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The staff at Sozo Family Services includes, from left: Carole Denton, Chelsea Wier, Theresa Arnett Nickolaus and board member Fairy Hattan. Not pictured are Dr. Thomas Wilson, Chandra Phelps and Crystal Wilson. The nonprofit organization recently moved to this new location on Highway 14.

The staff at Sozo Family Services includes, from left: Carole Denton, Chelsea Wier, Theresa Arnett Nickolaus and board member Fairy Hattan. Not pictured are Dr. Thomas Wilson, Chandra Phelps and Crystal Wilson. The nonprofit organization recently moved to this new location on Highway 14.

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Sozo Family Services expands, relocates

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Sozo Family Services has expanded its scope of services in Aurora, prompting a move to a larger facility on Highway 14 at a time when staff and board members say there is a growing need for a wide range of emotional support.
Art Van Luchene (left) is wrapped in his Quilt of Valor during the ceremony held up by Jim Willis and Claire Frevert. Jeanette Friesen gives an explanation of the meaning of the quilt.

Art Van Luchene (left) is wrapped in his Quilt of Valor during the ceremony held up by Jim Willis and Claire Frevert. Jeanette Friesen gives an explanation of the meaning of the quilt.

Local veteran Art Van Luchene presented his Quilt of Valor

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Art Van Luchene found himself wrapped up in a quilt during the VFW meeting on Dec. 1, but not just any ordinary quilt -- a Quilt of Valor. Jeanette Friesen spoke on behalf of the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild as she and Claire Frevert presented the quilt to the honoree.
Kirt Smith provided the county another COVID-19 update Monday.

Kirt Smith provided the county another COVID-19 update Monday.

County hears good news on COVID front

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Monday’s Hamilton County Board meeting saw three of the five commissioners joining via Zoom, with the remainder of the usual meeting attendees at the courthouse.  First up on the agenda was another COVID-19 update provided by Hamilton County Emergency Manager Kirt Smith.
Hampton senior cheerleader Lexie Wolinski shows her form during a Hawk football game this fall.

Hampton senior cheerleader Lexie Wolinski shows her form during a Hawk football game this fall.

Hampton senior Lexie Wolinski named All-American cheerleader

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
Hampton senior Lexie Wolinski has been named an All-American by the National Cheerleaders Association, one of the highest honors high school cheerleaders can achieve. The recognition came as welcome news to Wolinski, who has been on the Hawk cheer squad for all four years at Hampton High.
Kelly Boshart, Aurora’s new girls basketball coach demonstrates during a drill in preseason workouts ahead of Thursday’s season-opener.

Kelly Boshart, Aurora’s new girls basketball coach demonstrates during a drill in preseason workouts ahead of Thursday’s season-opener.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Come Home to Christmas Come Home to Christmas highlighted a beautiful Saturday in Aurora, with a large number of popular events for the community -- young and old -- to enjoy. “We felt this year was a huge success,” said Justise Rhoden, executive director of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce.
Aurora Huskies

Aurora Huskies

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4R board questions mask effectiveness

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
The Aurora 4R board talked at length Monday about the district’s COVID-19 protocol, with one member sharing data he recently gathered in support of removing the mask mandate within the school system.  “You guys have been lights-out, all the admin team, all the staff,” Kirk Penner began.
Bob Leach says he gripes about the COVID-driven protocol which restricts his activities at East Park Villa, but tries to stay positive and “just roll with the punches.”

Bob Leach says he gripes about the COVID-driven protocol which restricts his activities at East Park Villa, but tries to stay positive and “just roll with the punches.”

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Prolonged isolation can be struggle for elderly

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
COVID fatigue has become yet another symptom of a global pandemic now in its ninth month, especially for elderly residents confined to their rooms at times with limited access to loved ones in one of three assisted living and long-term care facilities in Aurora.
Aurora Huskies

Aurora Huskies

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4R board updates its COVID-19 plan

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
An emergency meeting was held by the Aurora School Board Monday night in an effort to reapprove an updated school operations policy.  A handful of changes were made, including the addition of a new phase (making the district’s plan now a five-phase situation, instead of four) and contingency plan.
Students who organized the fundraiser.

Students who organized the fundraiser.

Food Fight raises $2,785.52 for Hamilton County Food Pantry

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
Students at the Aurora Elementary School held the 12th annual Food Fight to raise donations for the Hamilton County Food Pantry.  In previous years students have brought in food items, but due to the ongoing pandemic it was decided to switch to collecting coins.