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The caption below this original photo reads ‘A.J. McConaughey and family first custodian of the Hamilton County Poor Farm, Section 22, Orville Precinct 1884-1892.’ Those pictured are, from left: B. E. McConaughey, A. J. McConaughey, May (Mrs. May Fowler) McConaughey, Mrs. A. J. (Drussila) McConaughey and Ora T. McConaughey. Mr. James Bird is in the wagon on the left.

The caption below this original photo reads ‘A.J. McConaughey and family first custodian of the Hamilton County Poor Farm, Section 22, Orville Precinct 1884-1892.’ Those pictured are, from left: B. E. McConaughey, A. J. McConaughey, May (Mrs. May Fowler) McConaughey, Mrs. A. J. (Drussila) McConaughey and Ora T. McConaughey. Mr. James Bird is in the wagon on the left.

Documents at Plainsman paint picture of County Poor Farm

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Another Hamilton County historical location has a plethora of information on file at the Plainsman Museum, and though it may not physically exist anymore, is remembered in writing by pioneers of the past.
Roger Scott’s last day on the job at BonnaVilla Homes will be Friday, ending a 45-year career with the Aurora-based manufactured housing company.

Roger Scott’s last day on the job at BonnaVilla Homes will be Friday, ending a 45-year career with the Aurora-based manufactured housing company.

Roger Scott sees massive change during 45-year career

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
The product rolling off the line at BonnaVilla Homes looks nothing like it did when Roger Scott first came on the job.
Sue and Wayne Deininger stand by the 1958 Buick Special which Sue was given by her parents and drove years ago while in high school.

Sue and Wayne Deininger stand by the 1958 Buick Special which Sue was given by her parents and drove years ago while in high school.

Her high school wheels ride again

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
Getting your first car is every teenager’s dream, but when Sue Deininger saw her father Tony pull into the yard years ago with a 1958 Buick Special, she was anything but excited to see a larger, older vehicle.
Alicia Epp gives lessons on how to hold and aim a bow and arrow to a group of attentive listeners.

Alicia Epp gives lessons on how to hold and aim a bow and arrow to a group of attentive listeners.

Edgerton afterschool program sees outdoor adventure

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
The Edgerton Explorit Center’s Afterschool Program took a field trip last week, inviting young participants to try their hand at hatchet throwing and archery. Students traveled to Camp Cosmopolitan in Grand Island, where they were shown how to safely throw hatchets and shoot arrows at targets.
High Plains Community Schools

High Plains Community Schools

HPC cheerleaders to host first annual Show and Shine Car Show

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
The High Plains Community School’s (HPC) cheerleaders will be hosting their first annual Show and Shine Car Show on Oct. 11 from 12-4 p.m. in Polk. “We’re having cars and trucks coming in and they will be parking out here in the grass and the gravel,” Coach Anna Combs said.
Enrollment numbers across the county have been updated for the 2020-21 school year.

Enrollment numbers across the county have been updated for the 2020-21 school year.

Area schools post enrollment

News Staff
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
One month into the new school year enrollment totals are in with the four area districts reporting a combined decrease of 69 students. Hampton Public Schools reported the only increase, up 11 students, with Aurora, Giltner and High Plains Community Schools dropping by a combined 80 students.
The vehicle was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived.

The vehicle was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived.

Car fire at Pioneer Trails

News Staff
Friday, October 2, 2020
A car caught fire around 4 p.m. at Pioneer Trails, north of Aurora. The vehicle was located on the east side of the park near the boat ramp. The Aurora Fire Department responded to the call. More information will be available at a later time. 
The fire caused no damage.

The fire caused no damage.

Small fire Tuesday morning causes no damage

Jeni Obermier
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
According to Aurora Fire Chief Tom Cox the Aurora Fire Department was dispatched at 6:42 a.m. Tuesday morning to the Aurora Wash House on Highway 34 for a trash can on fire. Contents inside a small trash can had ignited, but was quickly extinguished causing smoke, but very little to no damage.
Members of the Heartland United Way Hamilton County Committee pictured at Saturday’s kickoff event include, from left: Laurie Pfeifer, Bridgett Svoboda, Jayne Smith, Tricia Grafton, UW staff member Tiffany Schrunk, and Kurt Johnson.

Members of the Heartland United Way Hamilton County Committee pictured at Saturday’s kickoff event include, from left: Laurie Pfeifer, Bridgett Svoboda, Jayne Smith, Tricia Grafton, UW staff member Tiffany Schrunk, and Kurt Johnson.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
United Way kicks off 2020 campaign, raises awareness The Heartland United Way kicked off its 2020 campaign in Hamilton County Saturday, offering words of encouragement to young flag football players and their families while also sharing information on how local UW donations benefit local people in...
Garrett and Vicki Hill showcase the new facilities at FUeL, which stands for Function Under exertion Lab. The new facility is located at 207 S 16th St., Suite B.

Garrett and Vicki Hill showcase the new facilities at FUeL, which stands for Function Under exertion Lab. The new facility is located at 207 S 16th St., Suite B.

FUeL venture offers new twist on fitness, health

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Garrett Hill brings a passion for family, country and fitness to a new FUeL business in Aurora which will open its doors next week.