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Mental health was the topic of discussion for seniors at Aurora during Career Day on Feb. 17.

Mental health was the topic of discussion for seniors at Aurora during Career Day on Feb. 17.

Senior Day session on mental health well received

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Emotional challenges brought on by a year-long struggle with the COVID pandemic prompted Aurora Public Schools to add a mental wellness component to its Career Day schedule Feb. 17, which administrators say will likely become a permanent addition to the program.
Dist. 34 Sen. Curt Friesen reports that a legislative bill designed to encourage increased broadband availability throughout the state is gaining support and very little pushback, due in part he believes to increased internet use stirred by this past year’s pandemic.

Dist. 34 Sen. Curt Friesen reports that a legislative bill designed to encourage increased broadband availability throughout the state is gaining support and very little pushback, due in part he believes to increased internet use stirred by this past year’s pandemic.

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Friesen reports strong support for broadband expansion bill

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Dist. 34 Sen. Curt Friesen reports that a legislative bill designed to encourage increased broadband availability throughout the state is gaining support and very little pushback, due in part he believes to increased internet use stirred by this past year’s pandemic.
ANR

ANR

Sheriff Kirk Handrup announces retirement

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Hamilton County Sheriff Kirk Handrup announced his quickly approaching retirement from law enforcement during Monday’s Hamilton County Board of Commissioners’ meeting.  This came as a shock to the commissioners.  “Good morning,” he began. “Today, I’m announcing my retirement.
Aurora FFA hosts petting zoo

Aurora FFA hosts petting zoo

A furry little friend

Kurt Johnson
Friday, February 26, 2021
Kian Bockelman of Aurora was one of many youngsters taking advantage of the Aurora FFA chapter's petting zoo earlier this week to get up close and personal with animals large and small. Kian says hello here to a baby chick. He was joined on the field trip by his mother, Hayle, and sister Indy.
Aurora High School FFA chapter president Ellie Wanek serves with unparalleled passion, hoping to inspire and lead her peers and follow her FFA journey into college as a state officer.

Aurora High School FFA chapter president Ellie Wanek serves with unparalleled passion, hoping to inspire and lead her peers and follow her FFA journey into college as a state officer.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Ellie Wanek’s life, passions transformed through FFA Ellie Wanek always knew she’d have a life surrounded by agriculture. After all, she grew up on the family farm. But she never could have imagined just how much it would transform, build her as a person and play into her future plans.
Jericho Stack (left), teacher Dustin Broeder, Logan Bennett and Brandon Krunovsky puzzle out a few pieces of their large project during Monday’s class.

Jericho Stack (left), teacher Dustin Broeder, Logan Bennett and Brandon Krunovsky puzzle out a few pieces of their large project during Monday’s class.

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Class offers multi-level look at video game programming

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
All about the exploration of possibility, high school now-a-days is filled to the brim with extra classes built to challenge and engage students in ways they never thought possible.
Homolka was chosen by Gov. Ricketts to serve in the position vacated by former judge.

Homolka was chosen by Gov. Ricketts to serve in the position vacated by former judge.

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Ricketts appoints Homolka as new Fifth District judge

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Lynelle Homolka of Central City was appointed Thursday by Gov. Pete Ricketts to serve as county court judge in the Fifth District, which includes Hamilton, Boone, Butler, Colfax, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward, and York counties.
Eric Joseph stands in front of the Highway 34 structure where he currently bases his Midwest Spray Foam business. Joseph is planning to tear down the former gas station when the weather allows and build a new structure in its place.

Eric Joseph stands in front of the Highway 34 structure where he currently bases his Midwest Spray Foam business. Joseph is planning to tear down the former gas station when the weather allows and build a new structure in its place.

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Joseph plans upgrade for Hwy 34 business

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Hampton native Eric Joseph announced plans this week to convert what he believes is an “eyesore” property on Highway 34 into a new home base for his expanding business, Midwest Spray Foam and Custom Installation, LLC.
Senior Lexie Wolinski, front, leads a chant with help from cheer teammates Kennedy McCullough, left, and Kaylei Joseph.

Senior Lexie Wolinski, front, leads a chant with help from cheer teammates Kennedy McCullough, left, and Kaylei Joseph.

Hampton cheerleaders compete at state

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Saturday was showtime for a Hampton cheerleading squad anxious to perform in one of the year’s grand finale events.
Mindy Shiehs with USDA and Keith Dubas with Central Community College answer questions during last week’s Connect the Dots program for Aurora freshmen.

Mindy Shiehs with USDA and Keith Dubas with Central Community College answer questions during last week’s Connect the Dots program for Aurora freshmen.

Program invites freshmen to ‘Connect the Dots’

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Aurora freshmen spent some time “connecting the dots” last week in terms of what their future might look and what they need to do achieve their goals.