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UNMC, LPS sign agreement to reserve nursing program seats for Lexington students
Lexington Public Schools and the University of Nebraska Medical Center signed a memorandum of understanding Tuesday morning, Oct. 20, at Lexington High School, creating a new pathway into nursing for local students.
Under the agreement, UNMC will reserve seats at its Kearney campus for Lexington High School students who meet all entrance requirements, allowing them to enter the nursing program without competing for admission.
UNMC Dean Lepaine Sharp-McHenry, left, and LPS Director of Curriculum Annette Fitzgerald sign a memorandum of understanding between Lexington Public Schools and the University of Nebraska Medical Center - College of Nursing, to ensure reserved seats for Lexington high school students wanting to enter the nursing career field.
Lexington High School Principal Eric Bell and Lexington Public Schools' Director of Curriculum Annette Fitzgerald represented the district. Bell presented the agreement, and Fitzgerald signed it alongside UNMC Dean Lepaine Sharp-McHenry.
“We’re being very intentional on focusing on rural Nebraska,” Sharp-McHenry said. “As a result, we have been approaching superintendents and principals and exploring the option of making this available to students on a health care path.”
Sharp-McHenry said discussions about the partnership began a year ago under the district’s former superintendent and continued under current Superintendent John Whetzal.
The program aims to help students pursue nursing careers, with the hope that they will return to serve their hometowns.
Admission to nursing programs is competitive, Sharp-McHenry said. Students across the country apply to eight to 12 programs in hopes of securing a seat. UNMC’s partnership removes that uncertainty for participating students who meet its entrance requirements.
Lexington Regional Health Center staff, University of Nebraska Medical Center representatives and Lexington High School staff celebrate the signing of a memorandum of understanding between LPS and UNMC on Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Lexington High School.
“We have students from all over the country that are vying to get into our program. The fact that we will reserve a seat for you at our Kearney location and you don’t have to go through the competitive process, is a huge win for students,” Sharp-McHenry said.
She said an economic development study of the program in Scottsbluff and Norfolk found that the partnerships have direct and indirect effects on local economies through tax revenue and graduates returning to their hometowns after completing nursing school.
UNMC’s high school partnerships span a 500-mile radius in Nebraska, she said.
Sharp-McHenry said Nebraska has a shortage of about 6,700 nurses, with most of that shortage west of Kearney.
Lexington High School Principal Eric Bell welcomes students, families and UNMC representatives to the high school on Oct. 20. He stated that the memorandum of understanding being signed between LPS and UNMC would help students looking to get into the nursing field secure a seat at the Kearney campus.
Parents, students, staff and community members were invited to the signing. Representatives of Lexington Regional Health Center also attended to support the partnership and students interested in health care careers.
“Thank you all so much for having us and we look forward to this continued relationship,” Sharp-McHenry said.
Fitzgerald said Lexington Public Schools looks forward to positive results from the partnership. Bell echoed her remarks, saying the agreement offers local students an opportunity to advance toward a nursing career.
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Lexington teacher and local photographer donates $4,500 in camera equipment to Lexington Public Schools
The Lexington Board of Education accepted a donation of $4,500 in camera equipment from longtime photographer Paul Pack during its Oct. 19 meeting.
The donation honors the memory of his mother, Mary Pack.
Lexington Public Schools’ board of education sat for a meeting on Monday, Oct. 19. The meeting contained a donation from the Pack family, test result updates and an approval for the powerlifting team to travel out-of-state.
Pack credits his mother, who recently died, with inspiring his love of photography. She gave him his first camera when he was 12, sparking an interest that grew into a career working with schools and newspapers.
Pack has spent 20 years photographing events at Lexington Public Schools and working alongside photography and yearbook teacher Erica Brockmoller.
Although the school has Sony and Nikon equipment for students, Pack has used Canon cameras since receiving his first camera from his mother. He and his wife, Julie, decided to use part of his inheritance to purchase two Canon kits for the district.
“Overall, it’s not the equipment that makes the photographer, but the students need to have good, reliable gear, and that’s what we purchased and donated in the memory of my mother,” Pack said. “My first camera was a Canon and that is what I still shoot with today, so now they have two nice Canon kits.”
The donated equipment includes an 18-135mm lens for photographing crowds and everyday scenes, along with a 70-200mm 2.8 lens that Pack described as essential for photographing sports and activities, especially in low light.
Lexington High School recently earned the Cornhusker Award from the Nebraska High School Press Association, the association’s highest state honor for journalistic excellence in high school publications.
The award recognizes the hard work, creative visual storytelling and dedication of yearbook, photography and journalism students.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement and how our students continue to represent Lexington Public Schools with pride and distinction,” the district posted on Facebook.
