

LINCOLN — It's been 17 long years since Lexington High School has brought home a champion title in girls tennis.
That was until Josslyn Mins and Millie Pepplitsch won the No. 2 doubles gold on Wednesday at Woods Tennis Center in Lincoln.
"It's just rewarding, I think for all of us. It was a shared victory because we were just all proud of what our young people can do," coach Jake Saulsbury said. "It brings a lot of pride to our town."
Mins and Pepplitsch grew up next door to one another. The duo said their families are really close.
"I think it was just more fun, just to experience it with you," Pepplitsch told Mins.
"I didn't think we were going to play together to begin with," Mins said.
Pepplitsch said they would have a really good day, then go hang out and talk about it.
"Then the next day we'd be back to practicing again. It was kind of a cycle, but it was really fun to be able to get that close with a partner, because I know a lot of teams struggle with that," Pepplitsch said. "And I think that is one of the things that helped us."
Pepplitsch added, "I was really hesitant to start in doubles ... especially when you're so close to someone. You kind of think, I don't want to mess up. But it was really fun and I don't think I would have wanted to play with anybody else."
Saulsbury said the staff wasn't sure how the season was going to start and where Mins and Pepplitsch would end up.
"I kind of planned on Josslyn moving into the doubles lineup from singles last year, and I wasn't quite sure on Millie and her freshman season," he said. "But Millie showed all the signs early on that she was going to be a successful doubles player."
He said that Pepplitsch's skills would set up her partner well and complement Mins' strengths at the net.
"Their progression at the beginning was getting early wins because success breeds success, right?" Saulsbury said.
This is Lexington's first state title since 2009, when Terah Maloley won the title in No. 2 singles, and the first No. 2 doubles title since Sara Lauby and Brette Baldwin claimed gold in 2003.
"It's great. I feel like so many people underestimate Lex, so it's good to bring the title back home," Mins said. "It's always fun to see a western school beat up on all the eastern schools like Lincoln or Omaha."
Pepplitsch added, "I feel like a lot of people didn't expect a Lexington team or smaller town to be able to compete in something like a semifinal or championship."
"Everybody was cheering for us, and it was really cool. Kearney Catholic, they were big supporters for us, and Grand Island Central Catholic, too," the duo said, their comments overlapping.
"It was just fun to see even neighboring communities cheer for us," Mins said.
The pair said they were really nervous through the first three matches, but the further into the tournament they got, the more confident they became.
Seeded No. 2 in the tournament, Mins, a sophomore, and Pepplitsch, a freshman, took down No. 1 Lincoln Standing Bear juniors Jayda Engelbart and Sophia Johnson in the championship match.
The Maid duo won 6-4 and 6-4 to earn the state title.
Pepplitsch said, "It still doesn't feel like we won state. It's kind of just like you won the game until you really think about it."
Mins and Pepplitsch won the semifinal 7-6 (7-1) and 6-4 over Skutt Catholic seniors Madilyn Eich and Mia Stevens.
They said that reaching the semifinal "didn't feel real."
In the quarterfinal, the duo won 6-1 and 4-6 (10-5) over Grand Island Central Catholic's Ella Arens and Elizabeth Mueller.
"When we won in the tiebreaker, I think we were just shocked," Mins said.
The Maids won the second round 6-0 and 6-3 over Crete's Camry Draeger and Hailey Kersten.
In the opening round, Mins and Pepplitsch won 8-1 over Gretna's Gracie Fuller and Emersyn Miller.
NO. 1 DOUBLES
Sydney Reutlinger-Maravilla and Kennedy Cetak were seeded No. 9 in the tournament.
The duo finished in sixth place after falling to Grand Island Central Catholic's Arushi Birthi and Abigail Connick 8-2.
The Maids reached the fifth place match after defeating Lincoln Standing Bear's Reese Pederson and Addison Peterson 8-4.
Lexington lost 6-1 and 6-1 to Kearney Catholic's Kit Schrock and Tessa Colling in the quarterfinal.
The duo won the second round 4-6 and 6-4(11-9) over Margaret Sauer and Elle Weiland of Omaha Duchesne Academy.
Reutlinger-Maravilla and Cetak opened up the tournament with a first round win 8-0 over Omaha Mercy's Hailey Carlsen and Kathryn Woodling.
NO. 1 SINGLES
Jovie Worthing won the first round 8-0 over Adams Central's Caylin Boelhower.
Worthing lost 8-3 to No. 9 Abigail Schneider of McCook, ending her state run.
NO. 2 SINGLES
Atley Harris won 8-0 over Wilber-Clatonia's Sophia Chambers in the first round.
Harris lost 8-3 to No. 8 Natalie Beninato of Omaha Skutt Catholic, ending her state run.
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
Mobile Food Pantry at the Dawson County Fairgrounds Thursday, June 4 at 3 p.m.
