News

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

Hamilton County Board of Commissioners news

NE 49th in receiving federal funding

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Hamilton County commissioners learned a disturbing bit of trivia on Monday morning, when Sharon Hueftle of the South Central Economic Development District (SCEDD) reported that Nebraska is 49th out of the 50 states for receiving funds from the federal government.
Aurora junior Kendal Wineteer poses with an art piece she created which earned her a Nebraska Young Artist Award from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.

Aurora junior Kendal Wineteer poses with an art piece she created which earned her a Nebraska Young Artist Award from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.

Wineteer wins NE Young Artist Award

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Kendal Wineteer, a junior at Aurora High School, has won a Nebraska Young Artist Award from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.
Patrick Star, played by Jacob Inman (center) blasts off with a jetpack for a scene in Aurora High School’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical” during a rehearsal on Friday. Giving Inman a boost during rehearsal is James Dieckmann.

Patrick Star, played by Jacob Inman (center) blasts off with a jetpack for a scene in Aurora High School’s production of “The SpongeBob Musical” during a rehearsal on Friday. Giving Inman a boost during rehearsal is James Dieckmann.

Stage set for Aurora musical

Elizabeth Hunter
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
The musical season has returned to Aurora with another splash this year taking its audience on a trip to the pineapple under the sea.Nickelodeon’s “The SpongeBob Musical” will be taking the stage March 27-29, with curtains opening at 7 p.m. each night as well as a 1:30 p.m. show on that Saturday.
Pictured from left are Deen Albert and Todd Vettel, co-owners of Ajira America organization which has purchased Ken’s Motel. Not pictured is co-owner Laban Njuguna.

Pictured from left are Deen Albert and Todd Vettel, co-owners of Ajira America organization which has purchased Ken’s Motel. Not pictured is co-owner Laban Njuguna.

Ken’s Motel sold to Ajira America

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Ken’s Motel, a landmark local business built 65 years ago by a man who left a legacy as “Mr. Aurora,” has been sold to Ajira America.
Hampton Public Schools

Hampton Public Schools

Hampton to replace HS HVAC system

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
When Hampton High School students return to classes this fall, a more reliable HVAC system should be in place to keep them comfortable. That’s a good thing, because the decade-old current heating system has become unreliable, causing the board to take action to replace it.
This historic 1893 opera house in Hampton is to be demolished... but not yet.

This historic 1893 opera house in Hampton is to be demolished... but not yet.

Opera house demo delayed

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
It appears demolition of the crumbling 1893 Hampton opera house building will probably not begin this month after all.
Aurora 4R School Board news

Aurora 4R School Board news

4R board addresses staffing transitions

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
The Aurora 4R School Board accepted retirement letters from two veteran educators while also approving contracts for three new teachers during Monday’s monthly meeting.
Ravi Singh demonstrates using one of two drones he and his wife, Gina, utilize with their new business, Innovative Drone Solutions.

Ravi Singh demonstrates using one of two drones he and his wife, Gina, utilize with their new business, Innovative Drone Solutions.

Singhs launch new drone business

Kurt Johnson
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Having gained confidence and experience with aerial photography when he helped launch a statewide drone program for the Nebraska State Patrol, Ravi Singh has ventured into the private sector with his wife by launching a new business called Innovative Drone Solutions.
Tiffany Cure steps off the elevator on the top floor of the Hamilton County Courthouse last August for her initial court appearance on charges of child abuse resulting in death.

Tiffany Cure steps off the elevator on the top floor of the Hamilton County Courthouse last August for her initial court appearance on charges of child abuse resulting in death.

Cure charge to be upgraded to 1st degree murder

Ron Burtz
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Charges against a Marquette woman in connection with the death of an infant last August are expected to be upgraded to first degree murder when Tiffany Cure, 21, appears for a second arraignment in Hamilton County District Court on March 28.