Lexington High School yearbook and photography students prepare to take photos at a memorandum of understanding signing with the University of Nebraska Medical Center on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The students recently received the Cornhusker Award.
During the meeting, staff also reported Lexington’s elementary schools and middle school will observe Red Ribbon Week the following week.
Board members reviewed improving district test scores and asked whether students at both ends of the achievement spectrum were receiving appropriate support and challenges.
Staff reported elementary schools are using interventions to support reading and discussing ways to address the needs of both struggling and advanced students in mathematics.
Middle school staff reported classes are grouped by ability to provide additional challenges for advanced students. The middle school’s reading program also adjusts to each student’s level.
Staff also reported that proposed social studies standards were not adopted and educators had been advised to continue using the 2019 standards. Curriculum reviews are underway for foreign language, fine arts and physical education following the adoption of new standards in those subjects.
The board also approved:
An out-of-state activity request for the powerlifting team to attend USA Powerlifting High School Nationals in Albany, New York, March 16-25. More than 20 Lexington students are expected to attend.
The annual adoption of the district’s option enrollment policy. Option enrollment is currently closed, with requests considered on a case-by-case basis.
An annual contract with Westside Community Schools in Omaha for services provided to a Lexington student who is medically fragile and requires 24-hour care.
The board entered an executive session to discuss personnel and public interest matters. No action was taken after the session.
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.
PEOPLE
Edgewater Insurance will host a drop-in open house retirement for Mary Reed Tuesday, Nov. 17, throughout the day. Address: 525 N. Washington St., Lexington.
LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS
Family Pumpkin Decorating Saturday, Oct. 24 at Orthman Community YMCA.
Safe and Spooky Trunk or Treat at Sheltering Hands, 1001 N. Washington St., from 5-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Halloween at the Hospital Trick-or-Treat Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 4 p.m. at Lexington Regional Health Center's Rehab building, 1600 W. 13th St. Sensory trick or treating at 4-4:15 p.m. and Trick or Treating to follow at 4:15 p.m.
Community Trunk or Treat Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 4:30-6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran, 205 E. Seventh St., parking lot. (Weather permitting, will be moved inside if necessary).
National Honor Society, Student Council and L Club host Trunk or Treat Halloween Friday, Oct. 30 from 4-6 p.m. in the Lexington High School parking lot.
Veterans Trunk and Treat Friday, Oct. 30 from 5-7 p.m. at Veterans Pavilion at Kirkpatrick Memorial Park.
Halloween Bowling Tournament Saturday, Oct. 31 at 10:30 a.m., check-in at 10 a.m. at Strike and Spare Bowling Alley. $30 per bowler, includes 4 games of bowling, shoe rental and lunch. Costume party - prize for best dressed.
Costume Contest and Karaoke Friday, Oct. 30 at 9 p.m. at Three 21 Tavern.
Ridgeway Senior Living Trick or Treat Friday, Oct. 30 from 6-7 p.m. at 1811 Ridgeway Drive.
Trick or Trout, free Halloween fishing event for the family, Saturday, Oct. 31 from 2-5 p.m. at Plum Creek Park. Prizes for best costume, big fish, most fish. Sponsored by: Legion Post 111, VFW Post 5136, Bombaars and Nebraska Game and parks.
Calvary Assembly of God (1304 N. Adams St.) Halloween night Trunk or Treat, with candy, games, popcorn balls and hot cider from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
Lexington Mobile Food Pantry at 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5 at Dawson County Fairgrounds.
ESL Conversation Club the first Saturday of November at 10 a.m. at the Lexington Public Library. Registration required.
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
Spook Night in downtown Cozad Monday, Oct. 26 from 5-7 p.m.
Author Chet Hardin to visit Wilson Public Library Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10 a.m.
Second annual Wedding and Quince Expo Sunday, Nov. 8 from noon to 4 p.m. at Meridian Events Center.
Turkey Trot drive thru/dine in dinner Thursday, Nov. 12 from 5-6:30 p.m. at Cozad Grand Generation Center.
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
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.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Forgotten Island" (PG) - Oct. 23-25, 28; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Hotel Transylvania" (PG) - Oct. 25; Sunday at 3 p.m.
"Heart of the Beast" (PG-13) - Oct. 30 - Nov. 1; Nov. 4; 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:
"Street Fighter" (PG-13) - Oct. 24-29; Saturday/Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m., Monday-Friday at 7 p.m.
