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Giltner High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 Sunday afternoon with 19 graduates walking on stage to receive their diplomas. Prior to the ceremony, students from the class made a TikTok together lip syncing to “I’ll Always Remember You” from “Hannah Montana.” Pictured in front, from left: Harley Fesuluai, Gracie Kreutz, Alice Puhl. Second row: Avery Reeson, Karly Eastman, Eliana Bish, Beatrice Donati. Back Row: Litzy Ledezma and Kailyn Wilson.

Giltner High School celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2026 Sunday afternoon with 19 graduates walking on stage to receive their diplomas. Prior to the ceremony, students from the class made a TikTok together lip syncing to “I’ll Always Remember You” from “Hannah Montana.” Pictured in front, from left: Harley Fesuluai, Gracie Kreutz, Alice Puhl. Second row: Avery Reeson, Karly Eastman, Eliana Bish, Beatrice Donati. Back Row: Litzy Ledezma and Kailyn Wilson.

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Hornets: ‘Go build your tomorrow’

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Laughter and tears came in waves throughout the Giltner High School gymnasium Sunday afternoon as 19 seniors gathered one last time for their graduation ceremony.The Class of 2026 was represented by three of its members, who spoke about their accomplishments and memories to everyone in attendance.
Jeff Funk, center, chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, speaks in a Q&A session during last week’s Law Day at Aurora High School.

Jeff Funk, center, chief justice of the Nebraska Supreme Court, speaks in a Q&A session during last week’s Law Day at Aurora High School.

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Court in session: NE Supreme Court brings Law Day to Aurora

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The Aurora Middle School theater hosts a wide variety of meetings and events throughout the school year, but for the first time ever last week it turned into a Nebraska Supreme Court courtroom.
Aurora Public Schools is seeking feedback through a community survey on a strategic planning process which may lead to a school bond issue proposal.

Aurora Public Schools is seeking feedback through a community survey on a strategic planning process which may lead to a school bond issue proposal.

Input on Aurora schools sought through survey

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Aurora Public Schools is seeking feedback through a community survey on a strategic planning process which may lead to a school bond issue proposal.Supt. Jody Phillips sent an invitation to parents, staff and students Tuesday, also inviting community members to share their thoughts on the issue.
Councilman Wayne Roblee

Councilman Wayne Roblee

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Roblee steps down from council

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
The Aurora City Council accepted the resignation of long-time council member Wayne Roblee Tuesday, which opens up a search process to fill the Ward 1 seat.
Lindy Sigears of Aurora is pictured here as a toddler with her mom, Nancy Lukens. Sigears wrote that her mother makes the best whole grain bread she has ever eaten.

Lindy Sigears of Aurora is pictured here as a toddler with her mom, Nancy Lukens. Sigears wrote that her mother makes the best whole grain bread she has ever eaten.

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Happy Mother’s Day to those special women in our lives who make moments that last

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Whether it’s the smell of homemade bread, the sound of laughter echoing around a kitchen table, or a memory retold so many times it becomes part of who we are, mothers leave their mark in ways both big and beautifully ordinary.
A citizens focus group has been started to study possible options regarding the city’s fire-based ambulance service

A citizens focus group has been started to study possible options regarding the city’s fire-based ambulance service

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Citizen group offers data review of EMS operations in Aurora

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Two local residents requested time in front of the Aurora City Council last week, one advising city leaders of the formation of a citizen’s focus group studying possible options regarding the city’s fire-based ambulance service, and the other raising concerns with loud vehicles in his neighborhood.
Pictured from left in the new Aurora Eyecare Professionals location on 12th Street, are from left: Sharon Beck, office manager Cassie Fink and Dr. Christa Hunnicutt, who is one of five doctor/owners of operations based in Aurora and Grand Island.

Pictured from left in the new Aurora Eyecare Professionals location on 12th Street, are from left: Sharon Beck, office manager Cassie Fink and Dr. Christa Hunnicutt, who is one of five doctor/owners of operations based in Aurora and Grand Island.

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Aurora Eyecare relocates across square

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Aurora Eyecare Professionals has completed its renovation of a newly purchased building on the west side of the square, a transition which owners say provides more space and expanded product offerings.Dr.
Lofton Ferguson and Aydenn Scherff

Lofton Ferguson and Aydenn Scherff

Hampton graduation set for Saturday

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Hampton High School will graduate the 11 seniors of the Class of 2026 on Saturday at the main gymnasium. The commencement exercises will take place at 2 p.m.The valedictorian speech will be given by Lofton Ferguson followed by a speech from Salutatorian Aydenn Scherff.
Peyton and Rylee Hofmann

Peyton and Rylee Hofmann

HPC to honor 2026 graduates Saturday

News Staff
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Thirteen High Plains Community Schools seniors will celebrate their next big milestone in life Saturday.The HPC class of 2026 commencement exercises will begin Saturday at 1 p.m. at the high school gym in Polk.
Nebraska's Primary Election is Tuesday, May 12

Nebraska's Primary Election is Tuesday, May 12

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2026 Primary Election is Tuesday

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
With Nebraska’s Primary Election set to take place on Tuesday, Hamilton County Clerk Jill DeMers announced Monday morning that her office has already received a number of mail-in ballots and is making final preparations for the election.