News

Trucks from all over are bringing hay to ranchers in western Nebraska where last month's wildfires destroyed thousands of acres of grazing

Trucks from all over are bringing hay to ranchers in western Nebraska where last month's wildfires destroyed thousands of acres of grazing

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Area producers donate hay for Sandhills fire relief

News Staff
Thursday, April 2, 2026
With thousands of acres of late winter forage in western Nebraska having been destroyed by the recent wildfires at multiple locations, help has been on the way in the form of hay donations from around the region and even from right here in Hamilton County.
Caleb Arnett

Caleb Arnett

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Not guilty plea entered in Arnett case

Ron Burtz
Thursday, April 2, 2026
A not guilty plea has been entered by the court on behalf of Caleb Arnett, the Aurora man charged with the stabbing death of his step-father, Ross Nickolaus, and the wounding of his mother and step-brother in December of 2023.
Darbro, council members warn of mounting deficits, unsustainable operations

Darbro, council members warn of mounting deficits, unsustainable operations

City considers privatizing EMS, sewer rate hike

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
In response to last week’s alarming audit review, city officials have announced plans to consider contracting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to a private provider, as well as adjusting sewer rates in hopes of addressing operations that have drained the city of all its cash reserves.
Children will get an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny at several egg hunts planned for this weekend.

Children will get an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny at several egg hunts planned for this weekend.

Egg-citing hunts planned for Easter weekend

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The Easter Bunny is hopping down the bunny trail with plans to attend Easter egg hunts all over Hamilton County this upcoming weekend. Several local organizations are planning hunts and other activities to celebrate Easter beginning on Saturday.
City receives audit report

City receives audit report

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Auditor warns city of depleted reserves

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
The city’s auditor pulled no punches for the second year in a row last week, advising city leaders that the ambulance service, combined with a wastewater treatment plant that is operating in the red, have essentially drained Aurora’s cash reserves.Michael Hoback of AMGL, P.C.
A crowd estimated at 60-70 people held up signs along Highway 14 Saturday as part of a nationwide No Kings rally, protesting actions and policies of the Trump administration.

A crowd estimated at 60-70 people held up signs along Highway 14 Saturday as part of a nationwide No Kings rally, protesting actions and policies of the Trump administration.

Aurora group joins nationwide No Kings rally

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Aurora was one of more than 3,100 communities participating Saturday in a nationwide No Kings rally, a peaceful event designed to protest the actions and policies of the second Trump administration.U.S.
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who is up for reelection in November, was the keynote speaker at Saturday’s Hamilton County GOP convention.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who is up for reelection in November, was the keynote speaker at Saturday’s Hamilton County GOP convention.

AG Hilgers urges unity in GOP

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers urged fellow Republicans to be strategic in their efforts to support conservative candidates and principals Saturday in Aurora, saying it is critically important now to be unified in the fight against out-of-state influence.
Dist. 34 Sen. Loren Lippincott speaks to local residents Friday morning at the Bremer Center. About 25 people turned out to hear the senator speak on this year’s legislative session and participate in a Q&A session.

Dist. 34 Sen. Loren Lippincott speaks to local residents Friday morning at the Bremer Center. About 25 people turned out to hear the senator speak on this year’s legislative session and participate in a Q&A session.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Lippincott presents legislative briefing

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
With only a few days left in this short 60-day legislative session in Lincoln, Dist. 34 State Sen. Loren Lippincott was in town Friday morning to update local residents on legislative matters. The senator from Central City spoke to a group of about 25 residents gathered at the Bremer Center.
The Phillips Easter Egg Hunt was Sunday afternoon

The Phillips Easter Egg Hunt was Sunday afternoon

Phillips hosts first egg hunt of the Easter season

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Children move with haste to collect as many eggs as possible during Phillips’ Easter Eggstravaganza Sunday afternoon. Phillips Fire & Rescue volunteers had scattered approximately 1,300 eggs for children of all ages to find.
East Park Villa hosted its grand opening of the Grille Friday where residents and their guests could dine inside and enjoy music and arts brought together by East Park Villa’s employees. The Grille was constructed in EPV’s east dining room area.

East Park Villa hosted its grand opening of the Grille Friday where residents and their guests could dine inside and enjoy music and arts brought together by East Park Villa’s employees. The Grille was constructed in EPV’s east dining room area.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

East Park Villa debuts new Grille facilities

News Staff
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
East Park Villa residents gathered within the lobby Friday in anticipation of the grand opening ceremony of the Grille.