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Elizabeth Mollard (right) assists with a water birth at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln on March 10, 2022. (Photo by Leslie Moon/Novita Birth Stories)

Elizabeth Mollard (right) assists with a water birth at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln on March 10, 2022. (Photo by Leslie Moon/Novita Birth Stories)

The truth about Nebraska’s home birth blues

News Staff
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Kirsten Johnson was sitting at home on Christmas Eve when a sharp wave of pain stole her next breath. More than a week past her due date, the first-time mother immediately recognized the first sign of labor.
Brooks Borrell was one of the 29 riders who participated in the first Adaptive Horse Show at the State Fair. He is shown here riding the horse, Peaches. Pictured with Borrell, from left, are Bria Schaeffer, Anna Hanquist and Cortney Brades.

Brooks Borrell was one of the 29 riders who participated in the first Adaptive Horse Show at the State Fair. He is shown here riding the horse, Peaches. Pictured with Borrell, from left, are Bria Schaeffer, Anna Hanquist and Cortney Brades.

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Opportune Acres puts kids in saddles, smiles on faces

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
A total of 29 riders stepped into the saddle and the spotlight as exhibitors at the first-ever Adaptive Horse Show, held at the US Foods Outdoor Arena during the Nebraska State Fair on Friday, Sept. 4.
The Hamilton County Sheriff's office deployed its drone Saturday to search for car theft suspects

The Hamilton County Sheriff's office deployed its drone Saturday to search for car theft suspects

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Drone helps catch suspected car thieves

News Staff
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office deployed its drone Saturday night to fly over a corn field south of Aurora in search of two juveniles who had been the subject of a pursuit.
Hornets crown Homecoming royalty

Hornets crown Homecoming royalty

Giltner Homecoming royalty crowned

News Staff
Saturday, September 19, 2026
The Hornets were on their way to a rollover victory over the Spartans at Friday night's Homecoming football game when a rain delay was called 10 minutes into the second half due to thunderstorms rolling through the area.
Grayce (Gustafson) and Connor Smith have started their latest business, Cross Swing Golf, offering a mobile golf simulator that can be brought in for after-school dances, corporate events, weddings and more.

Grayce (Gustafson) and Connor Smith have started their latest business, Cross Swing Golf, offering a mobile golf simulator that can be brought in for after-school dances, corporate events, weddings and more.

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Smiths debut new Cross Swing venture

Elizabeth Hunter
Thursday, September 17, 2026
If golf enthusiasts want to swing into some fun playing golf for any fun occasion, Cross Swing Golf, based in Aurora, will bring its mobile golf simulator for others to take a spin.
High School Proposal #1

High School Proposal #1

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New high school anchors APS facility proposal

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Four years after launching a strategic planning initiative which included an in-depth study focused on the district’s facility needs, Aurora Public Schools officials shared with a community advisory committee this week a proposal to build a new high school and address priority needs at the...
A seat at the front of the High Plains bench was saved for Payton Ackerson, a tribute paid to the High Plains sophomore player who tragically passed away over Labor Day weekend. Inset: Ackerson in a volleyball game during her freshman season a year ago for the Storm.

A seat at the front of the High Plains bench was saved for Payton Ackerson, a tribute paid to the High Plains sophomore player who tragically passed away over Labor Day weekend. Inset: Ackerson in a volleyball game during her freshman season a year ago for the Storm.

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‘Play for Payton’

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
The High Plains Community school and neighborhood gathered for a couple hours of normalcy and healing while honoring one of their own.
Aurora city leaders ponder how to deal with depleted reserve fund

Aurora city leaders ponder how to deal with depleted reserve fund

City debates tax strategy, eyeing depleted reserves

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
The Aurora City Council voiced mixed opinions last week about which strategy to utilize when computing this year’s budget, with the key differential focused on the need to build back the city’s depleted cash reserves versus giving taxpayers a break.
New Hamilton County Attorney Nathan Heinz of York is sworn in Thursday morning by District Judge Rachael Daughterty. In remarks after the swearing in, the judge noted that Heinz’s first hearing as a defense attorney had taken place before her in that very same courtroom.

New Hamilton County Attorney Nathan Heinz of York is sworn in Thursday morning by District Judge Rachael Daughterty. In remarks after the swearing in, the judge noted that Heinz’s first hearing as a defense attorney had taken place before her in that very same courtroom.

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Heinz sworn in as county attorney

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Hamilton County has a new full-time county attorney as of Thursday morning.
Payton Ackerson

Payton Ackerson

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Communities mourn the loss of local teen

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
The accidental death of 16-year-old Payton Ackerson of Clarks over the Labor Day weekend has sent shock waves throughout several communities in this area. Ackerson, a sophomore volleyball player at High Plains Community Schools, died early Sunday morning, Sept.