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This photo, orginally run in the Sept. 11, 2002, edition of the Aurora News-Register, depicts twin beams of light shown over New York City in 2002, serving as a glowing reminder of the Twin Towers that once highlighted the Manhattan skyline. This week marks the 25th anniversary of the 911 attack.

This photo, orginally run in the Sept. 11, 2002, edition of the Aurora News-Register, depicts twin beams of light shown over New York City in 2002, serving as a glowing reminder of the Twin Towers that once highlighted the Manhattan skyline. This week marks the 25th anniversary of the 911 attack.

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McKimmey: ‘9/11 was my call to serve’

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
As the nation observes the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 on Friday, veterans and others in Hamilton County will have a unique way of commemorating the event.
Visitors can move toy vehicles using remote controls in one of the exhibits in Edgerton’s new Build Zone. Pictured from left are Hayes Beins, Calvin Shannon and Destiny Almont.

Visitors can move toy vehicles using remote controls in one of the exhibits in Edgerton’s new Build Zone. Pictured from left are Hayes Beins, Calvin Shannon and Destiny Almont.

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Edgerton launches trades program

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
On Saturday, Aug. 26, Edgerton Explorit Center, Central Community College and 6 Regions, One Nebraska announced the launch of Trades on the Move through the Ken Wortman Trades Sciences Program.
Luke Janzen fills up cups with water from the splash pad’s fountains during his family’s visit in the Thursday afternoon heat. The splash pad in Cole Park is now closed for the season.

Luke Janzen fills up cups with water from the splash pad’s fountains during his family’s visit in the Thursday afternoon heat. The splash pad in Cole Park is now closed for the season.

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Hot summer nights set record

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, September 8, 2026
While the heat wave of the last few days may not have set any records for daytime highs, it was, however, a record setter in terms of overnight lows. According to the National Weather Service office in Hastings, the nighttime low temperatures for the week of Aug. 28 through Sept.
Jesse Harding Campbell, pictured at left, conducts an interview with Sen. Pete Ricketts while walking through the Nebraska State Fair. Campbell, founder of Marsh Wren Creative, recently moved with her family to the rural Phillips area.

Jesse Harding Campbell, pictured at left, conducts an interview with Sen. Pete Ricketts while walking through the Nebraska State Fair. Campbell, founder of Marsh Wren Creative, recently moved with her family to the rural Phillips area.

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Former farm broadcaster brings ag communications venture to county

News Staff
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Jesse Harding Campbell may be a relative newcomer to Hamilton County, but she is certainly no stranger to Nebraska agriculture.
The Nebraska State Fair runs through Labor Day in Grand Island.

The Nebraska State Fair runs through Labor Day in Grand Island.

It’s go time at the Nebraska State Fair

News Staff
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
The 2026 Nebraska State Fair is off and running just 20 miles west of Aurora, marking the 17th year the annual event has been staged in Grand Island. The grounds have been brimming with livestock, people and activities for people of all ages since opening day Aug.
Aurora city leaders ponder budget cuts.

Aurora city leaders ponder budget cuts.

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Council weighs tax relief, benefit cuts

News Staff
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
The Aurora City Council began preliminary discussions regarding this year’s budget last week by reviewing existing employee pension and benefit plans, as well as results of a wage analysis study, all with an eye on sharpening the pencil when finalizing the 2026-27 budget next month.
A group of children prepares to cut the ribbon to officially open the Hamilton County Inclusive Playground on Saturday morning.

A group of children prepares to cut the ribbon to officially open the Hamilton County Inclusive Playground on Saturday morning.

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Let’s play ... together!

News Staff
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
With a countdown from five, the snip of an outsized pair of scissors and a united shout of “Let’s play!” the Hamilton County Inclusive Playground officially opened its gates to the public on Saturday morning.
Retired Aurora High School teacher Rod Havens recently joined the staff of the Aurora Library as the coordinator for the library’s new makerspace.

Retired Aurora High School teacher Rod Havens recently joined the staff of the Aurora Library as the coordinator for the library’s new makerspace.

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Library making space for creativity

News Staff
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
As soon as Oct. 1 the Alice M. Farr Library in Aurora hopes to have its new makerspace up and running to give library patrons an outlet for their creative expression.
Mark Dunn

Mark Dunn

Dunn stepping down from city council post

News Staff
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Aurora City Councilman Mark Dunn announced this week that he will be vacating his position due to a pending move outside the city limits.Dunn, a Ward 3 councilman who was first elected in the fall of 2020, made his decision public at the end of the Aug.
The Opportune Acres event at the Nebraska State Fair Event is set for Friday at Thompson Indoor Arena

The Opportune Acres event at the Nebraska State Fair Event is set for Friday at Thompson Indoor Arena

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Opportune Acres to host Adaptive Horse Show at State Fair

News Staff
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Opportune Acres will host a unique adaptive horse show on Friday at 11 a.m. at the U.S. Foods Outdoor Arena at the State Fair in Grand Island.