News

Notices for ag land values in Hamilton County will be mailed June 1.

Notices for ag land values in Hamilton County will be mailed June 1.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Ag land values will be going up in county

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Hamilton County farmers will be getting letters in the mail this week advising of a pending increase in ag land valuations, with irrigated acres going up as much as 10.3 percent and drylands acres rising as much as 8 percent.
A vendor helps a customer during last year's Market on the Square, a series of Saturday events which begins this weekend.

A vendor helps a customer during last year's Market on the Square, a series of Saturday events which begins this weekend.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Market on Square kicks off 2023 season Saturday

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Market on the Square is popping up again on June 3 lasting through the long, hot summer months until Sept. 16, running every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the courthouse parking lot. Vendors and businesses from around Hamilton County and beyond will come to showcase their wares and services.
Youngsters enjoy opening day at the swimming pool in Aurora Friday.

Youngsters enjoy opening day at the swimming pool in Aurora Friday.

Aurora pool opens

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
The Aurora Aquatic Facility opened at high noon Friday, the unofficial start to summer in Hamilton County. Youngsters showed up in droves with temperatures already in the low 80s over the long weekend. Open swim hours are from 12-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. daily.
Shawn Morris, center, is the new Pi Bee record holder, having recited 402 digits of pi on the last day of school. He is pictured with his cousin and former record holder, Alex Peters at left, and math teacher Scott Phillips.

Shawn Morris, center, is the new Pi Bee record holder, having recited 402 digits of pi on the last day of school. He is pictured with his cousin and former record holder, Alex Peters at left, and math teacher Scott Phillips.

This week's top stories

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Amanda Senkbile, pictured front and center, became the first female to earn her Commercial Driver’s License through International Workforce Services. Pictured back from left are: Celie Holliday, Crystal, David and Todd Vettel.

Amanda Senkbile, pictured front and center, became the first female to earn her Commercial Driver’s License through International Workforce Services. Pictured back from left are: Celie Holliday, Crystal, David and Todd Vettel.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

IWS looks to put women behind wheel

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
An Aurora business is expanding its mission to try and help fill the growing demand for over-the-road truck drivers by training women to get behind the wheel.
New Hamilton County Director of Planning and Zoning, Melissa Barry sits at her desk on the second floor of the courthouse. Berry has been working as a dispatcher for the county for nearly a year and took over her new position on May 10.

New Hamilton County Director of Planning and Zoning, Melissa Barry sits at her desk on the second floor of the courthouse. Berry has been working as a dispatcher for the county for nearly a year and took over her new position on May 10.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Barry takes helm as Planning & Zoning director

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
With nearly two weeks on the job now behind her, Hamilton County’s new planning and zoning director says she is excited to be a part of helping plan for the future of the area she and her husband adopted as home almost a year ago.
The putting and chipping practice areas adjacent to Poco Creek Golf Course and the new Aurora Community Clubhouse are seeing constant use since being installed in April.

The putting and chipping practice areas adjacent to Poco Creek Golf Course and the new Aurora Community Clubhouse are seeing constant use since being installed in April.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Aurora youth golf project drawing rave reviews

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
A youth golf project is already paying dividends and drawing attention far beyond Aurora’s Poco Creek Golf Course, thanks to a visionary plan and generous local donors.
Pictured above are members of this year's Aurora lifeguard crew.

Pictured above are members of this year's Aurora lifeguard crew.

Lifeguard crew

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
The summer lifeguard crew for the Aurora Aquatic Center gathered in late April for a training session, pausing briefly for a staff photo. Pictured front from left: Emerson Danville, Keri Wagoner, Eli Talkington, Allison Bangs, Brianna Spady, Ella Mitchell, Meri Sanderson.
Memorial Day activities, including a 21-gun salute, are planned for Monday.

Memorial Day activities, including a 21-gun salute, are planned for Monday.

Memorial Day events to honor veterans

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Hamilton County locals are invited to attend Memorial Day events in various communities on Monday to honor veterans who died while serving in the American military. The Aurora American Legion Post 42 and Aurora VFW Post 4993 will conduct services at five locations, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Executive director of the Hamilton Community Foundation Tammy Morris is pictured with 2023 Eloe Award winner Haley Sigler.

Executive director of the Hamilton Community Foundation Tammy Morris is pictured with 2023 Eloe Award winner Haley Sigler.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Elementary teacher Haley Sigler wins Eloe Award

Jacob Courtney
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Each year, nominations are accepted for the William and Delight Eloe Award for Inspirational Academic Leadership. Since 2011 the Hamilton Community Foundation has presented an Aurora Public Schools staff with the Eloe Award.