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From paper to digital: LRHC celebrates 50 years of innovation
Lexington Regional Health Center celebrated its 50th anniversary Tuesday, Sept. 1, with a free community event at the hospital.
From a grilled lunch in the parking lot to indoor games, informational booths, a 50% off sale at the gift shop and tours of the facility, community members came together to celebrate LRHC’s staff and the innovations that have transformed local health care over the past half-century.
Lexington Regional Health Center held a 50th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, September 1. The celebration featured an outdoor meal, indoor information booths, activities, gift shop sale and hospital tours.
Peggy Block, a nursing administrative assistant who has worked for LRHC for all 50 years, said she has watched the organization transition from handwritten paperwork to digital recordkeeping.
“I was previously at the hospital before,” Block recalled. “At that point, I worked in the dietary department, and I was down in the basement. It was kind of creepy down there, but it was good. For what we had, it was a great hospital. And I remember we’d have to take the food cart up the elevator to help serve trays.”
“IT was probably the biggest change I’ve experienced,” she said. “It’s much better. Everything used to be handwritten. You had to write hospital numbers and medical record numbers on every piece of paper.”
Nursing administrative assistant Peggy Block with hospital board member Tammy Reynolds at Lexington Regional Health Center’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Guests saw many of LRHC’s technological advancements firsthand during tours led by Chief Experience Officer Mike Dowling and licensed practical nurse Kristine Wendland.
The first stop on the tours were the hospital rooms patients would stay in. Hospital rooms were converted to private, single-patient rooms in 2015 and equipped with beds that tilt from side to side, making it easier for staff to reposition patients.
Nurses also wear alert buttons they can press if they are in danger or need assistance. The system sends an alert identifying the nurse and the nurse’s location. It can track staff members as they move through the building and record how long they remain in each area.
Dowling said the obstetrics rooms are among the areas that have experienced the most significant technological changes. The rooms have been renovated to provide more space and privacy. Although the project is awaiting new doors, many of the improvements are already in place.
Remote-controlled lights allow mothers and medical staff to adjust the lighting to their needs, “so the right things get lit up,” Dowling said. Each room also includes a private mini refrigerator and a couch with a pullout bed for spouses or guests.
Kristine Wendland, LPN and Chief Experience Officer Mike Dowling explain the technological innovations recently added to obstetrics rooms.
The patient beds can be converted from birthing beds to recovery beds, and every room has an infant warmer, allowing parents to spend more time with their newborns. Security has also been upgraded. Mothers and babies wear matching wristbands that trigger an alarm if either leave the secured obstetrics area.
“Everything happens in this room unless surgery is required,” Dowling said.
Tour participants also received a behind-the-scenes look at the laboratory, which previously served as the hospital’s surgery center. The lab keeps multiple units of blood on hand to ensure the hospital is prepared for emergencies, including incidents along the interstate.
Laboratory equipment is computerized, and staff members receive an immediate alert if the temperature inside a refrigerator moves outside the proper range.
Tracy Shafer, MLT, explains to tour guests how the current Lexington Regional Health Center laboratory used to be the surgery center and it has been updated into a “State of the art lab” which has computerized alerts and blood storage.
LRHC’s emergency department was updated within the past five years and now provides direct access to the radiology department from the ambulance bay.
The trauma bay is located near the ambulance entrance and remains at 80 degrees year-round to prevent patients from experiencing additional trauma caused by temperature changes. Large doors and a spacious layout allow everyone caring for a patient to work comfortably.
Emergency Department Director and Trauma Nurse Coordinator Luke Ballmer said trauma staff are trained to update patients every 30 minutes about what is happening, helping reduce fear and uncertainty.
“We are blessed as a community to have this,” Ballmer said.
The radiology department is undergoing construction but has already received a new CT scanner that offers increased storage capacity, improved patient-monitoring equipment and closer proximity to the emergency department.
The machine has reduced the time required for a full-body scan from approximately 20 minutes to about 90 seconds. Head scans that previously took 20 seconds can now be completed in five.
An automated X-ray machine is another recent addition to the department. Staff position the patient and program the machine for the part of the body that needs to be examined, and the machine moves into place.
Dowling said a new MRI machine is scheduled to arrive in December, when the radiology department renovation is expected to be completed.
Luke Ballmer, emergency department director and trauma nurse coordinator, shows tour guests the trauma bay of Lexington Regional Health Center, which is set to maintain a temperature of 80 degrees year around and has been renovated to allow a larger space for trauma personnel to work on patients.
Tour participants also visited the cafeteria, which is open to the public for breakfast and lunch, as well as specialty examination rooms, a scope room and the rehabilitation center. They were also able to look into the highly sanitized preoperative and postoperative areas from outside.
Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Manager Austin Eldredge said the rehabilitation center’s goal is to “bridge the gap between hospital and home.”
Exercise is an important part of recovery, he said, and the rehabilitation staff provides patients with weight training, mobility exercises, education about heart and lung health, and nutritional information.
“We’re a safe place where you can exercise healthily and get to know your disease,” Eldredge said.
