News
Schafer and Handrup
Two candidates announce intent to serve at City Hall
News Staff
A former Aurora city councilman and a previous Hamilton County sheriff have both announced their intentions to run for city office in 2026.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Aurora native Becky Graham, center, was named the first winner of what will be the annual Angel in Action Award at CHI Health St. Francis. Pictured with her are Kiley Grzywa, left, vice president of patient care services, and Sarah Williams, Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit manager.
Aurora CNA earns Angels in Action Award
Samuel Wishman
Aurora native Becky Graham was recognized as CHI Health St. Francis’ first recipient of the Angel in Action of the Year award during Patient Experience Week.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
The Hamilton County, Nebraska, Celebrate America 250 Committee is preparing to meet with organizations and businesses throughout Hamilton County to invite them and the community to join in the America’s 250th anniversary of the country’s indepenance. Representing the Public Relations Committee for the local celebration are Jennifer Dennis (left) and Dixie Ziegler.
Hamilton County plans local America 250th celebration
Elizabeth Hunter
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday (what’s known as a “semiquincentennial”) on July 4, 2026, the Hamilton County Historical Society is getting into the act and planning to bring the celebration home.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Election set for Phillips regarding keno
Phillips voters to decide on allowing keno
Ron Burtz
The 265 eligible voters of the Village of Phillips will be asked to vote in a special mail-only election on June 10 to decide if a keno gaming should be allowed in the village.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
First Street project
1st Street renovation to begin near school
Kurt Johnson
Construction crews will be shutting down 1st Street from the railroad tracks to Mark Street the day after Memorial Day, continuing a project that started weeks ago at the Highway 34 intersection.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Aurora City Council news
City approves housing subdivisions
Kurt Johnson
The Aurora City Council approved final plats for two small housing subdivisions at last week’s meeting, which combined will add five new single-family dwellings to the community’s growing housing inventory.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Hampton School Board news
Hampton board OKs math curriculum
Ron Burtz
An updated K-5 math curriculum was approved by the Hampton Board of Education at its May meeting held on Monday the 12th, two days after the school’s 2025 graduation ceremony. The bid from Bridges in Mathematics, the producer of the school’s current math curriculum, was approved, according to Supt.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Firefighters and residents wait outside East Park Villa on Tuesday afternoon while fire officials inside the building seek out the source of an alarm that had sounded, prompting an evacuation of residents and staff.
East Park Villa evacuated after alarm activated
Ron Burtz
Having just practiced their evacuation plan the day before, residents of Aurora’s East Park Villa exited the building in record time last Tuesday afternoon when an automatic fire alarm was activated on the 3rd floor. The alarm came into dispatch at about 2 p.m.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Kirk Handrup
Handrup throwing hat in for 2nd ward
Kurt Johnson
Aurora native Kirk Handrup served the community for 30 years as Hamilton County Sheriff and he announced this week that he would like to continue his involvement in local affairs as a Ward 2 representative on the Aurora City Council.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Harlan Schafer
Former councilman to run for mayor
Kurt Johnson
Harlan Schafer, an Aurora native, businessman and former member of the Aurora City Council has announced his intentions to file as a candidate in the 2026 election for mayor.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
