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Traffic cones and a construction trailer mark the north side of the courthouse parking lot which will be used to store equipment and materials during the exterior renovation of the building starting on June 16. The courthouse steps will be replaced first but the ground floor entrance will remain open throughout the project. The restrooms will also be accessible during A’ROR’N Days at the end of the month.

Traffic cones and a construction trailer mark the north side of the courthouse parking lot which will be used to store equipment and materials during the exterior renovation of the building starting on June 16. The courthouse steps will be replaced first but the ground floor entrance will remain open throughout the project. The restrooms will also be accessible during A’ROR’N Days at the end of the month.

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County hears budget request from MAAA

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
As it continues through its annual budget process, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners heard from another agency making its yearly budget request on Monday. This week it was the Midland Area Agency on Aging (MAAA) represented by Executive Director Casey Muzic.
J.T. Hamm

J.T. Hamm

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Former HP coach Scheerer-Hamm released on bond

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The former head coach of the HPC boys basketball team has been released from jail on bond following his arrest on May 27 on child pornography charges. Jonathan Scheerer-Hamm, who went by the name J.T.
Twins Courtney and Cole Oswald (left) and Jameson Herzberg (right), all graduates of Aurora High School, all graduated from the University of Nebraska in May.

Twins Courtney and Cole Oswald (left) and Jameson Herzberg (right), all graduates of Aurora High School, all graduated from the University of Nebraska in May.

Local students earn college degrees from UNL, UNMC

News Staff
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln conferred 3,683 degrees during May commencement exercises. The degrees were earned by 3,593 graduates from 57 countries, 46 U.S. states and 250-plus Nebraska communities, including several in Hamilton County.
Timothy Schaffert

Timothy Schaffert

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Schaffert helps writers find their voice

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
For over 19 years, Aurora grad Timothy Schaffert has been making an impact in the literary world as a college professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and also as an author.Growing up in Aurora, Schaffert had a strong affinity for writing.
This Booster Days entry was decorated by Heads Up Salon. Cindi Ratzlaff is driving, with Carrie Begley reflecting the feel-good vibe of the grand parade.

This Booster Days entry was decorated by Heads Up Salon. Cindi Ratzlaff is driving, with Carrie Begley reflecting the feel-good vibe of the grand parade.

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Aloha Hampton, indeed!

Samuel Wishman
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
by Sam WishmanWhile the weather wasn’t exactly tropical, Hampton’s Booster Days celebration drew a large turnout under this year’s theme, “Aloha Hampton.
Aurora School Board talks theater lighting

Aurora School Board talks theater lighting

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Aurora school theater to get new lights, projector system

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The Aurora School Board approved three different projects Monday related to improvements needed at the Middle School Theater, which combined are expected to make the heavily used facility fully functional before the end of the summer.Supt.
Sen. Lippincott weighs in on 2025 session

Sen. Lippincott weighs in on 2025 session

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Senator grades ’25 legislative session as C+

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
If District 34 State Sen. Loren Lippincott was a teacher and the recently-completed 90-day session of the Nebraska Unicameral was his student, that student might be looking for ways to get some extra credit right now.
Giltner Daze begins today!

Giltner Daze begins today!

Giltner Daze are here again

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
With the onset of summer comes the return of Giltner Daze with both new and fan favorite activities to take place on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and brought together by the Giltner Area Development Corporation (GADC).
Aurora native Steve Willis retired in January after working 40 years at Stephens and Smith Construction in Lincoln where he served the last 15 years as company CEO. During his career, Willis was involved in helping build data centers, jails and substations. He is pictured here with his wife, Audrey.

Aurora native Steve Willis retired in January after working 40 years at Stephens and Smith Construction in Lincoln where he served the last 15 years as company CEO. During his career, Willis was involved in helping build data centers, jails and substations. He is pictured here with his wife, Audrey.

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Aurora grad Willis has built a strong career in construction

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
From learning to lay brick and pound nails as a boy growing up in Aurora in the 1970s, to now being retired from a more than 40-year career in construction, Steve Willis has built a life around the work ethic and values he learned in his hometown.
Market on the Square begins for a new season this Saturday

Market on the Square begins for a new season this Saturday

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Market on the Square kicks off

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Market on the Square will be kicking off its annual summer event this Saturday at the Hamilton County Courthouse parking lot.Taking place each Saturday from 8-11 a.m. until Saturday, Aug.