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STATE WRESTLING
Ashley Najera makes Lexington history as first-ever girls state wrestling champ
With the crowd yelling behind her, senior Ashley Najera celebrates as her hand is raised after winning Lexington girls first-ever state champion title Wednesday night in the Class A State Championships at the CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Lexington's Ashley Najera lets out a cry in celebration knowing she will become a state medalist after winning the quarterfinal match Tuesday at the CHI Health Center in Omaha.
Lexington head coach Art Banderas comforts an emotional Ashley Najera after the Minutemaid senior won the school's first-ever state champion title Wednesday night in Omaha.
Lexington's Ashley Najera shows off her flexibility with the infamous "AJ Ferrari splits" after the senior won the Class A 235-pound state championship gold medal Wednesday at the CHI Health Center in Omaha.
OMAHA — From sporting a basketball jersey her freshman year to standing on top of the Class A State Championship podium as a senior, Ashley Najera etched her name into the Lexington Minutemaid history books after winning the school's first state championship title.
It was a victory she emotionally claimed for her "people."
Najera said the support of her town pushed her to win.
"Everyone ... everyone in the town has been texting me," she said. "I'm just so glad — thank you to everyone!"
Leaving behind a legacy, going undefeated in her final season, Najera selflessly continued to claim her title for her community.
"It feels amazing ... just for my people," she said. "I love them so much. They deserve it."
With happy tears rolling down her face and her crowd behind her celebrating, she said, "They're always cheering me on and my teammates. They're just the best."
Lexington head coach Art Banderas gave emotional praise to Najera.
"I'm so happy for Ashley. She put in the work," he said. "She had been mentally focused all season."
Banderas added, "A lot of people in that room (Lexington wrestling) have contributed to this, to the culture, and contributed to the resilience, grit and hard work that goes in that room.
"Ashley gets all of the praise as she should today, but it took a whole bunch of people behind her — her teammates, and it took the community of Lexington to be here, cheering her on."
Journey to the top
Najera was seeded at the top of the 235-pound bracket, where she faced Grand Island senior Chanya Zavala Tuesday afternoon.
She quickly got to work, pinning Zavala 34 seconds into the opening-round match.
In the quarterfinal, Najera took to the mat against 46-1 Omaha Buena Vista junior Sandra Takara.
After a scoreless first period, Najera got a takedown late in the second period to lead 3-0 before being awarded a penalty point after Takara was called for stalling twice.
Najera got a takedown 30 seconds into the third period to lead 7-0, but Takara escaped.
With under a minute left, Najera went up 10-1 after a takedown before securing the quarterfinal win by pin.
She let out all the emotions in realization that she had just become a state medalist.
Najera stood and yelled, "Let's go!"
With one match in her way of going for gold, Najera left the arena to prepare for the Wednesday afternoon semifinal against 28-4 York senior Avery Albers.
The semifinal whistle sounded and Najera got to work.
The first period against Albers ended scoreless.
Albers chose the top position to start the second period, but that didn't slow Najera down.
She escaped in five seconds, then got a takedown to lead 4-0 for a second before Albers got an escape.
The remainder of the period was a battle to gain control.
Najera, up 4-1, continued to fight for a position to score on Albers.
With 16 seconds left, she took her shot to get one final takedown to win 7-1.
Looking ahead to the final match, she said, "I don't have anything to lose, and everything to gain."
Banderas said that she didn't need much prepping.
"She was ready to go," he said. "We knew her hardest match was going to be in the quarters. She slept well last night.
"We knew what the game plan was, and she stuck to it."
Najera would face 38-1 Beatrice junior Shaylee Calloway in the championship.
After a nearly six-hour wait, Najera's name was called as she entered the walk-out tunnel to take her place across from Calloway on the mat.
Sporting green ankle bands, Najera placed her foot on the starting line in the center of the mat, shook Calloway's hand and awaited the blow of the whistle.
Carefully calculating every move, Najera grappled through the first period in tie-ups with Calloway.
Calloway ended the period with an escape to lead 1-0 going into the final two minutes of the match.
