News

Members of the 2025 Hamilton County Leadership Class are shown at the Bremer Community Center along with chamber Aurora Chamber of Commerce director Justise Rhoden (top right), include front row, from left: Tyler Jensen, Jake Richardson, Elijah Landell, Phil Erb, Darren Holzinger, Carlin Engert. Back row: Sierra Collazo, Rachel Zimmerman, Chancy Hanquist, Emily Stolpe, Bekah Mead, Hannah Driewer and Paige McQuiston. Not pictured: Peggy Scribner.

Members of the 2025 Hamilton County Leadership Class are shown at the Bremer Community Center along with chamber Aurora Chamber of Commerce director Justise Rhoden (top right), include front row, from left: Tyler Jensen, Jake Richardson, Elijah Landell, Phil Erb, Darren Holzinger, Carlin Engert. Back row: Sierra Collazo, Rachel Zimmerman, Chancy Hanquist, Emily Stolpe, Bekah Mead, Hannah Driewer and Paige McQuiston. Not pictured: Peggy Scribner.

Leadership class celebrates graduation

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The Hamilton County Leadership Academy graduated 14 participants during its 2024/25 reception last Tuesday.Graduates celebrated their milestone by presenting their class project to family, friends and other members of the community at the Bremer Community Center.
A total of $3,000 is being raised to renew and replant colorful flower baskets on Aurora’s downtown square. Those who wish to contribute may use the accompanying QR code to give via Go Fund Me and cash or check donations may be dropped off at Honeysuckle Lane.

A total of $3,000 is being raised to renew and replant colorful flower baskets on Aurora’s downtown square. Those who wish to contribute may use the accompanying QR code to give via Go Fund Me and cash or check donations may be dropped off at Honeysuckle Lane.

Downtown flower baskets to bloom again

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Local folks have an opportunity to help bring a splash of spring and summer color to Aurora’s downtown square and at the same time renew a beautification program that was started about this time 13 years ago.
County extends solar farm application moratorium.

County extends solar farm application moratorium.

County extends moratorium on solar farms

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
With a special committee hard at work on updating Hamilton County’s regulations dealing with commercial solar farms, the county commission has decided to extend the current moratorium on applications for such projects by another year.
Aurora senior Jorja Pohlmeier, who was one of two class speakers on Sunday, is congratulated by Supt. Jody Phillips after receiving her diploma.

Aurora senior Jorja Pohlmeier, who was one of two class speakers on Sunday, is congratulated by Supt. Jody Phillips after receiving her diploma.

‘A defining moment’

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Amongst the cheers, tears, hugs and applause Aurora seniors paused Sunday to soak in what Supt. Jody Phillips called “a defining moment” in their young lives as they prepare the begin their next chapter as high school graduates.
Kirt Smith stepped into the role as captain of the city’s ambulance service in November. He and City Administrator Rick Melcher shared revenue and expense reports through seven months of the fiscal year as part of an effort to communicate with the public.

Kirt Smith stepped into the role as captain of the city’s ambulance service in November. He and City Administrator Rick Melcher shared revenue and expense reports through seven months of the fiscal year as part of an effort to communicate with the public.

City forms advisory committee to help evaluate EMS

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Two months after an auditor’s report raised concerns about a growing ambulance service budget which is dwindling cash reserves, city officials shared this week that a citizens advisory committee has been formed as part of a focused effort to improve the financial efficiency of local EMS operations.
Aurora native Becky Graham, center, was named the first winner of what will be the annual Angel in Action Award at CHI Health St. Francis. Pictured with her are Kiley Grzywa, left, vice president of patient care services, and Sarah Williams, Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit manager.

Aurora native Becky Graham, center, was named the first winner of what will be the annual Angel in Action Award at CHI Health St. Francis. Pictured with her are Kiley Grzywa, left, vice president of patient care services, and Sarah Williams, Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit manager.

Aurora CNA earns Angels in Action Award

Samuel Wishman
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Aurora native Becky Graham was recognized as CHI Health St. Francis’ first recipient of the Angel in Action of the Year award during Patient Experience Week.
The Hamilton County, Nebraska, Celebrate America 250 Committee is preparing to meet with organizations and businesses throughout Hamilton County to invite them and the community to join in the America’s 250th anniversary of the country’s indepenance. Representing the Public Relations Committee for the local celebration are Jennifer Dennis (left) and Dixie Ziegler.

The Hamilton County, Nebraska, Celebrate America 250 Committee is preparing to meet with organizations and businesses throughout Hamilton County to invite them and the community to join in the America’s 250th anniversary of the country’s indepenance. Representing the Public Relations Committee for the local celebration are Jennifer Dennis (left) and Dixie Ziegler.

Hamilton County plans local America 250th celebration

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday (what’s known as a “semiquincentennial”) on July 4, 2026, the Hamilton County Historical Society is getting into the act and planning to bring the celebration home.
Election set for Phillips regarding keno

Election set for Phillips regarding keno

Phillips voters to decide on allowing keno

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
The 265 eligible voters of the Village of Phillips will be asked to vote in a special mail-only election on June 10 to decide if a keno gaming should be allowed in the village.
First Street project

First Street project

1st Street renovation to begin near school

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Construction crews will be shutting down 1st Street from the railroad tracks to Mark Street the day after Memorial Day, continuing a project that started weeks ago at the Highway 34 intersection.