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Valedictorian Lofton Ferguson went against the grain of most graduation speeches during Saturday’s commencement exercises in Hampton. Instead of challenging his classmates to “reach for the stars” and climb the ladder of worldly success, he quoted from the Josh Wilson song “Dream Small,” urging them to focus on the now and seek to build strong relationships with those around them.

Valedictorian Lofton Ferguson went against the grain of most graduation speeches during Saturday’s commencement exercises in Hampton. Instead of challenging his classmates to “reach for the stars” and climb the ladder of worldly success, he quoted from the Josh Wilson song “Dream Small,” urging them to focus on the now and seek to build strong relationships with those around them.

‘Don’t be afraid to dream small’

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Paying tribute to the past, honoring their educators and with a look to the future, the 11 members of the Hampton High School graduating class of 2026 received their diplomas in graduation exercises Saturday afternoon.
Your guide to the best of summer celebrations and activities for kids of all ages

Your guide to the best of summer celebrations and activities for kids of all ages

Get ready to dive into summer fun with ANR's Splash of Summer

News Staff
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
From America 250-themed community celebrations to fireworks displays to parades and summer recreation, ANR's annual Splash of Summer edition is your guide to the best of what the season has to offer in our area.
County Road 6 between Giltner and Highway 14 is to be resurfaced this fall.

County Road 6 between Giltner and Highway 14 is to be resurfaced this fall.

Constructors, Inc. wins Road 6 rehab bid

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
If all goes according to plan, people in the Giltner area could be driving on a much smoother County Road 6 by the time the snow flies next fall.
Aurora Class of 2026 representatives Savanna James and Eva Yllescas.

Aurora Class of 2026 representatives Savanna James and Eva Yllescas.

Aurora graduates to turn tassels Sunday

News Staff
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Aurora High School’s Class of 2026 is set to turn the tassels on Sunday, celebrating one of the final area graduation ceremonies Commencement exercises will begin at 2 p.m. in the Aurora Sports Complex. The processional will be accompanied by the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.
Senior Scott Bennett (not pictured) placed second for both his narrative film “Nora, Winona, and the Anomaly” and his PSA film “Your Choice” at the Nebraska video championships. Pictured at left in this screenshot from “Your Choice” is Bennett’s friend Araya Johnson who starred in the film and was one of two people named Best Actress at the video championships.

Senior Scott Bennett (not pictured) placed second for both his narrative film “Nora, Winona, and the Anomaly” and his PSA film “Your Choice” at the Nebraska video championships. Pictured at left in this screenshot from “Your Choice” is Bennett’s friend Araya Johnson who starred in the film and was one of two people named Best Actress at the video championships.

Aurora filmmakers shine at state video championships

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Aurora students made a strong debut at Nebraska’s first-ever State High School Video Championships recently, earning a runner-up team finish and multiple individual awards while showcasing everything from emotional animation to horror storytelling and public service filmmaking.
Youth Center to publish first Summer 'Zine

Youth Center to publish first Summer 'Zine

Summer ‘Zine calls for student creators

News Staff
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
The Hamilton County Youth Center is calling student creators in Hamilton County to contribute to its first Summer ‘Zine.A zine is a self-published magazine that offers creatives, ranging from artists to writers, a chance to showcase their talent and knowledge with others.
HPC School Board meets

HPC School Board meets

HPC final day of school moved up to Monday

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
School is out just a bit sooner for the kids at High Plains Community Schools. The HPC school board unanimously approved to move up the last day of school to Monday, May 18. The original final school day was scheduled for May 20 with an early dismissal.The school calendar was amended after Supt.
Giltner Public Schools

Giltner Public Schools

Giltner board reviews school lunch program

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
The Giltner School Board extensively discussed its lunch program during its Monday night meeting, going over how to motivate families to fill out the free and reduced lunch forms and discussing other issues with the lunch program.
Jon Brueggeman, who serves as pastor of the Belvidere Church, gave the keynote presentation during Thursday’s National Day of Prayer event at The Leadership Center.

Jon Brueggeman, who serves as pastor of the Belvidere Church, gave the keynote presentation during Thursday’s National Day of Prayer event at The Leadership Center.

National Day of Prayer marks 75th

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.