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Thunderstorm with 79 mph winds leaves damage throughout Lexington
The roof of a building landed on cars behind Dawson Motor Company on Saturday during the severe thunderstorm that blew through Lexington.
An uprooted tree lies on a house on 13th Street in Lexington after Saturday's storm.
A large tree branch lies on a hidden car in a driveway at a house on Monroe Street in Lexington after 79 mph winds ripped through the town Saturday evening.
After the storm, Lexington residents on Eighth Street placed downed tree limbs at the curb for city crews to pick up.
An evergreen tree lies in a yard on Eighth Street in Lexington after a storm ripped through town Saturday evening.
A severe thunderstorm on Saturday swept through Lexington, leaving behind damage.
Lexington airport reported 79 mph winds coupled with heavy lightning and rain blew through town.
The storm's destruction included hundreds of downed tree limbs, uprooted trees, a natural gas leak, damage to roofs and siding on homes, flooding, damage to buildings and construction equipment.
The strong winds knocked down power lines that left many Lexington residents without power for hours, even overnight.
Nebraska Public Power District worked quickly after the storm passed to restore power. By Sunday afternoon, power was restored to all but a few customers.
McKenzie Barry, NPPD community relations supervisor, said at the height of the storm, approximately 1,460 customers were without power.
Barry reported that a crew was onsite to begin restoring power at 8 p.m. Saturday, and two more crews came from McCook and Kearney to assist at 7 a.m. Sunday.
Three broken poles and 20 broken insulators needed to be replaced as a result of the storm.
By Sunday afternoon, 14 customers were still waiting for power to be restored, Barry said. By early evening, all power had been restored in Lexington, she said.
The Lexington Volunteer Fire Department assisted in cleaning up tree limbs on streets throughout town after the storm subsided.
Brian Woldt, Dawson County emergency manager, said no injuries were reported from the storm.
Crews with the City of Lexington began picking up tree limbs on Monday. Cleanup will continue through the week, the city said in a Facebook post.
The city encouraged residents to place limbs at the curb for pickup and to keep vehicles clear of the area for safety and efficiency.
Burnside reflects on 20 years of service as Lexington assistant city manager
Assistant City Manager Dennis Burnside celebrates his retirement after 20 years of service at The Well on Thursday, May 28. He reflected on his time with the city during an interview with the Lexington Clipper-Herald.
Friends, colleagues and community members gathered Thursday, May 28, at The Well to wish Lexington Assistant City Manager Dennis Burnside goodbye and good luck during a Business After Hours retirement celebration.
Burnside has been part of the Lexington community for 20 years. He moved from Omaha to Lexington in 2006 after completing a master's degree in public administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Before earning his degree, Burnside worked for nonprofit organizations, where he discovered a passion for helping communities grow and thrive.
While attending classes at UNO, he became increasingly interested in municipal administration and adjusted his coursework to pursue that career path.
“I got to a point where I was like, ‘Hey, this is the last class I need. What am I going to do?’” Burnside said. “Professor Blair, a municipal administration professor, notified me that Lexington was looking for an assistant city manager. So, I came out here and interviewed in the spring of 2006. Eventually, Mr. Pepplitsch offered me the position.”
After completing his degree, Burnside quickly transitioned into the role. He finished his final exams in May and moved to Lexington the following month to begin work as assistant city manager.
Burnside recalled that his first interview with the Lexington Clipper-Herald was conducted by the late Barb Batie.
Throughout his career, Burnside served on about 20 boards and committees, worked extensively on grant projects and helped oversee numerous community improvement efforts.
Among those responsibilities, he said, serving on the Tourism Committee was one of his favorite assignments.
“It was a fun group,” Burnside said with a smile. “We’d talk about things that were getting done, like progress for the city.”
Burnside completed three weeks of training with the Nebraska Department of Transportation to become what is known as a responsible charge, or RC.
