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Following his final jump as a Husky Thursday morning, Jayden Slagel was embraced by fellow Husky jumpers Stella Peterson (middle) and Kaitlyn Staehr.

Following his final jump as a Husky Thursday morning, Jayden Slagel was embraced by fellow Husky jumpers Stella Peterson (middle) and Kaitlyn Staehr.

Jumping for state medals

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
In total, Hamilton County athletes brought home 15 medals from last week’s state track and field championships at Omaha Burke Stadium. Highlighting those efforts was Aurora senior Jayden Slagle, who was the area’s lone gold medalist after earning top honors in the Class B triple jump, clearing 47-4.
With the speed limit set at 35 mph on that stretch of Highway 34, Aurora Police Chief Paul Graham urges children and adults crossing the highway on the way to the Aurora Aquatic Center this summer to use caution and cross wisely. He offered similar advice to drivers, saying that if the yellow caution lights are flashing and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, it is a traffic violation to proceed through the crossing.

With the speed limit set at 35 mph on that stretch of Highway 34, Aurora Police Chief Paul Graham urges children and adults crossing the highway on the way to the Aurora Aquatic Center this summer to use caution and cross wisely. He offered similar advice to drivers, saying that if the yellow caution lights are flashing and a pedestrian is waiting to cross, it is a traffic violation to proceed through the crossing.

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Hwy 34 pool crossing calls for caution

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
With the pools now filled with water and the Aurora Aquatic Center set to open for the summer this Friday, children and adults wanting to walk to the facility from the south side of Highway 34 will have to get used to some changes.
The Legion Honor Squad gave a 21-gun salute to the deceased veterans buried at the Aurora Cemetery during the Memorial Day service held Monday morning.

The Legion Honor Squad gave a 21-gun salute to the deceased veterans buried at the Aurora Cemetery during the Memorial Day service held Monday morning.

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A day of sacred remembrance

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Residents and visitors from near and far traveled to the Aurora Cemetery Monday morning to attend an emotional Memorial Day service and honor the veterans who fought, served and protected their country. The service was sponsored by the American Legion Lester S. Harter Post 42.
Aurora band teacher Kate Metzger is the latest recipient of the William and Delight Eloe Award for Inspirational Academic Leadership presented by the Hamilton Community Foundation. This year’s award was announced at the annual Aurora Schools Appreciation Luncheon held on the last day of school, Tuesday, May 19.

Aurora band teacher Kate Metzger is the latest recipient of the William and Delight Eloe Award for Inspirational Academic Leadership presented by the Hamilton Community Foundation. This year’s award was announced at the annual Aurora Schools Appreciation Luncheon held on the last day of school, Tuesday, May 19.

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Metzger is 2026 Eloe Award recipient

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
With her colleagues giving her a standing ovation, Aurora band teacher Kate Metzger made her way to the podium set up in the Aurora Middle School Commons. She had just been announced as the 2026 recipient of the William and Delight Eloe Award for Inspirational Academic Leadership.
Nebraska School Counselor Association Executive Director Malinda Jean Baptiste congratulates Aurora High School Counselor Jacob Willems after naming him as the Nebraska School Counselor of the Year for 2026.

Nebraska School Counselor Association Executive Director Malinda Jean Baptiste congratulates Aurora High School Counselor Jacob Willems after naming him as the Nebraska School Counselor of the Year for 2026.

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Willems named NE School Counselor of the Year

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
As Aurora High School Counselor Jacob Willems watched the announcement of fellow teacher Kate Metzger as the 2026 recipient of the Eloe Award on the last day of school, he had little idea he would be receiving an award himself that same day.
Pictured from left are America 250 Historical Exhibition Committee members Kathryn Larson, Karrie Wiarda, Brenda Klawonn and Tina Larson.

Pictured from left are America 250 Historical Exhibition Committee members Kathryn Larson, Karrie Wiarda, Brenda Klawonn and Tina Larson.

Historical Exhibition now on display at Plainsman Museum

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
The Hamilton County, Nebraska Celebrate America 250 - Historical Exhibition Committee opened the first part of its America 250 exhibit, “A More Perfect Union” on Thursday, May 22. The exhibition features 18 banners that will be on display throughout the Plainsman Museum.
Hampton graduating seniors turn the tassels on their caps after receiving their diplomas on May 9.

Hampton graduating seniors turn the tassels on their caps after receiving their diplomas on May 9.

Memories of 2026 graduations on Page A10

News Staff
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
High school graduation season is over for this year, but ANR readers can re-live the memories by checking out a full page of photos from graduation exercises at Aurora, Hampton, Giltner and High Plains on Page 10 of this week's issue. 
James Cavett Bierbower and his wife Margarett appear in a 1962 photo taken at the wedding of their son, John, at the old Catholic Church in Aurora. Just a few months later the Bierbowers would close the Giltner Gazette newspaper he had run for more than 50 years. (Photo courtesy of Mary Bierbower of Aurora at whose wedding the photo was taken.)

James Cavett Bierbower and his wife Margarett appear in a 1962 photo taken at the wedding of their son, John, at the old Catholic Church in Aurora. Just a few months later the Bierbowers would close the Giltner Gazette newspaper he had run for more than 50 years. (Photo courtesy of Mary Bierbower of Aurora at whose wedding the photo was taken.)

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J.C. Bierbower kept Giltner informed for 50 years

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Editor’s note: In cooperation with the Plainsman Museum and in recognition of the museum’s 50th anniversary and the nation’s 250 birthday this year, the News-Register introduces the first of a series of articles about the men and women who helped make the county what it is today, and also to...
Amy Wilson was busy this week clearing out a classroom at Aurora Elementary School, where she taught fifth grade for the past 31 years. She announced her plans to become Prairie Plains Resource Institute’s first-ever education coordinator next fall.

Amy Wilson was busy this week clearing out a classroom at Aurora Elementary School, where she taught fifth grade for the past 31 years. She announced her plans to become Prairie Plains Resource Institute’s first-ever education coordinator next fall.

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After 35 years, Wilson begins a new lesson

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Amy Wilson wasn’t even thinking about retirement as this school year began, but when the bell rang May 19 marking the last day of school she officially turned the page to another chapter of her own life story, all centered on education.
Amelia Guenther, local firefighters union president, was one of several asking questions during last week’s presentation by two private ambulance companies seeking a contract to provide services in Aurora and Hamilton County.

Amelia Guenther, local firefighters union president, was one of several asking questions during last week’s presentation by two private ambulance companies seeking a contract to provide services in Aurora and Hamilton County.

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Private EMS companies pitch visions to council

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
City officials and a crowd of approximately 90 local residents heard proposals last week from two private EMS companies hoping to sign a contract in the coming weeks to provide 24/7 ambulance services to Aurora and Hamilton County.