Community embraces Proctor family after long, painful search

A two-month search for an elderly Aurora couple that drew state and national attention ended Saturday, though not with the final result the community had been praying for. Tragically, Bob and Loveda Proctors’ lives ended on a rural road northeast of Kearney, two long months ago in mid-January.

Teacher shortage issue demands legislative review

A workforce shortage issue amplified in recent years by the pandemic is having a real and sometimes dramatic impact on our community, state and nation, perhaps nowhere more than in our public schools.

One year later, stakes rising over Putin’s land grab strategy

One year later, conflict rages on the other side of the world as Americans watch from afar, hoping and praying that Russia’s unprovoked invasion into Ukraine doesn’t escalate into a broader, global war.

Blue jacket salute

The blue jackets are iconic, especially here in the heartland of America.

Ethanol plant a roller-coaster ride paying huge local dividends

A massive conglomeration of steel on the west edge of Aurora has been making headlines for the past 17 years in our community, not all of it positive, though the latest development is a signal of meaningful perseverance.

Sentiment must translate into sales if theater to remain open

Our community faces a harsh reality reflected in a front page headline of last week’s edition: “12th Street Cinema in danger of closing soon.” That may have come as a shock to many, but signs of trouble have been brewing since that dreaded pandemic pause.

Good book a perfect match for cold winter day

There’s nothing like a good book on a cold winter’s day. It’s a standing invitation to escape from the world in the pages and prose of whatever genre you like to read, which the older I get feels like uninterrupted quality time to be treasured.

Expanding term limits to 12 years makes sense in Nebraska

Among the many bills proposed by Nebraska lawmakers during the first week of the 2023 session one stands out as a logical change that could impact the body itself. Legislative Resolution 22CA, a constitutional amendment proposed by Norfolk Sen.

Truth too often getting lost in shades of gray

Is it the truth? That’s a pretty simple question, and an important one, though shades of gray seem to be blurring the line these days between fact, fiction, embellishment and outright lies.

The numbers add up to optimistic outlook for 2023

Is the glass half full or half empty? Looking over the numbers of construction activity in our community this past year could send a couple of messages.