High-school
Top Story Spotlight Topical
Tyler Thorell scores 3 touchdowns in Lexington’s 23-21 win over Holdrege
The Lexington Minutemen football team held on to win 23-21 Friday over Holdrege in the 100th series rivalry matchup at Ray Ehlers Stadium in Lexington.
Lexington’s win upped their series lead 54-42, with four ties.
“It feels great,” Lexington coach Jake Harvey said. “It’s good to beat anybody, but when you get a rival, somebody you’ve played that long, and are to be able to come out on top at home. It’s just a great feeling.”
Wide receiver Tyler Thorell scored all three of the Minutemen’s touchdowns — including two for more than 70 yards each.
“He’s just a phenomenal athlete,” Harvey said. “Just a great competitor. His skill set is something you really can’t coach, so you just utilize it the best you can and find ways to get him the ball.
“If you’re smart enough, and get him the ball, he can do special things like tonight’s show.”
Lexington received the ball to start the night, using the possession to score first.
Quarterback Bryant Truax connected a 25-yard pass to Thorell for the first Minutemen touchdown.
Lexington’s Tyler Thorell (1) reaches the endzone for a Minutemen touchdown off a pass from Bryant Truax in the first drive of the game Friday against Holdrege in Lexington.
Alexis Alvidrez scored the point-after kick, giving Lexington a 7-0 lead.
The Mintuemen defense held Holdrege to a three-and-out before the Dusters returned the favor, sacking Truax on third down and forcing a three-and-out.
Holdrege snapped the ball twice before the first quarter ended. The Dusters continued their drive to start the second quarter.
On a second-and-10 the Dusters rushed for an apparent first down, but the Lexington defense knocked the ball free and Adrian Ortiz recovered the ball at their own 25-yard line.
Lexington’s Adrian Ortiz (48) comes up with the football and celebrates the fumble recovery in the second quarter of the Minutemen’s home win Friday over Holdrege.
Lexington setup for a punt on fourth down, with Thorell set for the kick. Thorell faked the punt and rushed for more than 75 yards into the endzone.
Alvidrez missed the point-after kick, putting Lexington with a 13-0 lead.
Holdrege marched down the field on their second possession of the second quarter.
The Dusters reached the red zone on a 17-yard pass from Lucas Johnson to Jacob Moon.
Lexington created a fumble on a Johnson to Moon pass, the ball bounced into the endzone and was recovered by Landon Vanboening for a Holdrege touchdown with just over two minutes left in the first half.
Holdrege scored on the point-after kick to pull within one possession.
The Minutemen reached midfield on a Holdrege roughing the passer penalty.
Truax stepped back to pass on first-and-10, looking for Terrence Bliven down the Lexington sideline.
The long pass was intercepted by Holdrege’s Jeffrey Sertich, who returned it for a short gain.
Lexington recovered a fumble with just under 40 seconds left, and used the turnover to reach the 27-yard line.
A Truax incomplete pass set the Minutemen up for a field goal attempt on the 27. Alvidrez nailed the kick, putting Lexington up 16-7 at the break.
Lexington’s Alexis Alvidrez (88) scores on a field goal from the 27-yard line to put the Minutemen up 16-7 before halftime Friday against Holdrege.
Holdrege had a 19-yard kickoff return before kneeling on the ball to end the first half.
Lexington forced a punt on the first drive of the second half.
The Minutemen marched down to setup for a field goal on the 25-yard line. Holdrege blocked the attempt, and scored. The Dusters pulled to within two at 16-14 after the point-after kick.
Holdrege held the Minutemen to punt, and got off three snaps before the third quarter ended.
Thorell broke up a Duster pass, setting Holdrege up for a field goal on the 32-yard line. Holdrege’s attempt came up short.
Lexington took over on the 20-yard line, and was forced to punt. The Minutemen forced Holdrege to punt on the next Duster drive.
During Lexington’s next drive, a delay of game penalty backed the Minutemen to third-and-23 on the 27.
On the next play, Thorell took the ball for a 72-yard touchdown. The point-after kick put the Minutemen up 23-14.
Holdrege received the ball with just under four minutes left and used the possession to score.
Johnson connected on a 22-yard yard pass to Reed Schultz for the touchdown, pulling Holdrege behind 23-21.
Lexington’s next possession resulted in a punt.
Holdrege had 12 players on the field to kickoff their final possession, resulting in a first-and-15.
Thorell broke up a Holdrege pass, and Holdrege followed with back-to-back incomplete passes.
The Dusters went for it on fourth-and-15 on their own 15-yard line. The attempt resulted in a turnover on downs, awarding Lexington the ball on the 15.
Lexington setup for victory formation, kneeling on the ball twice to claim the 23-21 win.
“It wasn’t pretty, but the boys just hung in and just kept fighting,” Harvey said. “They found a way.”
As Lexington gears up for their next game against Gering, Harvey said they will focus on being more disciplined.
