This week's top stories

Corn Growers tour ethanol plant
Members of the Hamilton County Corn Growers Association took the first of several planned agritourism visits last week, spending two hours getting an up-close and detailed look at the ethanol plant on the west edge of Aurora.
Mike Bergen, president of the local Corn Growers chapter, said he was pleased with the attendance and format of the Sept. 8 tour, noting that a great deal can be gained by producers who take the time to learn about what happens to the crops they grow.
“This gives them value and it gives them insight into the products that they grow in Hamilton County and how they can be used by an end user,” Bergen explained. “We have a lot of agritourism in the county and I really appreciate partnering with Aurora Coop on this first tour. We’re going to work toward the other agriculture tourism industries in the county over the next couple of years.”

Aurora recognized for development efforts
Fresh off the plane from a trade mission trip to Paris, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley tipped his hat to Aurora Thursday by recognizing the community for its can-do attitude and pro-business environment.
Officially on hand to present the Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s Certified Community Award, Foley took the opportunity to recognize Aurora as a model for others to follow. Citing the recent 2020 Census which showed that 56 percent of the state’s population now lives in just three counties — Douglas, Sarpy and Lancaster — Foley said Aurora stands out as an example of how communities can in fact grow throughout rural Nebraska.
“You’ve got a great chance here in Aurora to keep this town very vibrant, very much alive because of your location and because of your willingness to all work together, pulling together in the same direction,” Foley told a small group gathered near the band stand on the downtown square. “I’m here to congratulate you and thank you for what you are doing for Nebraska. In so many respects Aurora is the model to what we want other communities across the state to look to in their own economic development efforts.

Husky run game tames Bearcat squad
A familiar face was missing from Aurora’s visitor sideline Friday night, but the product on the field was all too customary.
Aurora made the 332-mile road trip to Scottsbluff and behind a physical attack on both sides of the ball left with a convincing 43-22 victory, its first of the season. 
Aurora head coach Kyle Peterson wasn’t wearing a headset or at the game at all, coming down with an illness. It wasn’t until Friday morning that longtime Aurora assistant Tim Elge found out he would be the acting head coach and between him and the rest of the Husky coaching staff made decisions that led to a traditional Aurora victory.

Lady Hawks best Giltner volleyball
Serving was strong on both sides Thursday night in Giltner. But, it was Hampton coming away with the spoils. 
The Lady Hawks won in straight sets over the Lady Hornets, 25-14 and 25-19 as part of a triangular with Dorchester. Both Giltner and Hampton picked up wins over the Longhorns. 
Hampton coach Diane Torson was all smiles after the win, noting a several year drought of losses to the Hornets. 
“Our girls were excited -- it’s been awhile since we’ve beaten Giltner,” Torson said. “Once we figured out their weaknesses, we kept attacking that. We started serving well, too.”
On the other side, Giltner coach Jeanie Good pointed out that the Lady Hornets put in an entire new rotation the day before, and that caused some growing pains in both matches. 

Plainsman’s Day on the Farm a Sunday blast from the past
Taking full advantage of beautiful weather and sunshine, the Plainsman Museum’s “Day on the Farm” was a step back into time filled with old-fashioned activities, demonstrations and all-around family fun.
“I think there was a steady stream of people (throughout the event),” Plainsman Director Tina Larson said of Sunday’s event. “Those folks who came enjoyed themselves. The presenters and demonstrators felt like the crowd was such that they could actually engage with everybody, so they were happy with that.”
Larson added that there was a fair variety of things to see and do, aided by the fact that volunteers came well prepared to man their stations.
“They all put a lot of effort into it,” she voiced. “So all in all I think it turned out really well.”

To read more of any of this week's top stories, please see this week's print or e-edition.