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Former Aurora resident Ethan Mowery (right) has published three plays within the past two years ranging from 10-minute play to one-acts. While building himself as a playwright Mowery has participated in numerous plays and events at Newman University, one of them being the 14th annual 24-hour theatre in January where played Dimitri in “Gladiators of Zenova.” On stage with Mowery were, from left: Corbin Molina, who played Hamlet, and Steve Brown, who played Horiato.

Former Aurora resident Ethan Mowery (right) has published three plays within the past two years ranging from 10-minute play to one-acts. While building himself as a playwright Mowery has participated in numerous plays and events at Newman University, one of them being the 14th annual 24-hour theatre in January where played Dimitri in “Gladiators of Zenova.” On stage with Mowery were, from left: Corbin Molina, who played Hamlet, and Steve Brown, who played Horiato.

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Mowery sets the stage for career as a playwrite

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
When it comes to bringing characters to life on stage or from a script, former Aurora resident and Giltner student Ethan Mowery has been working to make a name for himself within the theatre scene.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

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County approves funding for Ryde Transportation

News Staff
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Following its annual visit from Ryde Transportation director Charles McGraw on Monday, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners took action to approve a resolution to help fund the public transportation agency which serves county residents.
Mark Cohen

Mark Cohen

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Cohen challenging Smith for 3rd Dist. seat in Congress

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
A Colorado native who now lives near Ogallala has announced his bid for Congress, running as an Independent against Adrian Smith, an incumbent Republican who has served as Nebraska’s 3rd District representative since 2007.
Fire danger is high in our area right now as evidenced by this grass fire on Saturday.

Fire danger is high in our area right now as evidenced by this grass fire on Saturday.

Weekend grass fire near Aurora highlights dry conditions

News Staff
Monday, March 23, 2026
Firefighters from three departments battled a grass and timber fire southwest of Aurora for several hours Saturday and Aurora fire crews had to return to the scene on Sunday to make sure windy conditions didn't cause a flareup.
Aurora speech team members who qualified for this week’s state meet in Kearney include, from left: Hannah Vermillion, Chloe Fawver, Scott Bennett and Julia Messere. Not pictured is Shawn Morris. These students qualified in a total of seven events.

Aurora speech team members who qualified for this week’s state meet in Kearney include, from left: Hannah Vermillion, Chloe Fawver, Scott Bennett and Julia Messere. Not pictured is Shawn Morris. These students qualified in a total of seven events.

AHS speech qualifies 7 for state

News Staff
Monday, March 23, 2026
The Aurora speech team will have seven representatives performing at the state meet Wednesday in Kearney.The Huskies had numerous performers earning medals at the B-5 District meet March 16, which was hosted here in Aurora. The team placed third in the sweepstakes competition.
Dave and Rhonda Hiebert are in the process of transforming the former Assembly of God Church (which was previously the Aurora Head Start building) into a unique daycare center for older adults. They plan to call their business “Serenity Place” when it opens hopefully by summer.

Dave and Rhonda Hiebert are in the process of transforming the former Assembly of God Church (which was previously the Aurora Head Start building) into a unique daycare center for older adults. They plan to call their business “Serenity Place” when it opens hopefully by summer.

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Former Head Start building in Aurora to become adult daycare center

Ron Burtz
Thursday, March 19, 2026
The building at the corner of 7th and L streets in Aurora that was once home to the Assembly of God Church and was most recently the site of the Head Start program, is currently being transformed into a unique daycare facility for older adults.
Nebraska's 2026 Primary Election is May 12

Nebraska's 2026 Primary Election is May 12

Local primary set for May 12

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
With Nebraska’s May 12 Primary Election now less than two months away, the Hamilton County Commissioners received an update on the election Monday from County Clerk and Election Commissioner, Jill DeMers.
A formal request for input on the concept of adopting regulations allowing chickens within the city limits drew approximately 30 people to last week’s Aurora City Council meeting

A formal request for input on the concept of adopting regulations allowing chickens within the city limits drew approximately 30 people to last week’s Aurora City Council meeting

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City hears local support for backyard chickens

News Staff
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
A formal request for input on the concept of adopting regulations allowing chickens within the city limits drew approximately 30 people to last week’s Aurora City Council meeting, with all who spoke up generally favoring the idea.
Mike Bish and his '71 Plymouth 'Cuda

Mike Bish and his '71 Plymouth 'Cuda

ANR's Spring Car Care Section is here with 383 cubes of American muscle

News Staff
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Giltner native Mike Bish is anxious to hit the road and the car show circuit with his ‘71 ‘Cuda, which he recently finished reassembling after several years of restoration work. The story behind the remodel is the lead feature in this week’s ANR spring car care section, which begins on Page B1.
Hamilton County prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday

Hamilton County prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday

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Committee plans big for America’s 250 celebration here

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
As Hamilton County prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday alongside the Plainsman Museum’s 50th anniversary, a wide range of projects—from a countywide video time capsule to interactive exhibits and summer events—are coming together to highlight local history and community pride.