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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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.
Annual Chamber Awards Banquet is Jan. 29.

Annual Chamber Awards Banquet is Jan. 29.

Chamber to present awards Jan. 29

News Staff
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Plans are underway and invitations are going out for the annual Aurora Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet set to take place on Thursday, Jan. 29 at the Bremer Center.
Sarah Lyon, left, and University of Nebraska Medical Center professor Jesse Bell are pictured here during a podcast Lyon hosted last fall, which is now posted on her website, OTPotential.com

Sarah Lyon, left, and University of Nebraska Medical Center professor Jesse Bell are pictured here during a podcast Lyon hosted last fall, which is now posted on her website, OTPotential.com

Study associates nitrates in drinking water with cancer

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Ever since a friend of Sarah Lyon’s was diagnosed with cancer back in elementary school, she remembers worrying that farm chemicals in area drinking water were related to the high rates of pediatric cancer in Hamilton County.
Cody Hoegh

Cody Hoegh

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Hoegh appointed elementary principal

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
The Aurora 4R School Board confirmed the appointment of Cody Hoegh Monday as principal of the elementary school effective next school year. He will replace Mark Standage, who will retire at the end of May. Supt.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

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Wife of murder victim brings Dexter complaint to commission

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
The Ross Nickolaus murder case which was back in the news this week (See the article about Caleb Arnett on Page 2 of this week’s edition) was brought up at Monday’s county commission meeting.
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.

This week's featured stories

News Staff
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.