Each year the Callaway Chamber of Commerce presents a Citizen of the Year award to an individual or organization who has been nominated by members of the community. This year’s award was presented on Sunday, March 30, but was done a little differently than in past years. You see, the 2025 recipient is one of the Chamber’s own, and as an extra twist of fun, she had no idea it was coming.

Stacey Guthard had been thrown off the track by her fellow Chamber board members and told that someone else had won the award. Chamber President Kayla Berg addressed the large crowd gathered at the Seven Valley Senior Center by announcing that the agenda would be different this year, and instead of recognizing the Citizen of the Year at the end of the evening, they were going to do it at the beginning.

As Stacey looked on, waiting to help serve the meal, Kayla began her speech.

“For the past 10 years or so, I don’t believe anyone in the community has worked harder than this individual to promote Callaway as a wonderful place to live, go to school, have a business, and support local businesses and organizations. This individual has volunteered literally thousands of hours serving the Callaway community, all without seeking recognition or the limelight.”

So far there was nothing to really give away the identity of the recipient, and Stacey clearly remained clueless that it was her - until the following sentence.

“She has been the backbone of the Chamber of Commerce for at least 10 years, serving as treasurer and the ‘go-to’ person.” In that moment Stacey was aware

Cont. PAGE 5: Award it was her that Kayla was talking about, and she could not contain her emotion.

Her husband and children, along with other family members, then entered the building through the back door and their presence made Stacey’s tears flow. Kayla and Chamber Board Secretary Kelsey Wyckoff continued reading the letter of nomination for Stacey.

“She handles all communication for the Chamber and ensures the success of all events. Whether it’s organizing or finding people to chair events, this individual is involved in many community activities, including the Pioneer Picnic, Kite Fly, Citywide Garage Sales, Trunk or Treat, and Christmas Around Town. She takes care of everything from clean-up, kids’ games, food vendors, and parades to advertising for these events.

She also serves on the economic committee of the Chamber, working tirelessly to promote additional housing, businesses, and community promotions. As an officer for the Callaway Development Company, she helps loan money to new businesses in Callaway and oversees the operation of the Callaway Motel.

In addition, this individual collaborates with the Village on the LB840 program, which provides loans for individuals to start or continue businesses in Callaway. She is instrumental in this process. She is also on the board of the Callaway Good Life Center serving as treasurer.

Her professional role is equally impressive. She works as President at First Interstate Bank in Callaway, where she is known for her exceptional dedication and expertise. Her commitment to her work at the bank reflects her broader dedication to the well-being of Callaway.

Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, she is also deeply involved in ranching and farming. She and Scott manage their ranch and farm, where they work tirelessly to maintain their livestock and crops.

On top of all her community work, Stacey is a devoted mother to three young boys, whom she and Scott are raising to follow in their footsteps of hard-working individuals.

Hardworking, dedicated, giving, and generous are all characteristics of this outstanding young woman who volunteers tirelessly for the Callaway community. Sorry you had to plan and cook for your own party! It is an honor to give this award to Stacey Guthard.”

Following the presentation of the Citizen of the Year award and the meal, Callaway High School sophomore Braxton Anderson presented his state-qualifying self-written humorous prose piece that had everyone in attendance in stitches.

The evening concluded with an update on Callaway’s Economic Developer Kacee Gillis on projects and improvements that are in the works or planned for the future in the community.