This week's featured stories

  • Brylee Mickey (right) keeps her eyes locked on the judge as she participates in 4-H Junior Showmanship at the State Fair in Grand Island Saturday afternoon. Mickey received blue ribbons on both showmanship and breeding ewe. She is the daughter of Clint and Barbie Mickey of Aurora.
    Brylee Mickey (right) keeps her eyes locked on the judge as she participates in 4-H Junior Showmanship at the State Fair in Grand Island Saturday afternoon. Mickey received blue ribbons on both showmanship and breeding ewe. She is the daughter of Clint and Barbie Mickey of Aurora.
  • Former Aurora resident Angela Garfinkel has published her first children’s book, “Annabelle’s Paintbrush.” The book features Annabelle finding different items to use as a paintbrush with the story told in watercolor paintings created by Garfinkel.
    Former Aurora resident Angela Garfinkel has published her first children’s book, “Annabelle’s Paintbrush.” The book features Annabelle finding different items to use as a paintbrush with the story told in watercolor paintings created by Garfinkel.
  • St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Pastor Dan Barbey and long-time church member Kathy Johnson stand outside the church building on H Street in Hampton. The church will hold its last Sunday morning worship service on Sept. 7.
    St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Pastor Dan Barbey and long-time church member Kathy Johnson stand outside the church building on H Street in Hampton. The church will hold its last Sunday morning worship service on Sept. 7.
  • Husky Nation and coaches got one last look at the Aurora football team Friday with the team’s final preseason scrimmage. The Huskies kick off the 2025 season Friday at Pierce. The Bluejays are ranked preseason No. 8 in Class C1, with the Huskies No. 9.
    Husky Nation and coaches got one last look at the Aurora football team Friday with the team’s final preseason scrimmage. The Huskies kick off the 2025 season Friday at Pierce. The Bluejays are ranked preseason No. 8 in Class C1, with the Huskies No. 9.
  • For 60 years, Harold Oretegren (right) has been farming Shorty Hahn’s land, one mile west of Hordville. The relationship began with a handshake in 1960.
    For 60 years, Harold Oretegren (right) has been farming Shorty Hahn’s land, one mile west of Hordville. The relationship began with a handshake in 1960.
  • Hopping through the one of the water fountains on Thursday, were (front to back) Blair Ratliff, Farah Quiring, Grace Rose and Catalania Ellis.
    Hopping through the one of the water fountains on Thursday, were (front to back) Blair Ratliff, Farah Quiring, Grace Rose and Catalania Ellis.

    From thrilling rodeos and llama shows to milking demos and mac & cheese contests, the 2025 Nebraska State Fair is offering an unforgettable lineup of agriculture-centered experiences that celebrate Nebraska’s heritage while inspiring the next generation. “I have to laugh when folks say that state fairs shouldn’t spend so much time focusing on agriculture,” competitive exhibits manager Kourtney Lingeman said. “Agriculture is the largest industry in our state — it’s the entirety of what state fairs were built on. A major portion of our jobs here in Nebraska revolve around ag. The food we eat, the household products we use.” Read more about the 'Big Stage' for Nebraska ag and 4-H  in this week's Ag Life section starting on Page B10.

    Combining a love for watercolor painting and for spending quality time with her grandchildren, former Aurora resident Angela Garfinkel has recently published her first children’s book, written and illustrated by herself. Among the first to receive copies of the book were her eight grandchildren. “I was able to order advanced copies and ship them to them and was able to inscribe to them personally, (and tell them) how much they mean to me and how... they are my inspiration every day,” Garfinkel said. Learn more about Garfinkle's journey to becoming an artist and author on Page B12 of this week's Aurora News-Register.

    After 115 years of serving the community of Hampton, the congregation of St. Peter’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (LCMS) is preparing to hold its final church service on Sunday, Sept. 7. Founded in 1910 by a group of Lutherans who were members of Zion Lutheran Church in the country northeast of Hampton, St. Peters thrived throughout Hampton’s years of growth and educated many area children through its school which started about the same time. However, over the last few years membership has shrunk to around 60 and weekly attendance has gone from 30 just two years ago to around 20 today. That’s why the current members voted last year to close the doors, while still keeping some aspects of the church’s ministry alive, hopefully, for years to come. Read the article featuring an interview with the current pastor and a long-time church member on Page 1 of this week's ANR.

    The football season kicks off Friday in Pierce for a Husky team that will be tested early and often in the 2025 campaign. Aurora is in unfamiliar territory coming off a disappointing 3-6 season which ended a streak of 19 consecutive playoff appearances, and the Huskies will start the year on unfamiliar turf as well with its first-ever trip to play Pierce, a perennial Class C1 football power, on its home field. Read how players and coaches are preparing for the season on Page B1 of this week's ANR and look for game highlights in next week's edition.

    Over the more than six decades of the farming partnership of D.L. “Shorty” Hahn, 97, and Harold Ortegren, 81, there has never been a written agreement between them. However, the business relationship between the two Hordville area natives is built on a mutual trust rooted in the individual character of both men. “(Dad) stuck with Harold and Harold stuck with Dad, and they never had a contract,” said Shorty’s son Doug Hahn. “The only contract they ever had was a verbal one. They shake hands and the deal is always a deal.” Learn more about this unique 60-year farming relationship in this week's ANR.

    Summer is winding down and the splash pad at Cole Park will close for the season after Labor Day. Find photos of kids beating last week's August heat on Page A4 of this week's edition.

     

    These stories and more, plus our 12-page fall sports preview, can be found in the print or e-editions of this week's ANR.