This week's top stories

  • Among those enjoying the Nebraska State Fair Sunday afternoon, holding up a caricature they had just posed for, were from left: Cat Cabello, Zandon Cabello, Chloe Fawver and Kyler White, all of Aurora.
    Among those enjoying the Nebraska State Fair Sunday afternoon, holding up a caricature they had just posed for, were from left: Cat Cabello, Zandon Cabello, Chloe Fawver and Kyler White, all of Aurora.
  • Giltner senior Taylor Smith rehydrates during an official-mandated water break in Giltner’s 44-6 win over Deshler. Area football teams practiced in the early morning hours last week to avoid the record-breaking temperatures in the afternoon.
    Giltner senior Taylor Smith rehydrates during an official-mandated water break in Giltner’s 44-6 win over Deshler. Area football teams practiced in the early morning hours last week to avoid the record-breaking temperatures in the afternoon.
  • Members of the 1973 state champion Hampton Hawks football team and two of their coaches were honored at halftime of the second home game of the 2023 season for the 50th anniversary of their historic season.
    Members of the 1973 state champion Hampton Hawks football team and two of their coaches were honored at halftime of the second home game of the 2023 season for the 50th anniversary of their historic season.

    State Fair hits milestone with 4 millionth guest

    The Nebraska State Fair hit a milestone Sunday, welcoming the 4 millionth guest through the gates since the annual event made its debut in Grand Island 13 years ago. An unsuspecting Grand Island couple and their young son received VIP treatment for the day as the milestone honorees on the third day of this year’s 11-day run. Watch for a recap of this year's 11-day event in this week's ANR.

     

    Adjusting to beat the heat 

     Stifling heat and humidity covered Hamilton County like a hot, wet blanket last week, forcing school officials to adjust schedules as a precautionary measure to keep kids and staff members safe. All four area schools reported making heat-related changes throughout the week, and will likely keep an eye on the weather as forecasts call for triple-digit temperatures to return.

     

    Hawks celebrate a golden football anniversary

    Eighteen members of the 1973 Hampton High School football team took to the field once more Friday night along with their head coach and an assistant. However, they weren’t there to move the pigskin down the field, but rather to be honored by the crowd at Hampton’s second home game of the season on the 50th anniversary of a spectacular accomplishment -- being chosen from a field of 160 Class D schools as the state champion eight-man team.