News

President Trump holds up an executive order temporarily removing the off-road requirement for the use of red dyed diesel. The order allows the use of the tax free fuel to be used on roads and highways through the end of the year.

President Trump holds up an executive order temporarily removing the off-road requirement for the use of red dyed diesel. The order allows the use of the tax free fuel to be used on roads and highways through the end of the year.

NE welcomes Trump

Central Nebraska turned out in a big way to welcome President Donald J. Trump to Grand Island on Monday afternoon.
Area schools announce fall enrollments

Area schools announce fall enrollments

Enrollment down in 3 area schools

When fall enrollment numbers were officially submitted to the state this week, three of the four local public school districts reported declines, with the one exception being Hampton.Aurora’s total enrollment dropped by 67 students while Giltner’s declined 21 and High Plains Community reported a...
Many spectators were drawn by the visuals as much as Pandora’s Box as Aurora performed at Harvest of Harmony. That afternoon, the band took home its first superior of the season in the Class B field show. Pictured performing in the field show are from left: Ashlyn Yockey, Kinslea Johnson, Landrie Champion and Lucy Johnson.

Many spectators were drawn by the visuals as much as Pandora’s Box as Aurora performed at Harvest of Harmony. That afternoon, the band took home its first superior of the season in the Class B field show. Pictured performing in the field show are from left: Ashlyn Yockey, Kinslea Johnson, Landrie Champion and Lucy Johnson.

Aurora’s Pandora’s Box finally opens at Harvest of Harmony

Opening Pandora’s Box can bring trouble, but the Aurora Marching Huskies held on to hope and succeeded at the 84th annual Harvest of Harmony Saturday in Grand Island.The marching band once more received Best Class A/B and the first place trophy from the Class B during Saturday’s parade.
The library in Aurora, N.Y., built in 1899, shares a building with a historic opera house and the structure also has a jail cell. (Looks like they’re pretty serious about collecting those library fines!)

The library in Aurora, N.Y., built in 1899, shares a building with a historic opera house and the structure also has a jail cell. (Looks like they’re pretty serious about collecting those library fines!)

Kells take on the Empire State

When Tom and Patti Kell reached the State of New York last fall on their 8,000-mile trip to visit towns named Aurora across the eastern half of the U.S., that state offered a twofer. Not only does the Empire State have a town named Aurora, there’s also an East Aurora.
The Dream School is working with their students and families to help assemble 300 backpacks containing school supplies for children who lost their belongings. Students at The Dream School are pictured here creating cards to include in the backpacks.

The Dream School is working with their students and families to help assemble 300 backpacks containing school supplies for children who lost their belongings. Students at The Dream School are pictured here creating cards to include in the backpacks.

Nepal floods hit close to home for Bolis family

Watching global reports of flash flooding in Nepal which killed nearly 1,400 people in a region where she once lived and worked was gut-wrenching for Sally Bolis, who has spent the past month trying to provide relief efforts while also working remotely to support the school she and her husband...
More than 1,000 passporters traveled to Aurora Floral & Homestead Market and Scotty’s Bar in Marquette, which were both featured among the 70 stops in the 2026 Nebraska Passport Program. Pictured are a few passporters who visited Aurora Floral & Homestead Market during the season.

More than 1,000 passporters traveled to Aurora Floral & Homestead Market and Scotty’s Bar in Marquette, which were both featured among the 70 stops in the 2026 Nebraska Passport Program. Pictured are a few passporters who visited Aurora Floral & Homestead Market during the season.

Passport features stops in Aurora, Marquette

More than 2,000 passporters made their way through Hamilton County this summer to visit Aurora Floral & Homestead Market and Scotty’s Bar in Marquette, both among the 70 featured stops in the 2026 Nebraska Passport Program.Debbie Beckman and her husband Randy, co-owners of Scotty’s Bar, were...
National Life Chain participants

National Life Chain participants

National Life Chain observance

Approximately 20 people from the community stood along Highway 34 Sunday in Aurora, participating in the National Life Chain event. People stood on both sides of the highway peacefully holding anti-abortion signs, with many drivers honking in support.
Members of the Hampton land judging team that will compete at state event this week include, from left: Cason Bamesberger, Mason Wiens, Noah Miller and Brayden Wolinski.

Members of the Hampton land judging team that will compete at state event this week include, from left: Cason Bamesberger, Mason Wiens, Noah Miller and Brayden Wolinski.

Hampton, Aurora land judging teams qualify for state event

Hampton and Aurora land judging teams both qualified for state last week by performing well at the South Central Area Land Contest at the Nature Conservancy south of Wood River.Hampton placed third in the event with 1028 points, followed closely by Aurora in fourth with 1017.
The BStrong Thanksgiving Dinner will come back to life Nov. 8

The BStrong Thanksgiving Dinner will come back to life Nov. 8

BStrong Thanksgiving dinner to return Nov. 8 with new organizers

A faith-based community event offering a meal and winter clothing will come back to life Nov. 8 with the BStrong Ministry Thanksgiving Dinner and coat giveaway.Launched many years ago by Cal and Sara Strong in memory of their son, Ben, this year’s event at The Ivy in Aurora will be coordinated in...
The H&H sports coop is observing a combined Homecoming this week

The H&H sports coop is observing a combined Homecoming this week

First H&H Homecoming week is now underway

With the kickoff of H&H Bearcats football this fall, Hampton’s annual Homecoming celebration has a whole new look this week.