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Patrick Star, played by Jacob Inman (center) blasts off with a jetpack for a scene in Aurora High School’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical” during a rehearsal on Friday. Giving Inman a boost during rehearsal is James Dieckmann.

Patrick Star, played by Jacob Inman (center) blasts off with a jetpack for a scene in Aurora High School’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical” during a rehearsal on Friday. Giving Inman a boost during rehearsal is James Dieckmann.

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Stage set for Aurora musical

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
The musical season has returned to Aurora with another splash this year taking its audience on a trip to the pineapple under the sea.Nickelodeon’s “The SpongeBob Musical” will be taking the stage March 27-29, with curtains opening at 7 p.m. each night as well as a 1:30 p.m. show on that Saturday.
Pictured from left are Deen Albert and Todd Vettel, co-owners of Ajira America organization which has purchased Ken’s Motel. Not pictured is co-owner Laban Njuguna.

Pictured from left are Deen Albert and Todd Vettel, co-owners of Ajira America organization which has purchased Ken’s Motel. Not pictured is co-owner Laban Njuguna.

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Ken’s Motel sold to Ajira America

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Ken’s Motel, a landmark local business built 65 years ago by a man who left a legacy as “Mr. Aurora,” has been sold to Ajira America.
Hampton Public Schools

Hampton Public Schools

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Hampton to replace HS HVAC system

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
When Hampton High School students return to classes this fall, a more reliable HVAC system should be in place to keep them comfortable. That’s a good thing, because the decade-old current heating system has become unreliable, causing the board to take action to replace it.
This historic 1893 opera house in Hampton is to be demolished... but not yet.

This historic 1893 opera house in Hampton is to be demolished... but not yet.

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Opera house demo delayed

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
It appears demolition of the crumbling 1893 Hampton opera house building will probably not begin this month after all.
Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora 4R School Board news

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4R board addresses staffing transitions

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Aurora 4R School Board accepted retirement letters from two veteran educators while also approving contracts for three new teachers during Monday’s monthly meeting.
Ravi Singh demonstrates using one of two drones he and his wife, Gina, utilize with their new business, Innovative Drone Solutions.

Ravi Singh demonstrates using one of two drones he and his wife, Gina, utilize with their new business, Innovative Drone Solutions.

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Singhs launch new drone business

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Having gained confidence and experience with aerial photography when he helped launch a statewide drone program for the Nebraska State Patrol, Ravi Singh has ventured into the private sector with his wife by launching a new business called Innovative Drone Solutions.
Tiffany Cure steps off the elevator on the top floor of the Hamilton County Courthouse last August for her initial court appearance on charges of child abuse resulting in death.

Tiffany Cure steps off the elevator on the top floor of the Hamilton County Courthouse last August for her initial court appearance on charges of child abuse resulting in death.

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Cure charge to be upgraded to 1st degree murder

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Charges against a Marquette woman in connection with the death of an infant last August are expected to be upgraded to first degree murder when Tiffany Cure, 21, appears for a second arraignment in Hamilton County District Court on March 28.
The preliminary design for the interior of the Hamilton County Extension office to be located at the fairgrounds.

The preliminary design for the interior of the Hamilton County Extension office to be located at the fairgrounds.

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Back to the drawing board for Extension bldg

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
It’s back to the drawing board, almost literally, for the new Hamilton County Extension office at the fairgrounds following action by the board of commissioners on Monday morning.
Aurora High School provides a CNA program to train students to become certified nurses aides after completing the certification. Students who are currently taking the course include, from left, Emary Rhoades, Faith Utley and Ellie Brown.

Aurora High School provides a CNA program to train students to become certified nurses aides after completing the certification. Students who are currently taking the course include, from left, Emary Rhoades, Faith Utley and Ellie Brown.

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CNA program introduces Aurora students to health care

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Aurora High School recognizes the vital role nurses play in health care and through its Certified Nurses Aide (CNA) program has helped more 30 students get a head start in training for the field.