This week's top stories

Hampton taking steps to resolve water issues

The Hampton Village Board took steps forward to try to solve its ongoing water problems last week, voting at its Aug. 14 meeting to move ahead with the drilling of a test well in the park on the village’s west side. 
The village’s water system has been operating for several years with only one well which leaves the fire department with concerns about having enough supply to fight a major fire. High levels of nitrates in existing wells are also a concern.

County’s valuation up 6.9% to $3.2 billion

The valuation of property in Hamilton County rose by 6.9 percent in 2023, pushing the cumulative total to a record $3.26 billion.
Hamilton County Assessor Pat Sandberg reported this week that total valuations for all taxing subdivisions rose by $212 million in the last year alone, which she said is a significant sum in and of itself.

New Giltner FFA program taking flight

There’s an exciting new chapter for Giltner Public Schools as FFA is introduced as a new opportunity for students. After a year in the planning, the school welcomes its new ag teacher, Kelsey Swantek, as its first FFA advisor for the new chapter. Swantek grew up in Genoa where she developed her dedication and interest in FFA at Twin Rivers Public Schools. During her freshman year she discovered her dream of being an ag teacher.

ANR's annual Fall Sports Preview is here

Football in the area this season will be tough as nails with a pair of returning playoff teams. Both Aurora and Hampton qualified for the postseason a year ago and feature returning all-state talents Kellen Peterson (Aurora) as well as Evan Pankoke (Hampton) as senior leaders. ANR’s annual fall sports preview section, including with this week’s edition, highlights all Aurora, Hampton, Giltner and High Plains teams.
 

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