Lexington community raises support for student scholarships at Wine and Wings event
Mac’s Creek Winery and Brewery was the spot for academic sponsorship Thursday night, Aug. 20, as Lexington community members came out to enjoy wings, wine, beer and brats in support of the Blanche Senior scholarship.
“The Blanche Senior scholarship was established to honor a long-time Lexington volunteer and champion for children in our community,” Heather Heinemann, executive director of the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, said. “One of the unique aspects of this scholarship is that it recognizes the special ability it takes for a student to balance school, extra-curricular activities and a part-time job.”
Spencer Hansen performs during the Wine and Wings Blanche Senior scholarship event at Mac’s Creek on Thursday, August 20. Hansen provided live music for guests.
As of Friday morning, Heinemann said, “So far, we had almost $1,800 in sales. I have a few business education folks that had tickets to sell that I'm waiting to hear back from."
Blanche Senior was a longtime Lexington Chamber of Commerce member who rose from part-time secretary to director. The 1948 immigrant from England began her work with the chamber in 1960.
Heinemann said the scholarship is spearheaded by the business education committee, which was formed as a way for chamber members to interact with and support local students.
“The mission remains the same for the committee now. We want our kids to know the business community cares. We want to show them all the career opportunities that are available right here in Lexington, so they can be the next generation of leaders,” Heinemann said.
The scholarship is awarded to graduating students who have shown the ability to balance work and education. The 2026 recipients were Gerardo Jimenez-Ambriz, Jeremy Rodriguez-Padron and Maylin Novoa.
Gerardo Jimenez-Ambriz, Jeremy Rodriguez-Padron and Maylin Novoa were the latest recipients of the Blanche Senior scholarship. They are pictured here with Amy Hill, a business education committee member.
Mac’s Creek has been involved with the scholarship since 2018, when the business education committee started Wine and Wings night.
Over the years, the event has helped provide $13,000 in scholarships. Each scholarship recipient can receive up to $1,000 to support their education at a school of their choosing.
“It used to be a tailgate at a home football game, serving hot dogs and hamburgers, prior to 2018,” Heinemann said. “The last two years, we’ve been able to award three $1,000 scholarships to the recipients.”
Due to sponsors, all proceeds from the event’s meal go to the scholarship fund. This year’s sponsors included Go Home Realty, JK Energy, Busy Bones Butcher, Mac’s Creek Winery and Brewery, Lexington Ambassadors, Cody and Tara Naprstek, Darin and Lisa Buescher and A+ Bakery.
Carol Boyle and her friend Cheryl Richardson, who both previously worked for the community college and are now retired, are longtime supporters of the Blanche Senior scholarship. Boyle’s son-in-law is the great-nephew of Blanche Senior, and Boyle’s children have benefited from local scholarships.
Cheryl Richardson and Carol Boyle enjoying a wings and brats dinner at Mac Creek Winery and Brewery in support of the Blanche Senior scholarship Thursday evening.
“I had students and children of my own who have gotten local scholarships and without the local scholarships they probably wouldn’t have had any scholarships, so local scholarships are just amazing and something we feel strong about,” Boyle said.
Boyle said Wine and Wings has become a tradition for her and Richardson, who use the event to support a cause they care about while also celebrating Richardson’s birthday.
Tickets for this year’s event were $15. Guests at Mac’s Creek were able to enjoy wings, wine, brats, beer and live music by Spencer Hansen while supporting a scholarship that invests directly in the future of Lexington students.
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LRHC’s Lehmann receives 2026 Caring Kind Award at surprise event
Physician Assistant Leigh-Anne Lehmann thought she was going to a meeting, but instead of going to a conference room or office, she was greeted by her friends, family and coworkers in the lobby of Lexington Regional Health Center’s Family Medicine Specialists clinic.
A bouquet of purple and white flowers was presented to Lehmann, who was speechless as she was informed that she was the recipient of the 2026 Caring Kind Award.
Leigh-Anne Lehmann was this year’s recipient of the Caring Kind Award at Lexington Regional Hospital. What she thought was going to be a meeting was really a celebration honoring her dedication to her community.
Caring Kind Awards are given to employees at Nebraska Hospital Association member hospitals and health systems who exemplify caring, compassion, teamwork, dedication and a spirit that fosters a positive work environment.
Lehmann was nominated by her coworkers specifically because she goes above and beyond for patients, providing them with excellent service and her full dedication.
