News

The Aurora School District has received a 'Great' score in the latest assessments from the state Dept. of Education

The Aurora School District has received a 'Great' score in the latest assessments from the state Dept. of Education

Aurora schools earn ‘great’ report card

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The results of the state’s AQUeSTT academic rankings were reviewed at Monday’s Aurora School Board meeting, with the elementary, middle school and high school all receiving “great” listings, earning the district a “great” report card overall.
Gavin Rush played offensive guard for the Wyoming Pokes before becoming an intern and later full-time assistant sports performance coach for UW for three years.Rush lives in Charlottesville, Va., with his wife, Rehn, whom he met at the University of Wyoming.

Gavin Rush played offensive guard for the Wyoming Pokes before becoming an intern and later full-time assistant sports performance coach for UW for three years.Rush lives in Charlottesville, Va., with his wife, Rehn, whom he met at the University of Wyoming.

Feeling the Rush for the game

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
There were many hurdles Aurora grad Gavin Rush tackled during his football career at Aurora and the University of Wyoming that he has now channeled towards his role as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Virginia Cavaliers.
Aurora firefighters battle a garage fire early Monday morning at 409 14th Street in Aurora.

Aurora firefighters battle a garage fire early Monday morning at 409 14th Street in Aurora.

Early morning fire destroys garage, vehicles

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
An overnight fire destroyed an Aurora detached garage and the two vehicles parked inside on Monday. Aurora Fire Chief Tom Cox says the 911 call came in from the owner of the home at 409 14th Street near Refshauge Park at 1:45 a.m. Monday morning.
When Glenn Obermeier (right) bagged this year’s pheasant for the Upland Slam, he was hunting with his son-in-law and grandson, Ross and Graydon Golden from Florida. Many out-of-state hunters have completed the Upland Slam since its inception in 2018.

When Glenn Obermeier (right) bagged this year’s pheasant for the Upland Slam, he was hunting with his son-in-law and grandson, Ross and Graydon Golden from Florida. Many out-of-state hunters have completed the Upland Slam since its inception in 2018.

Hitting the ‘grand slam’ of NE upland game birds

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
In baseball a “grand slam” refers to a home run hit in which all the bases are loaded leading to four runs total. Here in Nebraska an “Upland Slam” is when a hunter bags birds from four upland species in one hunting season.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

County delays decision on official pay

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The Hamilton County Board of Commissioners spent more than half an hour again this week discussing a resolution that would raise elected officials’ salaries over the next four years, but decided in the end to again table the matter until the Dec. 22 meeting.
Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora board extends Phillips’ contract

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The Aurora School Board voted Monday to extend the contract of Supt. Jody Phillips through the 2027-28 school year after giving him a unanimously positive performance review.
Wagon rides around the downtown square were part of Saturday’s Come Home to Christmas celebration.

Wagon rides around the downtown square were part of Saturday’s Come Home to Christmas celebration.

Lights, action, Aurora Christmas parade!

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
The second attempt at holding the Come Home to Christmas lighted tractor, 4-wheeler and golf cart parade and lighting ceremony was deemed a success by organizers on Saturday.
Rush lives in Charlottesville, Va., with his wife, Rehn, whom he met at the University of Wyoming.

Rush lives in Charlottesville, Va., with his wife, Rehn, whom he met at the University of Wyoming.

This week's featured stories

News Staff
Tuesday, December 9, 2025
There were many hurdles Aurora grad Gavin Rush tackled during his football career at Aurora and the University of Wyoming that he has now channeled towards his role as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the University of Virginia Cavaliers.
Monday morning garage fire

Monday morning garage fire

Early morning blaze destroys Aurora garage

Ron Burtz
Monday, December 8, 2025
An early morning fire destroyed a garage in the 300 block of 14th Street across from Refshauge Park in Aurora Monday morning. Official details are unavailable at this time, but neighbors were awakened by the sound of fire trucks at about 2 a.m. Watch for details in this week's ANR. 
Saturday's light parade

Saturday's light parade

Come Home to Christmas 'Take 2' is picture perfect

News Staff
Saturday, December 6, 2025
The weather for Saturday evening's Take 2 of the Come Home to Christmas light parade was the polar opposite of last weekend's wintery blast. Milder temperatures, clear skies and calm winds made the perfect atmosphere for the festive spectacle.