News

When she isn’t working remotely from her home in North Platte, Sarah (Shirley) Smidt travels to her office/branch in Jersey Village, Texas near Houston, sometimes accompanied by her two children, Nash and Nova.

When she isn’t working remotely from her home in North Platte, Sarah (Shirley) Smidt travels to her office/branch in Jersey Village, Texas near Houston, sometimes accompanied by her two children, Nash and Nova.

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Smidt finds longevity with Wesco

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
For developing her leadership skills, Aurora High School graduate Sarah (Shirley) Smidt says she couldn’t have found a better place to work than with her current employer.
Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

County board to advertise assessor opening

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
To maintain proper legal protocols and to remain consistent with the filling of vacancies of elected offices in the past, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners decided on Monday it will advertise for someone to replace County Assessor Pat Sandberg when she retires next month.
Fireworks will light up the sky over Phillips on July 3

Fireworks will light up the sky over Phillips on July 3

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July 3rd celebration to light up Phillips

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
The sixth annual pre-Independence Day celebration at the Phillips Memorial Hall is going to light up the night sky next Thursday.Preparations for the 3rd of July celebration have been going well, according to events coordinator Penny Evans.
Yvonne (Ross) Haun and Ross Beins will be inducted into the Aurora High School Hall of Fame on Friday.

Yvonne (Ross) Haun and Ross Beins will be inducted into the Aurora High School Hall of Fame on Friday.

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Haun, Beins set for induction into AHS Alumni Hall of Fame

News Staff
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Two members of the Aurora High School Class of 1955 will be inducted into the Aurora Alumni Hall of Fame during A’ROR’N Days festivities this weekend. Yvonne (Ross) Haun, now of Boulder, Colo.
On Thursday, May 1, 13 visitors hiked together on Tallgrass Prairie Trail to get a first look at the observation deck.

On Thursday, May 1, 13 visitors hiked together on Tallgrass Prairie Trail to get a first look at the observation deck.

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Bader Memorial Park unveils observation deck

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Located right off the Wood River, Bader Memorial Park has built a prairie observation deck for guests to visit a half mile from the main campgrounds.
Rick and Fairy Hattan were recently honored at Aurora Evangelical Free Church for their 40 years of service with Awana Clubs.

Rick and Fairy Hattan were recently honored at Aurora Evangelical Free Church for their 40 years of service with Awana Clubs.

Hattans honored for 40 years of Awana service

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Rick and Fairy Hattan of Aurora were honored Sunday, June 8 for 40 years of service as missionaries in Awana Clubs International.
Through the family trunk Terri and Dave Mabon had discovered on his family’s farm, they discovered ribbons and pins that Dave’s great-grandfather Joseph Littlefield earned during his service in the Civil War.

Through the family trunk Terri and Dave Mabon had discovered on his family’s farm, they discovered ribbons and pins that Dave’s great-grandfather Joseph Littlefield earned during his service in the Civil War.

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Mabon named Nebraska Genealogist of Year for 2025

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Tracing the roots of her family tree became a fulfilling passion for Phillips resident Terri Mabon, who was named 2025 Nebraska Genealogist of the Year at the state Genealogical Society annual conference in late April.
'Avast' treasure of fun awaits in A'ROR'N Days this weekend.

'Avast' treasure of fun awaits in A'ROR'N Days this weekend.

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A’ROR’N Days set to drop anchor

Richard Rhoden
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Ahoy, Mateys!The 2025 edition of A’ROR’N Days has its sea legs and shouldn’t be anywhere near Davey Jones’ locker, setting sail for a pirate adventure beginning Thursday in downtown Aurora.
Jim Koepke was honored June 18 as he ends a 54-year tenure as a member of the Aurora Rotary Club, which he joined in 1971.

Jim Koepke was honored June 18 as he ends a 54-year tenure as a member of the Aurora Rotary Club, which he joined in 1971.

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‘Service above self’

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
The Aurora Rotary Club tipped its hat to one of its own last week as a crowd of current and former members honored Jim Koepke for his 54 years of service to the club.Koepke, a retired banker, and his family moved to Aurora in 1970 and a year later he joined the local service organization.
The valuation of many homes in Hamilton County has risen

The valuation of many homes in Hamilton County has risen

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Ag land values hold steady, homes sales prompt boost

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
More than 3,700 Hamilton County residents received letters in the mail last week advising of a pending increase in residential property valuations, though ag land values held steady for 2025.