“These award recipients commit themselves to the betterment of their hospitals and health systems, their customers, their coworkers and their communities,” Chief Communications Officer Brenna Bartruff said.
“I had no idea I was going to get this award,” Lehmann said. “I thought we were going to a meeting and I was very prepared. I had notes set up for my meeting and everything I needed to address. So, when I walked out here and saw my family, friends and the community here, it was a really great feeling.”
Leigh-Anne Lehmann was honored with the 2026 Caring Kind Award. Here she is pictured at the celebration, listening as her nomination was read. She was nominated for her relentless dedication and for always going above and beyond for patients.
Lehmann has been a physician assistant at Lexington Regional Health Center for a year and a half. It is her first job out of school, and she said she is thankful for the people she works with and the support of the Lexington community.
“I’ve always been interested in medicine from a very young age,” Lehmann said. “My family, grandparents, growing up had to do a lot of traveling down to the Kearney community and back to Eustis to get that health care they needed. So I realized then that we needed to bring healthcare to people and meet them where they’re at.
"It can be a lot for families, having to do the traveling and everything, so I'm just doing what I can to take care of the area that we live in and support those people.”
Leigh-Anne Lehmann’s family attends the Caring Kind Award celebration to honor her. Here she is with the people who inspired her to go into the medical field.
Lehmann was recognized in front of her peers, family, friends and community with a bouquet and award presentation on Tuesday, Aug. 18. Visitors in the lobby waiting for their appointments could be seen smiling as Lehmann was honored.
Around Town
The Around Town section of the Clipper-Herald is to notify the public of upcoming events and to publicize pertinent information from individuals, groups or service organizations.
LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS
Lexington Area Farmer's Market at 237 Hardware on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m.
Lexington Optimist Club Game Day Tailgate Friday, Aug. 28 from 5-7 p.m. at Ray Ehlers Stadium. Pulled pork sandwich, chips, cookie and drink for $5. Proceeds got to Operation Santa Claus.
Join the Orthman Community YMCA for their Tissues for Teachers Drive Aug. 1-31. Donate four boxes of tissues and get a $15 gift card to the YMCA.
Celebrate 50 years with Lexington Regional Health Center Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch, campus tours, meet the team and giveaways. Register to win the KRVN Diamond Anniversary drive prizes.
Mobile Food Pantry Thursday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
Nebraska State Rodeo Finals Sept. 11-13 at Dawson County Fairgrounds; Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m. with steer roping at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
Lexington Area Christian Women's Connection presents "Guest Night" Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. at Kirk's. Speaker is Jan Schiferl of Fordyce, Nebraska.
Lexington Optimist Club and Heartland Chevrolet 29th Annual Golf Tournament four-man scramble Saturday, Sept. 28 at Lakeside Golf Club with check-in at 8:30 a.m. and tee time at 9:30 a.m. Register by Tuesday, Sept. 1. For questions call Nick Reynolds at 308-325-0016 or Jeremy Roberts at 308-325-5473.
Remembering 9/11 concert featuring The Chad Lee Band Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Kirkpatrick Memorial Park Veterans Pavilion from 7-9 p.m.
GriefShare Support Group meetings will be held Aug. 20 to Nov. 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church (201 E. Eighth St.). Enter at the east sliding doors. For information contact Luann McBride at 308-325-4148 or by email: luannmcbride@hotmail.com
Parkview Baptist Church holds a food pantry every third Saturday of the month at the Refuge Building (1105 Park St.) in Lexington.
The Dawson County History Museum is hosting “Coffee with Carol” the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Lexington Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. every fourth Monday of the month at the Lexington Grand Generation Center.
Lexington Rotary Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dawson County Annex Building at noon. For more information or to join call 308-325-7006.
The Dawson County Democrats meet at 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at the Los Jalapeños Restaurant.
American Legion in Lexington meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.
WIC Clinic Sites, Dawson County: Lexington – Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Building, 931 W. Seventh St., Tuesday through Thursday the first 4 full weeks for each month.
RYDE Transit — Public Transportation is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride in Dawson County or Lexington call 308-324-3670. Public Transportation is easy to ride and open to everyone.
COZAD HAPPENINGS
Stop by Wilson Public Library any time during regular hours began Aug. 3, to complete a Catch the Crayons Scavenger Hunt. Pick up a challenge at the front desk and find all 12 crayons for a treat through Aug. 31.
