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This drone photo taken last week shows the many single-family dwellings and duplexes that have been constructed in the Streeter Subdivision in the last three years. Also visible is a new street being built, which will access more lots in the recently annexed Streeter 7th Addition.

This drone photo taken last week shows the many single-family dwellings and duplexes that have been constructed in the Streeter Subdivision in the last three years. Also visible is a new street being built, which will access more lots in the recently annexed Streeter 7th Addition.

Housing surge continues

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Momentum continues to build on the Aurora housing front, with new single-family homes and duplexes adding much-needed inventory, much of it in the new Streeter Subdivision which is revamping the landscape on the community’s western edge.
Pictured above from left are the new owners of MPT Auto Service, Tristen Evans and Colt Salmon. To Salmon’s right are his wife Jasmin and their daughter Zoe.

Pictured above from left are the new owners of MPT Auto Service, Tristen Evans and Colt Salmon. To Salmon’s right are his wife Jasmin and their daughter Zoe.

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MPT Auto Service opens near Aurora’s downtown square

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Two friends with a shared interest in automobiles, customer service and owning their own business made their partnership more official earlier this month, launching MPT Auto Service just off the downtown square in Aurora.
Stonemasons are working at the Hamilton County Courthouse to replace deteriorating sandstone blocks at the base of the 131-year-old structure. Above, a crew uses a small telehandler to replace one of the base stones near the building’s handicapped entrance.

Stonemasons are working at the Hamilton County Courthouse to replace deteriorating sandstone blocks at the base of the 131-year-old structure. Above, a crew uses a small telehandler to replace one of the base stones near the building’s handicapped entrance.

Courthouse project moves toward hoped for summer completion

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
People coming in from out of town for A’ROR’N Days this week will no doubt notice big changes have taken place over the last year at the 131-year-old Hamilton County Courthouse on the square.
Pizza Hut general manager Jessee Puente has announced some pending changes at the Aurora restaurant, including the return of the salad bar in a few weeks time and eventually a pizza buffet.

Pizza Hut general manager Jessee Puente has announced some pending changes at the Aurora restaurant, including the return of the salad bar in a few weeks time and eventually a pizza buffet.

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Major changes in store at Pizza Hut

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
There is change in the air at the Pizza Hut restaurant in Aurora, with a newly hired general manager announcing plans to bring back the once popular salad bar and a level of customer service he hopes will make the Highway 34 restaurant a gathering place like it was decades ago.
While work on the new Hamilton County Inclusive Playground on Old Creek Road progressed quickly over the fall and winter months, the recent abundant rains have slowed construction over the past few weeks. Among things still to be added are the play surfaces, parking lot striping and a fence that will surround the entire facility. No postponement date has yet been set for the ribbon cutting and grand opening, but that is expected to take place yet this summer.

While work on the new Hamilton County Inclusive Playground on Old Creek Road progressed quickly over the fall and winter months, the recent abundant rains have slowed construction over the past few weeks. Among things still to be added are the play surfaces, parking lot striping and a fence that will surround the entire facility. No postponement date has yet been set for the ribbon cutting and grand opening, but that is expected to take place yet this summer.

It’s almost playtime at Inclusive Playground

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
More than 2-1/2 years after the idea was first conceived for a special playground in Hamilton County where disabled children could play right alongside their able-bodied friends, that concept will soon be a reality on city property in Aurora.
Jen Ramaekers, co-founder of Fig Tree & Vine, presented an update on a school construction project in Uganda to the Aurora Rotary Club. Pictured at left is Jeff Morris, president of the local club.

Jen Ramaekers, co-founder of Fig Tree & Vine, presented an update on a school construction project in Uganda to the Aurora Rotary Club. Pictured at left is Jeff Morris, president of the local club.

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Aurora effort reaches across globe

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Efforts by an Aurora-based nonprofit to build a school and support a village in Uganda received a boost last week with a commitment from the Aurora Rotary Club to provide up to $30,000 through a global Rotary grant program.
This year, A'ROR'N Days will kick off on Wednesday with a community appreciation supper sponsored by Hamilton Telecommunications.

This year, A'ROR'N Days will kick off on Wednesday with a community appreciation supper sponsored by Hamilton Telecommunications.

A’ROR’N Days kicks off USA’s birthday party

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
With the star-spangled theme of “Celebrating America 250,” A’ROR’N Days 2026 is serving as an early kickoff this week with local events celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday. Having witnessed America’s Bicentennial celebration as a child in 1976 Jody Griffith, president of A’ROR’N Days, Inc.
Professional photographer Kyla (Stauffer) Vaught takes her turn on the other side of the camera lens for once.

Professional photographer Kyla (Stauffer) Vaught takes her turn on the other side of the camera lens for once.

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Vaught captures life’s authentic moments

Elizabeth Hunter
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Capturing the raw emotions of the most significant moments of her clients lives isn’t just photography to Kyla (Stauffer) Vaught. It’s magic.Vaught, who now lives in Omaha, started her photography business, Ky Vaught Photos, in 2021.