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The Hawks Nest room at Hampton’s new community daycare facility is for children who are six weeks to 18 months of age. The other room ready for occupancy is for children 18 months to kindergarten and will be known as the Hawklings room.

The Hawks Nest room at Hampton’s new community daycare facility is for children who are six weeks to 18 months of age. The other room ready for occupancy is for children 18 months to kindergarten and will be known as the Hawklings room.

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Hampton Daycare set to open

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Monday, Aug. 12 is the new target date for the Hampton Day Care facility to open in the former Lutheran school building, however, as of late last week two hurdles remained to be cleared before that could happen.
Five Hamilton County veterans are honored with Quilts of Valor. These quilts were presented by the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild of Aurora and the Hamilton Community Foundation. Pictured from left are: Ron Akerson, Charles Dudding, Denton Goertzen, Terry Ott and Paul Van Housen.

Five Hamilton County veterans are honored with Quilts of Valor. These quilts were presented by the Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild of Aurora and the Hamilton Community Foundation. Pictured from left are: Ron Akerson, Charles Dudding, Denton Goertzen, Terry Ott and Paul Van Housen.

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Veterans honored with quilts of valor

Emma Bullerman
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
The Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild of Aurora presented five veterans with quilts of valor during the Hamilton County Fair. The five that received the honor are Ron Akerson, Charles Dudding, Denton Goertzen, Terry Ott and Paul Van Housen.
A 4-H Peewee showman guides his hog around the ring with the assistance of intermediate showman, Paxton Janzen, at the Swine Show Saturday morning.

A 4-H Peewee showman guides his hog around the ring with the assistance of intermediate showman, Paxton Janzen, at the Swine Show Saturday morning.

Fair sees attendance, exhibitor boost

Staff Reports
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Organizers of last week’s 2024 Hamilton County Fair say they are extremely pleased with this year’s event -- everything from crowd sizes to numbers of entries in shows to the more moderate temperatures as compared to last year’s fair week.
Casey Donahew took the stage Saturday night, playing to a large crowd at the Hamilton County Fair.

Casey Donahew took the stage Saturday night, playing to a large crowd at the Hamilton County Fair.

A big night at the county fair

Kurt Johnson
Sunday, July 28, 2024
Ten years after Casey Donahew made his debut at the Hamilton County Fair, the Fort Worth music star took the stage again Saturday night, this time to a large crowd out to enjoy live music on a picture-perfect night for an outdoor concert.
A trip from Aurora to Central City will take just a little longer in coming days. The bridge deck on the Highway 14 bridge crossing the Platte River just south of Central City is getting a new deck surface.

A trip from Aurora to Central City will take just a little longer in coming days. The bridge deck on the Highway 14 bridge crossing the Platte River just south of Central City is getting a new deck surface.

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Work beginning on Hwy 14 bridge overhaul

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Trips on Highway 14 between Aurora and Central City will take a little longer, possibly starting this week. The Platte River bridge between Hamilton and Merrick counties is undergoing a major deck rehab and travel will be limited to one lane for as long as three months.
Makenna Huhman expresses shock as her name as called as the winner of the Miss Nebraska Junior Pre-Teen pageant in Omaha.

Makenna Huhman expresses shock as her name as called as the winner of the Miss Nebraska Junior Pre-Teen pageant in Omaha.

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Giltner girl crowned 2024 Miss Nebraska Junior Pre-Teen

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
It was a moment young Makenna Huhman of Giltner will never forget. That moment was when the 9-year-old was announced the as the winner of the 2024 Miss Nebraska Junior Pre-Teen pageant earning her the right to compete with girls across the U.S. for the national crown.
Danny Oberg is a familiar face at car shows across Nebraska as the designated DJ and announcer for sponsors at the events. On Saturday, June 8, he returned to Giltner as the M.C. during the second annual Giltner Daze Car Show.

Danny Oberg is a familiar face at car shows across Nebraska as the designated DJ and announcer for sponsors at the events. On Saturday, June 8, he returned to Giltner as the M.C. during the second annual Giltner Daze Car Show.

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Knucklehead Garage opens doors to fun, fundraising

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Regular attendees at local car shows will no doubt recognize the voice of Danny Oberg.
Elge, Riley celebrate SkillsUSA success

Elge, Riley celebrate SkillsUSA success

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Elge, Riley team up for Skills USA success

Emma Bullerman
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Two of Aurora’s most recent alums, Sam Elge and Lucas Riley, reflected on their success at the national competition of SkillsUSA during their high school years.The two competed in audio-radio production, almost completely self-taught.
Lonnie Ott sits in his room at Westfield Quality Care holding a copy of his book: “When Lightning Strikes: Hearing God’s Call.” Ott says it took him 10 years to write the book.

Lonnie Ott sits in his room at Westfield Quality Care holding a copy of his book: “When Lightning Strikes: Hearing God’s Call.” Ott says it took him 10 years to write the book.

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Ott book chronicles years of ministry

Emma Bullerman
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Aurora native Lonnie Ott, has authored a new book called, “When Lightning Strikes: Hearing God’s Call.” The short novel details Ott’s experiences during his 45 years of being a preacher and traveling the U.S., including the story of how he was struck by lightning.
Courthouse project moves forward

Courthouse project moves forward

County to proceed with ‘emergency work’ at courthouse

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
There were long moments of silence in the Hamilton County Commission meeting room on the second floor of the courthouse Monday morning as the commissioners mulled over how to proceed with the restoration of the 129-year-old building they were occupying at the moment.