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The Hamilton County Community Band, under the direction of Sam Ross (right) performs at the Aurora Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 27, 1986. Ross had been instrumental in the formation of the Centennial Band for Aurora’s 100th birthday celebration in 1971. The band was later renamed the Hamilton County Community Band. This would be Ross’s final performance with the band, as he died of a heart attack at the same event shortly after the photo was taken. (Photo courtesy of Plainsman Museum)

The Hamilton County Community Band, under the direction of Sam Ross (right) performs at the Aurora Cemetery on Memorial Day, May 27, 1986. Ross had been instrumental in the formation of the Centennial Band for Aurora’s 100th birthday celebration in 1971. The band was later renamed the Hamilton County Community Band. This would be Ross’s final performance with the band, as he died of a heart attack at the same event shortly after the photo was taken. (Photo courtesy of Plainsman Museum)

Community Band to perform at State Fair

News Staff
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
The Hamilton County Community Band is celebrating 120 years of making music with a debut performance at the Nebraska State Fair this year. On Monday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m., the band will perform at the Earl May Fair Square.
The valuation of property in Hamilton County rose by 3.9 percent in 2025, pushing the cumulative total to a record $3.96 billion.

The valuation of property in Hamilton County rose by 3.9 percent in 2025, pushing the cumulative total to a record $3.96 billion.

County’s valuation jumps $155 million

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
The valuation of property in Hamilton County rose by 3.9 percent in 2025, pushing the cumulative total to a record $3.96 billion.Newly appointed Hamilton County Assessor Vicki Wylie reported this week that total valuations for all taxing subdivisions rose by $154.
Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal gave the final performance of the season at Bands on the Bricks on Friday. From left are Hoyer, bass player Mike Keeling and on guitar, Aurora grad Myles Jasnowski.

Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal gave the final performance of the season at Bands on the Bricks on Friday. From left are Hoyer, bass player Mike Keeling and on guitar, Aurora grad Myles Jasnowski.

That’s a wrap for Bands on Bricks 8

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Families and friends gathered together to enjoy the final night of Bands on the Bricks Friday.
“Showcase Your Fair Face” is the theme for this year's Nebraska State Fair, and 2025 marks the 16th year of the fair's Grand Island location.

“Showcase Your Fair Face” is the theme for this year's Nebraska State Fair, and 2025 marks the 16th year of the fair's Grand Island location.

State Fair to kick off 16th year in G.I.

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
The 156th edition of the Nebraska State Fair kicks off Friday, marking the 16th year the annual celebration of the state’s ag-based heritage has been hosted in nearby Grand Island.
Christian Resource Center’s Travel Camp has now impacted three generations of campers who have gone on trips to get in touch with nature and grow closer together in faith. Travel Camp has become a beloved family tradition for the family of Caroline Epp (center). Current and former Epp family travel campers include, from left, Mercedez and Alexis McMillan, Epp, Brittany Rice and Emalee Kumke.

Christian Resource Center’s Travel Camp has now impacted three generations of campers who have gone on trips to get in touch with nature and grow closer together in faith. Travel Camp has become a beloved family tradition for the family of Caroline Epp (center). Current and former Epp family travel campers include, from left, Mercedez and Alexis McMillan, Epp, Brittany Rice and Emalee Kumke.

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, August 19, 2025
For nearly 50 years, the Christian Resource Center near Giltner has inspired hundreds of area youth  through its High School Travel Camp, and through those camps three generations of some local families have gotten to experience the beauty of nature and reflect on their faith through trips to...
The Zhakata family moved from Zimbabwe to Aurora in 2023, where father Stephen completed a CDL Academy offered by Aurora-based International Workforce Services. PIctured from left are Emmanuel, Amos, Agnes and Stephen Zakhata.

The Zhakata family moved from Zimbabwe to Aurora in 2023, where father Stephen completed a CDL Academy offered by Aurora-based International Workforce Services. PIctured from left are Emmanuel, Amos, Agnes and Stephen Zakhata.

Driving toward American dream; Zhakatas find home in Aurora

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
The lure of a good job, a better education for his children and an opportunity to build a better future convinced Stephen Zhakata to leave his homeland in Africa back in 2018, and seven years later he and his family are proud to call Aurora home.
Hampton Village Board news

Hampton Village Board news

Industrial lot at Hampton West sold

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
The large industrial zoned lot at the south end of the Hampton West Subdivision has been sold. That news was announced at the August meeting of the Hampton Village Board of Trustees on Monday evening.
The glow of the Red Light Therapy room can be seen behind Tri-Fit owners Nick and Amy Owens.

The glow of the Red Light Therapy room can be seen behind Tri-Fit owners Nick and Amy Owens.

Tri-Fit expands space, list of services in K Street venture

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Four years after purchasing a local fitness center and rebranding the venture as Tri-Fit, owners Nick and Amy Owens have announced a recent expansion which Amy describes as “a dream come true.”“For me, Tri-Fit has always been about the whole body,” she explained. “It’s not just weight loss.
Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora school staff ‘excited to be back’

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
High School Principal Doug Kittle reflected a common theme in reports from Aurora school administrators Monday, saying he is excited to begin the new school year.“It’s good to be back,” Kittle said during Monday’s regular monthly meeting. “We’re excited for the year to get rolling.
High Plains Community Schools

High Plains Community Schools

HPC set to begin school Thursday

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
High Plains Community Schools administration reported all systems go just days before the first school bell rings during Monday’s regular board meeting.