News

Country music legend Aaron Tippin is the headline performer for the Friday night county fair concert.

Country music legend Aaron Tippin is the headline performer for the Friday night county fair concert.

County fair sets the stage for family fun

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
The 2025 Hamilton County Fair is tuning up to bring excitement, fun and foot stomping music for all ages, with everything from 4-H shows to the grandstand stage.Hamilton County Ag Society treasurer Christina Dose said preparations for the fair have been surprisingly calm leading up to this week.
This photo, shared by Bonnie Campbell, daughter of former Campbell’s Gambles daughter Dale and Gertrude Campbell, shows the Campbell’s Gambles building in its prime in the 1960s.

This photo, shared by Bonnie Campbell, daughter of former Campbell’s Gambles daughter Dale and Gertrude Campbell, shows the Campbell’s Gambles building in its prime in the 1960s.

Former Gambles building stirs memories as possible demo nears

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Hearing the latest news on the status of the downtown Gambles building in Aurora stirs a lot of memories and emotions for Bonnie Campbell.
Aurora City Administrator Adam Darbro

Aurora City Administrator Adam Darbro

Darbro takes reins at City Hall

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Just a week after being confirmed as Aurora’s new city administrator, Adam Darbro shared initial thoughts about his new role, his short-term goals to address challenging budget issues and a fundamental belief that transparency in city government, beginning in his office, will strengthen a community...
Construction crews have been working hard on subgrade preparation on 1st Streetwith hopes of staying on schedule for paving to begin July 22 or 23.

Construction crews have been working hard on subgrade preparation on 1st Streetwith hopes of staying on schedule for paving to begin July 22 or 23.

Construction crews still targeting Aug. 8 for 1st Street access by Aurora schools

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
The full-court press is on for construction crews working on the 1st Street renovation project as continued rains are making it a challenge to complete the south end of the project in order to allow access when school bells ring in mid-August.
The Village of Hampton took a major step forward Monday night in its plan to pipe water from Aurora to help solve the high nitrate problem with its existing municipal water wells.

The Village of Hampton took a major step forward Monday night in its plan to pipe water from Aurora to help solve the high nitrate problem with its existing municipal water wells.

Hampton signs Miller & Assoc. for pipeline project

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
The Village of Hampton took a major step forward Monday night in its plan to pipe water from Aurora to help solve the high nitrate problem with its existing municipal water wells.
As he steps away from his role as Aurora city administrator, Rick Melcher reflected on the many projects he helped with that involved support and involvment from various community organizations. One example is this 2024 picture in the Streeter Subdivision. From left are Dick Phillips, council president; Mayor Marlin Seeman; Gary Warren, Streeter LLC; Melcher; and Jacob Arendt, Streeter LLC.

As he steps away from his role as Aurora city administrator, Rick Melcher reflected on the many projects he helped with that involved support and involvment from various community organizations. One example is this 2024 picture in the Streeter Subdivision. From left are Dick Phillips, council president; Mayor Marlin Seeman; Gary Warren, Streeter LLC; Melcher; and Jacob Arendt, Streeter LLC.

From utility foreman to city leader: Melcher reflects on career

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Rick Melcher wakes up every morning and grabs his phone to check his calendar, assuming there is some place he is supposed to be.
High Plains Community Schools

High Plains Community Schools

HPC approves handbooks for 2025-26

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
The High Plains school board spent much of Monday’s regular monthly meeting discussing, adjusting and ultimately approving its student, activity and staff handbooks for the 2025-26 school year.
Pictured is Sandi VanWormer in the concession stand during the Swingin’ for Sandi softball tournament in April. VanWormer was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and has been a recipient of cancer fund donations. The tournament was the latest event held to support the cancer fund.

Pictured is Sandi VanWormer in the concession stand during the Swingin’ for Sandi softball tournament in April. VanWormer was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and has been a recipient of cancer fund donations. The tournament was the latest event held to support the cancer fund.

Cancer fund supports those undergoing treatment

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
For over 20 years, the Hamilton County Cancer Fund has been dedicated to its mission of ensuring that cancer patients receive local support while undergoing cancer treatment.