News

The barrel train built by Rick Rathje was a big hit with the younger set at the Phillips July 3rd celebration.

The barrel train built by Rick Rathje was a big hit with the younger set at the Phillips July 3rd celebration.

Phillips July 3 party is a blast

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Numbers were reportedly down just a bit from previous years at the Phillips annual July 3rd Independence Day celebration, but those grilling burgers and brats still had a hard time keeping up with the crowd for the community dinner on Thursday night.
This photo of the former Gambles building was taken Saturday evening, shortly after a portion of the second story wall was captured on video falling to the ground.

This photo of the former Gambles building was taken Saturday evening, shortly after a portion of the second story wall was captured on video falling to the ground.

Decisions pending on Gambles building

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
A decision regarding the structural status of the former Gambles building in downtown Aurora was postponed June 24 because city officials had not yet received an engineering report needed to help determine if it should be declared a dangerous building.
Final completion of 1st Street from the railroad tracks to Highway 34 is scheduled for April 30, 2026.

Final completion of 1st Street from the railroad tracks to Highway 34 is scheduled for April 30, 2026.

City provides 1st Street update

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Work continues on the 1st Street renovation project, with crews reporting major progress during Monday’s bi-weekly update meeting. Weather continues to be a factor, however, with measurable rain falling on six of 10 working days since the last meeting.
Dr. John Wilcox (right) and his grandson, Shawn Morris, both of Aurora, warm up before the start of the multi-generational pickleball tournament on Friday evening.

Dr. John Wilcox (right) and his grandson, Shawn Morris, both of Aurora, warm up before the start of the multi-generational pickleball tournament on Friday evening.

Pickleball tourneys create new A’ROR’N Days draw

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
The growing popularity of pickleball in this area is evidenced by the fact that this year it became an official part of A’ROR’N Days.
The Central District Health Department serves Hamilton, Hall and Merrick counties.

The Central District Health Department serves Hamilton, Hall and Merrick counties.

CDHD outlines local services, despite severe funding cuts

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
The Central District Health Department announced plans last week to adapt and increase its public health services if possible in the coming year despite significant cuts in state and federal funding.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Budget hearings dominate county board meeting

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Budget hearings from various agencies included in the county budget made up the bulk of the agenda for the regular Monday morning meeting of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners this week.
These veterans were honored by being presented with Quilts of Valor to recognize their service. From left to right: Matthew Vetter, Denise Winton, Ed Winton and Brad Dietz.

These veterans were honored by being presented with Quilts of Valor to recognize their service. From left to right: Matthew Vetter, Denise Winton, Ed Winton and Brad Dietz.

Four veterans honored with Quilts of Valor

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Four local veterans were honored with quilts of valor for their service in a ceremony held Saturday morning at the Plainsman Museum as part of the A’ROR’N Days festivities.