News

A construction worker smooths out groundwork with a compact track loader at the columbarium site in the Aurora Cemetery March 2. Construction was started early due to the warm weather.

A construction worker smooths out groundwork with a compact track loader at the columbarium site in the Aurora Cemetery March 2. Construction was started early due to the warm weather.

Columbarium to be constructed by May

News Staff
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
by Jacob Courtney  Aurora residents will soon have a new space for their final resting place in the cemetery on the outskirts of town.  Construction workers are laying the groundwork and foundations for a series of four columbariums at the south side of the Aurora cemetery this week.
Aurora fire crews responded quickly to a field blaze just south of Aurora at the corner of 10 and S Roads around noon March 2 and were able to contain it.

Aurora fire crews responded quickly to a field blaze just south of Aurora at the corner of 10 and S Roads around noon March 2 and were able to contain it.

Fire fueled by dry weather conditions

News Staff
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
by Jacob Courtney  Aurora firefighters extinguished a grass fire at 10th and S roads just south of the city at around noon March 2.  Aurora Fire Chief Tom Cox reported that the a pivot  caused the fire that burned up to 40 acres of a cornfield.
What resulted in a split vote for the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, the topic of COVID premium pay for county employees who worked during the height of the pandemic was back on the table Monday for discussion.

What resulted in a split vote for the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, the topic of COVID premium pay for county employees who worked during the height of the pandemic was back on the table Monday for discussion.

COVID premium pay plan OK’d for county employees

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, March 8, 2022
What resulted in a split vote for the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners, the topic of COVID premium pay for county employees who worked during the height of the pandemic was back on the table Monday for discussion. “I guess I’m just looking for some direction,” Commissioner Becky Richter began.
Aurora High School seniors Caden Carlson (left), Elena Kuehner and Preston Ramaekers have recently been named National Merit Scholar Finalists. They await the final round of selection later this year.

Aurora High School seniors Caden Carlson (left), Elena Kuehner and Preston Ramaekers have recently been named National Merit Scholar Finalists. They await the final round of selection later this year.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Trio sets sights on National Merit Scholar program The Aurora High School senior trio of Caden Carlson, Elena Kuehner and Preston Ramaekers have excelled in a number of things over their high school careers -- though becoming National Merit Scholar Finalists is up at the top.
Warmer weather has helped speed progress in the new Streeter Subdivision, where several foundations were poured this week on the east side of Cottage Park Drive.

Warmer weather has helped speed progress in the new Streeter Subdivision, where several foundations were poured this week on the east side of Cottage Park Drive.

Aurora city council updates ordinances to reflect changes in Nebraska law

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
The Aurora City Council updated several local ordinances last week, making minor language revisions to reflect changes in various state laws passed last year by the Nebraska Legislature. At the end of the Feb.
Randy Watson stands outside the warehouse in Phillips that now bears the name of his new business, Watson Pest Control.

Randy Watson stands outside the warehouse in Phillips that now bears the name of his new business, Watson Pest Control.

Watson brings new business to Phillips

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Phillips native Randy Watson has announced plans to reinvest in his hometown, launching a new pest control venture this month which he hopes will add to the momentum of what he believes, like many, is an exciting time of growth in the community.
A Grand Island area farmer who ran for Congress in 2018 has shifted his sights to state level politics, throwing his hat into the ring this week as a candidate for the District 34 legislative seat.

A Grand Island area farmer who ran for Congress in 2018 has shifted his sights to state level politics, throwing his hat into the ring this week as a candidate for the District 34 legislative seat.

Kowalski joins Dist. 34 race

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
A Grand Island area farmer who ran for Congress in 2018 has shifted his sights to state level politics, throwing his hat into the ring this week as a candidate for the District 34 legislative seat. Arron Kowalski said he has been eyeing the field of candidates seeking to replace Sen.
Jason Frew was one of many fathers joining their daughters in a dance train, which paraded around the Bremer Center with a group of smiling young ladies during the third annual Daddy/Daughter Dance.

Jason Frew was one of many fathers joining their daughters in a dance train, which paraded around the Bremer Center with a group of smiling young ladies during the third annual Daddy/Daughter Dance.

Daddy/Daughter Dance fills the Bremer Center

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Little girls were decked out in colorful dresses and their dads were all smiles during Sunday’s third annual Daddy/Daughter Dance at the Bremer Center. Event coordinator Taylor Willis said she was thrilled to see the large turnout and growing enthusiasm for a feel-good night out.
Back again with good news, Hamilton County Emergency Manager Kirt Smith reported another downward trend in positive COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County.

Back again with good news, Hamilton County Emergency Manager Kirt Smith reported another downward trend in positive COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County.

COVID numbers decreasing in district

Cheyenne Rowe
Tuesday, March 1, 2022
Back again with good news, Hamilton County Emergency Manager Kirt Smith reported another downward trend in positive COVID-19 cases in Hamilton County. “I come bearing good news this week,” he said. “Each week these numbers continue to go down.”  Over the last seven days, ending Feb.