News

For over 25 years, growers have benefited from the latest advancements in soybean production, management and marketing at Soybean Management Field Days. This year marks the second year that the Soybean Testing Ag Performance Solutions (TAPS) competition highlights are included in the field days, including lessons from last year’s contest and progress this season.

The Nebraska Department of Education’s Nutrition Services office has announced the Income Eligibility Guidelines for free and reduced price meals for persons unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch, Breakfast, Special Milk and Child and Adult Care Food Programs. Application forms must be available to all households of participants attending a participating school, agency, or day care center. The application includes a letter containing instructions and helpful information for parents, guardians, or adult participants.

As I write my column this week, my heart is full and my legs are achy. You see, I spent the weekend on an “adventure” with my three youngest grandchildren - ages 4, 7, and 8. We hung out at an arcade and water park during the heat of the day, and took in the Buffalo County Fair during the evening…though it was still far from cool.

Like many small rural communities, residents of Callaway come and go. People pass away, move away – often leaving behind a property that falls into disrepair.

The Nebraska State Legislature recently mandated that schools need to adopt a policy regarding cell phone usage within the building during the school day. That prompted the Callaway Board of Education to address the issue, which included an opportunity for parents to participate in the discussion or give feedback regarding the policy. That opportunity was given during the board’s regular meeting on July 14, with no one offering input to the board.

Custer County Sheriff Dan Osmond reports the following individuals were incarcerated in the Custer County Jail as of July 21, 2025. Anthony Paul Elder – booked May 5, charged with possesion of controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.

The Nigel Sprouse Memorial Library drew many youngsters to its annual summer reading program. This year's theme was 'Catch a Dragon Tale.' Pictured are, l-r: Front - Emily Kimball, Jack Rush, Lucy Kimball, Isaac Dodge, Natalie Trumbull, Brittany Trumbull, Hannah Pearson, unidentified; Back - Hayley Stryker, Stephanie Ellison, Jordan Rush, Jenna Hoesel, Sandy Oliver, Seth Pearson and Charles Brucker.

On Thursday, July 17, Governor Jim Pillen was joined by Senator Barry DeKay and Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Sherry Vinton at Shamrock Locker in O’Neill to ceremonially sign LB246. The new law bans the manufacture, distribution and sale of lab-grown or cultivated meat in Nebraska. Passage of the measure during the most recent legislative session builds on the Governor’s executive order from last year which prohibits agencies from purchasing lab-grown meat and requires state contractors to certify they will not discriminate against natural-meat producers in favor of lab or cultivated meat producers.

Callaway Chamber July Yard of the Month

Cornhusker State Reps Recognized