News

The end of the year calls for family to gather together as the days grow darker and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s Come Home for Christmas, now in its fourth year, will provide that opportunity on the downtown square Nov. 26.

The end of the year calls for family to gather together as the days grow darker and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s Come Home for Christmas, now in its fourth year, will provide that opportunity on the downtown square Nov. 26.

Aurora planning 4th ‘Come Home to Christmas’

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
The end of the year calls for family to gather together as the days grow darker and the Aurora Chamber of Commerce’s Come Home for Christmas, now in its fourth year, will provide that opportunity on the downtown square Nov. 26.
Five local veterans were awarded their Quilt of Valor during last week’s Veterans Day program at Aurora High School. They were wrapped in their quilts by members of their family. These individuals included, from left: Scott Springer, John Springer, Dick Phillips, Pat Nuss and Leon Cederlind.

Five local veterans were awarded their Quilt of Valor during last week’s Veterans Day program at Aurora High School. They were wrapped in their quilts by members of their family. These individuals included, from left: Scott Springer, John Springer, Dick Phillips, Pat Nuss and Leon Cederlind.

Five local veterans earn distinguished Quilts of Valor

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Friday’s Veterans Day program was highlighted, as is tradition, with the presentation of Quilts of Valor to local veterans in celebration of their service. This year’s group included Hamilton County veterans Leon Cederlind, Pat Nuss, Dick Phillips, John Springer and Scott Springer.
The Phillips Village Board of Trustees had one of the tightest races of the whole election night, with Les Dana finishing on top with 78 votes, Jason Fry with 77 and a three-way tie between Jim Crawford, Jordan Watson and an unannounced write-in candidate at 71 at time of publishing. 

The Phillips Village Board of Trustees had one of the tightest races of the whole election night, with Les Dana finishing on top with 78 votes, Jason Fry with 77 and a three-way tie between Jim Crawford, Jordan Watson and an unannounced write-in candidate at 71 at time of publishing. 

Election in Phillips still undecided

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
The Phillips Village Board of Trustees had one of the tightest races of the whole election night, with Les Dana finishing on top with 78 votes, Jason Fry with 77 and a three-way tie between Jim Crawford, Jordan Watson and an unannounced write-in candidate at 71 at time of publishing.
Pictured from left, Celie Holliday, Teresa and Todd Vettel stand in a remodeled building at 1206 L St., which offers desk space for rent as a new business venture known as The Office. The space is also used to help train foreign truck drivers as part of the Vettel’s International Workforce Services business.

Pictured from left, Celie Holliday, Teresa and Todd Vettel stand in a remodeled building at 1206 L St., which offers desk space for rent as a new business venture known as The Office. The space is also used to help train foreign truck drivers as part of the Vettel’s International Workforce Services business.

The Office opens on downtown square

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
A building on the south side of the downtown square has a new purpose as of this month, changing the interior look and layout of the structure as well as the lives of international guests spending time in Aurora while being trained to drive big-rig trucks in America.
Election 2022

Election 2022

Voter turnout tops 61 percent

Staff Reports
Wednesday, November 9, 2022
Staff report The 2022 elections in Hamilton County ended with a calm and quiet conclusion. Hamilton County Clerk and election commissioner Jill DeMers reported a voter turnout of approximately 61 percent, with 4,154 ballots cast. In total 3,698 of these ballots came on election day, Nov.
Field work is wrapping up in Hamilton County and farmers are getting in the last bits of harvest, as shown here in a field near Highway 14. With the dry conditions effecting the soil, some farmers report a slow-down in field work after harvest.

Field work is wrapping up in Hamilton County and farmers are getting in the last bits of harvest, as shown here in a field near Highway 14. With the dry conditions effecting the soil, some farmers report a slow-down in field work after harvest.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Harvest season ends a challenging, rewarding year In what has been a topsy-turvey year for local weather and inflation, farmers in Hamilton County report that with the crops now in from harvest the year has had its rewards despite the turbulent conditions of 2022.
Phil Essliinger sits by the water therapy pool at his new business, Esslinger Physical Therapy, which opened in August on L Street in Aurora.

Phil Essliinger sits by the water therapy pool at his new business, Esslinger Physical Therapy, which opened in August on L Street in Aurora.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Esslinger launches new PT venture

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Phil Esslinger knew in his heart he wanted to own his own business someday, and that day has finally come. A native of Bertrand, Esslinger made his first connection to Aurora when he started dating local native Erin Oswald, who would later become his wife.
The Aurora Chamber of Commerce board celebrated a full year of successful activities and outlined plans for its growing membership in the year ahead during Monday’s annual meeting.

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce board celebrated a full year of successful activities and outlined plans for its growing membership in the year ahead during Monday’s annual meeting.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Chamber reports growing membership, plans for 2023

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
The Aurora Chamber of Commerce board celebrated a full year of successful activities and outlined plans for its growing membership in the year ahead during Monday’s annual meeting.
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners meeting welcomed a full house Monday, with a number of visitors present to stand on behalf of the Hamilton County Freedom Rally, to turn in signed petitions and discuss election integrity.

The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners meeting welcomed a full house Monday, with a number of visitors present to stand on behalf of the Hamilton County Freedom Rally, to turn in signed petitions and discuss election integrity.

County receives Freedom Rally petitions, visit

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners meeting welcomed a full house Monday, with a number of visitors present to stand on behalf of the Hamilton County Freedom Rally, to turn in signed petitions and discuss election integrity.
A pile of shoes that lies on the ground was collected by the Chapter AC of PEO for its fundraiser drive in Hamilton County. Locals can donate gently used shoes, which will be converted into fundraising dollars through Funds for Orgs group, from now through Dec. 1.

A pile of shoes that lies on the ground was collected by the Chapter AC of PEO for its fundraiser drive in Hamilton County. Locals can donate gently used shoes, which will be converted into fundraising dollars through Funds for Orgs group, from now through Dec. 1.

PEO gets funds for shoes in Hamilton County

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
Women’s charity group Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Aurora chapter is holding a shoe fundraiser that started Sept. 26 and will end Dec. 1.