Commentary
Aurora’s 2025 building permit report better than it looks
Kurt Johnson
Building permit totals are in for 2025 and any way you add up the numbers there is reason for cautious optimism in Aurora and Hamilton County heading into the new year.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Less is more in 2026
Kurt Johnson
I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions and have given little thought over the years to pledging a better me based on year-end inspirations. When I seldom have, they didn’t last.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Funerals deserve police presence
News Staff
Dear Editor:I recently attended a funeral in Aurora. I was very displeased and disheartened to find out that the local law enforcement no longer leads the funeral processions to the cemetery.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Opportunity continues to grow in Hamilton County
Kelsey Bergen
I am one of several people who receives the building permit list from the city each month. Some months I am looking for projects I have worked on that finally reached the building permit stage and other months I am surprised by projects that I had no idea were in the works.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Top stories of year signal tough fiscal decisions ahead
Kurt Johnson
There is a lot of food for thought to digest in this year’s top 10 stories of the year poll if you are a Hamilton County taxpayer.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
‘Yes, there is a Santa Claus’ a timeless Christmas message
Kurt Johnson
A little girl’s question and the local newspaper’s answer as to the authenticity of Santa Claus is timeless.Commonly called the ‘Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus’ editorial, it’s been quoted in full or in part in newspapers, TV shows and movies for decades.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
A musical twist on a familiar Christmas classic
Kurt Johnson
The famous leg lamp never looked or sounded so good. What’s that you say, leg lamps don’t talk or sing? Well on Saturday they sure did at the Lied Center, putting a new spin on an old holiday classic that made me smile from start to finish.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all
News Staff
Dear Editor:The evening seemed just like any otherexcept perhaps for Gods sons’ mother.Joseph led a donkey, carrying a woman about to give birth,into a stable where the Christ child would soon be born on earth.So that wonderful day is remembered, it’s celebrated during this season.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Questions raised about Hampton sales tax proposal
News Staff
Dear Editor:Hampton is a small town, and small towns survive by keeping government simple, predictable, and limited in scope.As my grandmother used to say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
Stories of goodwill, faith and family abound this time of year
Kurt Johnson
The shared sentiment of those both giving and receiving at this year’s Hamilton County Food Pantry holiday distribution event was like a gift in itself.
Tuesday, December 16, 2025