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Retail events like this Toast to the Holidays, celebrated pre-pandemic in 2019, help showcase what local retailers have to offer. Total retail sales were the focus of a ‘pull factor’ report created by the Nebraska Public Power District which tracks retail leakage by community.

Retail events like this Toast to the Holidays, celebrated pre-pandemic in 2019, help showcase what local retailers have to offer. Total retail sales were the focus of a ‘pull factor’ report created by the Nebraska Public Power District which tracks retail leakage by community.

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Retail leakage report lists Aurora, county ‘about average’

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
A recent study of shopping trends concluded that Aurora is about average when it comes to like-size communities’ ability to generate retail sales — also known as “pull factor.
Area teachers were among those given their first dose of the COVID vaccine last week.

Area teachers were among those given their first dose of the COVID vaccine last week.

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Area teachers get COVID shot

News Staff
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Area school staff members were given the opportunity Friday by the Central District Health Department to receive a portion of allocated doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Giltner Hornets

Giltner Hornets

Giltner Speech tackles changes with virtual meets

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
Cacia Barnes, speech coach at Giltner High School shared her thoughts on how the season has changed for her 11 students. “The changes we’ve had to make this speech season are maintaining six-feet of distance between one another at practice and wearing masks,” she said.
Kirt Smith provided the county another COVID-19 update Monday.

Kirt Smith provided the county another COVID-19 update Monday.

Commissioners get COVID-19 update

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
On hand to provide a COVID-19 update for Hamilton County, Hamilton County Emergency Manager Kirt Smith gave the commissioners good news Monday.  “The numbers I have are from midweek last week,” he began.
City crews used the 4-plex parking lot to store excess snow from last week's 10-inch storm.

City crews used the 4-plex parking lot to store excess snow from last week's 10-inch storm.

Snow levels a challenge for city, county crews

News Staff
Tuesday, February 2, 2021
The Jan. 25 snow storm that blanketed Hamilton County in 10-12 inches of snow was felt by all -- including the city and county road crews tasked with digging everyone out.  Local weather officials reported 10-12 inches of snow, measuring approximately 1.12 inches worth of moisture.
Gov. Ricketts announced today that the "green phase" will take affect Saturday.

Gov. Ricketts announced today that the "green phase" will take affect Saturday.

Gov. Ricketts announces new DHM to take effect on Saturday

News Staff
Friday, January 29, 2021
Today (Jan. 29), Gov. Pete Ricketts announced that the State is moving from the “blue” to “green” phase of its coronavirus pandemic response plan. As a result, the State of Nebraska is issuing new Directed Health Measures (DHMs) effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021.
Pictured here, director Jason Frew offers tips about stage positioning during an early script rehearsal.

Pictured here, director Jason Frew offers tips about stage positioning during an early script rehearsal.

Newsies prepare for March curtain

News Staff
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
AHS cast and crew members have been busy preparing for the March performance of the Newsies musical.
Olivia Lawless (left) and Cole Oswald get a few pointers on scholarship applications from AHS guidance counselor Sheila Hasenkamp.

Olivia Lawless (left) and Cole Oswald get a few pointers on scholarship applications from AHS guidance counselor Sheila Hasenkamp.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Seniors look toward ‘new normal’ college stories Area youth getting ready for their senior years, or getting ready to fly the nest and head off to the next step in their educational journey, might be facing the most unique horizon of any in a long time.
Dist. 34 Sen. Curt Friesen is growingly alarmed by the power of big tech companies to control what can be said on social media platforms, so much so that he proposed a bill to start a conversation about online censorship.

Dist. 34 Sen. Curt Friesen is growingly alarmed by the power of big tech companies to control what can be said on social media platforms, so much so that he proposed a bill to start a conversation about online censorship.

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Friesen bill targets social media fairness

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Dist. 34 Sen. Curt Friesen is growingly alarmed by the power of big tech companies to control what can be said on social media platforms, so much so that he proposed a bill to start a conversation about online censorship.
Central Community College paramedicine students treat a patient simulator in a photo taken pre-pandemic. Cheyenne Massey, left, is a CCC graduate who now works full-time for the Aurora Fire Department.

Central Community College paramedicine students treat a patient simulator in a photo taken pre-pandemic. Cheyenne Massey, left, is a CCC graduate who now works full-time for the Aurora Fire Department.

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Central Community College offers fast-track to workforce

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
More and more high school students hoping to get an early start on their careers are taking the community college path, a strategy benefitting young graduates as well as business and industries looking to hire them.