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The annual Monarch migration is right around the corner in areas like Hamitlon County, where it won’t be uncommon to see hundreds, or thousands, of these beautiful orange-winged butterflies roosting in trees, bushes and other safe areas.

The annual Monarch migration is right around the corner in areas like Hamitlon County, where it won’t be uncommon to see hundreds, or thousands, of these beautiful orange-winged butterflies roosting in trees, bushes and other safe areas.

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Monarch butterfly population dropping, locals help out

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
The Monarch butterfly is as popular as it is beautiful, with large, colorful wings complete with dark spots to both blend in and warn off predators.  Despite all the positives surrounding the Monarch butterfly, the species is in danger.
This aerial photo shows the impact of drought conditions at Poco Creek Golf Course, where a renovation project began this week to repair the greens.

This aerial photo shows the impact of drought conditions at Poco Creek Golf Course, where a renovation project began this week to repair the greens.

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Poco Creek green renovation project now underway

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
The Poco Creek Golf Course board announced plans to completely renovate its greens beginning this week, a drastic step deemed necessary to improve the nine-hole course’s playability after “a brutal winter” essentially killed all nine greens.
Junior Kaitlyn Hunter is a member of the flag corps.

Junior Kaitlyn Hunter is a member of the flag corps.

Marching Huskies take the field

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
The Aurora High School Marching Band took to the field Friday, opening the season with its first public performance. Though not yet in uniform, the band performed a portion of its halftime Pirates of the Caribbean show.  
If the city’s application for CDBG funds is approved, business owners in area including the downtown square and extending one block in every direction would be able use up to $50,000 for physical renovation projects.

If the city’s application for CDBG funds is approved, business owners in area including the downtown square and extending one block in every direction would be able use up to $50,000 for physical renovation projects.

Aurora to apply for CDBG funds for downtown revitalization

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, August 30, 2022
The Aurora City Council approved a request last week for a $435,000 Community Development Block Grant with a $100,000 match by participating business owners to help fund a downtown revitalization project .
Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, arrested a St. Paul man Tuesday evening following an investigation into reported threats.

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, arrested a St. Paul man Tuesday evening following an investigation into reported threats.

St. Paul man arrested for terroristic threats near Aurora exit

News Staff
Thursday, August 25, 2022
Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol, with assistance from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, arrested a St. Paul man Tuesday evening following an investigation into reported threats. At approximately 4 p.m.
Justin Wolf stepped in as CEO at Memorial Community Health in June, sitting down this week to talk about the challenges and opportunities of his new role.

Justin Wolf stepped in as CEO at Memorial Community Health in June, sitting down this week to talk about the challenges and opportunities of his new role.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
MCHI CEO shares initial insight Six weeks into his new role as CEO at Memorial Community Health, Justin Wolf said he has been impressed with the healthcare organization he now leads as well as its host community, while also recognizing that this is indeed a significant time of transition.
The front exterior of the Winchester’s Saloon is quickly taking shape. Final completion and opening is expected within the coming months.

The front exterior of the Winchester’s Saloon is quickly taking shape. Final completion and opening is expected within the coming months.

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Developers offer preview of rebuilt Winchester’s Saloon

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
A brand-new spin on an old institution of Phillips is being brought back from the past.  A structure looking like a white-tarp covered temple to hunting and the Old West will soon be completed as a bar and grill for the community, primed to be one of biggest eateries in the county at 3,000 sq. ft.
Claire Linic holds some influential books in her writing career against a locker backdrop. Despite being a co-author on two books and set to release her first novel soon, Linic said she is still the same “weird kid” she was in high school.

Claire Linic holds some influential books in her writing career against a locker backdrop. Despite being a co-author on two books and set to release her first novel soon, Linic said she is still the same “weird kid” she was in high school.

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Comedy from sea to shining sea: a local writer’s journey

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Claire (Meyer) Linic, raised in Aurora, has flown out to and lived in three major cultural hubs -- Chicago, New York City and Los Angeles -- gathering her skills and knowledge for comedy writing as a bee gathers pollen from various flowers.
The valuation of property in Hamilton County rose by almost 4 percent in 2022, topping $3 billion for the first time ever.

The valuation of property in Hamilton County rose by almost 4 percent in 2022, topping $3 billion for the first time ever.

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Valuation tops $3B after 3.9% gain in 2022

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
The valuation of property in Hamilton County rose by almost 4 percent in 2022, topping $3 billion for the first time ever. Hamilton County Assessor Pat Sandberg posted the 2022 valuation totals for all taxing subdivisions last week, noting an increase of $119.3 million for a total of $3,050,655,891.
The Aurora water tower shown with the tank partially sandblasted Work on the project is expected to be finished by early September.

The Aurora water tower shown with the tank partially sandblasted Work on the project is expected to be finished by early September.

Maguire Iron repaints water tower

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
The Aurora water tower is undergoing some changes thanks to the crews working for Maguire Iron, Inc. Project manager Tyson Rosenboom gave a step-by-step roadmap of where the project is now and where it has left to go.  Work started on July 22, with the ongoing sandblasting of the tower.