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Top Story Spotlight
Reese Kuecker takes on the Masters Tournament with UNL hospitality program
Lexington's Reese Kuecker poses for a photo in front of the score board at the Masters Tournament April 6 at Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia. Kuecker and 20 others with the UNL hospitality program were selected to work April 2-12 at the golf tournament.
Lexington graduate Reese Kuecker recently participated in what she called a "prestigious and unique experience."
Kuecker was one of a 21-member contingent selected to provide hospitality services at Augusta National Golf Club for the Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.
She is enrolled in the hospitality, restaurant and tourism management program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
"This program has provided me with a wide range of valuable opportunities, including the chance to work at the Masters Tournament," Kuecker said.
Kuecker explained the selection process started with an application through UNL, followed by a second round of applications and evaluations conducted by Augusta National for those who advanced.
After being selected, the group made their way to Georgia April 2 to begin training.
"I began working April 3, and continued through Masters Sunday on April 12," Kuecker said. "My schedule consisted of long but rewarding days, typically from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with responsibilities spanning nearly the entire day."
She worked as a server in one of the hospitality suites.
"I had the privilege of serving members of Augusta National Golf Club," Kuecker said. "This role required a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and exceptional guest service."
Kuecker added that her favorite moment was watching Roy McIlroy and his father play the 18th hole before the tournament began.
"I also had the opportunity to watch Rory play holes 11, 12 and 13 — known as Amen Corner — which I found to be the most beautiful and iconic part of the course," she said.
Kuecker said she had some nerves going into such a large and prestigious event, but those nerves quickly eased with a strong support system around her.
She said the biggest takeaway was gaining a true appreciation for the excellence and tradition of Augusta National.
"The experience demanded hard work, discipline and consistency, but it was incredibly rewarding," Kuecker said.
Despite the long hours, it is an opportunity she would not trade for anything, and if given the chance to return, she would "absolutely" take it again.
Kuecker said the environment at the Masters was unlike anything she's ever experienced.
"Every detail was carefully planned and executed to perfection, creating a sense of excellence and tradition throughout the entire event," she said. "Being surrounded by such a high-caliber event also meant encountering individuals from all walks of life, including well-known figures, which added to the uniqueness and prestige of the experience."
She said the experience taught her the importance of adaptability, teamwork and maintaining a high level of professionalism under pressure.
The experience reinforced how important hospitality is in creating memorable experiences.
Back in Lincoln, Kuecker currently works under the event coordinator at Firethorn Golf Club as the hospitality and operations assistant.
Kuecker is excited to apply all the skills, professionalism and attention to detail to her future career in hospitality.
"I felt incredibly grateful that God blessed me with something so special, and I'm humbled to have been given this opportunity," she said. "It was a meaningful moment for me, and I truly felt so thankful to be part of this experience."
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Jose Lara steps into role as head coach of the Lexington girls wrestling program
Lexington High School announced, April 17, the hiring of Jose Lara as the new head coach for the Lexington Minutemaid wrestling program.
Lara graduated from Lexington High School in 2008. He wrestled for the Minutemen during his time in high school.
Lara
He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Kearney with his education degree in 2013 and took his first job at Lexington Middle School, and has been here ever since.
Lara teaches sixth grade social studies and is also a member of the technology core team.
He has coached multiple sports at Lexington Middle School in his time here but focused most of his time serving as the head middle school wrestling coach, for both boys and girls.
Lara also worked on the varsity boys wrestling staff as an assistant for nine years.
His ability to lead with confidence on the mat, and overcome adversity in his own life off the mat have provided him with many valuable skills that he will use as he takes on the new role of head varsity girls coach.
LHS is pleased that our girls wrestling program will build on the tradition that has been established by Art Banderas, and fully expect coach Lara to excel as our new leader.
Lara has great knowledge of the sport and brings a ton of passion to the wrestling mat.
The future of the Minutemaid Wrestling program is very bright with Lara leading the way.
He is married to Jessica, a nurse for Lexington Public Schools, and they have three children: Liliana, 7; Esmeralda, 5; and Nico, 3.
Lara steps into the role following the resignation of Art Banderas at the end of the 2025-26 season.
Banderas served as the first Minutemaid wrestling head coach from November 2022 until the conclusion of this past season.
He built a tremendous foundation, and led his teams to much success.
Under his guidance, the Maids earned two Central Conference championships, two conference runner-ups, three district runner-ups, and they were the Class A-2 District Champions this past season.
He's coached 10 individual conference champions, 34 state qualifiers, 12 state medalists, and one Class A champion, Ashley Najera.
Banderas led the Minutemaids to a top four finish as a team in the Class A state tournament this year.
