NEWS RELEASE The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is again extending the application period for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) in several Nebraska counties impacted by March wildfires.

Callaway High’s athletic teams will open their seasons this week, with the Bear football team taking on Lexington St. Ann, then hosting Arcadia, Greeley, and Ansley. On the volleyball scene, the CHS spikers begin with a home game against Arnold, then will host Litchfield. Carolyn Kollmeier will be announcing home contests this year, and Brian Gardner will have sponsorship of the pep club. The pep club will be composed of both boys and girls this year.

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The Alaska Department of Fish and Game recently issued this bulletin: “In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear conflicts, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters, and fishermen to take extra precautions and keep alert of bears while in the field. We advise outdoorsmen to wear noisy little bells on their clothing so as not to startle bears that aren’t expecting them. We also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear. It is also a good idea to watch out for fresh signs of bear activity.

Another year has passed, and we’re all a little older. Last summer felt hotter… And winter seems much colder.

Like many other businesses, our office will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. This weekend traditionally marks the unofficial end of summer, and locally, Labor Day weekend is synonymous with one of Callaway's biggest events, the Kite Flight.

The Oconto Volunteer Fire Department is one of six volunteer fire departments in Nebraska who were selected for a $10,000 grant through the State Farm Good Neighbor Firefighter Safety Program. The Oconto department is among only 150 recipients nationwide for the grant.

Damon Murray, son of Mr. and Mrs. Roger Murray of rural Callaway, was struck by a rattlesnake as he was playing in the family yard. Damon and his brother Jeff were playing around an old chicken coop when both decided to investigate the funny noise. Damon got too close and was bitten while his brother ran to tell his mother. Mrs. Murray promptly called the rescue unit, put a tourniquet on the boy, and lanced the wound. She then began to suck the poison from the bite. He was transferred to the hospital in Kearney and will be released soon.