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Linda Ross-Happy said her husband Gary Happy, to whom she was married for more than 30 years, was one of the biggest supporters of her musical endeavors.

Linda Ross-Happy said her husband Gary Happy, to whom she was married for more than 30 years, was one of the biggest supporters of her musical endeavors.

Key change: Ross-Happy transitions from teaching to writing

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
After 30 years of teaching as a professor of music at Missouri State University in Kansas City, Aurora High School grad Linda Ross-Happy has turned the page to a new career as a writer.Last year, Ross-Happy published her first book, “Keys to Faster Learning.
Work continues on residing and reroofing the Cornwell Building on the square

Work continues on residing and reroofing the Cornwell Building on the square

Progress on downtown project

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Construction crews worked hard last week to install a new roof and north wall on the Cornwell building, located on the east side of the downtown square. The wall and roof had been damaged during demolition of the adjacent Gambles building in August.
Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War visited the Hampton Cemetary to recognize the legacy of the late Civil War veteran Clinton B. Condon.

Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War visited the Hampton Cemetary to recognize the legacy of the late Civil War veteran Clinton B. Condon.

Group honors county’s last Union Civil War vet

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
It was a clear, warm Saturday afternoon on Sept. 27, when 12 members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) conducted a ceremony dedicating a plaque on the grave of Pvt. Clinton B. Condon at Hampton Cemetery.
Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War visited the Hampton Cemetary to recognize the legacy of the late Civil War veteran Clinton B. Condon.

Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War visited the Hampton Cemetary to recognize the legacy of the late Civil War veteran Clinton B. Condon.

This week's featured stories

News Staff
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
It was a clear, warm Saturday afternoon on Sept. 27, when 12 members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) conducted a ceremony dedicating a plaque on the grave of Pvt. Clinton B. Condon at Hampton Cemetery.
Randy Sabata proudly stands by “Miss Vicky,” a 1933 Ford Vicky which was sort of a retirement gift to himself. Sabata was honored for his 45-year career with the Nebraska Department of Roads/Transportation by more than 100 family, friends and colleagues during a reception Sept. 24.

Randy Sabata proudly stands by “Miss Vicky,” a 1933 Ford Vicky which was sort of a retirement gift to himself. Sabata was honored for his 45-year career with the Nebraska Department of Roads/Transportation by more than 100 family, friends and colleagues during a reception Sept. 24.

End of the road: Sabata retires from NDOT

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Randy Sabata put a lot of miles on the road with the Nebraska Department of Transportation, working hard behind the scenes to make the highways safer for traveling motorists.
The Nimble Thimble Quilt celebrated its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, Sept. 23 with 25 members still carrying on their love of quilting.

The Nimble Thimble Quilt celebrated its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, Sept. 23 with 25 members still carrying on their love of quilting.

Quilt Guild celebrates 40th anniversary

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Aurora’s Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild celebrated its 40th anniversary last Tuesday afternoon with games and prizes. Among those celebrating the milestone was cofounder and original vice president Lorna Epp.Epp founded Nimble Thimble with the original president, Brenda Groelz, in October of 1985.
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners was presented with an America 250 banner to be put on display in the county courthouse in preparation for the nation’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026. The presentation was made by members of the Hamilton County Nebraska Celebrate 250 Committee. Pictured from left are Jennifer Dennis, Commission Chairman Rich Nelson, Commissioner Francis McDonald and Kathryn Larson.

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners was presented with an America 250 banner to be put on display in the county courthouse in preparation for the nation’s 250th birthday celebration in 2026. The presentation was made by members of the Hamilton County Nebraska Celebrate 250 Committee. Pictured from left are Jennifer Dennis, Commission Chairman Rich Nelson, Commissioner Francis McDonald and Kathryn Larson.

County hears report on Aurora Habitat blitz build

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Hamilton County commissioners learned on Monday morning that Aurora will be the site of a Habitat for Humanity blitz build in 2026, in which a crew of workers will build a home in just one week’s time.
The Faith Moving Forward Foundation hosted a first-ever two-day pickleball tournament this weekend at Streeter Park in Aurora.

The Faith Moving Forward Foundation hosted a first-ever two-day pickleball tournament this weekend at Streeter Park in Aurora.

Faith Moving Forward hosts pickleball tourney

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Pickleballs were flying at Streeter Park both Saturday and Sunday in a first-ever two-day event which raised both money and awareness for the Faith Moving Forward Foundation.
Aurora City Hall

Aurora City Hall

City gives final nod to fiscal year budget

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
The Aurora City Council gave final approval last week to a $19.5 million 2025-26 fiscal year budget, which features a property tax request of $2.56 million, representing a $158,468 (7 percent) increase from the previous year.