As we ring in a new year, we at the Courier wanted to take a moment to remind you of some of the stories that made our headlines in 2024. Last week we reflected back on the first half of 2024, and we will conclude our look back in this week’s edition.

J uly: Kaygan Witthuhn has been around Hereford cattle all her life. Last year she was given an opportunity to represent that industry in a special way – as Nebraska State Hereford Queen. Kaygan is in her senior year at Callaway High School and spent 2024 promoting the Nebraska Hereford Association.

Fresh off the heels of the Callaway Pioneer Picnic our neighbors to the east hosted their annual community event. The 2024 Oconto Fun Day celebration took place on July 5, 6, and 7.

Twelve of the 17 members of the Callaway High School class of 2019 met for their 5-year class reunion during the Pioneer Picnic weekend. Prior to their potluck supper and walk down memory lane, however, the classmates met in front of their Alma Matre to pay tribute to a class member who is no longer with them, as a tree was planted in front of the school in memory of Sydnee Sallach.

A ugust: In Custer County Nebraska, 4-H is a big deal. Many youth in our rural communities belong to a 4-H club, regardless of whether or not they currently or have ever lived on a farm. For many years in Callaway that has been Tail Twisters, and in Arnold it has been Western Riders. In 2024 those clubs combined to form South Loup 4-H Club.

cont. PAGE 3: Year in Review The Callaway Board of Education gathered for their regular monthly meeting on July 8, with a new face at the table. JD Furrow presided over his first meeting as superintendent of Callaway Public School.

The Village of Callaway hosted a meet & greet for the new economic developer, Kacee Gillis, on Aug. 8. Kacee recently relocated to Callaway from Texas and works full-time as a nurse at Callaway District Hospital.

Classes resumed for the 2024-25 school year at Callaway Public Schools on Thursday, Aug. 15, and 11 new staff members greeted the students in the classrooms, lunchroom, and hallways.

S eptember: Kite Flight 2024 is in the books, and with cooler temperatures and added attractions this year’s event brought in a big crowd. Held each Labor Day weekend for over 30 years, the Kite Flight has become a tradition for many families to enjoy the final weekend of summer.

The JR Meyer Insurance Agency has been a staple in the Callaway community for decades, and third generation owner Zach Meyer emphasizes that though the name has changed to Highstreet Insurance, clients can expect the same hometown quality service they have always known.

For nearly 40 years many farmers and ranchers in central Nebraska have relied on Badgley Well Service for their agricultural water needs. Though Cliff Badgley has decided to retire and close his business, well service will continue under the ownership of Rocky Dockweiler.

For the second consecutive year Callaway District Hospital & Medical Clinics is proud to announce its recognition as one of the Top 20 hospitals in the nation for patient satisfaction by the National Rural Health Association. The award was presented on Sept. 27 in Kansas City, Missouri as part of the NRHA’s annual convention.

O ctober: Members are pleased to announce the completion of the railing project along the ramp at the front entrance of the Seven Valleys Historical Museum. Tom Smith spearheaded the project with Dan Trumbull building and installing the railing. Funding for the railing was provided by an anonymous donor.

Prior to the Oct. 4 football game students of all grades gathered for a parade through downtown Callaway before reconvening at the school for the pep rally. The pageantry of the 2024 Homecoming concluded with the crowning of the king and queen, Harper Johnson and Greeley Hrupek, following the football game.

Morning Star is a small independent church with a big heart located southwest of Callaway. The Church operated without a full time Pastor for several months until Ed Lashley of Morning Star connected online with Michael Garner of Tennessee, who is now serving as the church’s Pastor.

A large, impressive display of inflatable Halloween decorations now adorns the lawn at the Callaway District Hospital and Medical Clinic during the

cont. PAGE 12: Year in Review Halloween season. The display belonged to the late Jobeth Troxel and was donated to the hospital in her memory.

N ovember: Fifty years is a long time for someone to serve as a volunteer EMT for the Oconto Rescue Squad, but Jan Rempe has done just that. Jan, her husband Jim, and several others in attendance at a retirement celebration for Jan, were in the first class to get EMT certified back in the 1970s.

A free Kid’s Carnival was held at the Callaway Community Center on Nov. 9, featuring a variety of fun activities for kids in grades preschool through sixth.

Non-perishable items for the food pantry were also collected.

Everyone was invited to the McFate’s 12th Annual Callaway Community Thanksgiving Day Lunch at the United Methodist Fellowship Hall on Thursday, Nov. 28.

D ecember: On Saturday, Dec 7, the Callaway American Legion Auxiliary Unit #59 laid wreaths in Rose Hill Cemetery for their annual 'Christmas Wreaths For Veterans' ceremony.

Coffee and cookies were served at the Legion Hall following the wreath laying.

At their December meeting the Callaway Village Board regretfully accepted Abe Hinman’s resignation from the board, effective Dec. 18. Hinman served on the board for six years. A search for a replacement board member is now underway.

Callaway’s old-fashioned Christmas Around Town was held Wednesday, Dec. 4, with activities at various locations throughout the community. A craft and homebased business show was held in the Community Center, the Sons of the American Legion served a soup supper, Santa was in the mini-park, and after a visit with the jolly old elf families could enjoy s’mores at the fire pit and a wagon ride. The Callaway Old Fashioned Christmas is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.