Sen. Deb Fischer office hours Tuesday, June 9 at Lexington Public Library from 10-11 a.m.
Coffee Conversations with Dr. Jeffrey Schopp Tuesday, June 2 from 8-9 a.m. at the Orthman Community YMCA.
Annual Mary Maloley Aussie Open Tennis Tournament June 5-6.
New Holiday Inn Express grand opening from 3-5 p.m. Tuesday, June 9.
Free Pool Sensory Hour hosted by Lexington Regional Health Center Pediatric Rehab Team Thursday, June 11 at 10 a.m. at the Lexington Family Aquatic Center.
Celebrate America's 250th at the Lexington Public Library Tuesday, June 16 from 5-7 p.m.
Lexington Area Christian Women's Connection presents "Music is in the Air" men's night Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m. at Kirk's. Reservations and cancellations by noon Monday, June 15. Call Sheri at 308-320-0952 or Jonelle at 308-325-8279.
City Council Meeting Tuesday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m.
Lexington Street Dance Friday, June 19 from 8 p.m. to 1 p.m. at The Well featuring DJ Lopez. $10 cover charge.
21st annual Golf Tournament for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, July 8 from 2-7 p.m. at Lakeside Country Club at Johnson Lake.
Heartland Museum of Military Vehicle's second annual Summer Celebration Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum. Join them to celebrate the US's 250th birthday with food trucks, live vehicle demonstrations, family activities and more.
Wine & Wings, Beer & Brats fundraiser night for the Blanche Senior Scholarship at Mac's Creek Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5-9 p.m.
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
Analyzing Henri's notebooks with Andrew Cozad on Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Robert Henri Museum and Art Gallery.
Free document shredding for anyone over 60 at the Cozad Grand Generation Center Monday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to noon.
Community Chat: Wednesday, June 3 at noon with guest speaker Laura Rody with Messtival.
Charlie (The Noise Guy) Kind of a Dragon Show Thursday, June 11 at 2 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
City wide garage sales Saturday, June 13.
Maker Market every Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. starting June 16 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.
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.
ELWOOD HAPPENINGS
Garage Sales Friday, June 5 and Saturday, June 6. Map will be available on the Elwood Chamber Facebook Page, the Chamber website and in local businesses around town.
Sen. Deb Fischer office hours Tuesday, June 9 from 1-2 p.m. in Elwood at the Gosper County Courthouse.
GOTHENBURG HAPPENINGS
Gothenburg Roping Club is hosting a free will donation Wednesday, June 3 beginning at 5 p.m. at the rodeo grounds. This supports the Pony Express Rodeo.
"The Play That Goes Wrong" June 4-7 at the Sun Theatre. $20 for adults and $10 for 12 and under.
Crime 101 Trivia Night at the Sun Theatre Wednesday, June 10 from 7-9 p.m. Teams of 2-6 $20 and teams of 7-9 $30. To register call 402-413-5747.
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:
"Mandalorian & Grogu" (PG-13) - May 30-31 and June 3; Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"The Sheep Detectives" (PG) - June 5-7, 10; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"The Breadwinner" (PG) - June 12-14, 17; 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:
"In the Grey" (R) - May 30 - June 4; Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7:20 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" (PG-13) - May 30 - June 4; Saturday/Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"The Breadwinner" (PG) - May 30 - June 4; 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:
"The Play That Goes Wrong" June 4-7; Thursday-Saturday 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: 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
8 a.m. - Peo
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bunco
1 p.m. - Bridge
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
2 p.m. - Spring Tea
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
Cooks Choice Casserole, Red Diced Potatoes, Roasted Cauliflower, Applesauce
TUESDAY
Polish Dog on Bun, Fries, Sauerkraut, Pineapple
WEDNESDAY
Swiss Steak, Au Gratin Potatoes, Buttered Beets, Apricots
THURSDAY
Corn Beef Casserole, Boiled Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Apple Slices
FRIDAY
Taco Bar, Meat Sauce, Tater Tots, Beans, OJ Cups, Desserts, Tortillas
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
1 p.m. - Dominos
1 p.m. - Bridge
1:15 p.m. - Foot Clinic
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Tai Chi
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY
Fish or Cooks Choice, Tater Tots, Peas, Pineapple, Cookies
TUESDAY
Chicken Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Mixed Fruit, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Ham and Beans, Stewed Tomatoes, Pears, Cornbread, Dessert
THURSDAY
Saulsbury Steak, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
BBQ Ribs, Cheesy Potatoes, Corn, Fruit Cocktail, Brownies
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
Saulsbury Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Apricots, Dinner Roll
TUESDAY
Chicken Alfredo, Lettuce Salad, Peas, Pears, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Taco Bake, Diced Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Fruit Cocktail, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Peaches, 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
Lasagna
TUESDAY
Pulled Pork Sandwich
WEDNESDAY
Fried Chicken
THURSDAY
Smothered Burritos
FRIDAY
Chicken Chef Salad
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.