"Clayface" (R) - Oct. 24-29; Saturday/Sunday at 4:10 and 7:10 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Going for Two" (PG-13) - Oct. 24-29; 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:
"Heart of the Beast" (PG-13) - Oct. 23-25; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
"Going for Two" (PG-13) - Oct. 30 - Nov. 1; 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
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
Noon - Halloween party
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
Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, Baby Bakers, Buttered Cabbage, Mandarin Oranges
TUESDAY
Polish Dog on Bun, Fries, Sauerkraut. Apricots
WEDNESDAY
Sweet and Sour Meatballs, Boiled Potatoes, Buttered Carrots, Fresh Fruit
THURSDAY
Orange Chicken, Rice with Veggies, Broccoli, Cold Veggie Salad, Tropical Fruit
FRIDAY
Spaghetti with Meatballs, Tater Tots, Wax Beans, Apple Slices, Bread Stick, 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
1 p.m. - Pitch
5 p.m. - ESL Class
5-7 p.m. - Spook Night
TUESDAY
8 a.m. - Tourism Meeting
Noon - Rotary
1 p.m. - Dominos
5 p.m. - ESL Class
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
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 Cook's Choice, Au Gratin Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Peaches, Cake
TUESDAY
Meatloaf, Baked Potato, Broccoli, Blush Applesauce, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
BBQ Beef, Tater Tots, Baked Beans, Mandarin Oranges, Dessert
THURSDAY
Smothered Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Tropical Fruit, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Spaghetti, Broccoli Salad, Carrots, Pineapple Chunks, Garlic Bread, Fruit 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
Beef Stroganoff, Corn, Apple Salad, Dinner Roll
TUESDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Salisbury Steak, Baked Potato, Carrots, Pears, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
BBQ Pork Sandwich, Diced Potatoes, Baked Beans, Mandarin Oranges
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
Sloppy Joes
TUESDAY
Chicken Alfredo
WEDNESDAY
Salisbury Steak
THURSDAY
Garlic Sticky Pork
FRIDAY
Crab 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 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.
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Former Dawson County deputy attorney returns to Lexington in bid for attorney general
Attorney general candidate Jocelyn Brasher returned to Lexington on Tuesday morning, Oct. 20, for a campaign stop at Madeline’s Cafe and Bakery, where members of the Dawson County Democrats gathered to greet her.
Brasher, a Democrat challenging Republican incumbent Mike Hilgers, describes her campaign as bipartisan.
“Being a lifelong Nebraskan, I care so much about this state. I care so much about this office, and I know how much good this office can do for the people when it is focused on the people of Nebraska,” Brasher said. “I know how to make this office work for the people again. I am running to get this office focused on accountability, integrity and public service.
"I am running a very bipartisan campaign because I don’t believe the attorney general should bring their personal or political opinions into this office.”
Jocelyn Brasher, right, visits with guests at her campaign stop at Madeline’s Cafe and Bakery in Lexington. The event was informal, allowing guest sit and chat with the attorney general candidate over coffee and pastries.
Brasher is an Omaha native, who was a former deputy county attorney in Dawson and Dodge counties, said Lexington holds a special place in her heart because it was the first community she served in after finishing law school.
Brasher said her priorities include protecting Nebraska consumers, respecting voters, strengthening public safety and restoring trust and accountability in the attorney general’s office.
She said several attorneys general recently signed a cease-and-desist letter calling on xAI to immediately stop producing sexually explicit deepfakes. Brasher said the images targeted people of all genders and ages and criticized Hilgers for not signing the letter.
“My signature would have been on that letter,” Brasher said.
She said children’s online safety is one of her top priorities and she would have supported legal action against the online gaming platform Roblox sooner than Hilgers did.
“He always seems to be one step behind,” she said. “It’s scary how quickly they go from chatting online to meeting in person these days. We need to take this seriously and protect our kids.”
Attendees enjoyed coffee and pastries while asking questions and discussing Brasher’s priorities.
Jocelyn Brasher, attorney general candidate, enjoys a chat with guests at her campaign stop in Lexington. Brasher is going up against incumbent Mike Hilgers and smiled as she talked about what she would do differently compared to him.
Brasher said her overall goal is to build a safer, more affordable and more just Nebraska. Her proposed efforts include:
Fighting violent crime, human trafficking and substance abuse.
Establishing a dedicated task force to combat online crimes against children.
Protecting seniors, families, farmers, workers and consumers from fraud, scams, robocalls and unfair or deceptive business practices.
Making the Attorney General’s Office Nebraska’s independent consumer watchdog to help make life more affordable.
Implementing a medical cannabis system.
“I want people to know I care about them. I’m showing up in communities because I want to hear from them directly," Brasher said. "Meeting voters face to face is so important and that’s not going to stop after I get elected.
"They’re going to continue seeing me out here because I care so deeply about Nebraska, about the people of this state, and I want to show this office can do so much good."
For more information about Brasher and her campaign, go to brasherforneag.com. She also maintains Facebook, Instagram and TikTok accounts.
