

Staff members from Aurora, Giltner, Hampton and Hampton Lutheran gathered for a luncheon Monday afternoon where they were served by a group of students from the four schools.

Schools prepare for upcoming year with luncheon

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Teachers, administration and staff from Aurora, Giltner, Hampton and Hampton Lutheran gathered at the Plainsman Museum Monday afternoon for a celebration lunch to kick off the coming school year. Towards the end of the meal, Tina Larson, museum director shared words of thanks to those in attendance.
Westside Covenant Church hosted a National Night Out ice cream social last week, one of its main outreach ministry events.

Westside Covenant Church hosted a National Night Out ice cream social last week, one of its main outreach ministry events.

Name change at Westside Covenant Church part of broader mission

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
A century-old church in Aurora revised its name within the past year as part of a two-fold mission reflecting both physical and spiritual changes not only in the church itself, but in the world as a whole.
Giltner Hornets

Giltner Hornets

Citizens raise concerns with Giltner school

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Several Giltner residents made their voices heard during Monday’s monthly school board meeting.  A variety of topics were raised by concerned patrons, from the proposed state health standards to potential issues within the school and its board of education.