News

Hampton School Board news

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Hampton board OKs math curriculum

Ron Burtz

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

An updated K-5 math curriculum was approved by the Hampton Board of Education at its May meeting held on Monday the 12th, two days after the school’s 2025 graduation ceremony. The bid from Bridges in Mathematics, the producer of the school’s current math curriculum, was approved, according to Supt.

Firefighters and residents wait outside East Park Villa on Tuesday afternoon while fire officials inside the building seek out the source of an alarm that had sounded, prompting an evacuation of residents and staff.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

East Park Villa evacuated after alarm activated

Ron Burtz

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Having just practiced their evacuation plan the day before, residents of Aurora’s East Park Villa exited the building in record time last Tuesday afternoon when an automatic fire alarm was activated on the 3rd floor. The alarm came into dispatch at about 2 p.m.

Kirk Handrup

Handrup throwing hat in for 2nd ward

Kurt Johnson

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Aurora native Kirk Handrup served the community for 30 years as Hamilton County Sheriff and he announced this week that he would like to continue his involvement in local affairs as a Ward 2 representative on the Aurora City Council.

Harlan Schafer

Former councilman to run for mayor

Kurt Johnson

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Harlan Schafer, an Aurora native, businessman and former member of the Aurora City Council has announced his intentions to file as a candidate in the 2026 election for mayor.

HCF announces 2024-25 scholarship recipients

News Staff

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

The Hamilton Community Foundation (HCF) has significantly expanded its scholarship program, made possible by the generosity and vision of local donors committed to investing in education.

Aurora 4R School Board news

Exclusive Subscriber Content

4R board focused on MS theater issues

Kurt Johnson

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Lighting and equipment upgrades needed at the middle school theater dominanted discussion at Monday’s Aurora 4R School Board meeting, with the board ultimately voting to table the issue until more bids and information can be presented in June.

Firefighters from several area departments responded to a house fire in Marquette Friday.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Marquette house damaged in Friday fire

Elizabeth Hunter

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Marquette Fire & Rescue responded to a house fire at 406 Railroad Avenue that was called in at 8:41 a.m. on Friday with firefighters arriving on scene five minutes later. Marquette firefighters were provided mutual aid by Aurora and Central City firefighters and battled the blaze until 1:12 p.m.

Jasmine Hansen and Jorja Pohlmeier are the chosen class representatives for the AHS Class of 2025

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Aurora graduates to turn tassels Sunday

News Staff

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Aurora High School’s Class of 2025 is set to turn the tassels on Sunday, celebrating one of the final area graduation ceremonies Commencement exercises will begin at 2 p.m. in the Aurora Sports Complex. The processional will be accompanied by the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.

American history teacher Brenda Klawonn stands in front of a photo from Washington D.C., a city she visited 15 times as part of student projects like Heroes & Huskies.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Bringing history home: Klawonn ready to retire as educator

Kurt Johnson

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Brenda Klawonn’s lesson plans for teaching American history at Aurora High School the past 24 years go well beyond memorizing dates, names and significant events dating back to the post-Civil War era. Her goal has always been to help students find a connection that helps bring history to life.

Prairie Paws is a family-owned dog grooming business west of Marquette run by mother Amy (left) and daughter Logan Nissen. The business also provides cremation services for families. Posing alongside Logan and Amy are Tucker and Tellula.

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Prairie Paws offers grooming, boarding

Elizabeth Hunter

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Located at 2260 N Road west of Marquette, Prairie Paws offers a place for dog owners to have their furry friends safe and sound while they are away.Keeping up with their canine friends is the co-owner mother and daughter duo of Amy and Logan Nissen.