A large contingent of patrons attended the open house and ribbon cutting at Mead Lumber in Cozad on Friday, Aug. 28. The event featured a free hot dog lunch complete with chips, bottled water and cookies, a clearance sale on select tools, and a display of new retail items. Wausau Supply Company also had a table displaying its wood products.
Liz ROmero Just over a year after walking the halls of Cozad High School, 2025 graduate and former state wrestling champion Brock Malcom has traded Nebraska for Washington, D.C., where an opportunity he initially saw as a way to fill the void left by wrestling has quickly developed into the beginning of a career.
Meadowlark Pointe in Cozad entered a new chapter this month, with new ownership bringing plans for growth while maintaining the familiar staff, care and community relationships that residents and families have come to know and appreciate.
Included in the consent agenda at the Cozad City Council meeting on Aug. 17 was the approval of funds to be disbursed from the Community Development Block Grant fund to reimburse Cozad Elks Lodge #2250 for facade improvements. The grant covered $49,497.15 of the total invoices submitted by the lodge, which totaled $143,388. The remaining amount was covered by the lodge.
With several Nebraska hunting seasons opening in September and others following later this fall, local residents looking to head into the field can prepare by completing an upcoming Hunter Education Course. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is offering a Hunter Education Course in Cozad during September, aimed at helping new and inexperienced hunters learn the skills needed to hunt safely and responsibly.
The August Haymaker Highlight during the Cozad Board of Education meeting on Aug. 17 was CCS Director of Bands DeVere Larington. Larington brought the new uniforms, which are being checked out to the 37 members of this year’s high school band.
The success of the 2026 Cattlemen’s Ball of Nebraska was celebrated Sunday, Aug. 23, as committee members, event hosts and supporters gathered at the Cozad Elks for a luncheon and check presentation. Levi and Bobbie Jo Messersmith, along with Howdy and Linda Benjamin, hosted the luncheon as a way to thank the many committee members and volunteers who helped plan and execute the June event.
The goal isn't complicated for the Cozad Haymakers in 2026. They want to play for a state championship. Cozad heads into the new football season with an experienced group and a veteran coaching staff, giving the Haymakers reason to set their sights high. Head Coach Jared Crick is leading the Haymakers for the second year, believes game experience will be one of Cozad's biggest strengths this fall.
For Neleigh Niles and Becca Paulsen, Girls Club is about more than teaching young girls about the changes that come with growing up. It is about creating a place where girls feel comfortable asking questions, learning about themselves and discovering their worth.
Nearly perfect running conditions greeted participants Saturday, Aug. 15, for the 13th annual C.E.B. (Claude E. Berreckman) Memorial 10K and 5K Revival in downtown Cozad. The event drew 68 runners, along with six virtual entries, with participants of all ages taking part. Both races began and ended near the Cozad town square in front of Berreckman and Bazata Law Office.
Three new teachers greeted students in their classrooms in the Cozad Community School system on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Natalie Engel, Isela Horwart and Ashlie Wright joined the stellar teaching staff at CCS. Natalie’s interview responses were not available at press time.
Benny Jon Barela was born at 5:16 a.m. on Aug. 7, 2026, to Isaac and Ariel Barela of Cozad at Gothenburg Health. Benny was born weighing 7 pounds and 15 ounces and 19 inches in length. He is welcomed by brother Theo and sister Charlotte. Grandparents LaDonna Barela of Cozad and Kirk and Rhonda Anrens of Kearney.
The 10th annual Tim Thramer Memorial Golf Tournament brought 40 four-person teams to the Cozad Country Club on Saturday, Aug. 8, for a day of competition while continuing to support area students and graduates. Capturing elite championship honors in this year’s tournament were Travis Anderson, Jordan Henry, Justin Henry and Taylor Walker.
Vicki Edmison, 415 E. 9th Street, was selected to receive the August Yard of the Month by members of the Cozad Petals Garden Club. Vicki has lived in Cozad for two years and serves as a volunteer at the Cozad Community Hospital. The flowerpots in her front yard are overflowing with annuals with perennials and annuals planted in the beds. Her back porch and yard have numerous pots of succulents which she takes inside during the winter.
