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Dist. 34 Sen. Curt Friesen reports that a legislative bill designed to encourage increased broadband availability throughout the state is gaining support and very little pushback, due in part he believes to increased internet use stirred by this past year’s pandemic.

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Friesen reports strong support for broadband expansion bill

Kurt Johnson

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Dist. 34 Sen. Curt Friesen reports that a legislative bill designed to encourage increased broadband availability throughout the state is gaining support and very little pushback, due in part he believes to increased internet use stirred by this past year’s pandemic.

ANR

Sheriff Kirk Handrup announces retirement

Cheyenne Rowe

Tuesday, March 2, 2021

Hamilton County Sheriff Kirk Handrup announced his quickly approaching retirement from law enforcement during Monday’s Hamilton County Board of Commissioners’ meeting. This came as a shock to the commissioners. “Good morning,” he began. “Today, I’m announcing my retirement.

Aurora FFA hosts petting zoo

A furry little friend

Kurt Johnson

Friday, February 26, 2021

Kian Bockelman of Aurora was one of many youngsters taking advantage of the Aurora FFA chapter's petting zoo earlier this week to get up close and personal with animals large and small. Kian says hello here to a baby chick. He was joined on the field trip by his mother, Hayle, and sister Indy.

Aurora High School FFA chapter president Ellie Wanek serves with unparalleled passion, hoping to inspire and lead her peers and follow her FFA journey into college as a state officer.

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News Staff

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Ellie Wanek’s life, passions transformed through FFA Ellie Wanek always knew she’d have a life surrounded by agriculture. After all, she grew up on the family farm. But she never could have imagined just how much it would transform, build her as a person and play into her future plans.

Jericho Stack (left), teacher Dustin Broeder, Logan Bennett and Brandon Krunovsky puzzle out a few pieces of their large project during Monday’s class.

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Class offers multi-level look at video game programming

Cheyenne Rowe

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

All about the exploration of possibility, high school now-a-days is filled to the brim with extra classes built to challenge and engage students in ways they never thought possible.

Homolka was chosen by Gov. Ricketts to serve in the position vacated by former judge.

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Ricketts appoints Homolka as new Fifth District judge

Kurt Johnson

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Lynelle Homolka of Central City was appointed Thursday by Gov. Pete Ricketts to serve as county court judge in the Fifth District, which includes Hamilton, Boone, Butler, Colfax, Merrick, Nance, Platte, Polk, Saunders, Seward, and York counties.

Eric Joseph stands in front of the Highway 34 structure where he currently bases his Midwest Spray Foam business. Joseph is planning to tear down the former gas station when the weather allows and build a new structure in its place.

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Joseph plans upgrade for Hwy 34 business

Kurt Johnson

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Hampton native Eric Joseph announced plans this week to convert what he believes is an “eyesore” property on Highway 34 into a new home base for his expanding business, Midwest Spray Foam and Custom Installation, LLC.

Senior Lexie Wolinski, front, leads a chant with help from cheer teammates Kennedy McCullough, left, and Kaylei Joseph.

Hampton cheerleaders compete at state

Kurt Johnson

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Saturday was showtime for a Hampton cheerleading squad anxious to perform in one of the year’s grand finale events.

Mindy Shiehs with USDA and Keith Dubas with Central Community College answer questions during last week’s Connect the Dots program for Aurora freshmen.

Program invites freshmen to ‘Connect the Dots’

Kurt Johnson

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Aurora freshmen spent some time “connecting the dots” last week in terms of what their future might look and what they need to do achieve their goals.

Brianna Wilshusen (left) and Aubree Quast work together to grill up hamburgers for HPC students.

HPC Beef: it’s what’s for lunch

Jeni Obermier

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

One of the most Nebraskan things is to eat beef and at High Plains Community Schools they are bringing locally sourced beef into their lunchroom through the Beef Booster program.