“They’ve (the city) got more acronyms than you can shake a stick at,” Burnside said. “I collected some of them in a Word document. I had like five pages of them because you can’t remember them all, and you’re like, ‘What are they talking about?’”
One of the first transportation projects Burnside worked on was the reconstruction of 13th Street from Park Street to Airport Road.
“Let me tell you,” Burnside said, “every time you take out an old street, you find something you weren’t expecting. You have to sort of change the plan somewhat, and I guess that’s a metaphor for the job.”
He later worked on several other federally funded projects, including improvements to Jackson Street from Eighth Street to 13th Street.
“The street used to get narrower and narrower as you went north,” Burnside recalled.
Reflecting on his career, Burnside said the work was rewarding because it placed him alongside community leaders dedicated to making Lexington better.
“It’s a great job. I’d recommend it to anyone,” he said. “They say in any group, organization or community, 20% of the people do 80% of the work. It’s just an old saying, and when you’re in this position or something like it, you’re working with that 20% all the time. You get to be in the presence of all those people getting things done.”
As the years passed, Burnside said he developed a deep appreciation for Lexington and the role he played in helping the community grow.
“Anyone who is in city management is not going to last unless they grow to love the community,” he said. “I think that’s been true for me, and I know it was true for Joe (Pepplitsch). When you’re caring for something, you grow to love it and make it better. One of my professors said city managers like to get things done — that’s their nature.”
Burnside officially retired May 28. He and his wife left for their new home “back east” on May 30 to be closer to their children but he said this isn’t a permanent goodbye as he’s made many friends he intends to stay in contact with.
He said he has outlived both of his biological parents and wants “to make the most out of what time I have left” by spending more time with family and traveling.
Travel has long been a shared passion for Burnside and his wife, particularly visits to national parks. He said his wife once gave him a map featuring national parks across the country, allowing travelers to place a sticker on each park they visit.
“I think there’s like 100 parks,” Burnside said.
Now retired, he hopes to make significant progress on that travel bucket list.
City Manager Joe Pepplitch said, “Dennis provided many benefits to the City of Lexington during his tenure; we will certainly miss him. His character and ability to bring both insight and good humor to any situation have left a lasting impression. We wish him a long, healthy and fulfilling retirement.”
For those considering a career in municipal administration, Burnside offered simple advice.
“Go for it,” he said. “It’s a great profession, and there’s a big demand.”
He also encouraged young professionals to become involved in their career field’s professional associations and attend national conferences, saying they offer valuable opportunities to learn from peers while building professional connections.
Lexington’s assistant city manager position will open soon, allowing those interested in municipal administration to apply.
“I will take a small portion of time before advertising for the position,” Pepplitch said. “My intent is to refill the position for the long term.”
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
Mobile Food Pantry at the Dawson County Fairgrounds Thursday, June 4 at 3 p.m.
Lexington Planning Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 3 at the city chambers.
Sen. Deb Fischer office hours Tuesday, June 9 at Lexington Public Library from 10-11 a.m.
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.
The Magic of Reading - summer library edition with Curtis Hed Thursday, June 11 at 12:45 and 1:45 p.m. at the Lexington Public Library.
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.
Recycling Center - Goodwill Industries will have a community donation trailer available on Highway 30 from June 22-29. Your donated goods not only keep items out of landfills helping to reduce waste and the resell of donated items provide mental health, employment, developmental disability services, and more in local communities.
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) - June 3; 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) - June 2-4; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Masters of the Universe" (PG-13) - June 2-11; Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" (PG-13) - June 2-11; Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:10 and 7:10 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"The Breadwinner" (PG) - June 2-11; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 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.
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.
"The Breadwinner" (PG) - June 12-14; Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
"Toy Story 5" (PG) - June 19-21 and 26-29; Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays 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
2:30 p.m. - Hot Cookies
WEDNESDAY
8 a.m. - Miracle Ear
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Farkle
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bridge
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.
