News

Edgerton Executive Director Mary Molliconi and Central Community College President Matt Gotchall announced a new partnership Friday involving a trades program named in honor of the late Ken Wortman.

Edgerton Executive Director Mary Molliconi and Central Community College President Matt Gotchall announced a new partnership Friday involving a trades program named in honor of the late Ken Wortman.

Edgerton, CCC join forces with new Trades on the Move program

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
In the midst of Friday’s 30th anniversary celebration and fundraiser, the Edgerton Explorit Center announced a new educational initiative designed to support the trades sector.Matt Gotchall, president of Grand Island-based Central Community College explained that two years ago Gov.
Ford Tough Benefit donations will go to help pay medical expenses of Ford Ekhoff as he continues his recovery from a gun accident that took place on Oct. 8.

Ford Tough Benefit donations will go to help pay medical expenses of Ford Ekhoff as he continues his recovery from a gun accident that took place on Oct. 8.

Ford Tough Benefit to commence Saturday

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The Ford Ekhoff ‘Ford Tough’ Benefit will take place inside the Commercial Building at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds Saturday from 4 to 10 p.m.Organized by co-event organizers, Sara Umstead and Jeff Gravert, donations will go towards helping Ekhoff as he makes progress in his rehabilitation.
Deb Miller, left, holds one of the Edgerton’s winged friends as she explains a raptor experience being auctioned off. At right is Mary Molliconi.

Deb Miller, left, holds one of the Edgerton’s winged friends as she explains a raptor experience being auctioned off. At right is Mary Molliconi.

Edgerton marks 30 years of discovery

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The Edgerton Explorit Center celebrated its 30th anniversary Friday with a Christmas-themed gala that raised more than $125,000 in a festive community fundraiser while also announcing the launch of a new Trades on the Move initiative.
The Aurora School District has received a 'Great' score in the latest assessments from the state Dept. of Education

The Aurora School District has received a 'Great' score in the latest assessments from the state Dept. of Education

Aurora schools earn ‘great’ report card

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The results of the state’s AQUeSTT academic rankings were reviewed at Monday’s Aurora School Board meeting, with the elementary, middle school and high school all receiving “great” listings, earning the district a “great” report card overall.
Gavin Rush played offensive guard for the Wyoming Pokes before becoming an intern and later full-time assistant sports performance coach for UW for three years.Rush lives in Charlottesville, Va., with his wife, Rehn, whom he met at the University of Wyoming.

Gavin Rush played offensive guard for the Wyoming Pokes before becoming an intern and later full-time assistant sports performance coach for UW for three years.Rush lives in Charlottesville, Va., with his wife, Rehn, whom he met at the University of Wyoming.

Feeling the Rush for the game

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
There were many hurdles Aurora grad Gavin Rush tackled during his football career at Aurora and the University of Wyoming that he has now channeled towards his role as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Virginia Cavaliers.
Aurora firefighters battle a garage fire early Monday morning at 409 14th Street in Aurora.

Aurora firefighters battle a garage fire early Monday morning at 409 14th Street in Aurora.

Early morning fire destroys garage, vehicles

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
An overnight fire destroyed an Aurora detached garage and the two vehicles parked inside on Monday. Aurora Fire Chief Tom Cox says the 911 call came in from the owner of the home at 409 14th Street near Refshauge Park at 1:45 a.m. Monday morning.
When Glenn Obermeier (right) bagged this year’s pheasant for the Upland Slam, he was hunting with his son-in-law and grandson, Ross and Graydon Golden from Florida. Many out-of-state hunters have completed the Upland Slam since its inception in 2018.

When Glenn Obermeier (right) bagged this year’s pheasant for the Upland Slam, he was hunting with his son-in-law and grandson, Ross and Graydon Golden from Florida. Many out-of-state hunters have completed the Upland Slam since its inception in 2018.

Hitting the ‘grand slam’ of NE upland game birds

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
In baseball a “grand slam” refers to a home run hit in which all the bases are loaded leading to four runs total. Here in Nebraska an “Upland Slam” is when a hunter bags birds from four upland species in one hunting season.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

County delays decision on official pay

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners spent more than half an hour again this week discussing a resolution that would raise elected officials’ salaries over the next four years, but decided in the end to again table the matter until the Dec. 22 meeting.
Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora board extends Phillips’ contract

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The Aurora School Board voted Monday to extend the contract of Supt. Jody Phillips through the 2027-28 school year after giving him a unanimously positive performance review.
Wagon rides around the downtown square were part of Saturday’s Come Home to Christmas celebration.

Wagon rides around the downtown square were part of Saturday’s Come Home to Christmas celebration.

Lights, action, Aurora Christmas parade!

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The second attempt at holding the Come Home to Christmas lighted tractor, 4-wheeler and golf cart parade and lighting ceremony was deemed a success by organizers on Saturday.