With the choice in her hands, Najera chose the neutral position.
Najera finally got into her double under hook to get a takedown over 30 seconds into the third.
She took a 7-1 lead after four near-fall points.
Najera was able to control the rest of the match with Calloway on her back, winning the gold medal with a 7-1 decision.
The Minutemaid ended her high school career with a 109-12 record.
Her future
It was the last time she would win a match for Lexington High School, but her wrestling career continues.
Najera signed with Southeast Community College on Feb. 4 and will be seen in a Bobcat singlet.
When asked what winning the championship means going to the next level, she said, "It means a lot to me because I get to be great in different places at a different level.
"And I just get to have more memories with other people."
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
Dawson County Commissioners meeting Friday, Feb. 27 at 9 a.m. at the courthouse.
Lexington City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the city office building.
Central Community College - Lexington is offering basic construction and safety classes March 13-14, 20-21 and 27, Fridays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.$3,280 per person. To sign up, contact: danielgettinger@cccneb.edu or by phone: 308-338-4011. GAP funding is available for recently laid-off or displaced workers.
Lunch and Learn: Immigration, naturalization and civics presented by DAR member Sandy Mittelstaedt at the Lexington Public Library Thursday, Feb. 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Meal Planning and Preparation hosted by Nebraska Extension Thursday, Feb. 26 from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Extension office (1002 Plum Creek Parkway). Free to everyone. For questions call 308-324-5501.
Bonneville Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will be presenting awards Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington.
Mobile Food Pantry at the Dawson County Fairgrounds Thursday, March 5 at 3 p.m.
GriefShare meets every Thursday through April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.
Cropping at the Museum: Rescuing the Past April 10-13 at the Dawson County Historical Museum. All proceeds benefit the museum.
Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District will open its winter eagle viewing at the J-2 Hydroplant south of Lexington until Feb. 22. Open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday.
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
Cozad Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for Big Red Supply and Rental Monday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.
Cozad Ambassadors presents Business After Hours Friday, Feb. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at the Cozad Elks Club.
Cozad City Wide Clean Up March 2-6. Tags must be picked up for items before 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 at the City Office. Items accepted are appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, stoves, freezers, air conditioners, tires, computer monitors, furniture that is too big for the tan dumpster.
Nebraska Extension Landscape Design Workshop Saturday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
The Cozad Chamber and Cozad Development annual meeting is Thursday, March 19 from 5-9 p.m. at the Cozad Elks Club.
Revitalize and Thrive is hosting a free indoor mini-golf tournament for Cozad middle school and high schoolers Friday, March 20 with middle schoolers starting at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and high schoolers from 8:30-10:30 p.m. at the Cozad High School in "The Barn."
Cozad Community Foundation is accepting items, services or an experience for their upcoming Red Day fundraiser auction. Red Day will be held Saturday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at Cozad Elks Club. Contact Robyn Geiser at 308-325-2450 or by email at ccf@cozadtel.net.
Storytime with Sauce, certified therapy dog, Friday, Feb. 27 at 11 a.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
RESCHEDULED: To Friday, Feb. 27 - Tax Clinics at the Wilson Public Library on Friday March 6 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Landscape Design with Extension Educator Elizabeth Exstrom Saturday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Armchair Travels: Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m. with Mary Jane Skala at the Wilson Public Library.
Drive Thru free grocery Thursday, March 12 from 5-7 p.m. at the Cozad Grand Generation Center.
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.
EUSTIS HAPPENINGS
American Legion Waffle Feed Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Legion Hall in Eustis from 5-8 p.m. Free will donation.
FARNAM HAPPENINGS
Farnam Community Carnival at the Farnam School Building Saturday, Feb. 28 sponsored by the Farnam Lions Club. Soup supper from 5:30-9:30 p.m. and games from 6:30-10 p.m.
GOTHENBURG HAPPENINGS
American Red Cross Blood Drive Monday, Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gothenburg High School.
Dancing With the Stars ticket sales event, one day only, Thursday, Feb. 26 from 5-8 p.m. at the Sun Theatre.
