News

Members of the informal group calling itself “League” sit at the bar of the Loading Chute in Hampton on Monday night. One of the members joked that the group got its name because the men “compete” with the pickleball league that plays at the City Auditorium. With the group is Loading Chute bartender Annette Miller. Members in attendance Monday were, from left: John Kohtz, Tom Williamsen, Gene Winter, Tom Lindburg, Ed Dick, Robin Williamsen and Dean Klute.

Members of the informal group calling itself “League” sit at the bar of the Loading Chute in Hampton on Monday night. One of the members joked that the group got its name because the men “compete” with the pickleball league that plays at the City Auditorium. With the group is Loading Chute bartender Annette Miller. Members in attendance Monday were, from left: John Kohtz, Tom Williamsen, Gene Winter, Tom Lindburg, Ed Dick, Robin Williamsen and Dean Klute.

Loading Chute still packing ’em in

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
When the Loading Chute restaurant and bar in Hampton was launched about 18 months ago now, people in the restaurant business told the ownership team business would slow down after the newness wore off. So far it hasn’t.
Aurora resident Paul Friedrichsen and his family frequently get together during the Husker football season for tailgates in Lincoln.

Aurora resident Paul Friedrichsen and his family frequently get together during the Husker football season for tailgates in Lincoln.

It's now time for Prime Time

News Staff
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Growing older has its inevitable questions and challenges but the golden years can also be prime time for living well. Look in Section B of this week's edition of ANR for our annual Prime Time issue which is for and all about seniors.
The City of Aurora has filed a notice of special assessment and lien for $323,805 against this lot, the former site of the Gambles building. The property is owned by Stan Valasek.

The City of Aurora has filed a notice of special assessment and lien for $323,805 against this lot, the former site of the Gambles building. The property is owned by Stan Valasek.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
The Aurora City Council voted last week to file a notice of special assessment and lien for $323,805 against the property on the east side of the square owned by Stan Valasek where the Gambles building once stood.
Jereme Jones

Jereme Jones

Jones to be Hampton’s next 7-12 principal/AD

Ron Burtz
Thursday, January 15, 2026
As promised, the Hampton School Board moved quickly to find a replacement for 7-12 principal Carson Klute who will move into the superintendent role next summer upon the retirement of Supt. Holly Herzberg.
Construction of Hampton water pipeline could begin as early as fall

Construction of Hampton water pipeline could begin as early as fall

Aurora OKs water contract with Hampton

Kurt Johnson
Thursday, January 15, 2026
The Aurora City Council approved plans Tuesday outlining terms of an agreement allowing the Village of Hampton to purchase water from Aurora by building a pipeline between the two communities in what was proposed as a long-term solution to address high nitrate levels in Hampton.
Laurel Marlatt recently began working as library director for the Alice M. Farr Library in Aurora. Marlatt said she is looking forward to updating the library’s facilities and providing a space for fun activities the whole community can enjoy.

Laurel Marlatt recently began working as library director for the Alice M. Farr Library in Aurora. Marlatt said she is looking forward to updating the library’s facilities and providing a space for fun activities the whole community can enjoy.

Marlatt begins new chapter at Aurora library

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Former Fullerton Public Library director Laurel Marlatt has entered a new chapter in her library career. The Aurora native recently took on the job of director at Aurora’s Alice M. Farr Library, replacing Jan Thomson who retired at the beginning of December.
Tiffany Cure

Tiffany Cure

Cure murder trial set to begin Tuesday

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Jury selection is set to get underway Tuesday in Hamilton County District Court for the first-degree murder trial of Tiffany Cure of Marquette. Cure, 22, is charged in connection with the death of 3-month-old Stormi Swartz while the child was under her care on Aug. 6, 2024.
The Hamilton County, Nebraska Celebrate America 250 Committee continues to gear up for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in July. Window clings with the America 250 logo will be mailed out soon for businesses to display.

The Hamilton County, Nebraska Celebrate America 250 Committee continues to gear up for the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in July. Window clings with the America 250 logo will be mailed out soon for businesses to display.

America 250 plans shift into high gear

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
The United States Semiquincentennial is kicking off in the new year with the Hamilton County, Nebraska America 250 Committee setting the pace for Hamilton County.
Giltner Public Schools

Giltner Public Schools

Giltner School Board releases annual report

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
The Giltner School Board released its annual report during Monday’s monthly meeting. The 2024-2025 report contains enrollment numbers over the past five years, an audited financial summary, student demographics and statistics regarding NSCAS proficiency and ACT college readiness.
Hampton Village Board

Hampton Village Board

Hampton continues sales tax discussion

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
At its first meeting of the new year the Hampton Village Board continued to discuss the possibility of enacting a 1 percent village sales tax, in part to help fund the community daycare facility.