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From Seattle Ball to Small-Town Law: Hunter Johnson Returns Home

For Hunter Johnson, the road back to Cozad was anything but straightforward. 

Communication, Growth, and Recognition Highlights CCS Board Meeting

The CCS School Board held its final meeting of the regular school year on Monday, May 18. CHS Principal Corey Fisher introduced Nevaeh Allen as his Haymaker Highlight. “Nevaeh has met all of the early graduation requirements and, due to her life circumstances, I highly recommend her for early graduation,” Fisher stated.  

Personal and Political Signage Requests Brought Before Council

A request for a reserved disabled parking space near Haymaker Haven highlighted discussion during the Monday, May 18, meeting of the Cozad City Council. Jason Dodson, a resident of Haymaker Haven, addressed council members requesting installation of a reserved parking sign near the northwest corner of 8th and K Street.

Honoring Two Legacies

Two exemplary and respected educators in the Cozad Community Schools system are stepping into retirement after dedicating decades of their lives to students, families, and education. Debbie Neill and Jacque Yocom both retired at the end of the 2025–26 school year, leaving behind legacies built on compassion, commitment, and countless lives impacted. 

Cattlemen’s Ball Highlights Beef Industry

The upcoming Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska, being hosted just north of Cozad, strives to unite Nebraska’s beef industry with a mission of supporting cancer research, blending agriculture and community into one of the state’s signature events.
For John Schroeder, Beef Experience Committee Chairman for the Cattlemen’s Ball, the beef component is central to both the identity and purpose of the event.

Memories, Milestones, and Music Highlight CCS Luncheon

Staff members of Cozad Community Schools gathered in the high school commons to enjoy a steak sandwich meal with all the trimmings at their year-end luncheon and recognition celebration on Thursday, May 21. Superintendent Dr. Dan Endorf presided as emcee, and Tim Hansen provided the invocation prior to the meal. 

John Grinde is Guest Speaker on Memorial Day

Cozad’s Memorial Day Program is scheduled for Monday, May 25, beginning
at 10 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Cozad.
Members of VFW Auxiliary Post #890 welcome volunteers to help place
flags at veterans’ graves in the Cozad Cemetery at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday,
May 21.
The Avenue of Flags will be set up at Veterans Memorial Park on Friday,
May 22, at 4 p.m., weather permitting. Volunteers are needed both to

A Home Run for Cozad Youth Sports:
$10,000 Donation Honors CVFD Following Wildfires
Cozad Hospital Honors 75-Year Legacy While Unveiling Renovations

On Friday, May 15, Cozad Community Hospital
celebrated both its history and future at the
75th Anniversary Open House & Remodel Ribbon
Cutting. This year’s event expanded upon
the annual KRVN Meat and Greet traditionally
hosted during Hospital Week. In addition to a
complimentary burger meal, attendees enjoyed
several gifts of appreciation, including a raffle
entry for four door prize baskets, event t-shirts,

What Seniors Can Do To Safeguard Their Mental Health

As conversations around mental health continue to evolve, more people are recognizing that emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. While younger generations may have grown up in a culture that encourages open discussions about mental health, many seniors did not. As a result, older adults may not always recognize the signs of emotional distress or know where to turn for help.

Dawson County 4-H Awards Three Scholarships

Keiser 4-H Scholarship 
Two Dawson County 4-H’ers received the Donna and Daryl Keiser 4-H Scholarship. 
Abby Negley, daughter of Tim and Jeni Negley of Gothenburg and Carson Reiman, son of Mark and Miranda Reiman of Cozad were the recipients of $500 scholarships. 

Child Care Shares Financial Struggles With City Council

The Cozad City Council met for a regular meeting on Monday, May 4. Consent agenda items approved included the minutes from the regular meeting on April 20 and the retreat meeting on April 27, as well as the April building permits report. Council members also approved the reimbursement payment to TRW, LLC of $36,170.75 for façade improvements and drawdown #3 for the same. 

Birth Announcement

Cooper Maddox Cole was born on May 4, 2026 at 3:55 p.m. to his parents Adam and Ainsley Cole of Gothenburg. Cooper was born weighing 8 pounds and was 19.5 inches in length. He is welcomed by grandparents Jack and Thea Cole of Cozad, and Luke and Julie Rickertsen of Jeffrey Lake. Great-grandparents John and Connie Cole of Lincoln, Melvin Carlson of Grand Island, Archie Rickertsen and Matt and Susan Williams of 
Gothenburg.

Passing the Controls: Nebraskaland Aviation Aquires Mid State Aviation

Mid State Aviation owner Allison Johnson has sold the company to Nebraskaland Aviation, a decision she said came after careful consideration and a desire to ensure the business remained in good hands moving forward. 

Fine Arts Night Showcases Talent, Honors Students

The CHS Fine Arts Night drew a large and appreciative audience on May 1. The event included an art show featuring works by grades 9–12 students of Trey Botts, including pieces by the 10 senior honors art students displayed in the hallways adjacent to the auditorium.  

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