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Stonemasons are working at the Hamilton County Courthouse to replace deteriorating sandstone blocks at the base of the 131-year-old structure. Above, a crew uses a small telehandler to replace one of the base stones near the building’s handicapped entrance.

Stonemasons are working at the Hamilton County Courthouse to replace deteriorating sandstone blocks at the base of the 131-year-old structure. Above, a crew uses a small telehandler to replace one of the base stones near the building’s handicapped entrance.

Courthouse project moves toward hoped for summer completion

People coming in from out of town for A’ROR’N Days this week will no doubt notice big changes have taken place over the last year at the 131-year-old Hamilton County Courthouse on the square.
Pizza Hut general manager Jessee Puente has announced some pending changes at the Aurora restaurant, including the return of the salad bar in a few weeks time and eventually a pizza buffet.

Pizza Hut general manager Jessee Puente has announced some pending changes at the Aurora restaurant, including the return of the salad bar in a few weeks time and eventually a pizza buffet.

Major changes in store at Pizza Hut

There is change in the air at the Pizza Hut restaurant in Aurora, with a newly hired general manager announcing plans to bring back the once popular salad bar and a level of customer service he hopes will make the Highway 34 restaurant a gathering place like it was decades ago.
While work on the new Hamilton County Inclusive Playground on Old Creek Road progressed quickly over the fall and winter months, the recent abundant rains have slowed construction over the past few weeks. Among things still to be added are the play surfaces, parking lot striping and a fence that will surround the entire facility. No postponement date has yet been set for the ribbon cutting and grand opening, but that is expected to take place yet this summer.

While work on the new Hamilton County Inclusive Playground on Old Creek Road progressed quickly over the fall and winter months, the recent abundant rains have slowed construction over the past few weeks. Among things still to be added are the play surfaces, parking lot striping and a fence that will surround the entire facility. No postponement date has yet been set for the ribbon cutting and grand opening, but that is expected to take place yet this summer.

It’s almost playtime at Inclusive Playground

More than 2-1/2 years after the idea was first conceived for a special playground in Hamilton County where disabled children could play right alongside their able-bodied friends, that concept will soon be a reality on city property in Aurora.
Jen Ramaekers, co-founder of Fig Tree & Vine, presented an update on a school construction project in Uganda to the Aurora Rotary Club. Pictured at left is Jeff Morris, president of the local club.

Jen Ramaekers, co-founder of Fig Tree & Vine, presented an update on a school construction project in Uganda to the Aurora Rotary Club. Pictured at left is Jeff Morris, president of the local club.

Aurora effort reaches across globe

Efforts by an Aurora-based nonprofit to build a school and support a village in Uganda received a boost last week with a commitment from the Aurora Rotary Club to provide up to $30,000 through a global Rotary grant program.
This year, A'ROR'N Days will kick off on Wednesday with a community appreciation supper sponsored by Hamilton Telecommunications.

This year, A'ROR'N Days will kick off on Wednesday with a community appreciation supper sponsored by Hamilton Telecommunications.

A’ROR’N Days kicks off USA’s birthday party

With the star-spangled theme of “Celebrating America 250,” A’ROR’N Days 2026 is serving as an early kickoff this week with local events celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. Having witnessed America’s Bicentennial celebration as a child in 1976 Jody Griffith, president of A’ROR’N Days, Inc.
Professional photographer Kyla (Stauffer) Vaught takes her turn on the other side of the camera lens for once.

Professional photographer Kyla (Stauffer) Vaught takes her turn on the other side of the camera lens for once.

Vaught captures life’s authentic moments

Capturing the raw emotions of the most significant moments of her clients lives isn’t just photography to Kyla (Stauffer) Vaught. It’s magic.Vaught, who now lives in Omaha, started her photography business, Ky Vaught Photos, in 2021.
Nicole Alder, right, owner of Alder Plant Nursery, helps Betty Reddick with a purchase at Saturday morning’s Market on the Square event. This was the second week for the popular event, which is being held on the Heritage Bank south parking lot in front of the “Aurora” mural.

Nicole Alder, right, owner of Alder Plant Nursery, helps Betty Reddick with a purchase at Saturday morning’s Market on the Square event. This was the second week for the popular event, which is being held on the Heritage Bank south parking lot in front of the “Aurora” mural.

Homemade, handcrafted & homegrown

While most back yard gardens in the area are just starting to mature, fresh, local garden produce like tomatoes and cucumbers can probably be found Saturday morning at the Market on the Square in Aurora.
Hampton City Hall.

Hampton City Hall.

Hampton OKs offer on opera house lot

Less than a year after the old opera house at 132 N 3rd Street in Hampton was demolished, the village board has accepted an offer to sell the lot where the building once sat.
Work is already well underway on a new street in the Streeter 7th Addition, which was officially annexed into the city last week by the Aurora City Council.

Work is already well underway on a new street in the Streeter 7th Addition, which was officially annexed into the city last week by the Aurora City Council.

Streeter 7th Addition annexed into city

The Aurora City Council officially annexed a new addition of the Streeter Subdivision into the city limits during its June 9 meeting at the Bremer Center.