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Pony Express stops outside Cozad on way to California
COZAD — On a back road three miles south of Cozad on Wednesday, the annual Pony Express Re-Ride came through on its journey to Sacramento, California.
Beginning in St. Joseph, Missouri, riders from Pony Express Association chapters across the nation teamed up to complete the historic route traveled by the original Pony Express riders before and during the Civil War era.
Kathy Stevens, left, Marlene Ronnfeldt, Sydney Pride and Kloey Corrigan pause for a photo while waiting for the horse and rider from Lexington to arrive and trade the mochila on Wednesday. Ronnfeldt would continue the ride after the exchange.
Douglas Berkley, a Kansas native, followed this year's ride from Kansas through Nebraska. Having ridden in the re-ride before, he said he wanted to see what the event looked like in Nebraska.
Berkley could be found tending horses while waiting at this year's Cozad stop, which sits near the Pony Express Historical Marker on Road 758, three miles south of town.
Berkley has been a member of the Pony Express Association for 35 years. He joined because he liked horses and because the trail passed through Seneca, Kansas, where he grew up. Over the years, he became enamored with the history of the Pony Express and believes it played a vital role in shaping the nation.
"What people don't realize is it helped preserve the Union during the Civil War," Berkley said. "When California sided with the North, the Pony Express helped get communications around the South."
Berkley said that if California had not sided with the Union, or if messages had been unable to reach the state, the war could have had a very different outcome.
Though many of the original riders were young men, the trail could be treacherous. Much of the country was still unsettled, and conflicts between Native American tribes and westward settlers were common. Combined with severe weather and the dangers of travel, the conditions could be deadly. Even so, Berkley said the Pony Express riders remained resilient because the mail had to be delivered.
Berkley shared two stories he had heard about the original riders.
"One time a horse arrived with the mail, but there was no rider," Berkley said. "Horses know the way. They have a better sense of direction than humans, and once they know a trail they'll reach the end even without their rider. Another time, a rider and his horse arrived, but the mail didn't."
One of the most famous deliveries in Pony Express history was President Abraham Lincoln's inaugural address, which was carried on what became the fastest ride in the organization's history. While the original Pony Express route from St. Joseph to Sacramento typically took about 10 days, the March 1861 delivery was completed in just seven days and 17 hours, with Lincoln's address carried in the rider's mochila.
Sticking to tradition, the Pony Express Re-Ride changes riders and horses at designated intervals, with the mochila — the leather mail pouch used by riders — passed from one participant to the next.
Betty Taylor rides her horse Whiskey down Road 758 to trade the mochila with the next rider.
On Wednesday, June 17, Betty Taylor rode her horse, Whiskey, the final four miles between Lexington and the Pony Express Historical Marker south of Cozad. Taylor said Whiskey, a young horse, was "doing excellent."
One of Taylor's favorite things about participating in the re-ride is "meeting the people and doing the ride."
At the Cozad stop, Taylor passed the mochila to Marlene Ronnfeldt, who continued the ride west.
Marlene Ronnfeld takes off down Road 758, south of Cozad after receiving the mochila from the previous rider.
The re-ride also stopped in Gothenburg and Brady.
Not only is the history of the Pony Express important to the nation, but Berkley believes people continue to be drawn to it because "it's an adventure." He said he believed there are still little boys and girls who look at a horse and wonder what it would be like to ride away on an epic quest.
For more information about the Pony Express Association, to get involved with the organization or to follow the rest of this year's re-ride, visit nationalponyexpress.org. At the time of this writing, the re-ride was running about an hour behind schedule, but each horse and rider is equipped with a GPS tracker that updates an interactive map on the organization's website, allowing viewers to follow the ride in near real time.
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
Crossroads Mission Avenue transitional housing open house Friday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 907 W. Eighth St., in Lexington.
City of Lexington Plum Creek 5K run/walk Saturday, June 27 at 11:30 a.m. Starts and ends at Lexington Racquet Center. Register by Thursday, June 18 to guarantee event T-shirt.
City of Lexington Firework Show Wednesday, July 1 at 10 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Pavilion. Food trucks from 7-10 p.m. and live music by The Innocence from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
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.
Summer Teen Movie Night Wednesday, July 8 from 6-8 p.m. at the Lexington Public Library for ages 11-14. Register by June 29. $10 per teen.
Lexington Mobile Food Pantry Thursday, July 9 at 3 p.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
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.
Rooted in Nebraska: A Community Engagement Series at the Lexington Public Library Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Ladies Night at the Fair" Thursday, July 16 from 4-9 p.m. at the Dawson County Fair Commercial Building. Vendors, door prizes and cocktails.
The Platte Valley Auto Rodeo will be held Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 during the Dawson County Fair at 8 p.m. each night. Free BBQ meal with rodeo tickets each night at 6 p.m. Ticket prices: $12 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and ages 5 and under are free.