“We need to clean up things on the offensive and defensive line,” he said. “Clean up our secondary — just the little things. We can correct errors and make adjustments, but we can’t coach effort.
“I’m just proud of them, and their fight.”
Lexington quarterback Bryant Truax (3) looks to pass to Terrence Bliven in the second quarter Friday against Holdrege at Ray Ehlers Stadium in Lexington.
STATS
Passing - Truax 10 completions on 19 attempts for 185 yards and two touchdowns; one interception.
Rushing - Sebastian Nava had 20 carries for 35 yards; Thorell had one carry for 75 yards and a touchdown; Truax had eight carries for -7 yards.
Receiving - Thorell had four receptions for 107 yards and two touchdowns; Terrence Bliven had one for 31 yards; Mason Velasquez had one for 16 yards; Heriberto Mota had two for 17 yards; Adrian Ortiz had one for 13 yards.
Kicks - Alexis Alvidrez made two point-after kicks and one field goal.
Lexington’s Sebastian Nava (22) carries the ball for a short gain in the second half of the Minutemen’s win Friday over Holdrege in Lexington.
News
Top Story Spotlight
Lexington and Cozad libraries selected for Prime Time Family Reading series
Humanities Nebraska announced that 23 program series of Prime Time Family Reading and Prime Time Preschool are being held at 22 Nebraska locations beginning Sept. 4, with some sites starting in October.
LEXINGTON
Lexington Public Library, Fridays at 5 p.m., from Sept. 4 to Oct. 9 (Bilingual)
COZAD
Wilson Public Library, dates and times to be determined (Bilingual)
Each series is a free, six-week program with storytelling and discussion
based on award-winning children’s books at public libraries, elementary schools, and community centers across the state.
Five of the communities will be hosting Prime Time for the first time: Beatrice, Cozad, Falls City, Kimball, and Walthill.
Prime Time Family Reading is for families with children ages 6-10 who struggle with reading. It includes special activities for siblings ages 3-5.
Prime Time Preschool is for families who want their children ages 3-5 to develop reading readiness skills.
Twelve of the 23 series will be bilingual in English and Spanish. One will be offered in Karen, English and Spanish. Two will be offered for Native American families, using traditional Native American stories.
These Humanities Nebraska family literacy programs help strengthen participants’ interests and skills in reading and talking about books.
A 10-year analysis published by Prime Time creators found that children who attend Prime Time Family Reading show a 95-100% improvement on achievement tests through elementary school and 81% improvement on high school exit exams.
Teachers who are interested in recommending families for Prime Time should contact one of the sites listed below and ask to speak with the Prime Time coordinator. Series that are already in progress may still accept new families to participate.
Prime Time is free for Nebraska children and their families thanks to generous statewide sponsors including the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, the State of Nebraska, the Sherwood Foundation, and Union Bank & Trust.
Additional support for the Lincoln series is provided by Woods Charitable Foundation, Acklie Charitable Foundation, John C. & Catherine S. Angle Charitable Trust, and the Rogers Foundation.
Additional support for the Norfolk Prime Time series is provided by the Johnny Carson Foundation Fund at the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
Additional support for the North Platte series is provided by Molly and Tim O’Holleran.
Humanities Nebraska has offered Prime Time since 2002, reaching more than 23,500 Nebraskans in 565 Prime Time series held throughout the state. For more information about Prime Time in Nebraska, please visit the HN website: HumanitiesNebraska.org.
Humanities Nebraska is a private nonprofit with a mission to help people explore what connects us and makes us human.
A state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, HN is funded in part by an appropriation from the Nebraska Legislature, private donations, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment, a public-private partnership with state dollars matching private dollars to benefit the arts and humanities in Nebraska.
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 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 starting Sept. 4 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.
Celebrate 50 years with Lexington Regional Health Center Tuesday, Sept. 1 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch, campus tours, meet the team and giveaways. Register to win the KRVN Diamond Anniversary drive prizes.
Mobile Food Pantry Thursday, Sept. 3 at 3 p.m. at the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
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.
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.
Remembering 9/11 concert featuring The Chad Lee Band Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Kirkpatrick Memorial Park Veterans Pavilion from 7-9 p.m.
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
Community Chat: Wednesday, Sept. 2 at noon with guest speaker Tiffany Gailey, director of the Cozad Chamber of Commerce.
Harvest Moon Arts Festival Thursday, Sept. 10 from 6-9 p.m. at the Green Space.
Cozad Community Leaders window decorating contest, windows must be decorated by Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. Theme: Party in the USA. To enter email: cozadcommunityleaders@gmail.com or text Mel at 308-325-6913.
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.
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
2026 Central Nebraska Go Red for Women Thursday, Sept. 3 from 6-9 p.m. at the Younes Conference Center. Register at heart.org/centralnegored. For more information call 402-875-7382.
