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Visitors were treated to a meal served by Aurora High School cheerleaders during their cheer fundraiser that took place alongside the Plainsman’s 50th anniversary.

Visitors were treated to a meal served by Aurora High School cheerleaders during their cheer fundraiser that took place alongside the Plainsman’s 50th anniversary.

Plainsman Museum celebrates 50 years

Turnout was large for the Plainsman Museum’s 50th Anniversary celebration on Friday, with approximately 275 people in attendance for the golden anniversary party.
Members of the Aurora High School Band pose on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building during their whirlwind trip to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, Pa. where they performed several concerts for Bicentennial observances.  This photo appeared in a July issue of the News-Register in 1976.

Members of the Aurora High School Band pose on the steps of the U.S. Capitol Building during their whirlwind trip to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, Pa. where they performed several concerts for Bicentennial observances. This photo appeared in a July issue of the News-Register in 1976.

Remembering ‘A week to remember’ - recapping the 1976 Bicentennial

America celebrated its 250th birthday over the weekend as only America can. There were fireworks over Mt.
Jacob Kissel, shown here with his wife and son, was a Union soldier during the Civil War. Captured by the Confederates, he spent time in an Alabama prisoner of war camp. After the war ended he narrowly escaped death when he was put off the steamboat Sultana before it blew up, killing 1,700 people, many of whom were newly released Union prisoners.

Jacob Kissel, shown here with his wife and son, was a Union soldier during the Civil War. Captured by the Confederates, he spent time in an Alabama prisoner of war camp. After the war ended he narrowly escaped death when he was put off the steamboat Sultana before it blew up, killing 1,700 people, many of whom were newly released Union prisoners.

Local sisters discover family tie to American Revolution

The celebration of America’s 250th birthday this month has taken on a special meaning for a pair of Aurora sisters. That’s because Deb Willis and her sister Pat Anderson were recently able to trace their ancestry back to before the nation was founded in 1776.
Brazilian exchange student Alice Puhl, right, enjoyed making friends with students at Giltner. She is pictured here with fellow exchange student Beatrice Donati, left, and Harley Fesuluai.

Brazilian exchange student Alice Puhl, right, enjoyed making friends with students at Giltner. She is pictured here with fellow exchange student Beatrice Donati, left, and Harley Fesuluai.

Puhl follows family tradition in U.S. exchange year

Motivated by the stories of multiple family members who did exchange programs in North America, Brazilian Alice Puhl spent the last year as a senior at Giltner High School. She graduated with the Giltner Class of 2026 and has now returned home, excited to be reunited with her family.
Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg explained the role of his office during a Chamber luncheon June 29 at the Bremer Center.

Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg explained the role of his office during a Chamber luncheon June 29 at the Bremer Center.

Nebraska state treasurer Spellerberg visits Aurora

Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg visited Aurora last week as part of a statewide campaign to introduce himself and explain his role in state government, also announcing that Hamilton County currently has $941,000 in unclaimed property.
MC Lars performs as Edgar Allan Poe during his performance at 12th Street Cinema on Thursday, June 25.

MC Lars performs as Edgar Allan Poe during his performance at 12th Street Cinema on Thursday, June 25.

MC Lars teaches youth how to ‘flow like Poe’ at youth center

Students waved their hands  to “flow like Poe” and were “going hard on that tetrameter” as Lit-Hop rapper MC Lars made appearances at 12th Street Cinema and the Hamilton County Youth Center on Thursday, June 25.After performing as Edgar Allan Poe, who inspired songs such as “Annabel Lee R.I.P.
Aurora dentist Kirk Reichardt has announced the addition of Sutton native Kesean Bundy as a new associate dentist.

Aurora dentist Kirk Reichardt has announced the addition of Sutton native Kesean Bundy as a new associate dentist.

Bundy joins local dental practice

Reichardt Family & Cosmetic Dentistry will soon have a new name added to the sign on its 13th Street building reflecting the addition of a new associate dentist, Kesean Bundy.
Tina Larson works with filmmakers Brian (left) and Connor Kreikemeier during the editing of the documentary “Hamilton County: This is US!”

Tina Larson works with filmmakers Brian (left) and Connor Kreikemeier during the editing of the documentary “Hamilton County: This is US!”

‘This is US!’ holds mirror to Hamilton County

After three successful screenings of its new  documentary, “Hamilton County: This is US!”, the Plainsman Museum & Hamilton County Historical Society will be bringing its visual time capsule to the big screen at 12th Street Cinema again this Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Bands on the Bricks concert series starts Friday

Bands on the Bricks concert series starts Friday

Bands on Bricks 9 begins Friday

Bands on the Bricks begins its 2026 season in Aurora’s downtown square on Friday with a band to perform every week until Aug. 14.Entering its ninth year, event organizer Sara Sutherland expressed her excitement to see excitement for the annual six-week event continue to grow.
Caleb Arnett

Caleb Arnett

Arnett stabbing murder trial delayed

As expected, the first degree murder trial of Jacob Arnett of Aurora has been continued from its August 10 date with no new trial date set.