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On Thursday, July 9, students in the Pathway to Independence pilot program went to Small Town Apparel in Aurora where they worked together to create a t-shirt design for the program.

On Thursday, July 9, students in the Pathway to Independence pilot program went to Small Town Apparel in Aurora where they worked together to create a t-shirt design for the program.

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Walking a ‘Pathway to Independence’

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Over the past couple of months Opportune Acres has been testing a pilot program designed to help young adults with disabilities develop life skills for independence through participation in outdoor activities.
NPPD officials reviewed maps and gathered feedback Thursday in Aurora regarding a proposed transmission line project between Central City and Aurora.

NPPD officials reviewed maps and gathered feedback Thursday in Aurora regarding a proposed transmission line project between Central City and Aurora.

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Transmission line project draws feedback in Aurora

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
More than 50 area property owners attended a public hearing Thursday in Aurora, offering feedback on a proposed transmission line project between Aurora and Central City.
The 4-H/FFA Sheep and Goat Show took place Thursday morning at the fair.

The 4-H/FFA Sheep and Goat Show took place Thursday morning at the fair.

It's fair week in Hamilton County!

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Following in the footsteps of other summer festivals this American anniversary year, this week’s Hamilton County Fair has adopted an America 250 theme for its 155th edition Thursday through Sunday.
Dr. Jesse Bell, a professor of water, climate and health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, shared his research and views on studies involving the presence and impact of nitrates in the state’s drinking water supply at the Grain Place Foundation’s Field Day on July 18.

Dr. Jesse Bell, a professor of water, climate and health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, shared his research and views on studies involving the presence and impact of nitrates in the state’s drinking water supply at the Grain Place Foundation’s Field Day on July 18.

Researcher: Nitrate exposure a growing public health concern

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Concerns about nitrate contamination in Nebraska’s groundwater extend well beyond drinking water quality, reaching into questions about infant health, cancer research and the long-term health of rural communities, according to University of Nebraska Medical Center researcher Dr. Jesse Bell.
Budgets are under scrutiny at Aurora City Hall

Budgets are under scrutiny at Aurora City Hall

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City focusing in on fiscal budget

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
City leaders are in the midst of a thorough review of the city’s finances, preparing a budget that must be finalized and approved in September.
The water level in this picture of a group of River Rats enjoying a day on the river is almost too low for maximum jeeping enjoyment, according to River Rats President Jake Brown. He says members like a water flow of about 1,200 cubic feet per second so that riders can be in the water to cool off on a hot day.

The water level in this picture of a group of River Rats enjoying a day on the river is almost too low for maximum jeeping enjoyment, according to River Rats President Jake Brown. He says members like a water flow of about 1,200 cubic feet per second so that riders can be in the water to cool off on a hot day.

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River Rats jeepers mark silver anniversary

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
 Out-of-state visitors to this area are sometimes treated to an unusual and surprising sight when crossing the Platte River. And many are shocked to see Jeeps and other four-wheel drive vehicles driving not along but in the river stream in water as deep as three feet.
Angie Burson, pictured here at home with her husband, Joe, is on the waiting list for a double lung transplant. A benefit in her honor is planned for Aug. 8 at the fairgrounds.

Angie Burson, pictured here at home with her husband, Joe, is on the waiting list for a double lung transplant. A benefit in her honor is planned for Aug. 8 at the fairgrounds.

Burson waiting for a breath of hope

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Angie Burson will never forget the day in June when she received a letter that will hopefully help her breathe a little easier, and ultimately change her life.“There were a lot of tears,” she recalled. “I stood out on the front porch with the letter saying: ‘This is it. This is the letter.
Paula Sandoval (center) was able to spend time with her host siblings Livie (left) and Peyton Schutt.

Paula Sandoval (center) was able to spend time with her host siblings Livie (left) and Peyton Schutt.

Exchange student returns to Spain with treasured memories

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
After a fun-filled year as a sophomore at Giltner Public Schools, Spanish exchange student Paula Sandoval has said her goodbyes to the friends and family she has grown to love at Giltner and has headed home to Spain.
Eva De La Cruz (right) models her 4-H fashion show entry on Monday night. Waiting to showcase their clothes are, from left, Augie Hansen and Zoey Gimpel.

Eva De La Cruz (right) models her 4-H fashion show entry on Monday night. Waiting to showcase their clothes are, from left, Augie Hansen and Zoey Gimpel.

It's county fair week!

News Staff
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
The 4-H portion of the 2026 Hamilton County Fair got underway Monday evening with the 4-H Fashion Show. There were 91 entries in the show with 4-H club members entering clothing in several different categories.
This image captured by Desiree Christenson received second place in the Snapshot Nebraska category.

This image captured by Desiree Christenson received second place in the Snapshot Nebraska category.

Snapshot Nebraska runner up

News Staff
Monday, July 27, 2026
A weathered mailbox that has stood through countless Nebraska summer storms was captured by Desiree Christenson just as one storm cleared and the sun set beneath the clouds. The image received second place in the Snapshot Nebraska category.See more winning photos and read the full article HERE.