This week's top stories

top stories
  • Friday was a big day for Edgerton campers who chose the Air Academy camp to get in some summer fun -- and learning. One of the day’s pilots, Keal Bockelman, is seen here with his group of campers going over a quick safety brief before making their flight for the day.
    Friday was a big day for Edgerton campers who chose the Air Academy camp to get in some summer fun -- and learning. One of the day’s pilots, Keal Bockelman, is seen here with his group of campers going over a quick safety brief before making their flight for the day.
  • This campsite in Streeter Park was full over the holiday weekend, reflecting the popularity of the city-owned site.
    This campsite in Streeter Park was full over the holiday weekend, reflecting the popularity of the city-owned site.
  • Brian Tonniges address students and their families during High Plain’s graduation ceremony.
    Brian Tonniges address students and their families during High Plain’s graduation ceremony.
  • Cayden Phillips pitched a gem against Kearney last week, throwing seven innings with one earned run on five hits with seven strikeouts.
    Cayden Phillips pitched a gem against Kearney last week, throwing seven innings with one earned run on five hits with seven strikeouts.
  • Five unidentified men are pictured in this photograph from the Plainsman Museum collection in Aurora. The five men are all wielding shovels and appear to be unloading rock along the railroad tracks. The photo is identified as being taken in 1930.
    Five unidentified men are pictured in this photograph from the Plainsman Museum collection in Aurora. The five men are all wielding shovels and appear to be unloading rock along the railroad tracks. The photo is identified as being taken in 1930.

    Edgerton campers take to sky
    The Edgerton Explorit Center’s newest summer camp brought children to the sky. 
    After a week of aviation inspired lessons and activities, the camp culminated Friday with a series of flights, in actual airplanes, as well as up-close instructionals with RC model planes.
    Taking a quick break after their round of flights, a group of campers reflected on their week.
    “I took the camp because I want to be a commercial pilot,” said camper Jacob Rief. “I learned how to be gentle with the controls and how to pitch the plane to the left and the right,” Rief added. “Basically I knew it, but I’ve never flown an actual plane.”

    Aurora city campground draws variety of visitors
    Campgrounds in Aurora’s Streeter Park are drawing strong reviews from travelers seeking an overnight stay.
    Open year round to the public, this campsite is a first-come, first-serve site. Parks superintendent Jeremy Cattau explained that the campground has 18 campsites, each with a 30 amp breaker, 110 outlet and a water hydrant.

    Tonniges reflects on educational career
    As the superintendent at High Plains Community Schools, Brian Tonniges has become a familiar presence during his six years on the administrative team, but after 31 years in education he is preparing to began the next chapter of his life.
    His career began in Fairmont where he taught K-12 physical education and health. Once Fairmont consolidated with Geneva to become Fillmore Central his role changed.

    Phillips fires complete game winner over Kearney
    Cayden Phillips couldn’t miss on the mound June 30.  
    The Aurora Post 42 Pinnacle Bank Seniors pitcher threw one of his best games of the season last week and even helped his own cause at the plate during a 3-2 win over Kearney at Mitchell Field. 
    Aurora Pinnacle Bank Seniors coach Jeremy Burgener was blown away with Phillips’ mound performance Thursday, noting it was probably his best outing since joining the Post 42 program. 
     

    Early county citizens pushed for railroad lines, progress
    The invention of the railroad was an integral part of the development of the United States and the American west as it is known today. This is true too of the history of Hamilton County. 
    The arrival of the railroad in Aurora (and later elsewhere) was a key part of the early success and growth of the area. It heralded in a new age of innovation and convenience.
    “For four years after becoming the Hamilton County seat on 1875, Aurora struggled along without transportation facilities other than those afforded by the stage coach, the Pony Express and the freight wagon,” reports the Nov. 18, 1976 edition of the Aurora News-Register. “Central City had a railroad; York had a railroad; Sutton had a railroad; Grand Island had a railroad.” 
    According to the article, which cites historical records found in the Plainsman Museum archives, history has it that a mass meeting of Hamilton County citizens was held promptly to resolve this issue. 

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