News

This photo of the large official county zoning map hanging in the Planning and Zoning office at the courthouse shows the various zoning districts in the county established by the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. The highest percentage of the land in the county is A-1 Agricultural Preservation District while the section marked F-1 along Highway 34 and part of Highway 14 is known as the Flex District.

This photo of the large official county zoning map hanging in the Planning and Zoning office at the courthouse shows the various zoning districts in the county established by the 2019 Comprehensive Plan. The highest percentage of the land in the county is A-1 Agricultural Preservation District while the section marked F-1 along Highway 34 and part of Highway 14 is known as the Flex District.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Homeowners who live in Hamilton County’s towns and villages are generally aware that building permits are needed before construction projects are started and that zoning ordinances come into play when making changes to one’s property.
The former Gambles building has been declared a dangerous building by the city, with owner Stan Valasek ordered to repair or demolish it immediately.

The former Gambles building has been declared a dangerous building by the city, with owner Stan Valasek ordered to repair or demolish it immediately.

‘Do it now!’: City gives owner final chance to save or demolish unsafe structure

Kurt Johnson
Thursday, July 10, 2025
The former Gambles building in downtown Aurora was declared a “dangerous building” Tuesday by the Aurora City Council, with owner Stan Valasek being told he must vacate, repair and/or demolish the building immediately as a matter of public safety.
This trail in Streeter Park is one of many mentioned in a detailed JEO Consulting trails report, which is now being used as a key reference by the Hamilton County Trails Committee.

This trail in Streeter Park is one of many mentioned in a detailed JEO Consulting trails report, which is now being used as a key reference by the Hamilton County Trails Committee.

Trails committee shares vision for expanding network

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
A new sidewalk planned on the east side of the renovated 1st Street project will be widened from five to six feet in the coming weeks, with the expansion funded by a newly formed committee announcing the change as Phase I of a long-term mission to expand and possibly connect existing trail systems...
The east side steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse have been removed for the first phase of a major reconstruction project

The east side steps of the Hamilton County Courthouse have been removed for the first phase of a major reconstruction project

Courthouse restoration begins

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
There’s one less option for entering or exiting the historic Hamilton County Courthouse this week. The first phase of restoration and renovation by Kingery Construction of Lincoln is underway and the first project is to replace the steps to the main entrance on the east side by the parking lot.
Kids dance to the music at one of the 2024 Bands on the Bricks Fridays.

Kids dance to the music at one of the 2024 Bands on the Bricks Fridays.

Bands on the Bricks event to begin 8th year

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Bands on the Bricks returns to the downtown square to begin its 2025 season Friday with performances each Friday until Aug. 15.Event organizer Sara Sutherland said Bands on the Bricks is set to create fun-filled memories for all who attend the six-week series.
Gary Ross now lives in East Park Villa with his wife of 64 years, Jo Ellen. In recent years he has developed a passion for wood carving.

Gary Ross now lives in East Park Villa with his wife of 64 years, Jo Ellen. In recent years he has developed a passion for wood carving.

Gary Ross carves out a legacy in Aurora

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Whether serving his country in the U.S. Army or working to improve his hometown, Army veteran Gary Ross has dedicated his life to serving his community. Recently he took some time to reminisce about his service both at home and abroad.
Sarah Bailey and Lua Cao carefully inspect the organisms that find home in bison patties. On day two of the Youth Naturalist Program, the cohort spent the morning at the Crane Trust in Wood River, NE. Here, they went on a hayrack ride to see the Crane Trust’s bison herd and learned about the ecosystems that can be found in dark, warm, wet places–like bison patties.

Sarah Bailey and Lua Cao carefully inspect the organisms that find home in bison patties. On day two of the Youth Naturalist Program, the cohort spent the morning at the Crane Trust in Wood River, NE. Here, they went on a hayrack ride to see the Crane Trust’s bison herd and learned about the ecosystems that can be found in dark, warm, wet places–like bison patties.

PPRI hosts Youth Naturalist Program

Emma Bullerman
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
    From June 9 through June 12, Prairie Plains Resource Institute hosted its middle school education curriculum, called The Youth Naturalist Program.
Jessica Prothman, MCHI radiologic technologist, demonstrates the coronary calcium CT testing now offered at Memorial Hospital.

Jessica Prothman, MCHI radiologic technologist, demonstrates the coronary calcium CT testing now offered at Memorial Hospital.

MCHI offers new tool in fight against heart disease

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Jenna Holland-Hurst speaks with passion when asked about a new testing service available at Memorial Community Health in Aurora.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

County considering administrative budgets

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
As it continues through its budget process for the new fiscal year, which actually began last Tuesday, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners took time at the meeting on Monday to review the budgets for its own operations.
Craftsman Roger Merchant reused an old porch post that Shirley Schacht had kept from her porch when it was renovated in 2019.

Craftsman Roger Merchant reused an old porch post that Shirley Schacht had kept from her porch when it was renovated in 2019.

Faces behind the 3-faced clock on K Street

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
It’s not difficult to know what time it is when traveling down on K Street in Aurora thanks to a nearly eight-foot tall clock tower with three clock faces. Showing the time from north, east and west, the clock tower is a cherished decoration for Aurora resident Shirley Schacht.