News

Gary Ross now lives in East Park Villa with his wife of 64 years, Jo Ellen. In recent years he has developed a passion for wood carving.

Gary Ross now lives in East Park Villa with his wife of 64 years, Jo Ellen. In recent years he has developed a passion for wood carving.

Gary Ross carves out a legacy in Aurora

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Whether serving his country in the U.S. Army or working to improve his hometown, Army veteran Gary Ross has dedicated his life to serving his community. Recently he took some time to reminisce about his service both at home and abroad.
Sarah Bailey and Lua Cao carefully inspect the organisms that find home in bison patties. On day two of the Youth Naturalist Program, the cohort spent the morning at the Crane Trust in Wood River, NE. Here, they went on a hayrack ride to see the Crane Trust’s bison herd and learned about the ecosystems that can be found in dark, warm, wet places–like bison patties.

Sarah Bailey and Lua Cao carefully inspect the organisms that find home in bison patties. On day two of the Youth Naturalist Program, the cohort spent the morning at the Crane Trust in Wood River, NE. Here, they went on a hayrack ride to see the Crane Trust’s bison herd and learned about the ecosystems that can be found in dark, warm, wet places–like bison patties.

PPRI hosts Youth Naturalist Program

Emma Bullerman
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
    From June 9 through June 12, Prairie Plains Resource Institute hosted its middle school education curriculum, called The Youth Naturalist Program.
Jessica Prothman, MCHI radiologic technologist, demonstrates the coronary calcium CT testing now offered at Memorial Hospital.

Jessica Prothman, MCHI radiologic technologist, demonstrates the coronary calcium CT testing now offered at Memorial Hospital.

MCHI offers new tool in fight against heart disease

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Jenna Holland-Hurst speaks with passion when asked about a new testing service available at Memorial Community Health in Aurora.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

County considering administrative budgets

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
As it continues through its budget process for the new fiscal year, which actually began last Tuesday, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners took time at the meeting on Monday to review the budgets for its own operations.
Craftsman Roger Merchant reused an old porch post that Shirley Schacht had kept from her porch when it was renovated in 2019.

Craftsman Roger Merchant reused an old porch post that Shirley Schacht had kept from her porch when it was renovated in 2019.

Faces behind the 3-faced clock on K Street

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
It’s not difficult to know what time it is when traveling down on K Street in Aurora thanks to a nearly eight-foot tall clock tower with three clock faces. Showing the time from north, east and west, the clock tower is a cherished decoration for Aurora resident Shirley Schacht.
The barrel train built by Rick Rathje was a big hit with the younger set at the Phillips July 3rd celebration.

The barrel train built by Rick Rathje was a big hit with the younger set at the Phillips July 3rd celebration.

Phillips July 3 party is a blast

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Numbers were reportedly down just a bit from previous years at the Phillips annual July 3rd Independence Day celebration, but those grilling burgers and brats still had a hard time keeping up with the crowd for the community dinner on Thursday night.
This photo of the former Gambles building was taken Saturday evening, shortly after a portion of the second story wall was captured on video falling to the ground.

This photo of the former Gambles building was taken Saturday evening, shortly after a portion of the second story wall was captured on video falling to the ground.

Decisions pending on Gambles building

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
A decision regarding the structural status of the former Gambles building in downtown Aurora was postponed June 24 because city officials had not yet received an engineering report needed to help determine if it should be declared a dangerous building.
Final completion of 1st Street from the railroad tracks to Highway 34 is scheduled for April 30, 2026.

Final completion of 1st Street from the railroad tracks to Highway 34 is scheduled for April 30, 2026.

City provides 1st Street update

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
Work continues on the 1st Street renovation project, with crews reporting major progress during Monday’s bi-weekly update meeting. Weather continues to be a factor, however, with measurable rain falling on six of 10 working days since the last meeting.
Dr. John Wilcox (right) and his grandson, Shawn Morris, both of Aurora, warm up before the start of the multi-generational pickleball tournament on Friday evening.

Dr. John Wilcox (right) and his grandson, Shawn Morris, both of Aurora, warm up before the start of the multi-generational pickleball tournament on Friday evening.

Pickleball tourneys create new A’ROR’N Days draw

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
The growing popularity of pickleball in this area is evidenced by the fact that this year it became an official part of A’ROR’N Days.