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Kirk Penner is pictured at the first of two press conferences conducted by Advocates For All Nebraskans (AFAN) in the rotunda of the state capitol.

Kirk Penner is pictured at the first of two press conferences conducted by Advocates For All Nebraskans (AFAN) in the rotunda of the state capitol.

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AFAN proposes Apple Tax Plan

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Representatives from Advocates For All Nebraskans (AFAN) , including Kirk Penner of Aurora, announced last week the launch of two statewide ballot initiative petitions proposed to raise the minimum salary for certified public school teachers in Nebraska to $50,000.
Local schools report official fall enrollments

Local schools report official fall enrollments

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Area enrollments a mixed bag

Staff Reports
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
When fall enrollment numbers were officially reported to the state last week, the four local public school districts reported either modest gains or fairly dramatic losses.
The Aurora Marching Huskies had another superior day at the 83rd annual Harvest of Harmony parade and field competitions. In addition to its Best Class A/B and first place Class B trophies, the band was the only Class B band to receive a Division I in the field competition. Performing in the field competition are trumpet players, from left: Ellie Brown, Ryan Benger and Ashlyn Yockey.

The Aurora Marching Huskies had another superior day at the 83rd annual Harvest of Harmony parade and field competitions. In addition to its Best Class A/B and first place Class B trophies, the band was the only Class B band to receive a Division I in the field competition. Performing in the field competition are trumpet players, from left: Ellie Brown, Ryan Benger and Ashlyn Yockey.

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Marching Aurora Huskies ride high on their ‘Dark Horse’

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
The Aurora Marching Huskies rode out of Grand Island with their heads held high after winning awards at the 83rd annual Harvest of Harmony band competition.The Huskies brought back to Aurora the Best Class A/B and first-place Class B parade trophies, as well as another superior rating.
Giltner School Board talks football

Giltner School Board talks football

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Giltner board hears football feedback

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Comments from a parent who suggested Giltner move to six-man football sparked a discussion at Monday night’s Giltner school board meeting about such a move.
Linda Ross-Happy said her husband Gary Happy, to whom she was married for more than 30 years, was one of the biggest supporters of her musical endeavors.

Linda Ross-Happy said her husband Gary Happy, to whom she was married for more than 30 years, was one of the biggest supporters of her musical endeavors.

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Key change: Ross-Happy transitions from teaching to writing

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
After 30 years of teaching as a professor of music at Missouri State University in Kansas City, Aurora High School grad Linda Ross-Happy has turned the page to a new career as a writer.Last year, Ross-Happy published her first book, “Keys to Faster Learning.
Work continues on residing and reroofing the Cornwell Building on the square

Work continues on residing and reroofing the Cornwell Building on the square

Progress on downtown project

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
Construction crews worked hard last week to install a new roof and north wall on the Cornwell building, located on the east side of the downtown square. The wall and roof had been damaged during demolition of the adjacent Gambles building in August.
Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War visited the Hampton Cemetary to recognize the legacy of the late Civil War veteran Clinton B. Condon.

Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War visited the Hampton Cemetary to recognize the legacy of the late Civil War veteran Clinton B. Condon.

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Group honors county’s last Union Civil War vet

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
It was a clear, warm Saturday afternoon on Sept. 27, when 12 members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) conducted a ceremony dedicating a plaque on the grave of Pvt. Clinton B. Condon at Hampton Cemetery.
Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War visited the Hampton Cemetary to recognize the legacy of the late Civil War veteran Clinton B. Condon.

Members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War visited the Hampton Cemetary to recognize the legacy of the late Civil War veteran Clinton B. Condon.

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News Staff
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
It was a clear, warm Saturday afternoon on Sept. 27, when 12 members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW) conducted a ceremony dedicating a plaque on the grave of Pvt. Clinton B. Condon at Hampton Cemetery.
Randy Sabata proudly stands by “Miss Vicky,” a 1933 Ford Vicky which was sort of a retirement gift to himself. Sabata was honored for his 45-year career with the Nebraska Department of Roads/Transportation by more than 100 family, friends and colleagues during a reception Sept. 24.

Randy Sabata proudly stands by “Miss Vicky,” a 1933 Ford Vicky which was sort of a retirement gift to himself. Sabata was honored for his 45-year career with the Nebraska Department of Roads/Transportation by more than 100 family, friends and colleagues during a reception Sept. 24.

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End of the road: Sabata retires from NDOT

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Randy Sabata put a lot of miles on the road with the Nebraska Department of Transportation, working hard behind the scenes to make the highways safer for traveling motorists.
The Nimble Thimble Quilt celebrated its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, Sept. 23 with 25 members still carrying on their love of quilting.

The Nimble Thimble Quilt celebrated its 40th anniversary on Tuesday, Sept. 23 with 25 members still carrying on their love of quilting.

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Quilt Guild celebrates 40th anniversary

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Aurora’s Nimble Thimble Quilt Guild celebrated its 40th anniversary last Tuesday afternoon with games and prizes. Among those celebrating the milestone was cofounder and original vice president Lorna Epp.Epp founded Nimble Thimble with the original president, Brenda Groelz, in October of 1985.