K-12th grade Art Showcase Sunday, March 1 from 1-3 p.m. at 829 Lake Ave., Gothenburg. Free will donation for the Art Programs.
Father-Daughter Dance Saturday, March 14 from 4-9 p.m. at the YMCA at Gothenburg Health. $60 per couple and $15 for each additional daughter. Must register by March 8.
Women's Pickleball tournament at the Gothenburg YMCA Saturday, March 14 at 9 a.m. for ages 16 and up with a $50 fee per team. Must register by March 13.
Save the Date: Dancing With the Stars Saturday, March 21.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Students/Senior Citizens/Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Mercy" (PG-13) - Feb. 20-22, 25; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Goat" (PG) - Feb. 27-28, March 1 and 4: Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 3 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:
"Solo Mio" (PG) - Feb. 17-19; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Wuthering Heights" (R) - Feb. 17-26; Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"Goat" (PG) - Feb. 17-26; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m., Friday at 7:20 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7:20 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"I Can Only Imagine 2" (PG) - Feb. 17-26; Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:10 and 7:10 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Buffalo Kids" (PG) - Feb. 20-22; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
"Crime 101" (R) - Feb. 27-28 and March 1; 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
9 a.m. - Movie Time
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bunco and Foot Clinic
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
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
Taco Soup, Cheese Cubes, Pickled Beets, Potato Salad, Apple Slices
TUESDAY
Chicken Pot Pie, Candi Yams, Hawaiian Carrots, Tropical Fruit
WEDNESDAY
Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Boiled Potatoes, Corn, Mandarin Oranges
THURSDAY
Pork Fritters with Gravy, Potatoes with Gravy, Tomato Medley, Peaches
FRIDAY
Potato Bar, Meat Sauce, Baked Potato, Broccoli and Cheese, Pineapple, 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. - Dominos
8 p.m. - Tourism Meeting
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
FRIDAY
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
Hamburger Bake, Gravy, Peaches, Corn, Fruit Bars
TUESDAY
Chicken Enchilada, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Cookie Salad, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Pork Chop, Potato Wedges, Stuffing, Broccoli, Peach Cobbler, Ice Cream
THURSDAY
Spaghetti, Green Beans, Petite Pear Salad, Garlic Bread, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Chili, Ham Salad Sandwich, Veggie Sticks, Fruit Cocktail, Cake
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
Swiss Steak, Baked Potato, Stewed Tomatoes, Applesauce, Dinner Roll
TUESDAY
Chicken Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Lettuce Salad, Pears, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Saulsbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Peaches, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Pork Loin, Cheesy Hashbrowns, Mixed Veggies, Fruit Cocktail, Dinner Roll
FRIDAY
Chicken Spaghetti, Beets, Broccoli Salad, Apricots, Garlic Bread
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
Taco Burgers
TUESDAY
Pork Chops
WEDNESDAY
Liver and Onions
THURSDAY
Meatloaf
FRIDAY
Soup and Sandwich
ORGANIZATIONS
Full of Grace: Meetings at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Nazarene Church at 919 H St. in Cozad.
Southview Group: Meetings at 8 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1804 Papio Lane in Cozad.
Westside Group: AA/NA: open meeting on Friday nights at 7 p.m. Meetings are held at Grace Lutheran Church, 105 E. 17th St., Lexington, use the south door.
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 at noon, Fridays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 6 p.m. at 1801 W. 18th St. in Lexington.
It Works Group: AA meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at noon at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 303 E. 6th St. in Lexington.
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.
Grupo Lexington AA (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 11 a.m., at 114 W. 6th St. in Lexington.
Sumner AA Group: meets Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at the United Church of Sumner, 504 Main St., Sumner. For more information call 308-325-5827.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings: Meetings at 8 p.m. on Thursdays at Hope Lutheran Church, 74094 Road 436 in Smithfield. Call 308-785-3567 or 308-472-3376.
Pony Express Group AA: meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Gothenburg Evangelical Free Church (515 18th St) in Gothenburg.
Thirsty Thursday by the Cemetery: Meetings held on Thursdays at 7 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.
