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Pastor Mike Brill, pictured here with his wife, Cindy, is starting New Hope Community Church which meets Sunday mornings at 10 at the Ivy on K Street in Aurora.

Pastor Mike Brill, pictured here with his wife, Cindy, is starting New Hope Community Church which meets Sunday mornings at 10 at the Ivy on K Street in Aurora.

New Hope Community Church holds first services

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The Ivy performance and event venue at the corner of K and 11th streets in Aurora began its life as the home of the Evangelical United Brethren Church, but continues to function as a house of worship even today.
Hampton grad Brad Jacobsen (front left) is an associate superintendent of civic engagement for Lincoln Public Schools and previously worked as the principal of Ashland-Greendwood for 16 years. Pictured above is Jacobsen’s family, front from left: son Tate, wife Staci. Back row: Tyler’s fiance Makenna, sons Tyler, Dane and Cale.

Hampton grad Brad Jacobsen (front left) is an associate superintendent of civic engagement for Lincoln Public Schools and previously worked as the principal of Ashland-Greendwood for 16 years. Pictured above is Jacobsen’s family, front from left: son Tate, wife Staci. Back row: Tyler’s fiance Makenna, sons Tyler, Dane and Cale.

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From Hampton to Lincoln, Jacobsen lives out family teaching legacy

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
When he stepped into his latest role as associate superintendent for civic engagement for Lincoln Public Schools (LPS), Hampton grad Brad Jacobsen was determined to continue his mission of advocating for public school education.
The townspeople unite as they seek to take out the noble families before one of their daughters marries the evil Prince Thanatos. Featured townspeople from front to left: Krystyl Cure, Shawn Morris, Joey Ballas, Kenzie Dubas, Nova Hamilton. Back row: Will Thacker, Wyatt Heiss, Hudson Harvey, Adelynne Hendrickson, Annabelle Manley, Tyler Naylor, Paul Weeks and Collin Whelan.

The townspeople unite as they seek to take out the noble families before one of their daughters marries the evil Prince Thanatos. Featured townspeople from front to left: Krystyl Cure, Shawn Morris, Joey Ballas, Kenzie Dubas, Nova Hamilton. Back row: Will Thacker, Wyatt Heiss, Hudson Harvey, Adelynne Hendrickson, Annabelle Manley, Tyler Naylor, Paul Weeks and Collin Whelan.

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Aurora one act presents new student drama

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The Aurora one act team has returned to the stage with another student-written play by student director Scott Bennett. The team, consisting of 53 cast and crew members, came together last Tuesday evening for the dress rehearsal of the drama “As the Crown Fell.
XPO celebrated the team achievement of driving 1 million combined miles without an accident, either on the road or at the Aurora service center.

XPO celebrated the team achievement of driving 1 million combined miles without an accident, either on the road or at the Aurora service center.

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XPO celebrates yet another 1 million mile safety award

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The XPO service center in Aurora added a sixth banner above the front door this week, celebrating another million miles with no accidents for any of its drivers.
Evan Pankoke (left) of Hampton was one of eight local FFA members to be awarded their American FFA Degrees at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo held recently in Indianapolis, Ind. He is pictured with his high school FFA advisor, Joel Miller.

Evan Pankoke (left) of Hampton was one of eight local FFA members to be awarded their American FFA Degrees at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo held recently in Indianapolis, Ind. He is pictured with his high school FFA advisor, Joel Miller.

Eight area FFA members get American Degrees

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
A group of local collegiate FFA members were awarded their American Degrees at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo held recently in Indianapolis, Ind. Eight students from Aurora, Hampton and High Plains were among the more than 5,162 FFA members to receive the organization’s highest award.
Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora 4R School Board news

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Aurora schools see rising needs from families

News Staff
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The list of families in the Aurora community in need of financial support is growing according to a report presented to the Aurora 4R School Board Monday night.
Both Giltner and HPC will switch from 8- to 6-man football next fall

Both Giltner and HPC will switch from 8- to 6-man football next fall

Giltner, HPC to play 6-man football

News Staff
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
School boards at both Giltner and High Plains voted Monday to declare to the Nebraska School Activities Association plans to field six-man football teams for the next two-year cycle. Board and community feedback reflected similar concerns.
Randy (left) and Emmett Franz pose for a picture after their interview with ANR News Editor Ron Burtz at the Little Opry Theater in Branson, Mo. where Emmett plays dobro and Randy is the sound man for the Petersen Family.

Randy (left) and Emmett Franz pose for a picture after their interview with ANR News Editor Ron Burtz at the Little Opry Theater in Branson, Mo. where Emmett plays dobro and Randy is the sound man for the Petersen Family.

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Franz Family hasn’t lost touch with Nebraska roots

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
From Hampton area farmer to traveling family bluegrass band leader hitting the road with his wife and children to perform concerts across America, Henderson native Randy Franz has had quite a journey over the years.
XPO celebrated the team achievement of driving 1 million combined miles without an accident, either on the road or at the Aurora service center.

XPO celebrated the team achievement of driving 1 million combined miles without an accident, either on the road or at the Aurora service center.

This week's featured stories

News Staff
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
The XPO service center in Aurora added a sixth banner above the front door this week, celebrating another million miles with no accidents for any of its drivers.