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

At the December meeting the board accepted Hinman’s resignation effective Dec. 18. He was unable to fulfill the remainder of his term after moving outside of the city limits and no longer being eligible to serve.

The board received applications from two individuals that Chairman Mark Kimball referred to as “really good candidates”. The board reviewed the applications from Kindle Rice and Darwin Mast, and following a fairly quick closed session Mast was selected as the next board member.

Kimball thanked both for their interest and willingness to serve the community and encouraged Rice to run for one of the seats being vacated in two years.

A discussion was held regarding village employee health insurance. Liana Hrupek with Nebraska Owner’s Insurance presented information to the board on rate increases for 2025, and a possible option of switching from United Healthcare to Medica. Board members all agreed they need to discuss the options with the employees before making a decision and the matter was tabled.

In her monthly update to the board Economic Developer Kacee Gillis shared the progress that she is making on grant applications and plans for improvements to Morgan Park.

Village Clerk Lori Bonde reported that the Village has received the first deposit from the Custer County Treasurer on the pool bond. The board will further discuss the bond funds at next month’s meeting.

With a full board now seated the committee duties were divided and assigned.

The next meeting of the Callaway Village Board will be Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 7 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.