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Jason Frew was one of many fathers joining their daughters in a dance train, which paraded around the Bremer Center with a group of smiling young ladies during the third annual Daddy/Daughter Dance.

Jason Frew was one of many fathers joining their daughters in a dance train, which paraded around the Bremer Center with a group of smiling young ladies during the third annual Daddy/Daughter Dance.

Daddy/Daughter Dance fills the Bremer Center

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Little girls were decked out in colorful dresses and their dads were all smiles during Sunday’s third annual Daddy/Daughter Dance at the Bremer Center. Event coordinator Taylor Willis said she was thrilled to see the large turnout and growing enthusiasm for a feel-good night out.
Back again with good news, Hamilton County Emergency Manager Kirt Smith reported another downward trend in positive COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County.

Back again with good news, Hamilton County Emergency Manager Kirt Smith reported another downward trend in positive COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County.

COVID numbers decreasing in district

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Back again with good news, Hamilton County Emergency Manager Kirt Smith reported another downward trend in positive COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County. “I come bearing good news this week,” he said. “Each week these numbers continue to go down.”  Over the last seven days, ending Feb.
Aurora elementary special education teacher Luey Shultz is officially retiring after 33 years of teaching -- 32 spent here in Aurora. She is pictured here in front of her “wall of heartstrings.”

Aurora elementary special education teacher Luey Shultz is officially retiring after 33 years of teaching -- 32 spent here in Aurora. She is pictured here in front of her “wall of heartstrings.”

Shultz ready to start new chapter after 33 years of teaching

Cheyenne Rowe
Wednesday, February 23, 2022
Taking a bow after 33 years in education, Aurora Elementary School special education teacher Luey Shultz is only a few months away from retiring from a profession that has had a hold of her heart since a very early age.
Eden the comfort dog was enjoying herself while receiving pets from students -- something she’s been trained to do through the Lutheran Church Charities “Comfort Dog Ministry.”

Eden the comfort dog was enjoying herself while receiving pets from students -- something she’s been trained to do through the Lutheran Church Charities “Comfort Dog Ministry.”

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Scheele: ‘It only takes one’ As part of an all-day mental health event that stretched into the night before, Aurora High School welcomed keynote speaker Kyle Scheele to the stage Feb. 16 to speak to students.
Nationally certified counselor Joshua Wayne shared thoughts on serious topics including student anxiety, depression, parenting and more during a public presentation coordinated by Aurora Public Schools.

Nationally certified counselor Joshua Wayne shared thoughts on serious topics including student anxiety, depression, parenting and more during a public presentation coordinated by Aurora Public Schools.

Counselor to parents: Get on child’s board of directors

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Parents’ No. 1 goal for helping their children transition from adolescence to adulthood should be to earn a seat on their personal board of directors, advised a nationally certified counselor who spoke last week at Aurora High School. Joshua Wayne, the keynote speaker Feb.
Barb Morris, an LPN and MDS coordinator at Westfield Quality Care in Aurora, takes the blood pressure of Wayne Hilder, a resident at the long-term care facility on 1st Street.

Barb Morris, an LPN and MDS coordinator at Westfield Quality Care in Aurora, takes the blood pressure of Wayne Hilder, a resident at the long-term care facility on 1st Street.

Nursing shortage a serious issue for local healthcare facilities

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Finding and retaining trained nurses to provide all levels of health care was a challenge before COVID hit, and two years into the pandemic local health care administrators say the shortage of nurses is even more severe.
Jordan Watson stands by his new “mobile office,” a pickup featuring his new Watson Turf Solutions logo. The Aurora graduate has worked for other lawn care companies for 17 years and decided last fall to start his own business.

Jordan Watson stands by his new “mobile office,” a pickup featuring his new Watson Turf Solutions logo. The Aurora graduate has worked for other lawn care companies for 17 years and decided last fall to start his own business.

Watson launches new lawn care venture

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Jordan Watson announced this week that he is making a lifelong dream come true, launching his own lawn care business from his hometown of Phillips.
Becky Richter

Becky Richter

Richter opts not to seek re-election to county board

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Becky Richter announced this week that she will not seek re-election to her seat as a Dist. 1 representative on the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners. A native of Marquette, Richter was first elected to the board in 2014, beginning her eight-year tenure in 2015.
The filing deadline for incumbent candidates has come and gone, though newcomers seeking voter approval this fall have nearly a week left to throw their hat in the ring for the 2022 elections.

The filing deadline for incumbent candidates has come and gone, though newcomers seeking voter approval this fall have nearly a week left to throw their hat in the ring for the 2022 elections.

Hunnicutt, McDonald to seek elected office

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
The filing deadline for incumbent candidates has come and gone, though newcomers seeking voter approval this fall have nearly a week left to throw their hat in the ring for the 2022 elections.
A fifth grade girls team from Smith Center, Kan., made the trip to Hampton Sunday to compete in the Be Greater Today Hoops Classic.

A fifth grade girls team from Smith Center, Kan., made the trip to Hampton Sunday to compete in the Be Greater Today Hoops Classic.

Hampton hosts two-day youth hoops tournament

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Basketballs were bouncing in Hampton all weekend long as the fifth annual Be Greater Today Hoops Classic drew 67 boys and girls youth teams to the community.