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Ben Johnson, left, and Zane Zents display an updated version of The Grain Weevil, what the start-up company describes as “an ag robot doing the work that no farmer should.”

Ben Johnson, left, and Zane Zents display an updated version of The Grain Weevil, what the start-up company describes as “an ag robot doing the work that no farmer should.”

Grain Weevil start-up gaining traction

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
A Grain Weevil concept designed to improve grain bin safety is slowly but surely gaining traction and credibility as father and son co-founders Chad and Ben Johnson report significant progress in developing the foundation and funding needed to take their product to market nationwide.
Tanner Greenough was named captain of Aurora’s fire-based emergency medical service in October, taking over for his mentor, Brent Dethlefs, who remains on staff as a full-time paramedic.

Tanner Greenough was named captain of Aurora’s fire-based emergency medical service in October, taking over for his mentor, Brent Dethlefs, who remains on staff as a full-time paramedic.

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City’s EMS service in growth mode

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Two years after taking over what had been a county owned and operated ambulance service city leaders are reporting a continued learning curve, noting recent changes in staffing levels and shift schedules to better handle a surge in call totals.
Aurora High School senior Jeremy Hunter was named the 2021 Dest. 6 American Legion Oratorical Contest winner after an impressive performance Nov. 5.

Aurora High School senior Jeremy Hunter was named the 2021 Dest. 6 American Legion Oratorical Contest winner after an impressive performance Nov. 5.

Hunter reflects on oratorical contest

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
Aurora High School senior Jeremy Hunter was named the 2021 Dest. 6 American Legion Oratorical Contest winner after an impressive performance Nov. 5.
Five building permits were issued in November for single-family homes to be built in the new Streeter Subdivision. The project announced last month includes 64 housing lots, with construction on several expected to start as soon as possible.

Five building permits were issued in November for single-family homes to be built in the new Streeter Subdivision. The project announced last month includes 64 housing lots, with construction on several expected to start as soon as possible.

Streeter Sub housing surge boosts November tally

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
A surge of new housing starts in the Streeter Subdivision, likely the first of many to come, boosted the building permit total to over $1 million for the month of November. Gov.
Located at a familiar site, the Hamilton County Courthouse, this photo was taken in the 1895-96 era. It captures Sheriff A. J. McConaughey sitting at his desk (far left) across from his son, and deputy, B. E. McConaughey. Also pictured is janitor Charles Davis (far right). The fourth man, located in the back, is unknown.

Located at a familiar site, the Hamilton County Courthouse, this photo was taken in the 1895-96 era. It captures Sheriff A. J. McConaughey sitting at his desk (far left) across from his son, and deputy, B. E. McConaughey. Also pictured is janitor Charles Davis (far right). The fourth man, located in the back, is unknown.

A walk through the Sheriff’s Department: 1870-1900

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, December 7, 2021
One of the many agencies in Hamilton County that has been a part of its history since incorporation, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department has seen its fair share of years.
A construction crew poured a 120-by-134 foot parking lot in mid-November, with additional concrete work set to be completed in December.

A construction crew poured a 120-by-134 foot parking lot in mid-November, with additional concrete work set to be completed in December.

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News Staff
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Parking lot installed on Hordville site Ten months after the old Hordville school building was demolished a construction company poured a 120-by-134 foot parking lot on the site last week, complete with handicap parking, striping, lighting, sidewalks and a zero-step entrance to the Hordville Event...
Jenny Majerus announced recently that she has launched a Payroll Vault franchise from her home in rural Hamilton County, offering a majority of her services remotely.

Jenny Majerus announced recently that she has launched a Payroll Vault franchise from her home in rural Hamilton County, offering a majority of her services remotely.

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Majerus launches Payroll Vault venture

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
A Central City native with years of experience as a payroll specialist announced this week that she has launched a Payroll Vault franchise from her home in rural Hamilton County.
A demolition crew cleared this lot, then tore down the building pictured next to it, making way for a new bar and grill expected to open on Main Street in Phillips by next spring.

A demolition crew cleared this lot, then tore down the building pictured next to it, making way for a new bar and grill expected to open on Main Street in Phillips by next spring.

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Planned bar and grill, new houses reflecting progress in Phillips

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Momentum is building in Phillips, where early sales on a 56-lot housing redevelopment project have prompted plans to build office facilities and a new bar and grill on Main Street.
12th Street Cinema

12th Street Cinema

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Low attendance a concern at 12th St. Cinema

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Aurora’s 12th Street Cinema is open for business with a revised post-pandemic schedule, though limited showings and decreased attendance are causing such concern that board members are worried about the theater’s future.
This mural was painted in the 1950s on a wall in a Phillips bar by workers who lived in the community while they helped build the railroad.

This mural was painted in the 1950s on a wall in a Phillips bar by workers who lived in the community while they helped build the railroad.

Phillips native looks back, ready to look forward

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 30, 2021
Willie Bergmark sat in his pickup with a smile on his face, watching a piece of Phillips’ history tumble to the ground. At age 85, the area native and Phillips High School graduate is one of many local residents excited to see changes being made in the small rural community.