News

Twins Courtney and Cole Oswald (left) and Jameson Herzberg (right), all graduates of Aurora High School, all graduated from the University of Nebraska in May.

Twins Courtney and Cole Oswald (left) and Jameson Herzberg (right), all graduates of Aurora High School, all graduated from the University of Nebraska in May.

Local students earn college degrees from UNL, UNMC

News Staff
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln conferred 3,683 degrees during May commencement exercises. The degrees were earned by 3,593 graduates from 57 countries, 46 U.S. states and 250-plus Nebraska communities, including several in Hamilton County.
Timothy Schaffert

Timothy Schaffert

Schaffert helps writers find their voice

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
For over 19 years, Aurora grad Timothy Schaffert has been making an impact in the literary world as a college professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and also as an author.Growing up in Aurora, Schaffert had a strong affinity for writing.
This Booster Days entry was decorated by Heads Up Salon. Cindi Ratzlaff is driving, with Carrie Begley reflecting the feel-good vibe of the grand parade.

This Booster Days entry was decorated by Heads Up Salon. Cindi Ratzlaff is driving, with Carrie Begley reflecting the feel-good vibe of the grand parade.

Aloha Hampton, indeed!

Samuel Wishman
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
by Sam WishmanWhile the weather wasn’t exactly tropical, Hampton’s Booster Days celebration drew a large turnout under this year’s theme, “Aloha Hampton.
Aurora School Board talks theater lighting

Aurora School Board talks theater lighting

Aurora school theater to get new lights, projector system

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
The Aurora School Board approved three different projects Monday related to improvements needed at the Middle School Theater, which combined are expected to make the heavily used facility fully functional before the end of the summer.Supt.
Sen. Lippincott weighs in on 2025 session

Sen. Lippincott weighs in on 2025 session

Senator grades ’25 legislative session as C+

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
If District 34 State Sen. Loren Lippincott was a teacher and the recently-completed 90-day session of the Nebraska Unicameral was his student, that student might be looking for ways to get some extra credit right now.
Giltner Daze begins today!

Giltner Daze begins today!

Giltner Daze are here again

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
With the onset of summer comes the return of Giltner Daze with both new and fan favorite activities to take place on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and brought together by the Giltner Area Development Corporation (GADC).
Aurora native Steve Willis retired in January after working 40 years at Stephens and Smith Construction in Lincoln where he served the last 15 years as company CEO. During his career, Willis was involved in helping build data centers, jails and substations. He is pictured here with his wife, Audrey.

Aurora native Steve Willis retired in January after working 40 years at Stephens and Smith Construction in Lincoln where he served the last 15 years as company CEO. During his career, Willis was involved in helping build data centers, jails and substations. He is pictured here with his wife, Audrey.

Aurora grad Willis has built a strong career in construction

Elizabeth Hunter
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
From learning to lay brick and pound nails as a boy growing up in Aurora in the 1970s, to now being retired from a more than 40-year career in construction, Steve Willis has built a life around the work ethic and values he learned in his hometown.
Market on the Square begins for a new season this Saturday

Market on the Square begins for a new season this Saturday

Market on the Square kicks off

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Market on the Square will be kicking off its annual summer event this Saturday at the Hamilton County Courthouse parking lot.Taking place each Saturday from 8-11 a.m. until Saturday, Aug.
Melinda Montoya of Hampton was one of several area students to graduate from Nebraska colleges and universities last month. Montoya graduated cum laude with high distinction from Hastings College with a degree in Studio/Digital Art and Marketing.

Melinda Montoya of Hampton was one of several area students to graduate from Nebraska colleges and universities last month. Montoya graduated cum laude with high distinction from Hastings College with a degree in Studio/Digital Art and Marketing.

Hamilton County area students receive college degrees, diplomas

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
A number of local students have earned their degrees and graduated this spring from colleges and universities around the region, and many of them have earned academic awards along the way as well.
Opportune Acres’ Special Swimmers offers water safety and instruction for individuals with disabilities and other special needs. Its adaptive swim lessons and aquatic therapy to help children with autism and other disabilities learn how to swim and become comfortable in the water. Pictured from left are, instructor Andrea Krueger, swimmer Sutton Hake and Opportune Acres executive director and president Kari Valentine.

Opportune Acres’ Special Swimmers offers water safety and instruction for individuals with disabilities and other special needs. Its adaptive swim lessons and aquatic therapy to help children with autism and other disabilities learn how to swim and become comfortable in the water. Pictured from left are, instructor Andrea Krueger, swimmer Sutton Hake and Opportune Acres executive director and president Kari Valentine.

Opportune Acres offers swimming lessons for special needs kids

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
The nonprofit organization Opportune Acres in Marquette is gearing up to provide adaptive swimming lessons and aquatic therapy sessions this summer for area children with special needs.