News

Enrollment numbers across the county have been updated for the 2020-21 school year.

Enrollment numbers across the county have been updated for the 2020-21 school year.

Area schools post enrollment

News Staff
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
One month into the new school year enrollment totals are in with the four area districts reporting a combined decrease of 69 students. Hampton Public Schools reported the only increase, up 11 students, with Aurora, Giltner and High Plains Community Schools dropping by a combined 80 students.
The vehicle was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived.

The vehicle was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived.

Car fire at Pioneer Trails

News Staff
Friday, October 2, 2020
A car caught fire around 4 p.m. at Pioneer Trails, north of Aurora. The vehicle was located on the east side of the park near the boat ramp. The Aurora Fire Department responded to the call. More information will be available at a later time. 
The fire caused no damage.

The fire caused no damage.

Small fire Tuesday morning causes no damage

Jeni Obermier
Wednesday, September 30, 2020
According to Aurora Fire Chief Tom Cox the Aurora Fire Department was dispatched at 6:42 a.m. Tuesday morning to the Aurora Wash House on Highway 34 for a trash can on fire. Contents inside a small trash can had ignited, but was quickly extinguished causing smoke, but very little to no damage.
Members of the Heartland United Way Hamilton County Committee pictured at Saturday’s kickoff event include, from left: Laurie Pfeifer, Bridgett Svoboda, Jayne Smith, Tricia Grafton, UW staff member Tiffany Schrunk, and Kurt Johnson.

Members of the Heartland United Way Hamilton County Committee pictured at Saturday’s kickoff event include, from left: Laurie Pfeifer, Bridgett Svoboda, Jayne Smith, Tricia Grafton, UW staff member Tiffany Schrunk, and Kurt Johnson.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
United Way kicks off 2020 campaign, raises awareness The Heartland United Way kicked off its 2020 campaign in Hamilton County Saturday, offering words of encouragement to young flag football players and their families while also sharing information on how local UW donations benefit local people in...
Garrett and Vicki Hill showcase the new facilities at FUeL, which stands for Function Under exertion Lab. The new facility is located at 207 S 16th St., Suite B.

Garrett and Vicki Hill showcase the new facilities at FUeL, which stands for Function Under exertion Lab. The new facility is located at 207 S 16th St., Suite B.

FUeL venture offers new twist on fitness, health

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Garrett Hill brings a passion for family, country and fitness to a new FUeL business in Aurora which will open its doors next week.
The decision to allow Keno will be on the upcoming November ballot.

The decision to allow Keno will be on the upcoming November ballot.

Giltner residents to decide on keno

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
Keno gambling may soon be available in Giltner, depending on what local voters say in the Nov. 3 election. The Giltner Village Board was asked recently to put the issue up to a vote, thus it is on the ballot with a simple majority decision to determine the outcome.
Heather Van Loh, whose military husband died several years ago, helps young members of A Soldier’s Child Foundation fish during a weekend outing at Timberlake Ranch Camp.

Heather Van Loh, whose military husband died several years ago, helps young members of A Soldier’s Child Foundation fish during a weekend outing at Timberlake Ranch Camp.

Children of fallen soldiers find peace at Timberlake

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
The 29 kids who spent the weekend at Timberlake Ranch Camp near Hordville all share an invisible scar.  A Soldier’s Child Foundation is a special organization for all involved, but to become a member you have to have lost a parent in military service.
Summer LaBenz has been baking a variety of pies since she first learned how at the age of 15.

Summer LaBenz has been baking a variety of pies since she first learned how at the age of 15.

From youth to adulthood, LaBenz keeps love of pies strong

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
A 15-year-old girl stands in the Hamilton Motor Inn, washing dishes. This was the unassuming start for Summer LaBenz and her lifelong relationship with baking pies. “My boss got me into the cooking part of it and then he started teaching me the pies,” she recalled.
Jamie Nissen warms up with her horse Beau before a competition at the Nebraska State Fair.

Jamie Nissen warms up with her horse Beau before a competition at the Nebraska State Fair.

Pair of local teens united through equine passion, sport

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
What started as childhood fun has grown from a hobby into a passion for Jamie Nissen and Adrianna McNeese.  These two ladies have taken their love of horses and riding to the next level as they master the art of competitive riding.
Just one of many band members participating this weekend, senior trumpet player Allison McIntosh was loud and proud during the homecoming halftime show.

Just one of many band members participating this weekend, senior trumpet player Allison McIntosh was loud and proud during the homecoming halftime show.

Aurora marching exhibition to headline Saturday

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, September 29, 2020
It was a sad day for more than just local band students when the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association cancelled the State Marching Festival and competition, and the cancellation of many more band competitions followed suit.