LEXINGTON — In response to the recent Tyson plant closure, the Lexington Community Foundation has mobilized private donations directed specifically to address the immediate needs of affected individuals and to distribute critical resources to support the community during this challenging time.
As of May 26, the foundation has disbursed more than $620,000 in private relief funding, directly assisting individuals and families most affected by the closure through trusted local agencies.
These funds have been strategically directed toward the areas of highest need, including food assistance, utility support, and rent assistance.
By prioritizing these essential services, the foundation aimed to stabilize households facing sudden financial hardship and ensure access to necessities.
“Our community is resilient, but moments like this require swift and meaningful support,” said Barry McFarland, LCF public relations chair. “We committed to standing alongside those impacted and provided initial resources that helped families remain secure and supported.”
The relief funding is part of the foundation's ongoing effort to address both immediate and long-term community needs.
In addition to current donation disbursements, the foundation is actively securing new private funding sources and partnerships to expand its impact.
Looking ahead, LCF will continue to invest in programs and initiatives that strengthen Lexington's overall well-being.
These efforts are designed not only to respond to the current crisis but also to ensure long-term sustainability and recovery beyond the effects of the Tyson plant closure.
LCF will continue to focus on support through separately raised annual grant funds to assess community capital projects, challenge gifts, and those programs that seek to build innovative solutions and create lasting community impact.
“This is a unique time in our community to reflect on all the gifts we currently bestow, look to what we can expand upon, and rise to new heights for the future.”
Jan. 8 brought a day of revelations for Cozad Child Care after the organization underwent an inspection it had not experienced in at least six years.
The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy inspection revealed that the building, which has housed the childcare center since 1992, needs extensive updates totaling about $100,000.
To help cover the costs, Cozad Child Care applied for a $25,000 grant. To qualify for the funds, however, the organization must raise the remaining $75,000 through community support.
While $75,000 may seem like a steep goal, director Nancy Bullis and assistant director Robin Clouse said they are confident the Cozad community will rise to the challenge.
Though the building has undergone some updates over the years, the inspection found that the kitchen needs a complete overhaul.
The kitchen, which serves 35-38 students daily, currently uses a residential dishwasher and must upgrade to a commercial unit.
The wooden shelving in the pantry must be replaced with metal shelves, and the cupboards have been deemed “uncleanable” because the worn varnish exposes the wood to chemicals and bacteria.
While the dining area has two sinks for children to wash their hands, the cook only has access to one sink in the kitchen, which is also used for food preparation.
The inspection requires the addition of a second sink dedicated solely to handwashing.
Bullis and Clouse contacted Eustis Plumbing to assess the building’s water lines and were told the kitchen is too small and not configured for an additional sink.
The cost of installing new plumbing will depend on the extent of the work required.
In addition to the kitchen renovations, the inspection identified several other issues, including a chipped bathroom sink, damaged toilet seats, a chipped toilet tank and worn changing tables that must be replaced.
Like the cupboards, the changing tables were considered “uncleanable” because chips in the protective covering expose the wood underneath.
Staff members sanitize surfaces with a mixture of Clorox bleach and water, which can seep into exposed wood.
Beyond the required upgrades, the building’s HVAC system — still the original unit installed in 1992 — also needs to be replaced.
“The duct work needs revamped,” Bullis said.
Bullis and Clouse have been working to replace the childcare center’s windows, and still have a few remaining.
Asked why the grant funding is necessary, Clouse answered, “The new minimum wage really hurt us.”
Cozad Child Care is a nonprofit organization. Much of the center's income is already directed toward maintenance and operational expenses.
According to Bullis, it costs approximately $1,000 per month to care for each child. Tuition rates are $195 per month for infants, $175 per month for preschool-age children and $780 per month for older children.
After calculating the numbers, Bullis said the average gap between tuition payments and the actual cost of care is roughly $300 per child.
Once employee wages and other operating expenses are added, the organization’s budget is quickly depleted.
The grant funding is needed to bring the childcare center back up to required standards.
Both Bullis and Clouse said they were grateful the inspector waived the original Jan. 30 deadline for the upgrades, giving the organization additional time to raise the necessary funds and complete the projects.
To help raise money, Cozad Child Care is currently hosting “Dollars for Daycare,” a fundraising campaign distributed through the mail.
The organization also plans to hold a bake sale June 6 during the car show in downtown Cozad.
Anyone wishing to donate can contact the childcare center at 308-784-4088 or visit the facility at 1208 E. Ninth St., Cozad.
There is currently no hard deadline for the fundraising effort, but Bullis and Clouse said they hope to raise the money quickly so the grant funding can be secured and renovations can begin.