Approved county budget rings in with a lower tax asking for upcoming fiscal year

In the culmination of several weeks of lengthy budget discussions, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners approved its budget and tax asking request for the 2020-21 fiscal year, with tax asking of $5,411,048 representing a $19,360 decrease over last year.

Central District transitions into Phase 4 COVID protocol

According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, as well as Hamilton County Emergency Manager Kirt Smith, counties in the Central District Health Department have officially transitioned into Phase 4 of reopening as of Monday.

Art Walk Aurora set for downtown square Saturday

A hallmark of the fall season, Art Walk Aurora will be back in action this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the courthouse lawn, weather permitting.

City’s goal to ‘hold the line’ on budget

The Aurora City Council unanimously approved a $15.17 million budget for the 2020-21 fiscal year last week, citing a goal to “hold the line” on planned capital expenditures in an effort to reduce the tax requirement on local citizens and businesses impacted financially by the COVID pandemic.

Lindquist sale draws large crowd to Giltner

Auctioneers were simultaneously calling for bids at two different venues on the Lindquist Welding property in Giltner Thursday. The auction drew a large crowd of people from several states, with participants also casting their bids online.

Community asked to ‘re-engage’ in housing study

A local housing development group announced plans this week to re-engage with the community in its efforts to identify specific housing needs in Aurora.

Scaled-down State Fair well received

Though the Nebraska State Fair was limited in size and scope this year by a global pandemic, the sentiment among fairgoers, volunteers and board members was unanimous — having a smaller State Fair was better than having no State Fair at all. Story in this week's ANR.

Edgerton Explorit Center adapting to COVID times

A treasured local business and unique resource for the youth of Hamilton County, the Edgerton Explorit Center is one of many places across the state that has adapted to and overcome challenges presented by the present pandemic climate. Full story in this week's ANR.

Bremer Center re-opens after COVID shutdown

The Bremer Center, a focal point for community meetings and events in Aurora for generations, opened its doors after a pandemic-forced shutdown recently with a new president now leading its volunteer board of directors. Story in this week's ANR.

Rural poll shows Nebraskans optimistic despite challenges

Amid ongoing impacts from last year’s bomb cyclone, low commodity prices and the COVID-19 pandemic, rural Nebraskans remain optimistic about their current situation and future, according to the 2020 Nebraska Rural Poll.