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High Plains Community Schools

High Plains Community Schools

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High Plains school board approves 2025-26 budget

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The High Plains Community School Board approved its 2025-26 budget Monday night without outside input during its regular meeting.According to HPC Supt. Jason Brown, there were no changes to the budget from what was finalized during its Aug. 27 special meeting and put out for publication.
Angelica Tapia and Josh Arias work on the finishing touches of the mural last Tuesday afternoon.

Angelica Tapia and Josh Arias work on the finishing touches of the mural last Tuesday afternoon.

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Hamilton County Youth Center shines bright with new mural

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Finishing touches were made Tuesday afternoon at the Hamilton County Youth Center with a new outdoor mural painted by professional artists and kids throughout the community.
Hampton School Superintendent Holly Herzberg

Hampton School Superintendent Holly Herzberg

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Herzberg to retire after 33 years at Hampton school

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Soon the Hampton Board of Education will have to begin a process it hasn’t conducted in many years. In fact, it will be only the third time in 54 years the district has had to do this. That process is entering into a search for a new superintendent of schools.
Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora 4R School Board news

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4R board trims levy, approves budget

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
The Aurora School Board approved a $15.7 million budget for fiscal year 2025-26 Monday, noting that the tax levy will drop by a penny and a half to 69.5 cents per $100 valuation due to an increase in the district’s property valuation.
Michaela Robertshaw Garrett, left, and agent Celie Holliday stand in the newly remodeled offices of the M Robertshaw Insurance Agency, located on the east side of the downtown square.

Michaela Robertshaw Garrett, left, and agent Celie Holliday stand in the newly remodeled offices of the M Robertshaw Insurance Agency, located on the east side of the downtown square.

This week's featured stories

News Staff
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
An insurance agency with roots in Hamilton County dating back more than 130 years has relocated to Aurora’s downtown square, creating a unique opportunity for fourth-generation owner Michaela Robertshaw Garrett.
Emory Vap, a member of the Aurora 2nd grade flag football team, is off to the races with a scoring run in Saturday morning's season opener.

Emory Vap, a member of the Aurora 2nd grade flag football team, is off to the races with a scoring run in Saturday morning's season opener.

Flag football kicks into high gear

Kurt Johnson
Saturday, September 6, 2025
There was a lot of energy and a whole lot of smiles on the Husky field turf Saturday morning as Aurora flag football kicked off its 2025 season. Thirteen teams in all from Aurora, Hampton and Henderson took part, featuring boys and girls in first through third grades.
Giltner kindergartners pose for a class photo during their day at Nebraska’s Largest Classroom at the State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 2

Giltner kindergartners pose for a class photo during their day at Nebraska’s Largest Classroom at the State Fair on Wednesday, Aug. 2

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Cooler weather boosts State Fair totals

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
The final curtain has fallen on Nebraska’s “Big Stage” – the state fair in Grand Island – and, looking at the attendance numbers at least, the show is getting rave reviews!
John Hadley has helped in the creation of a factory to build subway cars in Lincoln, and has helped numerous businesses in the IT and pharmaceutical industries. He is pictured with his wife Claudia and daughter Nicole.

John Hadley has helped in the creation of a factory to build subway cars in Lincoln, and has helped numerous businesses in the IT and pharmaceutical industries. He is pictured with his wife Claudia and daughter Nicole.

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Motivated by a challenge Hadley has had diverse career

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Whether it was helping design a factory to build subway cars, working in the computer industry, building homes or helping bring new drugs to market in the pharmaceutical industry, Aurora native John Hadley has always been guided by a strong work ethic and a thirst for learning.
BRANDT staff members gave demonstrations in a local cornfield of products manufactured at the new Specialty Ag Formulations facility in Aurora during a Nebraska Agronomy Day Aug. 27.

BRANDT staff members gave demonstrations in a local cornfield of products manufactured at the new Specialty Ag Formulations facility in Aurora during a Nebraska Agronomy Day Aug. 27.

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SAF showcases Aurora facility, products

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
More than 100 dealers from throughout the Midwest Corn Belt spent the day in Aurora last week to tour the new Specialty Ag Formulations plant on Highway 14 and view in-field demonstrations nearby featuring some of the micronutrient products manufactured there.