News

The front side of the Gambles building was been blocked off Wednesday to keep people away from the property due to concern with its structural safety.

The front side of the Gambles building was been blocked off Wednesday to keep people away from the property due to concern with its structural safety.

Decision pending on downtown building

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
A decision regarding the structural status of the former Gambles building in downtown Aurora was postponed June 24 because city officials had not yet received an engineering report needed to help determine if it should be declared a dangerous building.
Hampton ag teacher Joel Miller, pictured here in a 2024 ANR photo, observes as Alana Wiarda preps feed for the Hawk Herd, a project Miller and his students have prided themselves on for seven-plus years.

Hampton ag teacher Joel Miller, pictured here in a 2024 ANR photo, observes as Alana Wiarda preps feed for the Hawk Herd, a project Miller and his students have prided themselves on for seven-plus years.

Hampton teacher honored as state’s top FFA educator

Samuel Wishman
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
After 22 years in the classroom, 19 of them at Hampton, Joel Miller has been awarded one of the top honors for agriculture educators.Miller was named the 2025 Nebraska Golden Owl Award recipient, an honor given to one outstanding ag teacher each year, along with a $3,000 cash prize.
Bricks falling from the north wall of the former Gambles building prompted city officials to close the back alley after the damage was discovered early Thursday morning.

Bricks falling from the north wall of the former Gambles building prompted city officials to close the back alley after the damage was discovered early Thursday morning.

Wall crumbles on downtown building

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Bricks falling to the ground off the back wall of the former Gambles building in downtown Aurora prompted city officials to issue a caution warning to local residents.
Agnes Andreasen celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, May 25, surrounded by her friends and family.

Agnes Andreasen celebrated her 100th birthday on Saturday, May 25, surrounded by her friends and family.

Andreasen marks 100th birthday with poem

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
While longtime Hordville native Agnes Andreasen reached a sentimental milestone of turning 100 years old on Saturday, May 25, it was just a regular birthday she was able to spend with her loved ones.
When she isn’t working remotely from her home in North Platte, Sarah (Shirley) Smidt travels to her office/branch in Jersey Village, Texas near Houston, sometimes accompanied by her two children, Nash and Nova.

When she isn’t working remotely from her home in North Platte, Sarah (Shirley) Smidt travels to her office/branch in Jersey Village, Texas near Houston, sometimes accompanied by her two children, Nash and Nova.

Smidt finds longevity with Wesco

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
For developing her leadership skills, Aurora High School graduate Sarah (Shirley) Smidt says she couldn’t have found a better place to work than with her current employer.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

County board to advertise assessor opening

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
To maintain proper legal protocols and to remain consistent with the filling of vacancies of elected offices in the past, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners decided on Monday it will advertise for someone to replace County Assessor Pat Sandberg when she retires next month.
Fireworks will light up the sky over Phillips on July 3

Fireworks will light up the sky over Phillips on July 3

July 3rd celebration to light up Phillips

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
The sixth annual pre-Independence Day celebration at the Phillips Memorial Hall is going to light up the night sky next Thursday.Preparations for the 3rd of July celebration have been going well, according to events coordinator Penny Evans.
Yvonne (Ross) Haun and Ross Beins will be inducted into the Aurora High School Hall of Fame on Friday.

Yvonne (Ross) Haun and Ross Beins will be inducted into the Aurora High School Hall of Fame on Friday.

Haun, Beins set for induction into AHS Alumni Hall of Fame

News Staff
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Two members of the Aurora High School Class of 1955 will be inducted into the Aurora Alumni Hall of Fame during A’ROR’N Days festivities this weekend. Yvonne (Ross) Haun, now of Boulder, Colo.
On Thursday, May 1, 13 visitors hiked together on Tallgrass Prairie Trail to get a first look at the observation deck.

On Thursday, May 1, 13 visitors hiked together on Tallgrass Prairie Trail to get a first look at the observation deck.

Bader Memorial Park unveils observation deck

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Located right off the Wood River, Bader Memorial Park has built a prairie observation deck for guests to visit a half mile from the main campgrounds.
Rick and Fairy Hattan were recently honored at Aurora Evangelical Free Church for their 40 years of service with Awana Clubs.

Rick and Fairy Hattan were recently honored at Aurora Evangelical Free Church for their 40 years of service with Awana Clubs.

Hattans honored for 40 years of Awana service

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Rick and Fairy Hattan of Aurora were honored Sunday, June 8 for 40 years of service as missionaries in Awana Clubs International.