This week's top stories

  • A 21-gun salute is performed near the end of the Memorial Day service at the Aurora Cemetery on Monday morning.
    A 21-gun salute is performed near the end of the Memorial Day service at the Aurora Cemetery on Monday morning.
  • Aurora Police Chief Paul Graham, left, and crossing guard trainee Emersyn Dinville, right, help a pedestrian across Highway 34 near the Aquatic Facility on Friday morning. Dinville is one of about 14 crossing guards who will oversee the busy crosswalk this summer.
    Aurora Police Chief Paul Graham, left, and crossing guard trainee Emersyn Dinville, right, help a pedestrian across Highway 34 near the Aquatic Facility on Friday morning. Dinville is one of about 14 crossing guards who will oversee the busy crosswalk this summer.
  • Dane (left) and Harlan Schafer were recognized during Monday’s Memorial Day service in Hampton with a Quilt of Valor presentation for their respective services in the United States Navy.
    Dane (left) and Harlan Schafer were recognized during Monday’s Memorial Day service in Hampton with a Quilt of Valor presentation for their respective services in the United States Navy.
  • A 21-gun salute is performed near the end of the Memorial Day service at the Aurora Cemetery on Monday morning.
    A 21-gun salute is performed near the end of the Memorial Day service at the Aurora Cemetery on Monday morning.

    MCHI nearly fully staffed with nurses

    Though not immune from the challenges of hiring and retaining nurses locally in the midst of a reported nationwide nursing shortage, Memorial Community Health Inc. is close to fully staffed, with administrators saying MCHI has weathered the storm better than many healthcare organizations.

     

    Caution urged at crossings

    With the Aurora Aquatic Facility having opened for the season on Friday, the now familiar crossing markers and flashing lights have made their annual appearance at the intersection of 13th Street and Highway 34. During pool hours that crossing will also be staffed with crossing guards to help children and adults safely cross the busy highway.

     

    Schafers honored with Quilt of Valor

    Two local veterans, a father and son, were honored and surprised with a Quilt of Valor presentation at Monday’s Memorial Day service in Hampton. Harlan and Dane Schafer were both presented with their own quilts in a surprise program, honoring their time in the service. 


     

    Hamilton County remembers

    Flags waved in the breeze, the band played patriotic music and the roll call of fallen heroes was read as the community observed Memorial Day 2023 at the cemetery on Monday morning. 
    A crowd of more than 150 people of all ages gathered at the veterans memorial on the west side of the cemetery for the annual observance, which also included the presentation of wreaths, a 21-gun salute, the playing of taps and a Memorial Day speech by Hamilton County veterans service officer and U.S. Marine, Mike Irons. 

     

    To view complete versions of all of these stories, see this week's ANR print or e-editions.