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Colorful characters -- some spooky, some silly -- fill Annie Gibson’s front yard on L Street in what has become an annual, growing tradition.

Colorful characters -- some spooky, some silly -- fill Annie Gibson’s front yard on L Street in what has become an annual, growing tradition.

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Gibson’s yard casts a spell with Halloween fun

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Annie Gibson’s favorite holiday may be Christmas, but you wouldn’t know it judging by the animated Halloween display in her front yard this and every year.
Kirk Penner of Aurora is one of several representatives of Advocates For All Nebraskans (AFAN).

Kirk Penner of Aurora is one of several representatives of Advocates For All Nebraskans (AFAN).

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AFAN launches petition effort targeting election change in NE

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Advocates for All Nebraskans expanded its efforts to bring legislative solutions directly to the people through the ballot initiative process last week by launching the signature gathering phase for two constitutional amendments, both involving the electoral process.
Kaja Brondel (left), followed by her mom Jessica and brother William, runs away from a swamp monster played by Kolby Lautenschlager and a Ghostface (Isacc Graham) at last year’s Haunted Fairgrounds. This year’s event will take place Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1.

Kaja Brondel (left), followed by her mom Jessica and brother William, runs away from a swamp monster played by Kolby Lautenschlager and a Ghostface (Isacc Graham) at last year’s Haunted Fairgrounds. This year’s event will take place Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1.

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Ready for a ghoul time at Haunted Fairgrounds?

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
Something wicked is coming to the Hamilton County Fairgrounds with the Haunted Fairgrounds set to open Friday night. The annual scare-a-thon is presented by the Hamilton County Ag Society and will take place over two weekends, Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1.
Firefighters and local farmers work to mop up after Saturday's field fire.

Firefighters and local farmers work to mop up after Saturday's field fire.

Saturday fire near Marquette burns field of corn stubble

Ron Burtz
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Fast action by local firefighters and at least half a dozen area farmers kept a corn stubble fire along County Road 19 south of Marquette from spreading to nearby unharvested fields Saturday afternoon.
This artists rendering shows the proposed layout of a new pocket park expected to open next spring.

This artists rendering shows the proposed layout of a new pocket park expected to open next spring.

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New pocket park planned for Streeter Subdivision

Kurt Johnson
Thursday, October 16, 2025
City leaders approved a memorandum of understanding Tuesday involving four local nonprofit entities committed to developing a pocket park and walking/bicycle trail in the new Streeter Subdivision on the west edge of Aurora.
Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora 4R School Board news

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4R board extends contract with BVH architectural firm

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
The Aurora 4R School Board voted Monday to extend its contract with BVH Architecture, continuing a process initiated approximately two years ago to assess the district’s facility needs.Supt.
Jana Gibson, left, and Haley Bamesberger of the Hamilton County Nebraska Celebrate America 250 Committee present a commemorative banner to the Village of Hampton Monday night. Accepting the banner on behalf of the village is village board chairman James Parsley.

Jana Gibson, left, and Haley Bamesberger of the Hamilton County Nebraska Celebrate America 250 Committee present a commemorative banner to the Village of Hampton Monday night. Accepting the banner on behalf of the village is village board chairman James Parsley.

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Hampton prohibits using RVs as dwellings

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Leaders of the Village of Hampton are taking steps to deal with a situation that has become a nuisance lately – individuals living in RVs as permanent dwellings.
Rowan Bilslend enjoys his first ride as Arley McEndarfer guides horse Harley during the afterschool program’s horseback riding session on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Rowan Bilslend enjoys his first ride as Arley McEndarfer guides horse Harley during the afterschool program’s horseback riding session on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Edgerton Afterschool Program saddles up for fun, learning

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
When kids get dropped off at the Edgerton Explorit Center on Wednesdays, they are excited to partake in an afternoon of fun and learning in the Edgerton Afterschool Program.
High Plains Community Schools

High Plains Community Schools

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HPC considering 6-man football

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Football classifications was the topic of conversation during Monday’s High Plains Community school board meeting. With the looming Nov. 30 deadline to declare 11, 8 or 6-man football for the upcoming new two-year cycle, the board received updated enrollment numbers from HPC administration.