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American history teacher Brenda Klawonn stands in front of a photo from Washington D.C., a city she visited 15 times as part of student projects like Heroes & Huskies.

American history teacher Brenda Klawonn stands in front of a photo from Washington D.C., a city she visited 15 times as part of student projects like Heroes & Huskies.

Bringing history home: Klawonn ready to retire as educator

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Brenda Klawonn’s lesson plans for teaching American history at Aurora High School the past 24 years go well beyond memorizing dates, names and significant events dating back to the post-Civil War era. Her goal has always been to help students find a connection that helps bring history to life.
Prairie Paws is a family-owned dog grooming business west of Marquette run by mother Amy (left) and daughter Logan Nissen. The business also provides cremation services for families. Posing alongside Logan and Amy are Tucker and Tellula.

Prairie Paws is a family-owned dog grooming business west of Marquette run by mother Amy (left) and daughter Logan Nissen. The business also provides cremation services for families. Posing alongside Logan and Amy are Tucker and Tellula.

Prairie Paws offers grooming, boarding

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Located at 2260 N Road west of Marquette, Prairie Paws offers a place for dog owners to have their furry friends safe and sound while they are away.Keeping up with their canine friends is the co-owner mother and daughter duo of Amy and Logan Nissen.
Prior to becoming the principal at Hanny Arram Center for Success, Jason Owens worked for 18 years as a social science teacher with six years dedicated to Kearney High School. He also served for six years at Kearney as a high school counselor.

Prior to becoming the principal at Hanny Arram Center for Success, Jason Owens worked for 18 years as a social science teacher with six years dedicated to Kearney High School. He also served for six years at Kearney as a high school counselor.

Owens helps students find success

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
by Elizabeth HunterWhen Hanny Arram Center for Success (HACS) opened its doors to students as part of Kearney Public Schools, Principal Jason Owens was among the new administration members eager to help build the school.
Giltner Public Schools

Giltner Public Schools

Reinsch resigns as teacher, coach at Giltner

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
One of the few items on the agenda of the Giltner School Board at its May meeting Monday night was the announcment of the resignation of third grade teacher and head boys basketball coach,  Michael Reinsch.
HPC School Board

HPC School Board

High Plains school year set to conclude Friday

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
It was a relatively light agenda for the HPC school board just two days following its graduation exercises.Two action items included upgrades at the Clarks Elementary site, including new exterior doors and a couple new classroom projectors.
It appears Hampton's historic opera house is destined for destruction after all

It appears Hampton's historic opera house is destined for destruction after all

Opera house rescue plans fall through

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
The plan unveiled last month to save and restore Hampton’s crumbling 1893 opera house building turned out to be short-lived.
High Plains co-salutatorian Gage Friesen presents his Mom, Talia Peterson, with a flower while she sneaks in a kiss on his cheek during graduation ceremonies Saturday in Polk.

High Plains co-salutatorian Gage Friesen presents his Mom, Talia Peterson, with a flower while she sneaks in a kiss on his cheek during graduation ceremonies Saturday in Polk.

HPC grads: ‘Stop and look around once in a while’

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Twenty-two High Plains Community seniors made sure to take extra time and look around Saturday afternoon, not wanting to miss the moment.
Jackson Bullis takes his turn at ringing the old school bell as the Hampton High School Class of 2025 heads into the school for Saturday’s graduation.

Jackson Bullis takes his turn at ringing the old school bell as the Hampton High School Class of 2025 heads into the school for Saturday’s graduation.

Hampton High ‘more than a school’

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Amid smiles, laughter and tears, both happy and sad, 14 Hampton Hawks left the nest Saturday afternoon as the community came together to celebrate the Class of 2025.
Welcome to summer fun in 2025!

Welcome to summer fun in 2025!

Celebrate summer with festive local celebrations

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Summer is almost here – a time for family picnics, neighborhood barbecues, vacation adventures and enjoying the warm and sunny weather! It’s also a time when communities around our area get together to celebrate their history and just have some good old-fashioned fun with annual festivals.
Jasmine Hansen and Jorja Pohlmeier are the chosen class representatives for the AHS Class of 2025

Jasmine Hansen and Jorja Pohlmeier are the chosen class representatives for the AHS Class of 2025

This week's top stories

News Staff
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Aurora High School’s Class of 2025 is set to turn the tassels on Sunday, celebrating one of the final area graduation ceremonies Commencement exercises will begin at 2 p.m. in the Aurora Sports Complex. The processional will be accompanied by the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance.