This week's featured stories and photos

  • Mellie Petersen (right) was first to grab the cup before her opponent Lillie Land to survive elimination and advance to the next round.
    Mellie Petersen (right) was first to grab the cup before her opponent Lillie Land to survive elimination and advance to the next round.
  • Artist Tonya Grosshans (left) talks about her realistic and abstract paintings with Art Walk patron Beverly Goertzen.
    Artist Tonya Grosshans (left) talks about her realistic and abstract paintings with Art Walk patron Beverly Goertzen.
  • Property manager Michelle Juzyk stands outside the Streeter Apartments, which include both 4-plex and 8-plex units.
    Property manager Michelle Juzyk stands outside the Streeter Apartments, which include both 4-plex and 8-plex units.
  • Candidates for HPC homecoming queen include, front row from left: Elanie Sweet, Rylee Ackerson and Allie Howell. King candidates include, from left: Ayden Hans, Hudson Urkoski, Gage Friesen.
    Candidates for HPC homecoming queen include, front row from left: Elanie Sweet, Rylee Ackerson and Allie Howell. King candidates include, from left: Ayden Hans, Hudson Urkoski, Gage Friesen.
  • Fagan, Faller, Klute and Wiens
    Fagan, Faller, Klute and Wiens
  • Players compete in the advanced division of Saturday’s pickleball tournament.
    Players compete in the advanced division of Saturday’s pickleball tournament.

    The four Hawk Families at Hampton Public School competed in a game that required careful listening and quick reflexes on Friday, Sept. 13 at the first Hawk Family Day of the school year. The event, sponsored by the Honorable Family, featured a game of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, Cup” in which students faced off to see who could grab the cup on the floor between them first when the word was called out by Elementary Principal Angie Arndt.  In the championship round, Elizabeth Bamesberger snatched the cup away from Avry Kistmiller to propel her Wisdom Family to the final victory. Kistmiller is a member of Team Honorable. For their win, members of the Wisdom Family received treats from the candy bucket and got to hang their Wisdom leaf on the Tree Trophy. 

    It was a change of scenery for artists and patrons alike as Art Walk Aurora was relocated to The Leadership Center (TLC) for its 11th annual run on Sunday. Originally set to take place at the courthouse lawn, Art Walk committee members made the decision on Saturday to relocate, due to the risk of rain and cold winds. The change of location didn't seem to deter art lovers, however, and organizers say the event was a success with good attendance.

    Two new apartment units are set to welcome tenants in the Streeter Subdivision in the next two weeks, addressing what is reported to be a critical need for rental housing in Aurora. Jeff Juzyk announced his plans in March to build side-by-side 4-plex and 8-plex apartment units, which are now almost ready for occupancy at the intersection of Matson Street and Highlander Lane. Michelle Juzyk, Jeff’s sister, will serve as manager for what will be called Streeter Apartments, owned by HC (Hamilton County) LLC. You'll find that story on this week's Business Page (B12). 

    High Plains Community Schools is one of several local schools, including Aurora, that are celebrating homecoming this week. HPC began the week by announcing its homecoming royalty court Monday morning. The week culminates in the homecoming football game against BDS Friday night. 

    Voters in the Hampton School District will decide Nov. 5 between four candidates for three open seats on the board of education. The candidates competing for four-year seats on the board include incumbents Megan Faller, Derek Klute and Tamara Wiens. They are joined by newcomer Mitchell Fagan. Profiles of each of the candidates can be found on Page A3 of this week's ANR.

    The tennis court complex was filled with action and excitement Saturday, Sept. 21, in Aurora as 55 participants showed up to play some pickleball and support the Aurora Inclusive Playground project. Event co-organizer Kim Eberly reported that 10 pickleball courts were set up for a tournament that invited advanced and beginning players to compete, echoing the project’s “all inclusive” goal. Saturday’s event raised approximately $3,700 for the cause.

    Get the full details on these stories and more, plus you'll find our Fall Home Improvement section, in the print and e-editions of this week's Aurora News-Register.