As 2024 came to a close, the U.S. Census Bureau projected the U.S. population would be 341,145,670 on New Year’s Day, with 2,640,171 babies being born each year.

So many rural areas of our state and nation are being labeled as “OB deserts” - meaning there are no obstetrics services available in those regions. Gothenburg Health continues to meet the need for obstetric and pediatric care.

As we ring in a new year, we at the Courier wanted to take a moment to reflect back on those families who celebrated the addition of a new family member in 2024. The following birth announcements appeared in the Callaway Courier between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024.

Bartley and Kaylee Brogan of Callaway announce the birth of a daughter on Jan. 22, 2024, at Gothenburg Health. Oakley Marie Brogan was born at 11:03 a.m. Grandparents are Janice Brogan of Antioch, and Ray and Jenny Amerin of Plains, Kansas. Great-grandparents

William Alex Wylie and Desiree Ann Nichelson of Cozad announce the birth of a son on July 25, 2024, at Gothenburg Health. Lyle Wayne Wylie was born at 4:59 a.m. Grandparents are William Alex Wylie, Sr., of Cozad, and Edith Cruz Bjorklund of Elwood.

Great-grandparent is Rosalinda Salazar of Elmendorf, Texas.

Jake and Cassidy Laird of Cozad announce the birth of a son on July 21, 2024, at Gothenburg Health. Kord Mitchell Laird was born at 11:25 p.m. Grandparents are Tom and Pam Laird of Cozad, and Mitch and Lanett Conroy of Oconto. Great-grandparents are Donna Laird of Cozad, and Joan Newhouse of Kearney.

Jordan and Quin Hamilton of Callaway announce the birth of a son on July 21, 2024, at Gothenburg Health.

Gideon Cooper Hamilton was born at 5:50 p.m. Gideon is welcomed home by a sister, Nyx Cia Hamilton.