Music Mondays: Kiley & Company on Monday, Aug. 24 with free entry from 5-8 p.m.
Barn Quilt Workshop Saturday, Aug. 22 from 1-4 p.m. at Hay Maker Studios, 123 W. Eighth St., Cozad.
Harvest Moon Arts Festival Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6-9 p.m. at the Green Space.
Cozad Community Leaders window decorating contest, windows must be decorated by Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. Theme: Party in the USA. To enter email: cozadcommunityleaders@gmail.com or text Mel at 308-325-6913.
Hay Days Parade "Party in the USA" Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m.
Maker Market is held every Tuesday until Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. at the Green Space, east of 222 Hardware.
The Writing Society meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library. Open to all writers of all levels and genres.
Blood Pressure Clinic at the Cozad Grand Generation Center the third Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center has Home Delivered Meals to the Community Monday — Friday. If you would like to receive Home Delivered Meals or would like to pick up a Curbside Meal at 410 W. Ninth St. from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., please call us at 308-784-2747 by 9:30 a.m. that morning, so we can arrange everything for your convenience.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center Bus is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a ride in Cozad call 308-784-2747.
ELWOOD HAPPENINGS
Elwood Farmer's Market Fundraiser meal hosted by the Elwood Chamber of Commerce Sunday, Aug. 23 from 5-7 p.m. at 300 Block Calvert St. Free will donation.
GOTHENBURG HAPPENINGS
2026 Harvest Festival Parade "A Tradition We Love!" Saturday, Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. on Lake Avenue.
2026 Harvest Festival Arts in the Park Saturday, Sept. 19 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ehmen Park.
2026 Harvest Festival Car Show Sunday, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Ehmen Park.
Thankful Run 5k Saturday, Nov. 21 from 8:30-10 a.m. at the YMCA at Gothenburg Health. Fee: $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Register by Nov. 21.
AREA HAPPENINGS
2026 Central Nebraska Go Red for Women Thursday, Sept. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at the Younes Conference Center. Register at heart.org/centralnegored. For more information call 402-875-7382.
Cowboy Church in the Park Sunday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. in Elm Creek.
The Empowered Caregiver Conference Saturday, Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Great Plains Health, 601 W. Leota St., North Platte. Registration is required, text Heather with questions 402-430-9684.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"The Odyssey" (R) - Aug. 21-13, 26; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Minions 3" (PG) - Aug. 28-30, Sept. 2; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
COZAD
Fox Theater, 100 E. Eighth St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $9, Student/Seniors/Military $8, 5 and under $6.50, Matinee (all ages) $6.50
SHOWTIMES:
"Spider Man Brand New Day" (PG-13) - Aug. 22-27; Saturday/Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"End of Oak Street" (PG-13) - Aug. 22-27; Saturday/Sunday at 4:10 and 7:10 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Paw Patrol The Dino Movie" (G) - Aug. 22-27; Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7:20 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Coyote vs. Acme" (PG) - Aug. 28 - Sept. 3; Friday at 7:20 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7:20 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Dog Stars" (R) - Aug. 28 - Sept. 3; Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" (PG-13) - Aug. 21-23; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
"Coyote vs. Acme" (PG) - Aug. 28-30; Thursday/Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
PUBLIC LIBRARIES
The Lexington Public Library hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m., Sunday: Closed. Watch for lots of fun programs and activities this summer. Also, we are continuing curbside services; call the library at 308-324-2151 for information.
Novel Stitchers meets on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. in the Board Room of the Library.
Storytime meets at the Library on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
The Wilson Public Library normal hours are: Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m. — 6 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Saturday: 9 a.m. — 1 p.m. Public and private meetings have resumed, with 24-hour notice appreciated. Limits to how many attendees based upon room need, what equipment is available and other restrictions can be found by calling us at 308-784-2019 or stopping at the front desk. Normal policies about room rental can be found under Policies at wilsonpubliclibrary.org.
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER
The exercise room is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Frog
12:45 p.m. - I've Got It
TUESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bunco
2:30 p.m. - Hot Cookies
WEDNESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Farkle
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bridge
FRIDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Homemade bread every day. Choice of skim, 2% or chocolate milk. No reservations are needed except for large groups. Serving time: 11:30 a.m. Please call 308-324-2498 by 10 a.m. for delivery or carryout meals.
