News

Amy Wilson was busy this week clearing out a classroom at Aurora Elementary School, where she taught fifth grade for the past 31 years. She announced her plans to become Prairie Plains Resource Institute’s first-ever education coordinator next fall.

Amy Wilson was busy this week clearing out a classroom at Aurora Elementary School, where she taught fifth grade for the past 31 years. She announced her plans to become Prairie Plains Resource Institute’s first-ever education coordinator next fall.

After 35 years, Wilson begins a new lesson

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Amy Wilson wasn’t even thinking about retirement as this school year began, but when the bell rang May 19 marking the last day of school she officially turned the page to another chapter of her own life story, all centered on education.
Amelia Guenther, local firefighters union president, was one of several asking questions during last week’s presentation by two private ambulance companies seeking a contract to provide services in Aurora and Hamilton County.

Amelia Guenther, local firefighters union president, was one of several asking questions during last week’s presentation by two private ambulance companies seeking a contract to provide services in Aurora and Hamilton County.

Private EMS companies pitch visions to council

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
City officials and a crowd of approximately 90 local residents heard proposals last week from two private EMS companies hoping to sign a contract in the coming weeks to provide 24/7 ambulance services to Aurora and Hamilton County.
Memorial Day events are set for Monday

Memorial Day events are set for Monday

Memorial Day events to be tribute to veterans

News Staff
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
American flags will be raised above cemeteries across Hamilton County this weekend and local veterans organizations are welcoming community members to participate in annual Memorial Day programs to honor the men and women who have served their country.
The May 12 Primary Election will bring about a change in the Hamilton County Commission

The May 12 Primary Election will bring about a change in the Hamilton County Commission

Primary Election ends Nelson’s 12-year term on county board

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Expected low voter turnout for last Tuesday’s Primary Election in Hamilton County meant calling an early night for employees of the county clerk’s office which is in charge of elections.
A Sunday rollover accident resulted in the death of a Hordville man

A Sunday rollover accident resulted in the death of a Hordville man

Sunday rollover takes life of Hordville man

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
A Hordville man is dead as the result of a single vehicle rollover accident in northern Hamilton County on Sunday morning. Hamilton County Sheriff Jeromy McCoy reports that at 10:42 a.m. on Sunday, his office was notified of a crash at the intersection of County Road T and Highway 66.
Paige Dempsey

Paige Dempsey

TLC undergoing major leadership transition, re-evaluating mission

News Staff
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
As Aurora’s youth training facility, The Leadership Center (TLC) nears the 60th anniversary of its creation in 1968, the organization is undergoing a transition in leadership and a re-evaluation of its operations, priorities and mission in an effort to sharpen its focus for the years ahead.
Fire completely destroyed this camper last week after smoke was discovered coming from inside as it was being pulled down the highway.

Fire completely destroyed this camper last week after smoke was discovered coming from inside as it was being pulled down the highway.

Fire destroys camper at park entrance

News Staff
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Aurora firefighters responded to a call that came in at 11:04 a.m. Thursday. They arrived at the east entrance to Streeter Park along Highway 14 to find a camper fully engulfed in flames.
Pictured above are, from left, Jeremy Cattau, Jannelle Seim and Emily Jasnowski, all of whom helped coordinate the project to construct the new pocket park in the Streeter Subdivision.

Pictured above are, from left, Jeremy Cattau, Jannelle Seim and Emily Jasnowski, all of whom helped coordinate the project to construct the new pocket park in the Streeter Subdivision.

Streeter Subdivision pocket park now open

News Staff
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
A new pocket park in the Streeter Subdivision debuted just in time for spring use, with fresh green grass and new playground equipment ready for youngsters and their families.
Aurora High School’s Class of 2026 was honored at the district’s annual honors convocation on Wednesday, May 13. Seniors are pictured here wearing t-shirts which indicate their post graduation plans.

Aurora High School’s Class of 2026 was honored at the district’s annual honors convocation on Wednesday, May 13. Seniors are pictured here wearing t-shirts which indicate their post graduation plans.

Photos from AHS Honors Convocation in this week's issue

News Staff
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Aurora High School held its annual Honors Convocation on Wednesday, May 13  at the Middle School Theater where dozens of awards were handed out to outstanding students. You'll find two full pages of photos from the event in Section C of this week's ANR. 
Aurora grad Lexi Jones has purchased Snow’s Florals and converted it into her own business, LuLu’s Floral Company, at 2116 S Webb Road in Grand Island. Jones graduated from UNK earlier this month and stepped right into an ownership role.

Aurora grad Lexi Jones has purchased Snow’s Florals and converted it into her own business, LuLu’s Floral Company, at 2116 S Webb Road in Grand Island. Jones graduated from UNK earlier this month and stepped right into an ownership role.

Jones business to ‘Bloom. Create. Inspire’

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Lexi Jones was once an active member of Aurora’s FFA chapter, dedicating herself fully to horticultural competitions. When she crossed paths with one of the owners of Divas at Kearney Floral Co.