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. Register online by Sept. 3 at give.commonspirit.org/chigoodsamaritan/lightupthenight.
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:
"Minions 3" (PG) - Sept. 2; Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"The End of Oak Street" (PG-13) - Sept. 4-6, 9; Friday/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:
"Brink of War" (PG) - Sept. 1-3; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"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.
TUESDAY
8 a.m. - PEO
12:45 p.m. - Pool
1 p.m. - Bridge
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
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.
TUESDAY
Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Tomato Medley, Apricots
WEDNESDAY
Italian Chicken, Potato Casserole, Buttered Beets, Apple Slices
THURSDAY
BBQ Pork Sandwich, Onion Rings, Peas, Mandarin Oranges
FRIDAY
Taco Bar, Meat Sauce, Tortilla, Tri Taters, Beans, Juice Cup, 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.
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
1 p.m. - Bridge
1:15 p.m. - Foot Clinic
WEDNESDAY
11 a.m. - Free Groceries
THURSDAY
11:45 a.m. - Medicare Presentation
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.
TUESDAY
Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli, Fruit Salad, Mandarin Oranges, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Fish or Cook's Choice, Potato Wedges, Mixed Veggies, Peaches, Ice Cream
THURSDAY
Chicken Fritter, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Corn, Pears, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Chili Dog, Tater Tots, Mac and Cheese, Peas, Fruit Mix, Fruit Crisp
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.
TUESDAY
Open Face Turkey Sandwich, Mashed Potatoes, Carrots, Fruit Cocktail
WEDNESDAY
Meatloaf, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn, Pears, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Chicken Tenders, French Fries, Mixed Veggies, Pineapple, 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.
TUESDAY
Italian Sausage and Veggies
WEDNESDAY
Smothered Burritos
THURSDAY
Pork Burgers
FRIDAY
Chicken Salad Wrap
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
Spotlight Top Story Topical
Lexington City Council approves ordinance for former Tyson property funding project
The Lexington City Council took a step toward redeveloping the Tyson Foods property the city acquired from the meat-packing giant in April.
By a 4-0 vote Tuesday, Aug. 25, with Jeremy Roberts absent, the board designated the property for a Nebraska Site and Building Development Fund project.
The city is hoping to prepare the property for future private development after Tyson ended it’s meat-packing operation at the facility in January. The final Tyson employees left Lexington in August.
In April, the city acquired the wastewater treatment lagoon as well as adjacent property owned by Tyson. Tyson still maintains ownership of the building.
The ordinance says the city "desires to position this area for renewed private investment, productive reuse, and future development."
“We are applying to site buildings for funding to help secure this project — generally the acquisition, site surveys, infrastructure planning, site prep, and other eligible activities,” City Manager Joe Pepplitsch said,
Pepplitsch went on to ask the council to approve this ordinance.
“We will include it in the application packet which closes tomorrow (Wednesday),” he said.
Upon discussion after the first reading, the council voted to suspend the rules regarding the reading of the ordinance on three separate occasions, and the measure was approved 4-0 on final reading.
The council also voted 4-0 to approve an ordinance to amend a loan contract with Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment, extending the term from 20 to 30 years.
“We have two outstanding loans from Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment for online wastewater projects,” Pepplitsch said, “Currently 20-terms with 0% interest. They’re allowing us to take those out to 30 years, which is a cash flow savings for the wastewater utility.
“Which only makes perfect sense to take advantage of.”
Pepplitsch said the ordinance would give the city “the authority and tracking to extend those terms out to 30 years and enter into agreement with NDWEE.”
The ordinance was approved on final reading after the council suspended the rules regarding the reading of the ordinance on three separate occasions.
The council also sat as the board of equalization to consider assessments for delinquent property maintenance abatement fees, voting 4-0 to approve the ordinance on final reading after suspending the rules regarding the reading of the ordinance on three separate occasions.
The ordinance stated the city has abated nuisance violations for the property in lot 12, block 2, East Woodlawn Addition of Lexington. The owners listed on the ordinance is Richard and Carol Helvey.
“We didn’t hear from anybody on the notices we sent,” Deputy City Manager Bill Brecks said. “We didn’t hear from anybody on the bid documents we sent.”
“We started the process with four assessments that were outstanding,” Pepplitsch said. “Three were paid, and were just left with the one that is contained in this ordinance for $295. It’s not a big number either, but it is outstanding.”
In other council business:
Approved a resolution to amend the City of Lexington Police Officers’ Pension Plan to comply with statutory changes to the Police Officers Retirement Act of the State of Nebraska.
Council heard department updates on Two Rivers Public Health Department from Jeremy Eschliman during the public comment session.
Approved a bid by Duncan Theis Construction in the amount of $473,600, for the City of Lexington Nebraska Public Power District office addition.
Council entered into an executive session to discuss contractual negotiations; no action was taken.
The next city council meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 5:30 p.m.