He has always shown a passion for building relationships with his wrestlers, and has proven to be a talented and knowledgeable coach.
He also served as an assistant boys wrestling coach from 2013-2022. He even served a year as an assistant varsity volleyball coach during his tenure here.
The Lexington Athletic Department thanks him for his many years of dedicated service.
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 Public Library is hosting four creative writing classes on Monday, April 20 and 27 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Pheasants Forever annual banquet Saturday, April 25 at The Well at 5:30 p.m. contact Michael for information and tickets at 308-651-0867 or Gunnar at 308-529-3732.
A Healthy Lunch Break Wednesday, April 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Orthman Community YMCA in partnership with Lexington Regional Health Center. RSVP for a free lunch provided by LRHC by calling the YMCA at 308-324-1970 by Tuesday, April 21.
Grand opening of the Global Roots community garden will be Friday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 801 N Lincoln St., Lexington.
YMCA Cinco de Mayo 5/10K walk/run Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m.
Mobile Food Pantry Thursday, May 7 at 3 p.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
Dinosaur Dimensions Show Friday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at Veteran's Pavilion.
GriefShare meets every Thursday through April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.
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
The 21st Annual Women's Health Luncheon Thursday, April 23 at 11:30 a.m. at Cozad Elks Club. Reserve your seat by April 16. Featured speaker: Dr. Shauna Lindstedt-Easterday. Call Suzanne at 308-784-2261 to reserve a seat.
Armchair Travels: Wednesday, April 22 at 5:30 p.m. with Roxanne Converse-Whiting speaking about her recent trip to Italy.
A Night at the Robert Henri Art Gallery with Peter Osborne Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how "The Art Spirit" book directly relates to the works in the museum.
Food for Fines at the Wilson Public Library, the entire month of April. A canned food item waives $2 off a patron's prior fines.
Nebraska Scams and Fraud Education program at the Cozad Grand Generation Center Tuesday, April 28 at 1 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
State Sen. Teresa Ibach will be at the Wilson Public Library for a Community Chat at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 1.
Cozad Community Health System is hosting a 75th year open house and remodel ribbon cutting Friday, May 15 from 4-7 p.m.
The Chamber Golf Tournament is Friday, May 29 at 9 a.m. Register now for the 18-hole, four-person scramble.
City wide garage sales Saturday, June 13. $15 registration to put your location on the map.
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.
Blacktop Classics Car Show Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m. in downtown Cozad on Meridian Avenue.
Bands, Brews and BBQs will be held Saturday, July 11 with the Lemon Fresh Day band headlining the night and opener by Heather Wellman. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. More information on ticket sales will be provided at a later date.
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.
SUMNER HAPPENINGS
The Sumner Saddle Club Pancake Feed is Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sumner Community Hall.
OVERTON HAPPENINGS
The Overton Alumni Association 125th annual banquet will be Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at the Overton school gym. Tickets are $25 each and must be purchased by May 18, and available at First Security Bank in Overton. For tickets and more information call Alyce Bauer at 308-987-2280.
GOTHENBURG HAPPENINGS
Dueling Pianos is making a return to Gothenburg Saturday, April 18 at the YMCA. Doors open at 6 p.m. and pianos start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.
The Gothenburg FFA Greenhouse opens April 25. Dates are: April 25-26, May 2-3, May 9-10 and May 16-17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 1311 Ave G.
25th Annual Walk for Life at Lake Helen with registration at 9:30 a.m. and walking starts at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 2. This is a fundraiser for the North Platte Women's Resource Center.
The 51st annual Gothenburg Area Fireman's Ball is set for Saturday, May 30 from 5 p.m. to midnight.
City Wide Garage Sales Saturday, June 20. Register for $20 to get your location on the map. Deadline is June 10.
Livin' Out Loud is set for Aug. 15-16 at Lake Helen.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Students/Senior Citizens/Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Project Hail Mary" (PG-13) - April 17-19, 22; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"A Great Awakening" (PG-13) - April 24-26, 29; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 3 and 7 p.m.
