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Laurel native welcomes first baby of 2026
RANDOLPH – A Laurel native helped Randolph’s population grow by one and earned the honor of having the first baby of the new year, as well.
Calvin and Michaela Casey delivered their second bundle of joy and Randolph’s 2026 New Year baby on Jan. 25.
The Caseys welcomed a son, Rhett Charles, at 5:14 p.m., Jan. 25, at Faith Regional Health Services in Norfolk. Two-year-old sister Taytum has been attentive, asking to hold her baby brother and care for him.
She’ll have to wait her turn as friends and relatives line up to celebrate Rhett’s entrance into the world.
His grandparents are Mike and Traci Strathman of Randolph, and Jim and Dawn Casey of Laurel. Great-grandparents are Myron and Logene Strathman of Randolph; Chuck and Bonnie Pinkelman of Yankton, S.D.; Loren and Sandy Skatter of Lake Mills, Iowa; Claudet Wege of Coleridge; and Jan Casey of Laurel Michaela grew up on a farm outside of Randolph, graduating in 2014, and Calvin grew up in Laurel, also graduating in 2014. Both parents own businesses and are deeply rooted to Randolph and the area. Calvin owns Casey Roofing, and Michaela owns Rural Roots Boutique, located at Hometown Floral with goods also sold through social media. She also manages the clubhouse at Randolph Community Golf Course.
“I enjoyed growing up in Randolph so I have always wanted to raise my family here. I feel very blessed that Calvin and I are able to do that,” Michaela said. “It’s a great place with some special people. With busy working schedules, sometimes it takes a village to raise kids and we definitely have that in this small town.”
The New Year baby and his family are treated to many gifts from local merchants.
