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A public hearing is scheduled next week to review the village of Hampton’s blight study as the first step in a potential redevelopment effort focused on building additional housing.

A public hearing is scheduled next week to review the village of Hampton’s blight study as the first step in a potential redevelopment effort focused on building additional housing.

Hampton blight study first step in redevelopment effort

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
A public hearing is scheduled next week to review the village of Hampton’s blight study as the first step in a potential redevelopment effort focused on building additional housing.
Jim Koepke, left, and Emily Jasnowski, right, accept the Community Impact Award from Tammy Morris, executive director of the Hamilton Community Foundation.

Jim Koepke, left, and Emily Jasnowski, right, accept the Community Impact Award from Tammy Morris, executive director of the Hamilton Community Foundation.

Farr Trust leaves lasting impact

News Staff
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Frank and Alice Farr were credited more than 35 years after their passing for setting an example that proved to be game-changer for their beloved hometown Aurora.
Accepting the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Unsung Hero Award on behalf of the late Tim Otto was his sister, Sue Washburn. Presenting the award is Tammy Morris.

Accepting the Hamilton Community Foundation’s Unsung Hero Award on behalf of the late Tim Otto was his sister, Sue Washburn. Presenting the award is Tammy Morris.

Tim Otto recognized for behind scenes work as ‘unsung hero’

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Tim Otto worked quietly behind the scenes for many years as an attorney in Aurora, often putting his legal skills to use in a way that celebrated his combined passion for history and Hamilton County.
From left, Dale Saddler, Don Bish, Gary Bayne and Walt Jacobs stand together by their current project at the Plainsman Museum. This group of volunteers has been working on restoring vintage vehicles for the museum.

From left, Dale Saddler, Don Bish, Gary Bayne and Walt Jacobs stand together by their current project at the Plainsman Museum. This group of volunteers has been working on restoring vintage vehicles for the museum.

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This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Passion for cars unites volunteers Gary Bayne, Dale Saddler, Walt Jacobs and Don Bish share a passion that has united them. Together they have become a volunteer group at the Plainsman Museum with a mission of bringing vintage vehicles to life.
One full month into the new school year enrollment totals are in with the four area districts reporting a combined increase of 28 students.

One full month into the new school year enrollment totals are in with the four area districts reporting a combined increase of 28 students.

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Area schools post totals for enrollment

News Staff
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
One full month into the new school year enrollment totals are in with the four area districts reporting a combined increase of 28 students. Giltner Public Schools showed the biggest gain, up 32 students, while Aurora Public Schools had 12 more students enrolled and Hampton Public Schools six more.
As the area moves steadily into fall, three local towns are inviting people to head out for two days of shopping, dining and exploring.

As the area moves steadily into fall, three local towns are inviting people to head out for two days of shopping, dining and exploring.

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Small Town Market Days designed as collaborative effort to shine light on area

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
As the area moves steadily into fall, three local towns are inviting people to head out for two days of shopping, dining and exploring. Small Town Market Days will see Aurora, Central City and Stromsburg joining together Friday and Saturday for a celebration of what each town has to offer visitors.
Mayor Marlin Seeman (back, center) show students how the pumping systems pulls groundwater up and then how it delivers it to homes.

Mayor Marlin Seeman (back, center) show students how the pumping systems pulls groundwater up and then how it delivers it to homes.

FPS students learn about local water system

Jeni Obermier
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Aurora’s Future Problem Solvers got to get up close and personal with the town’s infrastructure as members learned all about how water makes its journey from the wells to local houses. Doug Monson, a volunteer with the FPS team shared the lessons learned and how the day impacted the students.
Making a stop in Aurora, Humanities Nebraska associate director Mary Yager (right) was welcomed by Plainsman Museum executive director Tina Larson. Together the duo walked through the ‘Community Works’ exhibition, in which Yager played a key role.

Making a stop in Aurora, Humanities Nebraska associate director Mary Yager (right) was welcomed by Plainsman Museum executive director Tina Larson. Together the duo walked through the ‘Community Works’ exhibition, in which Yager played a key role.

Humanities Nebraska visits ‘Community Works’ exhibition

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Back in action for another viewing period at the Plainsman Museum, “Community Works” attracted a special guest last week.
Zooming in, Hamilton County Sheriff Jeromy McCoy visited with the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners Monday to see about a number of law-enforcement related interlocals. 

Zooming in, Hamilton County Sheriff Jeromy McCoy visited with the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners Monday to see about a number of law-enforcement related interlocals. 

County approves inmate housing interlocals

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, October 5, 2021
Zooming in, Hamilton County Sheriff Jeromy McCoy visited with the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners Monday to see about a number of law-enforcement related interlocals.  The first item up for discussion paired two of the interlocals together, both dealing with housing out-of-county inmates.
Bud Pence

Bud Pence

Pence leaves impact on hometown Aurora

Kurt Johnson
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Aurora lost a lifelong friend and community leader last week with the passing of Bud Pence, who many say helped his hometown grow through personal and professional leadership while also setting a strong example by showing his faith and loving devotion to his wife and family. Pence died Sept.