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Glenna Markham is one of many area residents who shares her love of country with red, white and blue decorations both inside and outside of her home.

Glenna Markham is one of many area residents who shares her love of country with red, white and blue decorations both inside and outside of her home.

‘Why I love America ...’

Staff Reports
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
As America marks its 250th birthday, the Aurora News-Register invited local residents to answer one simple question: Why do you love America?Their responses are as varied as the people who shared them. Some reflect on faith and the freedoms our nation protects.
Old Glory flies high above the Phillips Memorial Hall Friday evening as the community came together to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Old Glory flies high above the Phillips Memorial Hall Friday evening as the community came together to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

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Phillips fires up the patriotic spirit

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Folks from Phillips and others from miles around turned out in a big way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday on Friday for the annual July 3rd Celebration. The family-oriented event was characterized by old-fashioned fun, good food and a variety of activities for kids and adults.
As she prepared to retire after more than 30 years on the staff of Hampton Public Schools – the last 20 as superintendent – Holly Herzberg took time to reflect on the challenges and joys she faced during her tenure.

As she prepared to retire after more than 30 years on the staff of Hampton Public Schools – the last 20 as superintendent – Holly Herzberg took time to reflect on the challenges and joys she faced during her tenure.

Leaving the nest, not the family

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Holly Herzberg’s normally organized office at Hampton Public Schools was a little less put together than usual on a recent Thursday morning.
Visitors were treated to a meal served by Aurora High School cheerleaders during their cheer fundraiser that took place alongside the Plainsman’s 50th anniversary.

Visitors were treated to a meal served by Aurora High School cheerleaders during their cheer fundraiser that took place alongside the Plainsman’s 50th anniversary.

Plainsman Museum celebrates 50 years

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Turnout was large for the Plainsman Museum’s 50th Anniversary celebration on Friday, with approximately 275 people in attendance for the golden anniversary party.
Members of the Aurora High School Band pose on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building during their whirlwind trip to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, Pa. where they performed several concerts for Bicentennial observances. This photo appeared in a July issue of the News-Register in 1976.

Members of the Aurora High School Band pose on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building during their whirlwind trip to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, Pa. where they performed several concerts for Bicentennial observances. This photo appeared in a July issue of the News-Register in 1976.

Remembering ‘A week to remember’ - recapping the 1976 Bicentennial

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
America celebrated its 250th birthday over the weekend as only America can. There were fireworks over Mt.
Jacob Kissel, shown here with his wife and son, was a Union soldier during the Civil War. Captured by the Confederates, he spent time in an Alabama prisoner of war camp. After the war ended he narrowly escaped death when he was put off the steamboat Sultana before it blew up, killing 1,700 people, many of whom were newly released Union prisoners.

Jacob Kissel, shown here with his wife and son, was a Union soldier during the Civil War. Captured by the Confederates, he spent time in an Alabama prisoner of war camp. After the war ended he narrowly escaped death when he was put off the steamboat Sultana before it blew up, killing 1,700 people, many of whom were newly released Union prisoners.

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Local sisters discover family tie to American Revolution

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
The celebration of America’s 250th birthday this month has taken on a special meaning for a pair of Aurora sisters. That’s because Deb Willis and her sister Pat Anderson were recently able to trace their ancestry back to before the nation was founded in 1776.
Brazilian exchange student Alice Puhl, right, enjoyed making friends with students at Giltner. She is pictured here with fellow exchange student Beatrice Donati, left, and Harley Fesuluai.

Brazilian exchange student Alice Puhl, right, enjoyed making friends with students at Giltner. She is pictured here with fellow exchange student Beatrice Donati, left, and Harley Fesuluai.

Puhl follows family tradition in U.S. exchange year

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Motivated by the stories of multiple family members who did exchange programs in North America, Brazilian Alice Puhl spent the last year as a senior at Giltner High School. She graduated with the Giltner Class of 2026 and has now returned home, excited to be reunited with her family.
Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg explained the role of his office during a Chamber luncheon June 29 at the Bremer Center.

Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg explained the role of his office during a Chamber luncheon June 29 at the Bremer Center.

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Nebraska state treasurer Spellerberg visits Aurora

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg visited Aurora last week as part of a statewide campaign to introduce himself and explain his role in state government, also announcing that Hamilton County currently has $941,000 in unclaimed property.
MC Lars performs as Edgar Allan Poe during his performance at 12th Street Cinema on Thursday, June 25.

MC Lars performs as Edgar Allan Poe during his performance at 12th Street Cinema on Thursday, June 25.

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MC Lars teaches youth how to ‘flow like Poe’ at youth center

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Students waved their hands  to “flow like Poe” and were “going hard on that tetrameter” as Lit-Hop rapper MC Lars made appearances at 12th Street Cinema and the Hamilton County Youth Center on Thursday, June 25.After performing as Edgar Allan Poe, who inspired songs such as “Annabel Lee R.I.P.