News

Stolen car recovered in Hampton

Stolen car recovered in Hampton

Stolen car recovered in Hampton

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
A concerned Hampton resident’s call to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office last week led to the recovery of a car stolen in Aurora almost a week earlier.
Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV

‘A figure of hope’

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
With the recent election of American-born Robert Prevost to succeed Pope Francis as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, there has been much speculation – even in non-Catholic circles – as to what changes Pope Leo XIV will bring to the church and the world. However, Fr.
The Giltner Area Development Corporation is proposing a grocery store in Giltner with the property at 218 Tonya Drive to be considered as a potential location. During its meeting May 13, the GADC went over results of a community survey conducted by the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to begin the first steps of planning a grocery store.

The Giltner Area Development Corporation is proposing a grocery store in Giltner with the property at 218 Tonya Drive to be considered as a potential location. During its meeting May 13, the GADC went over results of a community survey conducted by the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center, at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, to begin the first steps of planning a grocery store.

GADC eyes grocery store in Giltner

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The Giltner Area Development Corporation reviewed a community survey conducted recently by the Nebraska Cooperative Development Center to get feedback on the GADC’s proposal for a grocery store in Giltner.The survey, conducted March 21 through April 20, was completed by 102 community members.
The new logo chosen by students for the H&H sports coop between Hampton and Heartland Community Schools

The new logo chosen by students for the H&H sports coop between Hampton and Heartland Community Schools

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
The students of the new H&H Sports Cooperative formed between Hampton and Heartland Schools of Henderson have spoken again and we now know what the coop’s mascot will look like.
Events are planned around the county in observance of Memorial Day

Events are planned around the county in observance of Memorial Day

Memorial Day services planned throughout Hamilton County

Ron Burtz
Friday, May 23, 2025
Memorial Day weekend is upon us and commemorative events are planned throughout the weekend locally, culminating on Monday. In several places throughout Hamilton County, Memorial Day services are being planned by American Legion Lester S. Harter Post 42 of Aurora. Beginning on Saturday at 7:30 a.m.
Members of the 2025 Hamilton County Leadership Class are shown at the Bremer Community Center along with chamber Aurora Chamber of Commerce director Justise Rhoden (top right), include front row, from left: Tyler Jensen, Jake Richardson, Elijah Landell, Phil Erb, Darren Holzinger, Carlin Engert. Back row: Sierra Collazo, Rachel Zimmerman, Chancy Hanquist, Emily Stolpe, Bekah Mead, Hannah Driewer and Paige McQuiston. Not pictured: Peggy Scribner.

Members of the 2025 Hamilton County Leadership Class are shown at the Bremer Community Center along with chamber Aurora Chamber of Commerce director Justise Rhoden (top right), include front row, from left: Tyler Jensen, Jake Richardson, Elijah Landell, Phil Erb, Darren Holzinger, Carlin Engert. Back row: Sierra Collazo, Rachel Zimmerman, Chancy Hanquist, Emily Stolpe, Bekah Mead, Hannah Driewer and Paige McQuiston. Not pictured: Peggy Scribner.

Leadership class celebrates graduation

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
The Hamilton County Leadership Academy graduated 14 participants during its 2024/25 reception last Tuesday.Graduates celebrated their milestone by presenting their class project to family, friends and other members of the community at the Bremer Community Center.
A total of $3,000 is being raised to renew and replant colorful flower baskets on Aurora’s downtown square. Those who wish to contribute may use the accompanying QR code to give via Go Fund Me and cash or check donations may be dropped off at Honeysuckle Lane.

A total of $3,000 is being raised to renew and replant colorful flower baskets on Aurora’s downtown square. Those who wish to contribute may use the accompanying QR code to give via Go Fund Me and cash or check donations may be dropped off at Honeysuckle Lane.

Downtown flower baskets to bloom again

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Local folks have an opportunity to help bring a splash of spring and summer color to Aurora’s downtown square and at the same time renew a beautification program that was started about this time 13 years ago.
County extends solar farm application moratorium.

County extends solar farm application moratorium.

County extends moratorium on solar farms

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
With a special committee hard at work on updating Hamilton County’s regulations dealing with commercial solar farms, the county commission has decided to extend the current moratorium on applications for such projects by another year.
Aurora senior Jorja Pohlmeier, who was one of two class speakers on Sunday, is congratulated by Supt. Jody Phillips after receiving her diploma.

Aurora senior Jorja Pohlmeier, who was one of two class speakers on Sunday, is congratulated by Supt. Jody Phillips after receiving her diploma.

‘A defining moment’

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Amongst the cheers, tears, hugs and applause Aurora seniors paused Sunday to soak in what Supt. Jody Phillips called “a defining moment” in their young lives as they prepare the begin their next chapter as high school graduates.
Kirt Smith stepped into the role as captain of the city’s ambulance service in November. He and City Administrator Rick Melcher shared revenue and expense reports through seven months of the fiscal year as part of an effort to communicate with the public.

Kirt Smith stepped into the role as captain of the city’s ambulance service in November. He and City Administrator Rick Melcher shared revenue and expense reports through seven months of the fiscal year as part of an effort to communicate with the public.

City forms advisory committee to help evaluate EMS

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Two months after an auditor’s report raised concerns about a growing ambulance service budget which is dwindling cash reserves, city officials shared this week that a citizens advisory committee has been formed as part of a focused effort to improve the financial efficiency of local EMS operations.