It is always fun to take some time at the beginning of a new year to remind ourselves of all that took place over the previous year. This week, we feature some of the stories that made Courier headlines during the first few months of 2025.

JANUARY:

Owner Candace Burnett announced in a Facebook post that Sunday, Dec. 29, was the final day of business for Shotgun Annie’s. Shotgun Annie’s Saloon and Grill opened in early September 2017.

The Village of Callaway once again has a full board. New member Darwin Mast was sworn in on Tuesday, Jan. 14, replacing outgoing member Abe Hinman.

At the Callaway Board of Education’s meeting on Jan. 13, the board unanimously approved Superintendent JD Furrow to schedule construction on the boys' varsity locker room to meet ADA compliance, not to exceed $35,000 from the special building fund.

FEBRUARY:

The Seven Valleys Museum board has launched a fundraising effort to restore the beautiful windows of the historic Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. The building’s nine stained glass windows are in need of re-leading, repair to the sills, and a covering to protect them from storms.

The Bobcats picked up their fifth consecutive win on Friday, Feb. 14, as they traveled to Eustis to take on the Hi-Line Bulls. However, this one proved extra exciting as it took an overtime period to seal the victory.

A fire claimed the home of Jodie Wewel and Marcus Blackburn on the morning of Feb. 10. The family lost two cats and six fish in the fire, and Jodie’s mother’s dog was also lost.

Monday, Feb. 24, was a busy day for area fire departments as calls began pouring in of fires throughout Custer County. By the end of the day, every department in the county and from regions far beyond had arrived to help with as many as six fires being reported.

MARCH:

At the March 10 regular Callaway school board meeting, the contracts for High School Principal/Activities Director Heath Birkel and Elementary Principal/ Special Education Director Brittany Jesseph were renewed for the 2025-26 school year. In addition, a stipend was approved for Jesseph to compensate for her SPED role in the amount of $7,510.

Family members, friends, and community members gathered to celebrate Charles “Chuck” Myers’ milestone 100th birthday at an open house in Callaway on March 15.

On Sunday, March 23, a large crowd of Legion members, Auxiliary members and friends gathered at the Legion Hall as the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #59 of Callaway hosted a birthday party to celebrate the National American Legion’s 106th birthday.

The Callaway Fire Department responded to a house fire in Callaway on Monday, Feb. 10, with mutual aid from Broken Bow and Oconto departments. Unfortunately, the house could not be saved displacing a Callaway family. (Courtesy photo)

APRIL:

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. The 2025 award was presented to Stacey Guthard at a community event on March 30.

The Callaway speech team ended their tremendous season with a rare accomplishment for the school - a district runner-up team plaque, and an appearance at the state meet. The team is under the leadership of first-year speech coach Courtney Espinosa.

The hospital’s high standard and the welcoming folks of the community are what Bethany Collins said attracted her to want to live and work here as the newest healthcare provider at Callaway District Hospital and Medical Clinic.

Aubrie Birkel, daughter of Heath and Amy Birkel, and Neltje Reiff, daughter of Mike and Erin Reiff, have been selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls State representing the Callaway American Legion Auxiliary.