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Kari Valentine, one of the organizers of Opportune Acres, instructs many of the swim lessons herself during a four-week program at the Leadership Center.

Kari Valentine, one of the organizers of Opportune Acres, instructs many of the swim lessons herself during a four-week program at the Leadership Center.

This week's top stories

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Opportune Acres offering a water good time for allProviding all children the same possibilites has been a lifelong goal for Kari Valentine and those passions have led to quite the program.
Fireworks will light the night sky July 3 in Phillips.

Fireworks will light the night sky July 3 in Phillips.

Phillips ready to light up with 4th celebration

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
The growing village of Phillips is gearing up for its summer celebration, the annual Fourth of July shindig which features food, fireworks, kids games and a car/tractor show.
The Hamilton County Courthouse.

The Hamilton County Courthouse.

County mulls courthouse renovation

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
The $2 million renovation and preservation of Hamilton County’s 150-year-old courthouse was front and center at Monday’s regular meeting of the county Board of Commissioners.
Several Eloe family members gathered with winners of the William and Delight Eloe Award Friday. Pictured front from left are Beth Eloe-Reep, Howard Eloe, Paul Eloe, Julie Taylor, Bill Eloe. Back row, from left, with the year they received the Eloe Award in parenthesis are: Laurie Anderson (2018), Doug Monson (2020), Karrie Wiarda (2014), Jason Frew (2017), Jessica Gallagher (2015), Amy Wilson (2016), Haley Sigler (2023), Maggie Rasmussen (2012). Eloe award recipients not pictured include Randy Maahs (2022),

Several Eloe family members gathered with winners of the William and Delight Eloe Award Friday. Pictured front from left are Beth Eloe-Reep, Howard Eloe, Paul Eloe, Julie Taylor, Bill Eloe. Back row, from left, with the year they received the Eloe Award in parenthesis are: Laurie Anderson (2018), Doug Monson (2020), Karrie Wiarda (2014), Jason Frew (2017), Jessica Gallagher (2015), Amy Wilson (2016), Haley Sigler (2023), Maggie Rasmussen (2012). Eloe award recipients not pictured include Randy Maahs (2022),

Eloe family, award winners share love for education

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Friday was a special night for Aurora educators named winners of the William and Delight Eloe Award as they were able to meet and spend time with members of the Eloe family, sharing their passion for education.
Maddie “Mad Dog” Barnes performs an original song on her way to taking first place in the 18+ Division at AGT.

Maddie “Mad Dog” Barnes performs an original song on her way to taking first place in the 18+ Division at AGT.

Aurora’s Got Talent crowns 2023 winners

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Aurora’s got musical talent and it was on display Thursday night during Family Night of A’ROR’N Days 2023.
Students enjoyed a backpacking trip, learning new outdoor recreation skills, during time at Indian Cave State Park. From left: Lanee Connell, Carly Connell, Atticus Miller, Zildjian Sandberg, Calvin Miller (YNE students) and Josie Ivy (Prairie Plains Intern), Alex Briner (backpacking instructor).

Students enjoyed a backpacking trip, learning new outdoor recreation skills, during time at Indian Cave State Park. From left: Lanee Connell, Carly Connell, Atticus Miller, Zildjian Sandberg, Calvin Miller (YNE students) and Josie Ivy (Prairie Plains Intern), Alex Briner (backpacking instructor).

Young Nebraska Ecologists explore, learn on prairies

Emma Bullerman
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Taking the practice of being a naturalist to the next step for students, Prairie Plains’ Sarah Bailey hosted Young Nebraska Ecologists for students in grades 9-12 this past week.Young Nebraska Ecologists is a group focused on expanding knowledge about the Platte River and prairie ecosystems.
MCHI Fun Run winners.

MCHI Fun Run winners.

MCHI Fun Run

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
An early-morning rain set the stage for a cool MCHI Fun Run and Walk Saturday, kicking off a full day of A’ROR’N Days activities.
Aurora cheerleaders were among the many smiling and waving during Saturday's A'ROR'N Days parade.

Aurora cheerleaders were among the many smiling and waving during Saturday's A'ROR'N Days parade.

A'ROR'N fun weekend

Kurt Johnson
Sunday, June 25, 2023
Another A'ROR'N Days celebration is in the books, with lots of new memories made on several fronts. Here is one of many highlights from Saturday's parade. Watch for full coverage, including alumni reunion photos, in this week's ANR.
Anya and Tanner Griffith have two kids. Rawlings, left, who is 2 years old and Walker, age 4.

Anya and Tanner Griffith have two kids. Rawlings, left, who is 2 years old and Walker, age 4.

Alumni happy with decision to ‘come home’

Emma Bullerman
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Moving away from home is usually the first thing on any high school graduate’s mind, but several Aurora High School alumni are finding it even more important to return.
The Edgerton Explorit Center partnered with the Aurora high school golf coaches for a youth golf academy last week at the new practice facility on the Poco Creek grounds. Aurora coach Craig Badura noted 26 players participating in the three-day camp, more than he’s had when hosting a similar academy on his own.

The Edgerton Explorit Center partnered with the Aurora high school golf coaches for a youth golf academy last week at the new practice facility on the Poco Creek grounds. Aurora coach Craig Badura noted 26 players participating in the three-day camp, more than he’s had when hosting a similar academy on his own.

This week's top stories

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
Edgerton, Husky golf team up for youth golf academySmiles and birdies were everywhere at Poco Creek last week, perhaps no one having more fun than Aurora golf coach Craig Badura, watching a group of youngsters learn a game they can play for a lifetime.