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Lexington's Patrick Martin claims fifth NSRA tie-down roping year-end title
Lexington's Patrick Martin dismounts his horse in the final round of the Nebraska State Rodeo Association Finals Sunday at the Dawson County Fairgrounds in Lexington.
Lexington's Patrick Martin tosses his loop before making a 1.4 second run in the final round of the Nebraska State Rodeo Association Finals in Lexington Sunday afternoon.
After "retiring" last year, Lexington's Patrick Martin reeled in his fifth Nebraska State Rodeo Association year-end championship in tie-down roping Sunday at the Finals Rodeo in Lexington.
"I'm grateful to win my fifth championship," Martin said. "With the winter I had, due to injuries, I wasn't sure if I would be very competitive anymore."
The injuries were a short setback, but Martin found his way back to the rodeo circuit as soon as he could. "I just wasn't sure what my roping would look like once I was able to start back. Both injuries took several weeks of recovery and I had a lot of time to think about things."
Martin said that once he got back to competing, what drove him was the fact he likes to be No. 1 "when the Finals are in my hometown."
This is Martin's third title in a row. He said the three-peat meant a lot because "tie-down roping is a very tough sport with lots of variables — to win three in a row is very satisfying."
Martin earned the average runner-up title, with a total time of 37.1 through three rounds. He ended fourth in the money for rounds one and three with times of 12.0 and 10.4, respectively. In the second round, his time was 14.7.
He finished the year, earning $9,833.99.
Last fall, Martin told The Clipper-Herald he was headed into a so-called “retirement,” saying he would “slow down rodeoing,” after winning his fourth NSRA title last year.
"But once I got healed up and roping again, I felt better than I have in many years," he said. "I decided that I should probably compete while I was able."
This year, Martin started out rodeoing on a young gelding named Tiger. He said that Tiger is very talented, "but still a little green in front of a crowd."
Martin said he won some money on Tiger, but in late July, he got back on his trusty and favorite mare Buffalo Heifer. "Then I really went to winning a lot of checks."
"She's the same mare I won the year-end championship on in 2025, and I have a lot of confidence on her," he added.
As for next year, Martin looks to keep the same rodeo schedule as this year.
"This year I was very selective of the rodeos I went to," he said. "I tried to only go to rodeos a couple hours from home so that I could spend more time helping my children with their events.
"It seemed to work well because most of their junior rodeos and county fairs were early and mid-summer. I didn't take off and start rodeoing hard until late summer."
Martin also sits at the top of the leader board in the Mid-States Rodeo Association. The Finals take place Sept. 18-20 in Hastings.
He holds champion titles from 2025, 2023, 2019 and 2017 in the Mid-States, and a runner-up title in 2024.
RODEO PLACINGS
Pleasanton, tied for 2/3, 13.7 seconds
Johnstown, tied for 5/6, 13.0 seconds
Overton, champion, 13.2 seconds
Bertrand, fourth, 13.2 seconds
Sutherland, seventh, 13.4 seconds
Greeley, third, 11 seconds
Benkelman, third, 20.4 seconds
Elwood, fifth, 13.3 seconds
McCook, third, 10.1 seconds
Ogallala, champion, 10.3 seconds
Nelson, champion, 9.6 seconds
Bassett, second, 11.6 seconds
Bartlett, second, 13 seconds
Lewellen, champion, 9.7 seconds
Hyannis, second, 10.6 seconds
Norden, sixth 11.1 seconds
North Platte, second, 10.3 seconds
News
Top Story Spotlight
Party like a Haymaker: Cozad hosts fall kickoff celebration
COZAD — Cozad community members lined East Eighth Street, on the morning of Saturday, Sept. 12, for the annual Hay Days celebration.
This year’s theme was “Party in the USA,” and community members embraced it by decorating business windows, parade floats and themselves in patriotic colors.
The business window decorating contest drew numerous participants, including South Central Development Services; Prairie Paperie; Security First Bank; Berreckman and Bazata, P.C., L.L.O.; Waypoint Bank; The Cut Barn; VVS Canteen; the Grand Generation Center; Big E’s; Cozad Community Health System; the Cozad Business Center; Meridian Tap House; Homestead Bank; Wilson Public Library; and Rivet Design Co.
East 8th Street in Cozad was lined with families eager to witness this year’s Hay Days parade. Parking downtown was prohibited to allow for the parade and carnival to take place.
Rivet Design Co. won the contest with a “Legally Blonde”-inspired display featuring a large hot dog, the quote “Makes me want a hot dog real bad” and patriotic balloons arranged to spell “USA.”
Bubbles, music and confetti filled the air during the parade. Candy and small toys tossed along the route prompted children to scramble to retrieve them as parents watched with smiles.
Kristen Bennet, this year’s grand marshal, greets the parade crowd at the 2026 Hay Days. Bennet was selected for the position of grand marshal, because of her dedication to the Cozad community.
This year’s grand marshal was Kristen Bennet, co-owner of Meridian Tap House. Bennet, a lifelong Cozad resident, was selected for consistently promoting and supporting the community through multiple aspects of her life.
Cozad cheerleaders showed off their school spirit in the Hay Days parade.
An essay contest was held before Hay Days, with fourth- and fifth-grade students competing for the titles of Little Miss Hay Days and Mr. Haymaker.
This year’s winners were Zayleigh Bevard as Little Miss Hay Days and Aiden Hyke as Mr. Haymaker. Their attendants were Tuff Roseberry and Brooklyn Hoehner.
