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Hamilton County 911 dispatchers Melissa Barry (standing) and Sidney Fochtman have spent numerous hours being trained on how to use the RapidSOS software which allows dispatchers to receive vital medical information when a caller who has elected to share that information calls using a smart phone.

Hamilton County 911 dispatchers Melissa Barry (standing) and Sidney Fochtman have spent numerous hours being trained on how to use the RapidSOS software which allows dispatchers to receive vital medical information when a caller who has elected to share that information calls using a smart phone.

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Smart phone users can now instantly share vital medical info with 911

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Local folks now have the option of instantly sharing vital medical information with first responders, thanks to new technology now in place in the Hamilton County 911 Dispatch Center.
New members of the Hamilton Community Foundation Legacy Society recognzied Thursday include, from left: Jim and Tammy Morris, Roberta Cool, Richard Schaffert (back row), Lori Waddell, Virginia and Jim Koepke, Nancy and Butch Furse.

New members of the Hamilton Community Foundation Legacy Society recognzied Thursday include, from left: Jim and Tammy Morris, Roberta Cool, Richard Schaffert (back row), Lori Waddell, Virginia and Jim Koepke, Nancy and Butch Furse.

HCF celebrates 60th anniversary

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
The Hamilton Community Foundation celebrated 60 years of generosity Thursday, tracing the history of the nonprofit organization and the impact it has had on literally thousands of lives.
West 6th Road could get a major upgrade next summer

West 6th Road could get a major upgrade next summer

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6 Road condition may prompt new surface in ‘26

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
One of the most heavily traveled asphalt roads in Hamilton County’s road system may be headed for a major upgrade following a discussion at the board of commissioners meeting Monday morning. Highway Supt.
This photo, taken Monday morning from inside the courthouse through the glass front doors, shows a workman laying the tiles that will complete the outside landing of the building’s new east steps. The tiles match the original ones installed in the courthouse 130 years ago when it was built.

This photo, taken Monday morning from inside the courthouse through the glass front doors, shows a workman laying the tiles that will complete the outside landing of the building’s new east steps. The tiles match the original ones installed in the courthouse 130 years ago when it was built.

Courthouse projects nearing completion

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
The Hamilton County Courthouse will go dark on this upcoming long Thanksgiving weekend, and not only because county offices will be closed Thursday through Sunday for the holiday.
Karen and Rudy van den Boogaart have been living in Aurora for 15 years, half the time they have lived in the United States. Karen was born in Chile and was later a citizen of Germany while Rudy maintains his Dutch citizenship. Both are grateful to be living in the United States.

Karen and Rudy van den Boogaart have been living in Aurora for 15 years, half the time they have lived in the United States. Karen was born in Chile and was later a citizen of Germany while Rudy maintains his Dutch citizenship. Both are grateful to be living in the United States.

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European couple finds forever home in Aurora

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
From their beginnings in Chile and the Netherlands, Karen and Rudy van den Boogaart have lived in countries around the world, but 15 years ago they found their forever home in Aurora. “We are happy to live in a small community, finally,” Rudy said.
A crew member from Mid-Nebraska Land Developers removes the final “Street Closed” barricade on 1st Street.

A crew member from Mid-Nebraska Land Developers removes the final “Street Closed” barricade on 1st Street.

1st Street officially open

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
A year-long process to essentially rebuild 1st Street from the Highway 34 intersection to the railroad tracks crossed a major milestone last week as the street was officially declared open and ready for use.
Former Husky Nate Boerkircher has put his stamp on Texas A&M’s current undefeated record this season, including a game-winning touchdown earlier in the year at Notre Dame.

Former Husky Nate Boerkircher has put his stamp on Texas A&M’s current undefeated record this season, including a game-winning touchdown earlier in the year at Notre Dame.

This week's featured stories

News Staff
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Ever since suiting up in Aurora red, Nate Boerkircher has bet on himself. That first bet was a walk-on position with the Nebraska football team instead of scholarship opportunities at lower level schools. Eventually, he turned that into a scholarship with the Huskers.
Giltner sixth grader Isaiah Hogan was one of the winners of Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Name-a-Snowplow contest with his creative name, Tricera-Frost.

Giltner sixth grader Isaiah Hogan was one of the winners of Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Name-a-Snowplow contest with his creative name, Tricera-Frost.

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Giltner student is winner of NDOT snowplow naming contest

Elizabeth Hunter
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Giltner Elementary students were in a flurry of excitement when sixth grader Isiah Hogan was honored as a winner in the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s (NDOT) fifth annual Name-a-Snowplow Contest on Monday morning.