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Grayce (Gustafson) and Connor Smith have started their latest business, Cross Swing Golf, offering a mobile golf simulator that can be brought in for after-school dances, corporate events, weddings and more.

Grayce (Gustafson) and Connor Smith have started their latest business, Cross Swing Golf, offering a mobile golf simulator that can be brought in for after-school dances, corporate events, weddings and more.

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Smiths debut new Cross Swing venture

Elizabeth Hunter
Thursday, September 17, 2026
If golf enthusiasts want to swing into some fun playing golf for any fun occasion, Cross Swing Golf, based in Aurora, will bring its mobile golf simulator for others to take a spin.
Republican incumbent Gov. Jim Pillen invited local supporters to consider becoming “a blackshirt” during his campaign stop in Aurora last week, which would involve encouraging 11 people to get out and vote in the Nov. 3 General Election.

Republican incumbent Gov. Jim Pillen invited local supporters to consider becoming “a blackshirt” during his campaign stop in Aurora last week, which would involve encouraging 11 people to get out and vote in the Nov. 3 General Election.

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Pillen pitches ‘second half’ agenda during Aurora visit

News Staff
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Gov. Jim Pillen referred to his football background during a campaign stop in Aurora Tuesday, asking voters to give him an opportunity to make adjustments at “halftime” of his commitment to Nebraskans by electing him to a second four-year term as governor.
High School Proposal #1

High School Proposal #1

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New high school anchors APS facility proposal

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Four years after launching a strategic planning initiative which included an in-depth study focused on the district’s facility needs, Aurora Public Schools officials shared with a community advisory committee this week a proposal to build a new high school and address priority needs at the...
A seat at the front of the High Plains bench was saved for Payton Ackerson, a tribute paid to the High Plains sophomore player who tragically passed away over Labor Day weekend. Inset: Ackerson in a volleyball game during her freshman season a year ago for the Storm.

A seat at the front of the High Plains bench was saved for Payton Ackerson, a tribute paid to the High Plains sophomore player who tragically passed away over Labor Day weekend. Inset: Ackerson in a volleyball game during her freshman season a year ago for the Storm.

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‘Play for Payton’

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
The High Plains Community school and neighborhood gathered for a couple hours of normalcy and healing while honoring one of their own.
Aurora city leaders ponder how to deal with depleted reserve fund

Aurora city leaders ponder how to deal with depleted reserve fund

City debates tax strategy, eyeing depleted reserves

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
The Aurora City Council voiced mixed opinions last week about which strategy to utilize when computing this year’s budget, with the key differential focused on the need to build back the city’s depleted cash reserves versus giving taxpayers a break.
New Hamilton County Attorney Nathan Heinz of York is sworn in Thursday morning by District Judge Rachael Daughterty. In remarks after the swearing in, the judge noted that Heinz’s first hearing as a defense attorney had taken place before her in that very same courtroom.

New Hamilton County Attorney Nathan Heinz of York is sworn in Thursday morning by District Judge Rachael Daughterty. In remarks after the swearing in, the judge noted that Heinz’s first hearing as a defense attorney had taken place before her in that very same courtroom.

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Heinz sworn in as county attorney

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Hamilton County has a new full-time county attorney as of Thursday morning.
Payton Ackerson

Payton Ackerson

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Communities mourn the loss of local teen

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
The accidental death of 16-year-old Payton Ackerson of Clarks over the Labor Day weekend has sent shock waves throughout several communities in this area. Ackerson, a sophomore volleyball player at High Plains Community Schools, died early Sunday morning, Sept.
ANR's On the Road Again

ANR's On the Road Again

Go on the road with ANR

News Staff
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
This week's special ANR On The Road Again edition (Section C) is all about transportation, whether it's choosing the right first school car for your teenager, the big rigs that transport our food and just about everything else, or highway safety and taking care of your vehicle. It's all here.
Area residents set out on a march from Aurora to Marquette Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks

Area residents set out on a march from Aurora to Marquette Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks

Ruck March commemorates 9/11 anniversary

News Staff
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Fifteen local residents participated in an 11-mile hike from Aurora to Marquette on Friday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001.
The 2026 Giltner Homecoming candidates include, front from left: Megan Wilson, Jayci Buettner, Addison Bradley. Back row: Ashton Ward, Braxton Cady and Fallon Hunnicutt.

The 2026 Giltner Homecoming candidates include, front from left: Megan Wilson, Jayci Buettner, Addison Bradley. Back row: Ashton Ward, Braxton Cady and Fallon Hunnicutt.

Giltner Homecoming candidates named

News Staff
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
It's Homecoming week in Giltner with special activities planned throughout the week, culminating with the football game on Friday night, during which the Homecoming royalty will be crowned.