Throughout the anniversary celebration, hospital employees mingled with community members, shared a meal with them and answered questions at informational and activity booths.
Guests of Lexington Regional Health Center’s 50th anniversary celebration visit informational booth and participate in activities inside the center.
“Reaching 50 years is an extraordinary milestone for Lexington Regional Health Center,” Chief Communications Officer Brenna Bartruff said. “For five decades, our organization has had the privilege of caring for generations of families throughout central Nebraska. This anniversary is not only a celebration of our history, but also a reflection of the trust our community has placed in us, the dedication of our employees and providers, and the vision of those who helped build this organization.
“As we look back with gratitude on the past 50 years, we are equally excited about the future and our continued commitment to delivering exceptional, compassionate health care close to home for generations to come.”
From handwritten medical records and food carts wheeled out of the basement to computerized laboratories and scans completed in seconds, much has changed at LRHC during its 50 years of service. The anniversary celebration highlighted that progress while also honoring what has remained constant: the hospital’s connection to the community it serves.
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 Optimist Club Hamburger Cookout Sunday, Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Plum Creek Market Place. Free will donation.
Remembering 9/11 concert featuring The Chad Lee Band Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Kirkpatrick Memorial Park Veterans Pavilion from 7-9 p.m.
City of Lexington offices closed for Labor Day Monday, Sept. 7.
Lexington City Council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
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.
Why Give Back to Lexington Family Fun Night at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Lexington Public Library.
The Orthman YMCA Transportation Celebration Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Jim Kelly Field/Lexington Airport. Entry fee: $5 for ages 3 and up.
Lexington Area Farmer's Market at 237 Hardware on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m.
Prime Time Family Reading Time every Friday to Oct. 9 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Lexington Public Library. A light meal will be provided. Register at the library or call 308-324-2151.
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.
Orthman Community YMCA Big Rig 5K and 10K at the Transportation Celebration Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 a.m. Check-in starts at 7:46 a.m. at Lexington Fieldhouse.
GriefShare Support Group meetings will be held on Thursdays until 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
Harvest Moon Arts Festival Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6-9 p.m. at the Green Space.
The Wilson Public Library will be closed Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day.
Hay Days Parade "Party in the USA" Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m.
Storytime with Cozad Physical Therapy Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Crafternoon: Make string art at the Wilson Public Library Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m.
Armchair Travels: with Georgia Karel Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Teen Crafternoon: Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. to make CD weavings at Wilson Public Library.
Maker Market is held every Tuesday until Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. at the Green Space, east of 222 Hardware.
Storybook Walk the whole month of September at Muny Park Walking Trail featuring the book "The Pout-Pout Fish."
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.
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
Light Up the Night 5K Walk/Run for Mental Health Friday, Sept. 12 at Yanney Park in Kearney. Registration and fun night activities begin at 5 p.m. with the walk/run beginning at 8 p.m.
Loomis Volunteer Fire Department Open House and BBQ Saturday, Oct. 3 from 5-8 p.m. Live concert featuring the Riley Morgan Band.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"The End of Oak Street" (PG-13) - Sept. 5-6, 9; Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Practical Magic 2" (PG-13) - Sept. 11-13, 16 and 18-20, 23; Fridays/Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays 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:
"Spa Weekend" (R) - Sept. 4-10; Friday at 7:20 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7:20 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Coyote vs. Acme" (PG) - Sept. 1-10; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m., Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:10 and 7:10 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Dog Stars" (R) - Sept. 1-10; Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m., 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:
"The End of Oak Street" (PG-13) - Sept. 4-6; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
"Paw Patrol the Dino Movie" (G) - Sept. 11-13; 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: 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
Closed
TUESDAY
10:30 a.m. - I've Got It
11 a.m. - Christian Women
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
Noon - Birthday Dinner
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
Closed
TUESDAY
Cook's Choice Casserole, Tater Tots, Buttered Carrots, Pineapple
WEDNESDAY
Sweet and Sour Chicken, Wild Rice, Broccoli, Cold Veggie Salad, Applesauce
THURSDAY
Hamburger on Bun with Cheese, Fries, Three Bean Salad, Mixed Fruit
FRIDAY
Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes with Gravy, Green Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll, 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
Closed
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
1 p.m. - Dominos
1:15 p.m. - Foot Clinic
5 p.m. - ESL Orientation
WEDNESDAY
11 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
1 p.m. - Popcorn Ball Making
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Tai Chi
5 p.m. - Evening Meal
FRIDAY
5-7 p.m. - Sloppy Jo Feed
7-10 p.m. - BINGO
SATURDAY
Noon to 8 p.m. - Pulled Pork Feed
2-6 p.m. - BINGO
7-10 p.m. - BINGO
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY
Closed
TUESDAY
Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Corn, Pears, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Lasagna, Peas, Coleslaw, Cucumber Salad, Peaches, Ice Cream
THURSDAY
Scalloped Potatoes and Ham, Mixed Veggies, Red Applesauce, Cookies
FRIDAY
Sausage and Gravy over Biscuits, Scrambled Eggs, Hot Fruit, Veggies Sticks, Rice Krispie Bars
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
Closed
TUESDAY
Sweet and Sour Pork, Broccoli, Pea Salad, Pineapple, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Peaches, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Chicken Enchiladas, Lettuce Salad, Refried Beans, 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
Closed
TUESDAY
Lasagna
WEDNESDAY
Swiss Steak
THURSDAY
Chicken Enchiladas
FRIDAY
Pork Medallion 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 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.
