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Desiree Christenson ventured out into a nearby field in November, walking beneath an irrigation pivot to capture a different perspective of the Northern Lights display. The photo won first place in the Aurora Borealis category and was named grand champion in this year’s amateur photo contest.

Desiree Christenson ventured out into a nearby field in November, walking beneath an irrigation pivot to capture a different perspective of the Northern Lights display. The photo won first place in the Aurora Borealis category and was named grand champion in this year’s amateur photo contest.

Say cheese ... you won!

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
The Aurora Borealis created the colorful night sky and Desiree Christenson provided an artistic perspective which combined to create the grand prize entry in this year’s ANR amateur photo contest.
Aurora's fire-based EMS will end as of Aug. 18, when a three-year contract with EMS Unlimited begins.

Aurora's fire-based EMS will end as of Aug. 18, when a three-year contract with EMS Unlimited begins.

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New era begins for Aurora ambulance service

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
The city’s role as owner/operator of a fire-based ambulance service will come to an end next month as the Aurora City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to approve a three-year contract with Colorado-based EMS Unlimited.
For several decades, East Park Villa resident Bonnie Jones worked in nursing at Bryan Hospital in Lincoln, Memorial Community Health and Hamilton Manor in Aurora.

For several decades, East Park Villa resident Bonnie Jones worked in nursing at Bryan Hospital in Lincoln, Memorial Community Health and Hamilton Manor in Aurora.

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‘I was born to be a nurse’

News Staff
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Looking back on nearly her entire life in the nursing field, former Hamilton Manor Director of Nursing Bonnie Jones believes one of her best qualities that helped her succeed was her drive to provide the best care to her patients.“I was born to be a nurse,” Jones said.
Weekday lunch meals are one of the most important programs of the senior center. In the last fiscal year more than 16,000 meals were served either on-site or through the Meals on Wheels program.

Weekday lunch meals are one of the most important programs of the senior center. In the last fiscal year more than 16,000 meals were served either on-site or through the Meals on Wheels program.

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More than just a meal

News Staff
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Having served more than 16,000 meals over the last 12 months, either on-site or through its Meals on Wheels and drive-through pickup programs, the Hamilton County Senior Center is thought of by many as just a place for older people to get a hot, nutritious meal at a reasonable price.
Aurora choir teacher Jason Frew, shown on the large scoreboard, performed the National Anthem during the Savannah Bananas baseball game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City July 4.

Aurora choir teacher Jason Frew, shown on the large scoreboard, performed the National Anthem during the Savannah Bananas baseball game at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City July 4.

From the choir room to center stage, Frew finds his anthem

News Staff
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Walking out on the field at the height of excitement for the Fourth of July and the Savannah Bananas in Iowa City, Aurora choir teacher Jason Frew was just as eager to perform the “Star-Spangled Banner” at the next level.
Summer Orientation About Rivers (SOAR) kicked off the 2026 season with the first of two week-long camps last week.

Summer Orientation About Rivers (SOAR) kicked off the 2026 season with the first of two week-long camps last week.

SOARing on the river

News Staff
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Prairie Plains Resource Institute’s Summer Orientation About Rivers (SOAR) kicked off the first of two weeks with 62 campers. Pictured above, SOAR campers try their hands at kayaking in the Bader Swim Pond. Prior to shoving off, kayakers learned safety and paddling techniques on the beach. 
Hampton Village Board.

Hampton Village Board.

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Hampton begins search for interim employee

News Staff
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
The Hampton Village Board announced Monday it has begun the search for an interim utility employee after last month’s accident which left Patrick Reisdorff in a Lincoln hospital, where he continues his long-term recovery from numerous injuries and initial surgeries.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners.

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners.

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County OKs rural single-family home

News Staff
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Hamilton County commissioners approved a conditional use permit Monday allowing a family that owns a 25-acre parcel northeast of Marquette to sell a three-acre parcel of their property to another family for the purpose of building an additional single-family dwelling.