MONDAY
Sausage Biscuits and Gravy Hashbrowns, Hawaiian Carrots
TUESDAY
Bacon Wrapped Pork Kebobs, Au Gratin Potatoes, Spinach, Apple Slices
WEDNESDAY
Delicious Beef Casserole, OJ with Beets, Lima Beans, Juice Cup
THURSDAY
Chicken Alfredo, Roasted Cauliflower, Italian Green Beans, Pineapple
FRIDAY
Potato Bar, Meat Sauce, Baked Potato, Broccoli and Cheese, Bread Stick, Dessert
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER
When Cozad schools are closed due to inclement weather, the center will also be closed. Check KRVN or the TV for weather related closings.
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
1 p.m. - Pitch
TUESDAY
8 p.m. - Tourism Meeting
Noon - Rotary
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Bridge Marathon
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY
Walking Tacos, Veggie Sticks, Pears, Cake
TUESDAY
Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Apricots, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Beef and Noodles, Cucumber Salad, Broccoli, Pineapple, Ice Cream
THURSDAY
Smothered Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Cabbage Rolls, Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, Mandarin Oranges, Cobbler
FARNAM SENIOR CENTER
The center will be closed on Fridays until further notice. When Eustis-Farnam Schools are closed due to the weather, the Senior Center will also be closed. Call ahead by 9:30 a.m. to get a meal 308-569-2359.
MONDAY
Sausage Gravy, Hashbrowns, Peas, Applesauce, Biscuit
TUESDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Goulash, Lettuce Salad, Stewed Tomatoes, Apricots, Garlic Bread
THURSDAY
BBQ Pork Sandwich, French Fries, Broccoli Salad, Pears
GOSPER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
All meals are served with vegetables, fruit and a sweet item. All meals are subject to change without notice. Please call by 10 a.m. for your reservation 308-785-2500. Suggested meal price is $8 for 60 and above and $9 for under 60.
MONDAY
Tuna and Noodles
TUESDAY
Italian Sausage and Veggies
WEDNESDAY
Smothered Burritos
THURSDAY
Pork Burgers
FRIDAY
Chicken Salad Wrap
ORGANIZATIONS
It Works Group: AA meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. at 303 E. Sixth St., in Lexington.
First Christian Church NA: meets Sundays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 p.m. 1206 N. Erie St., in Lexington.
Westside Group: AA/NA: open meeting on Monday and Friday nights from 7-8 p.m. Meetings are held at Grace Lutheran Church, 105 E. 17th St., Lexington, use the south door.
Women's Group: meets every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. on the second floor lounge at the Dawson County Courthouse (700 N. Washington St.)
Celebrate Recovery: Meetings at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Parkview Baptist Church’s Refuge Building (1105 Park St., Lexington) Contact: 308-324-4410.
Four Roads Group AA: meetings are held on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m., Fridays from 7-8 p.m. and Sundays from 7 p.m. at 1801 W. 18th St., in Lexington.
Grupo Lexington AA (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Saturdays from 8-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon at 114 W. 6th St. in Lexington.
Group Nueva Vida Lexington (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. at 114 W. Eighth St., in Lexington.
Full of Grace: Meetings from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Nazarene Church at 919 H St., in Cozad.
Southview Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1804 Papio Lane in Cozad.
SMART Recovery meets at St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 905 East 13th St., Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m., Saturdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sumner AA Group: meets Sundays and Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. at 205 E. Fifth Avenue, in Sumner. For more information call 308-325-5827.
Bertrand Thurs Night Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Thursdays at Hope Lutheran Church, 74094 Road 436 in Smithfield. Call 308-785-3567 or 308-472-3376.
Odie Group AA/NA: meetings at 8 p.m. on Sundays in Elwood at 501 Calvert Avenue.
Pony Express Group AA: meetings are held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Gothenburg Evangelical Free Church (515 18th St.) in Gothenburg.
Thirsty Thursday by the Cemetery: Meetings held on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church (2002 27th St.) in Gothenburg.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meetings are held the second Thursday each month at 2 p.m. at Lexington Regional Health Center (1201 N. Erie St., Lexington). For more information contact Dixie Menke at 308-325-5350.
Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Immunization Clinic, first and third Mondays every month: Open 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. by appointment at 931 W. Seventh St., Lexington. Previous vaccination records required. Contact 308-325-3436 or 308-325-3169.
Dawson/Gosper County CASA: seeking Volunteers. CASA Volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life, who advocate through the court system in the interests of children. Contact 308-324-7364.