A craft and vendor fair was held in Veterans Memorial Park before and after the parade. However, cool weather and impending rain led the Cozad Volunteer Fire Department to cancel its planned water fights at the park.
The color guard walks the county and state flags down East 8th Street in the Hay Dyas parade. They were escorted by local police to begin the parade.
The Grand Generation Center served a pulled pork meal, while a D.C. Lynch carnival took over the downtown district. The carnival, which ran from Friday through Sunday, was a highlight of the celebration for many attendees.
Overall, the weekend was a success, bringing the community together for fun and fellowship.
Cozad’s annual Hay Days parade took place Saturday, Sept. 12. Businesses flooded the street with patriotic themed floats to go along with this…
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
LWML Fall Salad Luncheon Thursday, Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church. Free will offering.
Give BIG Lexington "Small acts, big change" early giving begins Sept. 14. Visit givebiglexington.org.
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.
Mobile Food Pantry Thursday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
Countryman Associates, P.C., is hosting a Farmer Appreciation BBQ Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 709 E. Pacific St. Call 308-324-2398 for more information.
Veterans Trunk and Treat Friday, Oct. 30 from 5-7 p.m. at Veterans Pavilion at Kirkpatrick Memorial Park.
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
Storytime with Cozad Physical Therapy Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Oktoberfest at The Frontier Frau in Cozad with fun happening on nights between Sept. 19 and Sept. 26.
Crafternoon: Make string art at the Wilson Public Library Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m.
Dot art at the Wilson Public Library Wednesday, Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drop in as you are able, all ages.
Storytime with Cozad Physical Therapy Friday, Sept. 18 at 11 a.m. at Wilson Public Library. Primarily for ages 3-6 with an adult.
Community Chat: with Joel Carlson, Cozad school board member Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Noon at the Wilson Public Library.
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."
Movie Matinee at Wilson Public Library Thursday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. Children under 8 with a chaperone. Free popcorn.
The Writing Society meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library. Open to all writers of all levels and genres.
Blood Pressure Clinic at the Cozad Grand Generation Center the third Tuesday of every month at 11 a.m.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center has Home Delivered Meals to the Community Monday — Friday. If you would like to receive Home Delivered Meals or would like to pick up a Curbside Meal at 410 W. Ninth St. from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m., please call us at 308-784-2747 by 9:30 a.m. that morning, so we can arrange everything for your convenience.
The Cozad Grand Generation Center Bus is available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To schedule a ride in Cozad call 308-784-2747.
ELWOOD HAPPENINGS
Gosper County Rural Fire Protection District Fire public information meeting Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at Elwood Legion Hall, 104 Rockford St.
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
Loomis Volunteer Fire Department Open House and BBQ Saturday, Oct. 3 from 5-8 p.m. Live concert featuring the Riley Morgan Band.
Mental Health Matters run/walk in Holdrege at Don Sjogren Community YMCA Saturday, Oct. 3 with check-in/registration at 9 a.m. Race starts at 9:30 a.m.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Practical Magic 2" (PG-13) - Sept. 16 and 18-20, 23; Fridays/Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Insidious: Out of the Further" (PG-13) - Sept. 25-27, 30; 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:
"Runner" (PG-13) - Sept. 15-17; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Coyote vs. Acme" (PG) - Sept. 15-17; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Practical Magic 2" (PG-13) - Sept. 15-17; Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Practical Magic 2" (PG-13) - Sept. 25-27; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
"Runner" (PG-13) - Oct. 2-4; 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
10 a.m. - Frog
12:45 p.m. - I've Got It
TUESDAY
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
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
Monterey Pork Chop, Boiled Potatoes, Spinach, Tropical Fruit
TUESDAY
Beef Goulash, Tri Tater, Italian Green Beans, Fresh Fruit, Garlic Bread Stick
WEDNESDAY
Baked Chicken, Hashbrown Casserole, Peas and Carrots, Apricots
THURSDAY
Chuck Wagon Steak with Gravy, Fresh Yams, Lima Beans, Mandarin Oranges
FRIDAY
Bacon Wrapped Pork Kebobs, Potato Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Apple Slices, 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
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:45 p.m. - Board Meeting
1 p.m. - Pitch
5 p.m. - ESL Class
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
1 p.m. - Bridge
5 p.m. - ESL Orientation
WEDNESDAY
11 a.m. - Free Groceries
THURSDAY
9 a.m. - Community Chat
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
Ham Salad Sandwich, Potato Soup, Pears, Veggie Sticks, Cupcakes
TUESDAY
Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Coleslaw, Frog Eyed Salad, Peaches, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Alfredo, Green Beans, Red Hot Applesauce, Dessert
THURSDAY
Liver and Onions or Cook's Choice, Potato Wedges, Corn, Mixed Fruit, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Sloppy Joes, Macaroni Salad, Baked Beans, Tater Tots, Pineapple, Cake
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
Tater Tot Casserole, Green Beans, Carrot Salad, Pears, Dinner Roll
TUESDAY
BBQ Pork Ribs, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Fruit Cocktail, Cornbread
WEDNESDAY
Spaghetti, Stewed Tomatoes, Lettuce Salad, Peaches, Garlic Bread
THURSDAY
Oven Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Dinner Roll
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
Chicken Swiss Sandwish
TUESDAY
Beef and Broccoli
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Parmesan
THURSDAY
Pork Roast
FRIDAY
Bacon Cheeseburgers
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.
