News

A new concrete tee pad is poured for the Refshauge Park Disc Golf course in Aurora

A new concrete tee pad is poured for the Refshauge Park Disc Golf course in Aurora

Disc golf course at Refshauge Park gets an upgrade

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Aurora’s original disc golf course at Refshauge Park along Highway 14 has undergone a major upgrade recently, thanks to the efforts of former Auroran Harry Eckerson and a group of local volunteers.
Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary with the Kenya State Department for Diaspora Affairs, is all smiles as she puts on an International Workforce Services cap during a trade delegation visit to Aurora Friday. The hat was part of a gift exchange between the Aurora hosts and guests from Kenya.

Roseline Njogu, Principal Secretary with the Kenya State Department for Diaspora Affairs, is all smiles as she puts on an International Workforce Services cap during a trade delegation visit to Aurora Friday. The hat was part of a gift exchange between the Aurora hosts and guests from Kenya.

Building a bridge to Kenya

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
A delegation from Kenya led by a principal secretary with the African nation’s State Department spent time in Aurora Friday near the end of a two-week American tour focused on global workforce development.
This specially modified reflector was created to be used alongside Doc Edgerton’s high-powered strobes during World War II for nighttime surveillance photography. The strobe helped pilots and photographers capture images from altitudes as high as 5,000 feet.

This specially modified reflector was created to be used alongside Doc Edgerton’s high-powered strobes during World War II for nighttime surveillance photography. The strobe helped pilots and photographers capture images from altitudes as high as 5,000 feet.

Edgerton gives Aurora historic D-Day connection

Emma Bullerman
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
It’s midnight on June 6, 1944. Allied paratroopers are scattered in the fields and hedgerows of Normandy, France, but they’re ready to fight.Hours later, at 6:30 a.m.
Preliminary road work has begun at the intersection of Highway 34 and Grant Street. Crews will soon begin a construction project allowing access to 1st Street, which is scheduled for major renovation from Highway 34 to the railroad tracks.

Preliminary road work has begun at the intersection of Highway 34 and Grant Street. Crews will soon begin a construction project allowing access to 1st Street, which is scheduled for major renovation from Highway 34 to the railroad tracks.

City finalizes plans for 1st Street project

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
The Aurora City Council approved final plans last week as well as oversight agreements with JEO Consulting regarding a major 1st Street construction project expected to begin next month.
Carol Schenk has been a familiar face at Aurora Boardworks, previously known as International Sensor Systems. Schenk, who was hired by Cliff Williams in 1974 as the company’s second employee, retired Monday after 50 years on the job.

Carol Schenk has been a familiar face at Aurora Boardworks, previously known as International Sensor Systems. Schenk, who was hired by Cliff Williams in 1974 as the company’s second employee, retired Monday after 50 years on the job.

This week's featured stories

News Staff
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
Exactly 50 years ago this week Carol Schenk accepted the late Cliff Williams’ offer to come to work for a new tech-based company he had just established in Aurora. A lot has changed over that five-decade span at the Grant Street company, including the name of the business itself.
Delaney Schaeffer (front left) had a blast fishing with volunteer Rachel Sundberg at Opportune Acres’ Outdoor Expo on May 4 at Bader Park.

Delaney Schaeffer (front left) had a blast fishing with volunteer Rachel Sundberg at Opportune Acres’ Outdoor Expo on May 4 at Bader Park.

Opportune Acres sponsors first Outdoor Expo

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Families from Merrick, Hamilton and surrounding counties were able to enjoy a fun-filled day at Bader Park near Chapman on Saturday, May 4 as the organization Opportune Acres presented its first Outdoor Expo.
At the Oklahoma regional, the team received the Rookie All Star Award and was selected as the one of the wildcards to attend the worlds competition in Houston, Texas. Displaying the awards from front left, Lincoln Southeast student Juan McKendry and Aurora student Ella Curtis. Back from left, Aurora FRC mentor Marcus Brandl, Aurora students Thomas Brandl, Austin Lents and Aurora FRC coach, Tami Brown-Brandl.

At the Oklahoma regional, the team received the Rookie All Star Award and was selected as the one of the wildcards to attend the worlds competition in Houston, Texas. Displaying the awards from front left, Lincoln Southeast student Juan McKendry and Aurora student Ella Curtis. Back from left, Aurora FRC mentor Marcus Brandl, Aurora students Thomas Brandl, Austin Lents and Aurora FRC coach, Tami Brown-Brandl.

Aurora Robotics team takes on world class competition

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Aurora’s robotics has reached a new milestone becoming the first Nebraska robotics team to qualify and compete in the FIRST Worlds Competition during mid-April in Houston, Texas.
Members of the 2024 Hamilton County Leadership Class are shown here at their graduation on May 21 at the Bremer Community Center, along with their leader, Aurora Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Justise Rhoden. From left are Rhoden, Jordan Slough, Bridget Gallagher, Shaye Walker, Courtney Richardson, Laci Fleming, Beca Hadenfeldt, Gabe Hewen, Connor Ashby, Selena Longoria,Shelby Landell and Lydia Behnk.

Members of the 2024 Hamilton County Leadership Class are shown here at their graduation on May 21 at the Bremer Community Center, along with their leader, Aurora Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Justise Rhoden. From left are Rhoden, Jordan Slough, Bridget Gallagher, Shaye Walker, Courtney Richardson, Laci Fleming, Beca Hadenfeldt, Gabe Hewen, Connor Ashby, Selena Longoria,Shelby Landell and Lydia Behnk.

Leadership class marks 30th graduation

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
What has been known since its inception in 1993 as the Hamilton County Leadership Class, graduated 11 more participants last Tuesday evening, May 21, under new branding as the program celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Giltner graduate Phillip Kruetz fist bumps family and friends as he and his high school classmates complete their 2024 graduation ceremony.

Giltner graduate Phillip Kruetz fist bumps family and friends as he and his high school classmates complete their 2024 graduation ceremony.

A milestone to remember, times 4

News Staff
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
ANR was at all four high school graduations in Hamilton County in the month of May and we took dozens and dozens of photos—many more than we had room to publish in that week's newspaper.
Scott Phillips and his wife Carissa were guests at an official State Dinner at the White House on a recent trip to Washington D.C. honoring teachers of the year from across the United States.

Scott Phillips and his wife Carissa were guests at an official State Dinner at the White House on a recent trip to Washington D.C. honoring teachers of the year from across the United States.

DC trip memorable for Nebraska Teacher of the Year

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Nebraska Teacher of the Year Scott Phillips experienced many firsts on a recent trip to Washington D.C., where he and his delegation of outstanding educators from across the country received red-carpet treatment during a four-day stay in the nation’s capital.