News

An empty lot on Main Street that could have become a symbol of a dying business district has instead become a sign of a thriving community. When Gregory’s City Council made the decision to tear down two condemned buildings, the council made a very attractive proposal to any business willing to build there.

On August 31, 2026 U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced her Ranchers First Initiative to Rebuild the Great American Beef Herd. The initiative builds on the Secretary’s October 2025 Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry. The new announcement describes government programs to incentivize heifer replacement, assist in wildfire and other disaster event recoveries, support and strengthen small and regional slaughtering facilities, and support new farmers and ranchers. In addition, the announcement describes an effort to prioritize federal procurement of locally processed American beef by encouraging purchases by federal and state institutions.

Low gross last week was set by Brandon Arizmendiz with a 33. I don’t know what to say, he is just a consistently good player.

Commentary by Bill Bullard, CEO, R-CALF USA Some folks in Washington, D.C., believe last year’s stronger cattle prices mean the cow/calf sector of the U.S. cattle supply chain is healthy. But prices alone do not tell us whether ranch families can afford to stay in business—or whether the next generation can afford to enter.

Southern Plains Behavioral Health held a program and butterfly release on Wednesday evening, September 9, at the Gregory City Park in observance of suicide prevention month to draw attention to the issue of suicide and inform the public about the various resources available to help prevent suicide.

At the regular meeting of the Gregory City Council held Monday, September 8, 2026, at 6 p.m. at City Hall, the council discussed adding curb and gutter in one area as part of the Phase II of the city’s infrastructure project. One proposal is to complete Rice Street between 4th and 5th and connect the water line into the existing loop. At this time, Rice Street between 4th and 5th is impassable in a vehicle, and the water line stops before it reaches 5th Street. City members have been in contact with both Jason Frasch and Mark Eklund regarding the cost of curb and gutter. Both homeowners have expressed that they would be willing to have some of the costs assessed to their property taxes. Several trees would need to be removed, which would be at the city’s expense. Another option would be to replace the water main that is in need of repair and leave the halfstreet as it is. However, the road is already being utilized despite not being paved. Stacey Boes questioned who would be responsible for the engineering costs associated with the project. Several questions remain to be answered, and no action was taken.

Valerie Johnson discussed recent activities of the school’s Hope Squad during the Gorilla Good News portion of the regular meeting of the Gregory School District Board of Education on Monday, September 14, 2026.

School enrollment numbers across Gregory County are trending downward. After remaining steady for a few years, Gregory School District saw a decline of 10 last year and another eight this year. Burke School District has experienced a similar decrease, dropping by eight last year and by 15 this year. An exception in the county is South Central, which has preschool and grades kindergarten through fifth. Their enrollment has been more erratic, going from 53 in 2024-24 to 62 to following year and back down to 56 this year.

Opening a sweet shop has been a dream for about 15 years in the making for Suzanne Braun, but she has had to overcome several stumbling blocks along the way, most recently a broken hip. She has even had most of the equipment she needs for about five years.

Andy Yoder has been working in the ranch supply business all his life, but since moving to Gregory County he has been doing it for his own business - Spring Valley Ranch Supply. Andy and his oldest son can provide about anything you need for your ranch - portable steel buildings, adjustable alleys and tubs, free standing panels, continuous fence, gates and panels, feed bunks, posts, and more - and they can offer custom sizes on everything they do.