News

Young Colton McCartney holds up an auction item in front of a large crowd gathered Saturday morning at the Farr Building

Young Colton McCartney holds up an auction item in front of a large crowd gathered Saturday morning at the Farr Building

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
A tradition of praising God and raising money for global relief efforts unfolded for the 45th year in Aurora this weekend, with officials announcing that 2024 is the final year the Mennonite Central Committee relief auction will be held at the Hamilton County Fairgrounds.
Jeffrey Adams

Jeffrey Adams

Adams change of venue motion denied by judge

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
A defense motion asking to move the Jeffrey Adams first-degree murder trial out of Hamilton County has been denied by the court. Adams, who is scheduled to stand trial in June for the premeditated murder of his wife, Angela in their Marquette home on Feb.
First Street in Aurora is scheduled to undergo a major reconstruction project this summer.

First Street in Aurora is scheduled to undergo a major reconstruction project this summer.

City alters 1st Street plan to offer Hwy 34 exit

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
The Aurora City Council approved an amendment to the 1st Street improvement project plan last week which will in effect provide a back-door exit to residents along 1st Street once construction begins.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Bader Bridge repairs on target for summer

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Extensive repairs on the Bader Bridge, which spans the Platte River near Chapman, could take place this summer following action by the Hamilton County Commission. On the Monday agenda was an interlocal agreement between Hamilton and Merrick counties prepared by Speece Lewis Engineering of Lincoln.
This photo looking south from near the intersection of Highway 14 and Old Creek Road shows the city property which is the future location of the Hamilton County Inclusive Playground. The Aurora McDonalds can be seen on the right.

This photo looking south from near the intersection of Highway 14 and Old Creek Road shows the city property which is the future location of the Hamilton County Inclusive Playground. The Aurora McDonalds can be seen on the right.

Inclusive playground finds a home near Hwy 14

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
A proposed inclusive playground for Hamilton County has found both a home and a non-profit partner that will help design and find funding for the facility.
May Primary information

May Primary information

Mayor explains city’s rationale behind sales tax

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Citizens of Aurora will be asked in May to vote yes or no on the issue of implementing a 1-1/2 percent city sales tax.Mayor Marlin Seeman explained the rationale and timing behind the resolution in February, defining the proposal as a tax shift from a reliance on property taxes to a sales tax.
Aurora City Council news

Aurora City Council news

City audit notes declining cash reserves

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
The city’s auditor reviewed a 2023 fiscal year summary with the Aurora City Council last week, pointing out a significant rise in EMS/fire and police department expenses which have resulted in an $850,000 decrease in general fund cash reserves over the past four years.Michael Hoback of AMGL, P.C.
Aurora Math Walk 2.0 is scheduled for Sunday at the Middle School Commons.

Aurora Math Walk 2.0 is scheduled for Sunday at the Middle School Commons.

Math Walk 2.0 moved to Middle School

Ron Burtz
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Started during the COVID year of 2020 as a way to combine outdoor recreation with fun problem-solving math puzzles, Nebraska Teacher of the Year Scott Phillips is bringing his Math Walk back to Aurora this Sunday.
A crew works on pouring concrete at the Special Ag Formulations plant under construction in Aurora.

A crew works on pouring concrete at the Special Ag Formulations plant under construction in Aurora.

Specialty Ag Formulations update

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
The 100,000 sq. ft. production facility going up on Highway 14 is making steady progress, Illinois-based BRANDT company officials reported this week.
Hampton’s Neveah Lukassen will continue her education and basketball career at Manhattan Christian College. She signed March 22 with her family, Heaven Hall and Randy Maahs as well as Hawk coaches Margo LaBrie and Teya Mason with new MCC coach Dalton Miller.

Hampton’s Neveah Lukassen will continue her education and basketball career at Manhattan Christian College. She signed March 22 with her family, Heaven Hall and Randy Maahs as well as Hawk coaches Margo LaBrie and Teya Mason with new MCC coach Dalton Miller.

Lukassen to continue basketball career at MCC

Richard Rhoden
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Neveah Lukassen had a goal to play college basketball and as it turned out, her new coach had a front row seat to most of her senior year.The do-it-all Hampton senior signed a letter of intent with Manhattan Christian College March 22 in front of friends and family.