This week's top stories

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  • The Teal View Wetland Education Area has opened five miles north of Hampton and features a protected area for migrating waterfowl.
    The Teal View Wetland Education Area has opened five miles north of Hampton and features a protected area for migrating waterfowl.
  • Nate Most was one of the “big kids” that tried out the tractor pull during Saturday’s competition in Giltner.
    Nate Most was one of the “big kids” that tried out the tractor pull during Saturday’s competition in Giltner.
  • Max Wiarda slides into home safely during the Pinnacle Bank Seniors’ six-run sixth inning in a 12-6 winning effort over York June 8. Wiarda went three for four at the plate with three runs scored.
    Max Wiarda slides into home safely during the Pinnacle Bank Seniors’ six-run sixth inning in a 12-6 winning effort over York June 8. Wiarda went three for four at the plate with three runs scored.
  • In the culmination of last week’s graveside service, Army National Guard Chaplain Zach Brueningsen (right) presents Dale Croxen, Lyle Reab’s oldest living relative, with the American flag that covered Reab’s casket throughout his journey back to Giltner.
    In the culmination of last week’s graveside service, Army National Guard Chaplain Zach Brueningsen (right) presents Dale Croxen, Lyle Reab’s oldest living relative, with the American flag that covered Reab’s casket throughout his journey back to Giltner.
  • Hampton youngster Reid Olsen drives his Hawk-themed hot rod through the Hampton Booster Days grand parade Sunday afternoon.
    Hampton youngster Reid Olsen drives his Hawk-themed hot rod through the Hampton Booster Days grand parade Sunday afternoon.

    Teal View Wetlands formed north of Hampton
    Through the united efforts of the Upper Big Blue Natural Resource District, Ducks Unlimited, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nebraska Environmental Trust and the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture, Hamilton County will be gaining 39 acres of protected wetland.
    Named the Teal View Wetland Education Area, this area is located five miles north of Hampton and a quarter mile east on 19 Road.
    The goal of this project was to protect and make available to the public a wetland in Hamilton County, voiced Chrystal Houston, public relations manager for the Upper Big Blue NRD.

    Scaled down Giltner Daze a hit with kids
    While some big-ticket items were missing from Saturday’s Giltner Daze celebration, the day itself was a big hit. 
    It was a chamber of commerce day over the weekend as young families had plenty of options during the Giltner Daze event as part of alumni weekend. 
    Gary Consbruck reported after the event that while some things were missing Saturday, the day was well-attended nonetheless. 
    “Everything went really good,” Consbruck reported. “We had young families and kids everywhere, and that’s what it’s all about. We were pleased.”

    Late inning rally lifts Aurora past York
    A clutch sixth inning offensively was the difference for the Pinnacle Bank Aurora Post 42 Seniors team. 
    The Aurora Seniors tallied six runs in the bottom of the sixth to pick up a 12-6 home win over York at Mitchell Field June 8. 
    Aurora Pinnacle Bank Seniors coach Jeremy Burgener pointed out that they’ve waited for a big inning like that all year long and it was nice to see the order batted around. 
    “It was definitely a very exciting game to be a part of,” the coach said. “Tied late in the game and finally that big inning we have been waiting for all season. If there was one we needed, that was it.”
    The bottom of the sixth began in the No. 9 hole as Max Wiarda singled to left before Brady Collingham and Chase Phillips reached base on a walk and hit by pitch to load the bags with no outs. 

    Welcome home, Private Reab
    “As a service member it’s hard to describe the moment in which we are in right now,” began Chaplain Zach Brueningsen of the Nebraska Army National Guard. 
    He stood next to the casket of service member and Giltner native Lyle Wayne Reab, who after 76 years of being missing in action was returned home and placed in his final resting place, next to his parents Daisy and Harry, in the Lerton Cemetery on June 8.
    Reab was born on Nov. 10, 1921, and died Nov. 9, 1944, while fighting in World War II in Germany.
    “Burial, committal, memorial -- all those things are true but I feel that a welcome home is also appropriate,” Brueningsen said. “They did their due diligence to bring him home today to lay next to his parents.”

    Weather ideal for Booster Days 2021
    An annual tradition came back to life in Hampton over the weekend as local residents celebrated Booster Days 2021 after a one-year COVID recess.
    Activities began on Friday evening and wrapped up Sunday evening, giving people of all ages something to do, and celebrate, all weekend long.
    “We had great weather and I think people were just excited to be able to do something,” noted Corbin Fagan, one of the event committee planners. “You know, we have this every year so you go from having it and being what it was the last couple years to not having it and then everybody was pretty happy to be here.”