Live music lineup for the Dawson County Fair and Rodeo: Casey Chytka on Thursday, July 16 from 9 p.m. to midnight; The Punching Pandas on Friday, July 17 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Nate Keim on Saturday, July 18 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Lexington Area Christian Women's Connection presents "Happy 250th Birthday America" Tuesday, July 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Kirk's. Speaker is Linn Ann Huntington from Hays, Kansas. Reservations and cancellations by noon Monday, July 20. Call Sheri 308-320-0952 or Jonelle at 308-325-8279.
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
Wilson Public Library is hosting a Lego Tree Fort Challenge Thursday, June 25 at 2 p.m. Children under 8 years old need to attend with a helper.
Make a rainbow fish craft Monday, June 29 from 2-4 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library. Children under 8 years old need to attend with a helper.
Armchair Travels: Tuesday, June 30 at 5:30 p.m. with Marcie Kostrunek and her trip to Columbia as a college student through the Rotary Exchange Program.
The Wilson Public Library will be closed Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4.
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.
Pediatric Rehab Library event Friday, July 17 at 11 a.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
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.
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.
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
Free swimming pool admission, sponsored by Gothenburg Health, on the following Saturdays: June 27, July 11 and July 25. For all ages.
Livin' Out Loud is set for Aug. 15-16 at Lake Helen.
SUMNER HAPPENINGS
S-E-M Cross Country 5K Fun Run/Walk Sunday, June 28 at 7:30 a.m. at Sumner's park.
MILLER HAPPENINGS
Miller's First Annual Summer Maker's Market July 17-18. Located at 322 W. Omaha Avenue, Miller.
AREA HAPPENINGS
76th annual Bertrand Fair and Rodeo June 27-30.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Toy Story 5" (PG) - June 19-21, 24 and June 26-28 and July 1; Fridays/Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 6 p.m. and Wednesdays 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:
"Obsession" (R) - June 20-25; Saturday/Sunday at 4:10 and 7:10 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Toy Story 5" (PG) - June 20-25; Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7:20 p.m., Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
“Disclosure Day” (PG-13) — June 20-25; Saturday/Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m., 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:
"Toy Story 5" (PG) - June 19-21 and 26-29; Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m.
"Young Washington" (PG-13) - July 2-3, 5; Thursday and Friday 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
2:30 p.m. - Hot Cookies
WEDNESDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
THURSDAY
12:45 p.m. - Farkle
12:45 p.m. - Pool
FRIDAY
12:45 p.m. - Cards
1 p.m. - Frog
LEXINGTON GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Homemade bread every day. Choice of skim, 2% or chocolate milk. No reservations are needed except for large groups. Serving time: 11:30 a.m. Please call 308-324-2498 by 10 a.m. for delivery or carryout meals.
MONDAY
Baked Chicken, Hashbrown Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Mixed Fruit, Dinner Roll, Dessert
TUESDAY
Beef and Noodles over Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Fresh Fruit
WEDNESDAY
Ham Balls, Scalloped Potatoes, Spinach, Pears
THURSDAY
Sweet and Sour Chicken, Cauliflower, Rice with Veggies, Apple Slices
FRIDAY
Potato Bar, Meat Sauce, Baked Potato, Broccoli and Cheese, Tropical Fruit, Breadstick
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER
When Cozad schools are closed due to inclement weather, the center will also be closed. Check KRVN or the TV for weather related closings.
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
1 p.m. - Pitch
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
Noon - Commodities
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY
Spaghetti, Green Beans, Mixed Fruit, Garlic Bread, Fruit Bars
TUESDAY
Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Applesauce Blush Salad, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Fritters, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Strawberry Fluff, Dessert
THURSDAY
Fiesta Chicken and Rice Bake, Broccoli, Peaches, Pea Salad, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Sloppy Joes, Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, Pears, Carmel Apple Tartlets
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
Spaghetti, Coleslaw, Corn, Pears, Garlic Bread
TUESDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Peaches, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
BBQ Meatballs, Baked Potato, Harvest Beets, Fruit Cocktail, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Brats, Sauerkraut, Potato Salad, Carrots, 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
Bierocks
TUESDAY
Jambalaya
WEDNESDAY
Tuna and Noodles
THURSDAY
Fish Filet
FRIDAY
Baked Potato Bar
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.
News
Top Story Spotlight
Lexington School Board approves funds to acquire property through eminent domain
After exiting a closed session Monday night, the Lexington School Board unanimously authorized the deposit of the condemnation award in the amount of $1,134,000 to acquire real estate via eminent domain for the property formerly known as Plum Creek Care Center and WEL-Life assisted living at 1505 N. Adams St.
The board approved the 2026-27 operations plan agreement with Lexington Recreation Management Company, LLC, and the Lexington Community Facilities Agency.
The board also approved the consent agenda, which included two employment contracts: one for Zack Follmer as a Lexington High School science teacher and the other for Megan Reed as a Lexington High School special education teacher.
The board unanimously approved a resolution to increase the school district's base growth percentage, used to determine the district's property tax request authority, by 6%.