"The Devil Wears Prada 2" (PG-13) - May 1-3, 6 and 8-10, 13; Fridays/Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays 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:
"Super Mario Galaxy Movie" (PG) - April 14-23; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m., Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:30 and 7:10 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"You, Me & Tuscany" (PG-13) - April 14-23; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"Normal" (R) - April 17-23; Friday at 7:20 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:40 and 7:20 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Project Hail Mary" (PG-13) - April 17-19; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
"A Great Awakening" (PG-13) - April 24-26; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 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: 10 a.m. — 7 p.m., Friday: 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. and Saturday: 10 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
WEDNESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Farkle
12:45 p.m. - Pool
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
Ham and Beans Soup, Cheese Cubes, Pickled Beets, Potato Salad, Peaches
TUESDAY
Meatloaf, Au Gratin Potatoes, Cream Corn, Pineapple
WEDNESDAY
Italian Chicken with Bowtie Noodles and Sauce, Italian Green Beans, Buttered Carrots, Apricots
THURSDAY
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, Red Diced Potatoes, Tomato Medley, Tropical Fruit
FRIDAY
Potato Bar, Meat Sauce, Baked Potatoes, Broccoli and Cheese, Fresh Fruit, 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
Noon- Rotary
Noon - Commodities
1 p.m. - Bridge
1 p.m. - Dominos
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
THURSDAY
Noon - 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
Spaghetti, Green Beans, Mixed Fruit, Garlic Bread, Cherry Bites
TUESDAY
Ham, Sweet Potato, Carrots, Peach Salad, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Beef Tips over Noodles, Peas, Pears, Dessert
THURSDAY
Fish or Cook's Choice, Rice, Creamed Corn, Applesauce, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Sloppy Joes, Tater Tots, Baked Beans, Pineapple, Cookies
FARNAM SENIOR CENTER
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
French Dip, Potato Salad, Peas, Pears
TUESDAY
Lasagna, Mixed Veggies, Lettuce Salad, Peaches, Garlic Bread
WEDNESDAY
Tuna and Noodles, Peas, Broccoli Salad, Pineapple, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Fruit Cocktail, Dinner Roll
FRIDAY
Smothered Steak, Baked Potato, Corn, Apricots, Dinner Roll
GOSPER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
All meals are served with vegetables, fruit and a sweet item. Please call before 10 a.m. for your reservation 308-785-2500. Menu is subject to change without notice.
MONDAY
Orange Chicken
TUESDAY
Hot Beef Sandwich
WEDNESDAY
Liver and Onions
THURSDAY
Pork Quesadillas
FRIDAY
Soup and Sandwich
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 Christin 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.
News
Top Story Spotlight
City of Lexington approves RYDE funds and on-call funders
LEXINGTON — The Lexington City Council voted 4-0, with Dora Vivas absent, to approve RYDE Transit funding in the amount of $22,988 during its regular meeting on Tuesday, April 14.
Charles McGraw of RYDE Transit traveled from Kearney to present the funding request. This is an annual request to ensure the program has funding to operate for the following year.
Dawson County funding was requested and approved at the April 1 county commissioners meeting.
McGraw said that although rides dropped a bit after the Tyson closure, they are “leveling off” as there has been an uptick in riders going to physical therapy and medical appointments.
“I’m getting introduced to a lot of new people when I ride the bus,” Mayor John Fagot said.
At the county board meeting two weeks prior, board members had asked about Lexington Regional Health Center's contributions to the RYDE program. McGraw reiterated at the City Council meeting what was said at the commissioners meeting: Although the hospital does not donate directly to the program, it contributes by purchasing punch cards for patients in need.
Asked about the per-person cost of rides, McGraw said the rates are scheduled to change. Rides currently average between $2 and $8 per trip, but likely will increase to at least $5 in the future.
McGraw said the change is being considered due to budget constraints and that “we have to do something here.”
McGraw also told the council that campaigns are being planned to increase passengers from Gothenburg, Overton and Sumner.
The council approved the assistance funding request by RYDE Transit for the 2026-2027 year.
The council also unanimously agreed to sign a loan agreement and promissory note with the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment under the Drinking Water Facilities Loan Fund to replace lead water service lines that the city knows of, primarily in downtown Lexington.
The council also approved consultant selections presented to them for on-call funding services. Olsson and Miller & Associates both submitted proposals, and the council agreed to both upon the request from City Manager Joe Pepplitsch, so that when needs arise, the city can use either company.
During the public comment period, Rick Benjamin introduced himself to the council.
Benjamin is running for the District 3 County Board seat in eastern Dawson County. He said he has lived in Dawson County his entire life, has been on the Dawson County Fair Board and has been in the agriculture industry for 40 years.
Having worked for three years in Cozad and 20 years in Lexington, Benjamin said, he has built relationships in the agricultural world that he wants to continue fostering by serving as a county commissioner.
“I’ve seen a lot of changes in Dawson County, and I’m ready to see more,” said Benjamin. “I’m always looking for challenges.”
Benjamin lives three miles northeast of Lexington.
The council went into executive session to discuss contractual negotiations but no action was taken.
During the roundtable at the end of the meeting, Assistant City Manager Dennis Burnside confirmed he will be retiring at the end of May.
