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The sign at the entrance to Rex Ranch. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, now owns this ranch and a total of at least 365,000 acres of Nebraska agricultural land. In the past five years, it is the No. 1 buyer of ag land by acre in Nebraska. (Photo by Carrie Ryan, courtesy of AgReserves)

The sign at the entrance to Rex Ranch. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon church, now owns this ranch and a total of at least 365,000 acres of Nebraska agricultural land. In the past five years, it is the No. 1 buyer of ag land by acre in Nebraska. (Photo by Carrie Ryan, courtesy of AgReserves)

After shopping spree, Mormon church is top NE land purchaser

News Staff
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
This article is courtesy of the Flatwater Free Press, Nebraska's first independent, non-profit newsroom. Early in the summer of 2018, a nonprofit few Nebraskans have heard of bought a 22,613-acre chunk of land in Garden County.The next year, the nonprofit, tied to a P.O.
Billionaire Bill Gates, known for buying farmland across the United States, recently purchased more than 22,000 acres of Nebraska ag lands.

Billionaire Bill Gates, known for buying farmland across the United States, recently purchased more than 22,000 acres of Nebraska ag lands.

This week's featured stories

News Staff
Tuesday, January 9, 2024
This week's ANR takes an in depth look into who is buying Nebraska ag land.
ANR

ANR

City declares snow emergency

Kurt Johnson
Monday, January 8, 2024
Mayor Marlin Seeman declared a “Snow Emergency” in the City of Aurora, to be in effect beginning at noon Monday and ending noon Tuesday, Jan 9.The City of Aurora has declared this snow emergency based on the forecast from the National Weather Service.
October: Aurora’s Kendal Wineteer, front left, Lexi Ericksen (middle) and Ella Eggelston were near the front of the pack at the bottom of the first hill at the Class C State Championships in October.

October: Aurora’s Kendal Wineteer, front left, Lexi Ericksen (middle) and Ella Eggelston were near the front of the pack at the bottom of the first hill at the Class C State Championships in October.

A look back at the second half of 2023

News Staff
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
The year 2024 is here, but while 2023 is still fresh on our minds, this week's ANR again takes a look back at the stories that defined life in Aurora in the year past.
Documentary film producer Jennifer Jarosik, right, from Dubai takes time for a picture with her mother, Connie Bunker of Aurora.

Documentary film producer Jennifer Jarosik, right, from Dubai takes time for a picture with her mother, Connie Bunker of Aurora.

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Nebraskan provides an ‘Eye in Dubai’

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
The Christmas holiday has brought a rising star in the documentary industry from halfway around the world to Aurora to visit family.
Pictured from left are Penner Sprinkler & Lawn co-owners Quintin Penner and Ryan Kliewer, along with master technician Chris Arnett.

Pictured from left are Penner Sprinkler & Lawn co-owners Quintin Penner and Ryan Kliewer, along with master technician Chris Arnett.

Penner Sprinkler & Lawn expanding reach

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
A Lincoln-based lawn and sprinkler business is expanding its reach into Hamilton County, though its roots are already firmly planted here.
Aurora High School grad Darcie (Lee) Burde lives with her husband, Adrian and her daughter Isabella in Gainesville, Fla., where she works as a program development manager for the National Fitness Campaign, a wellness consulting firm.

Aurora High School grad Darcie (Lee) Burde lives with her husband, Adrian and her daughter Isabella in Gainesville, Fla., where she works as a program development manager for the National Fitness Campaign, a wellness consulting firm.

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Fitness a lifetime goal for Aurora graduate Darcie (Lee) Burde

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
One of the most common New Year’s Resolutions many people make is establishing a healthier lifestyle through healthy diets or fitness routines.For Aurora graduate, Darcie (Lee) Burde, this isn’t just a goal for the year, but an ambition for a lifetime.
Iowa native Dalton Chastain stepped in as captain of the Aurora EMS Service in October, having worked as an EMT since 2021.

Iowa native Dalton Chastain stepped in as captain of the Aurora EMS Service in October, having worked as an EMT since 2021.

City’s EMS learning curve continues

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Now into the fourth year of operating its own fire-based ambulance service, city leaders are reporting a continued increase in call levels, as well as the growing challenge of retaining trained paramedics needed to handle 911 and transfer calls.
Dist. 34 State Senator Loren Lippincott

Dist. 34 State Senator Loren Lippincott

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Lippincott seeks return of decorum

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
A little more than 48 hours after ringing in the new year, legislators are back in Lincoln for the 108th session of the Nebraska Legislature. This year’s shorter, 60-day session will deal with some unfinished business from last year’s tumultuous 90 days, and Dist. 34 Sen.
he annual Daddy/Daughter Dance in February filled the Poco Creek Clubhouse with music, smiles, laughter and a whole lot of hugs. Clubhouse managers say they are hoping to see more community organizations and residents utilize the facility in 2024.

he annual Daddy/Daughter Dance in February filled the Poco Creek Clubhouse with music, smiles, laughter and a whole lot of hugs. Clubhouse managers say they are hoping to see more community organizations and residents utilize the facility in 2024.

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Community clubhouse plans anniversary celebration

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
With a year of successes behind them and 2024 now official here, the management team of the Aurora Community Clubhouse is making plans for expanding the utilization of the new facility in the coming year.