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Rowan Bilslend enjoys his first ride as Arley McEndarfer guides horse Harley during the afterschool program’s horseback riding session on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Rowan Bilslend enjoys his first ride as Arley McEndarfer guides horse Harley during the afterschool program’s horseback riding session on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Edgerton Afterschool Program saddles up for fun, learning

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
When kids get dropped off at the Edgerton Explorit Center on Wednesdays, they are excited to partake in an afternoon of fun and learning in the Edgerton Afterschool Program.
High Plains Community Schools

High Plains Community Schools

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HPC considering 6-man football

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Football classifications was the topic of conversation during Monday’s High Plains Community school board meeting. With the looming Nov. 30 deadline to declare 11, 8 or 6-man football for the upcoming new two-year cycle, the board received updated enrollment numbers from HPC administration.
A drone captured this photo of the Homecoming pep rally on Friday

A drone captured this photo of the Homecoming pep rally on Friday

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‘It’s a great day to be a Husky’

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Ashlyn (Lackore) Cramer said what all 1,255 Aurora students gathered Friday at the football field were thinking on a sunsplashed afternoon during the annual Homecoming pep rally: “It’s a great day to be a Husky!
The contractors who will be constructing a Habitat for Humanity home in Aurora next summer have plenty of experience in building a house in just one week. Above is a blitz build completed in 2021.

The contractors who will be constructing a Habitat for Humanity home in Aurora next summer have plenty of experience in building a house in just one week. Above is a blitz build completed in 2021.

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Habitat for Humanity plans 1-week home build

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
 Anyone who remembers ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition reality show may be interested to know that a similar kind of project is coming to Aurora next summer.
In this week's issue it's the fall edition of Extra Extracurriculars

In this week's issue it's the fall edition of Extra Extracurriculars

ANR highlights those extra extracurriculars

News Staff
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
ANR presents the fall edition of Extra Extracurriculars, a look at school activities beyond athletics. Section C of this week's print and e-editions contains photos of those involved in band, one acts, FFA and other extracurricular activities at our four local high schools. 
Work continues on the north end of 1st Street

Work continues on the north end of 1st Street

The week in pictures

News Staff
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Progress continues on 1st Street, where the east lane of the street has been poured from the Highway 34 intersection south to Park Lane. The concrete was allowed time to cure, with the plans now to complete the west portion of the street this week, weather permitting.
Brett Mellies and Savanna James were crowned AHS Homecoming king and queen.

Brett Mellies and Savanna James were crowned AHS Homecoming king and queen.

Homecoming royalty

Kurt Johnson
Friday, October 10, 2025
Brett Mellies and Savanna James were crowned king and queen Friday night, capping off a week of Homecoming celebration at AHS. Husky Nation had plenty to celebrate as the football team defeated Lincoln Christian 48-0 to improve to 4-3 and remain undefeated in district play.
Karla Ericksen and Kris Willcock stand in the display area of their new business, which features the combined creativity of Ruthie Kay Boutique and Krash Grafix.

Karla Ericksen and Kris Willcock stand in the display area of their new business, which features the combined creativity of Ruthie Kay Boutique and Krash Grafix.

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New Aurora business a joint venture in creativity

Kurt Johnson
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Karla Ericksen and Kris Willcock both had a vision to expand their creative businesses and recently found the ideal space to combine their ventures in a downtown location on the south side of the square.
Kirk Penner is pictured at the first of two press conferences conducted by Advocates For All Nebraskans (AFAN) in the rotunda of the state capitol.

Kirk Penner is pictured at the first of two press conferences conducted by Advocates For All Nebraskans (AFAN) in the rotunda of the state capitol.

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AFAN proposes Apple Tax Plan

Kurt Johnson
Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Representatives from Advocates For All Nebraskans (AFAN) , including Kirk Penner of Aurora, announced last week the launch of two statewide ballot initiative petitions proposed to raise the minimum salary for certified public school teachers in Nebraska to $50,000.
Local schools report official fall enrollments

Local schools report official fall enrollments

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Area enrollments a mixed bag

Staff Reports
Tuesday, October 7, 2025
When fall enrollment numbers were officially reported to the state last week, the four local public school districts reported either modest gains or fairly dramatic losses.