News
Top Story Topical
Commissioners begin budget talks, appoint Hecox to board during brief meeting
Dawson County Board of Commissioners had a productive 15-minute meeting Tuesday, Sept. 1, where they began budget talks, appointed Pat Hecox to the board and discussed Treasurers Office renovations.
A public hearing for the purpose of hearing support, opposition, criticism or suggestions related to the proposed 2026-2027 county budget was opened. After a minute of no commentors, the hearing was closed and no action was taken regarding the budget.
The proposed budget was published on Aug. 18 in The Clipper-Herald and a copy of it is available in the county clerk’s office.
The 2026-27 total prosed budget amounts to $49,180,340.36. This includes $47,360,340.36 proposed disbursements and a necessary cash reserve of $1,820,000. The total value of certification proposed is $5,160,423,833 which is an 8.6% taxable value increase and 27.9 cents per $100 tax rate. This total is 2.4% below the 2025-26 rate.
The county’s total tax request for the proposed 2026-27 budget is $14,375.228.63.
Pat Hecox, lifelong resident of Dawson County, has been appointed to fill the commissioner seat vacated by Joe Richeson. Hecox will be the county commissioner for District 1. He was sworn in prior to the Sept. 1 meeting; however, he observed the board from the audience. He will be able to join the board at the table for the next meeting.
County employees are being thought of when it comes to preventative medical care as the board approved a preventative care clinic contract with Wellness Partners. The board specified that this contract is important because it lowers the cost county employees have to pay for preventative blood screenings.
Brian Woldt of the buildings and grounds department asked the board for approval for purchases related to projects regarding the treasurer’s office remodel.
Jones Plumbing, Byrns Floorcovering Inc., Amax and 3E Electrical Engineering and Equipment all had quotes included in the presentation
Woldt stated that 24 fan coil fans need replacing and he recommended the county order all 24 at once, Jones Plumbing told him that by doing so the cost of each unit would be $3,600 instead of $4,000. If the board chose to only purchase a few at a time, they ran the risk of being affected by a price increase on October 1st, which Jones Plumbing warned them of.
The board chose to approve the ordering of all 24 units.
The board also approved a bid of $21,415 from Bryns Floorcovering Inc, a $14,765 bid from Amax and a quote of $3,540 bid from 3E Electrical Engineering and Equipment.
Other business approved by the board were the treasurer’s receipts, claims, annual county levy authority and the appointment of Yvonne Rickertsen as delegate to the annual NCG meeting.
Prior to the Dawson County Commissioners’ meeting, the Dawson County Board of Equalization approved the Aug. 14 meeting minutes.
Local
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LETTER FROM EDITOR
Introducing a free, all-access weekend at lexch.com
Andrew Bottrell
Allow me to introduce myself. I am the interim editor for the Lexington Clipper-Herald and The North Platte Telegraph, taking over for Joan von Kampen who moved on to be managing editor at the Nebraska Examiner.
I’ve been with The North Platte Telegraph since 2011 and was the deputy editor in North Platte for Joan.
In Lexington, deputy editor Jessica Kennedy is still hard at work, delivering community oriented news for Lexington in our Tuesday and Saturday print editions and round-the-clock at lexch.com.
This weekend, through Labor Day, enjoy free access to lexch.com.
Our mission is simple: to help you understand what's happening in our community. Our newsroom is working every day to keep you informed about the stories that matter most to life in Lincoln County:
High school sports season is in fully swing, and nobody in central Nebraska works harder than Jessica, delivering football and volleyball coverage from across Dawson and Gosper counties. Friday, she was witness to Lexington’s victory over Holdrege in the two teams’ 100th all-time meeting.
Reporter Ashley Mohler is faithfully bringing you Dawson County Board of Commissioners and Lexington City Council news as those two agencies work their way through budget season.
Both Jessica and Ashley bring you the positive news from around Dawson County, as well, especially as kids go back to school this fall.
Of course, that's only part of what you'll find here. At lexch.com, we deliver breaking news as it happens, in-depth reporting on the issues affecting our community, local business coverage, arts and entertainment, outdoors, opinion, obituaries and photo galleries.. And if you're looking to unwind, you'll also find crosswords, Sudoku and other daily puzzles.
This free-access weekend is made possible through the support of Dawson County Ag Society, whose sponsorship allows everyone in our community to experience the value of trusted local journalism.
I hope you'll take some time this weekend to explore everything lexch.com has to offer. If you find our journalism valuable, I hope you'll consider becoming a subscriber after Sept. 7. Your support allows our journalists to continue reporting the stories that matter most to our community.
Thank you for spending part of your holiday weekend with us. And thank you for reading.
Andrew Bottrell
Interim Editor, lexch.com