The board unanimously approved a contract for the 2026-27 school year with Lexington Regional Health Center for occupational, physical and speech therapy services.
The board unanimously approved the sale of a school van through a public auction.
News
Top Story Spotlight
Sumner's Preston Beattie to serve on National 4-H Conference leadership team
In April, hundreds of youth from across the United States gathered in Arlington, Virginia, for the annual National 4-H Conference.
Hosted by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, participants networked with 4-H members from across the country and partnered with government departments to address real-world concerns regarding agriculture and rural America.
The Nebraska 4-H delegation meets with Rep. Adrian Smith (fourth from right). The delegation included (from left) Libby Macklin, A.J. Pospichal, Preston Beattie, Paige Walahoski, Garett Tollman, William Wilton and Makayla Burg.
This year, Nebraska made history with two representatives on the national leadership team — Dawson County’s Preston Beattie and Webster County’s Libby Macklin — a first for Nebraska youth participating in the conference.
“This was a great opportunity for our Nebraska youth,” said Lindsay Shearer, foundations relations coordinator at 4-H Youth Development.
The delegates and leaders are “high-achieving 4-H’ers who demonstrate a commitment to our state, who are highly involved in 4-H in their communities and want to learn about the federal level of advocating for agriculture,” she said.
The conference is not simply a retreat; it functions as a “working conference,” said Makayla Burg in the Nebraska State 4-H office.
Youth teams collaborate with governmental departments, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and spend three days workshopping real-world issues and policies delivered to them by those departments, such as how artificial intelligence affects agriculture.
The teams then present solutions to department representatives, complete with researched data, action steps and predicted results.
Beattie and Macklin attended the conference as delegates in previous years.
This year, as part of the leadership team, they helped delegates navigate the conference procedures, ensured they connected with department representatives at scheduled times, and facilitated the development of projects and presentations.
Beattie, a high school senior from Sumner, has participated in 4-H for as long as he can remember. He started as a Clover Kid and has shown livestock, judged meat and competed in the Quiz Bowl on the national level.
In 2025, he attended the National Conference and enjoyed it so much that he applied to the leadership team for this year.
As he was a similar age to many of the attendees, Beattie said a big part of his role was to make them feel comfortable and enjoy the conference.
He answered questions and kept them on track for different meetings. He also organized games between workshop sessions, played music and, at evening ceremonies, introduced keynote speakers.
“As a delegate, I had a great time, so I wanted to go back,” Beattie said. “I had to miss my senior prom, but I didn’t think twice about it. I was like, let’s do it. And I’m glad I did. … It’s a lot of learning for us, but it’s also a great opportunity for us to lead.”
Macklin, a Husker student from Blue Hill, was selected to be a collegiate facilitator on the leadership team.
She, too, enrolled in 4-H as a Clover Kid and has spent her 4-H career showing livestock and participating in public speaking and music contests, among other projects.
At a National Roundup in Denver for public speaking, she realized how much she enjoyed connecting with 4-H members from across the country.
That led to her attending the National Conference as a youth delegate, and again this year as a leader and collegiate facilitator.
“I’ve definitely grown a lot through 4-H, and it’s been a really big part of my personal and professional development,” Macklin said. “It’s just been such a valuable experience for me, and it makes me happy that I can still be involved, even though I am now aged out of the program.”
While youth leaders focus on conference experiences and activities, collegiate facilitators work with delegate teams as they develop presentations for the federal agencies.
Macklin helped her students stay focused on their key issue — workforce development in rural America — manage their time, divide responsibilities and collaborate effectively.
The role blends mentorship, project management and leadership, Macklin said, while helping delegates navigate the professional environment of the federal government and presenting solutions to real-world issues.
For Macklin, the leadership experience brought her full circle, as she recalled her first out-of-state conference and the joy of connecting with others.
“I was one of the few from the Midwest,” she said. “But I think it’s a two-way street. A lot of good comes from when we can collaborate with other states’ programs, learn from them and take that information back home.”
While the leadership role proved to be a growing experience for Beattie and Macklin, the youth delegates from Nebraska also made their mark at the conference.
“Two of our groups, right after their presentations, were asked to, essentially, continue the work they started and do some next steps,” Wilton said. “The USDA Office of Partnerships and Public Engagement asked the youth to continue to develop their project into a two-pager that they could submit to other departments at the USDA to further the solution that they came up with. And our youth who worked with the Environmental Protection Agency had a very similar experience.”
Beattie will enroll in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources next fall, bringing what he learned at the conference with him.
“It made me realize I can be a leader at this age, to people around me, to even people that are older than me,” he said. “We can make a difference.”
Macklin said she saw the National Conference’s potential for youth delegates.
“It is a working conference, and I really enjoy that we’re creating something cool and tangible, and something that could be instated,” she said. “The environment there is so supportive and uplifting. There’s so many high-quality 4-H-ers in one place, and I think when that happens, so many other cool things happen.”
