Agriculture
Top Story Spotlight
‘About the people and for the people’: Global Roots opens community garden in Lexington
Lutheran Family Services expanded its Global Roots community garden effort to Lexington on Friday, May 8.
The space is located just behind First Presbyterian Church at 801 N. Lincoln St.
"Global Roots is a farming initiative launched by LFS in 2020 to support refugees and new populations by helping them grow culturally relevant foods and improve access to fresh produce," LFS stated in a press release, "Each farmer gets a food plot, in-the-field assistance, access to tools and equipment, and educational workshops on horticultural themes."
Lutheran Family Services employees and Lexington community members gather for a ribbon cutting at the Global Roots community garden Friday, May 8. Handy Marin Diaz, program manager for refugee and immigrant programming at LFS-Lexington, cuts the ribbon.
Handy Marin Diaz, program manager for refugee and immigration programming with LFS-Lexington, said this project is "about the people and for the people."
Diaz said LFS programs are aimed at what the community needs.
"What I've seen is that the Lexington community does need food security, especially right now with the Tyson plant closure," she said. "Not only that, this will be able to bring everyone in the community closer together — this land is open for the community."
She thanked her team for working "in the hot sun" the previous four days preparing the garden.
"It's a beautiful day for a beautiful mission for a community that really needs something like this right now," said Chris Tonniges, president and CEO of LFS.
Tonniges said LFS has been adapting to community and client needs for nearly 135 years.
Chris Tonniges, president and CEO of Lutheran Family Services, speaks during the Global Roots community garden grand opening Friday in Lexington.
"I can't think of a better way to adapt for this community than what this mission is here today — providing not only opportunities for food security for those individuals that are going to be blessed by the work that's being done here, but also an opportunity for folks to be in a space where they can build community within the work that they are doing here," Tonniges said.
He added that studies show a connection between people and digging in the soil. "There is not only a mental calmness that happens, but also a connectiveness to the land and the people that they're doing the work with."
Nizar Rasho, vice president of community-based services at LFS, said he grew up in a small village in northern Iraq, where gardening and raising animals were vital parts of the community.
"I think this (community garden) is very necessary from my experience," he said.
Lexington community members listen to speeches during the Global Roots community garden opening Friday in Lexington.
Rasho said he started visiting Lexington in 2019 as a case manager and loved his time here.
LFS learned about the location in Lexington in the fall of 2025.
"We were made aware of the space that was available for a community garden, and we said, 'We'll take it over,'" Rasho said.
Rasho said that many volunteers are needed to help run the garden and supply donations. "We don't have staff that's dedicated to gardening, so we are based off volunteers."
The plots available at the garden will feed about 25 families for this year, Rasho said. "And it is up to the people who sign up for a plot on what they want to grow."
LFS is looking for other lots that could be used to expand the community garden in Lexington.
"This is just a start," Rasho said.
News
Top Story Spotlight
Gothenburg art offers students enrichment through one-day camps
The art department at Dudley Elementary in Gothenburg is offering students a chance to express themselves through a one-day art camp in June.
Registration is open, and K-6 elementary art teacher Jami Stortenbecker said, “Art camp provides students who are not interested in sports with something to participate in” during the summer.
“I initially brought the art camp idea to my former colleague, Kara Libich, as we were discussing the rising costs of art supplies,” Stortenbecker said. “We brainstormed the possibilities and found that including an elementary art camp in the summer would benefit future purchases for materials in the art room.”
“I wanted to create a camp to keep kids involved in the arts over the summer,” she said.
Gothenburg summer art camp started as a four-day camp in 2019. Camp was not held in the summer of 2020 due to the pandemic, but Stortenbecker said, “We have been going strong since.”
In 2023, parents started asking Stortenbecker about including kindergartners in the camp, which initially was only for grades 1-6.
Stortenbecker said she “loved the idea” and restructured the art camp into what it is now.
This year, the Gothenburg art camp will consist of a series of one-day camps June 8-11. Grades will be separated, making classroom sizes more manageable.
Camp sessions will be about two hours, and students can sign up for different time sessions, allowing Stortenbecker to take on more students and parents to find a time that works with their schedules.
“When the art camp first started, our numbers were insane!" Stortenbecker said. "I had to establish a capacity because a four-day camp became exhausting due to the large class sizes. Now, with the two-hour time slots, I just want to fill a room, obviously comfortably, with students.”
So far, more than 80 campers have registered. Registration is open through May 15, and capacity is limited to 20 students per session.
Registration is $15 per student.
Kindergarten has two sessions June 8 from 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m.
Grades 1-2 have three sessions June 9 from 9-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.
Grades 3-4 have three sessions June 10 from 9-11 a.m., noon-2 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.
Grades 5-6 have two sessions June 11 from 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m.
“I promote the camp using the social media platform, but the elementary music concerts usually occur right when registration opens,” said Stortenbecker. “I am thankful that Mrs. Erica Wieseler, our elementary music teacher, allows me to take a few brief minutes before practices to promote the summer art opportunity."
Students may get a registration form from the elementary art room or from the elementary secretary.
"Our elementary secretary, Gwen Gundell, does an amazing job communicating with parents and sharing information about art camp via Thrillshare," Stortenbecker said. "A shoutout also goes to the elementary staff! They help promote this fun opportunity to their students and parents.”
Stortenbecker said, “I am very thankful to be teaching in a school where my colleagues find ways to assist, whether it is the students or me, when it comes to art camp.
"I hope to continue the elementary art camp going forward.”
Grade levels for art camp are determined by the most recent grade a student has completed. Stortenbecker said she is not opposed to having students from other school districts or home schools attend.
“We try to create projects that we would not complete in class,” said Stortenbecker when asked what art camp students would be working on this summer. “Those projects might be too messy or too costly."
Recently, she started basing her art projects on a specific theme — an idea she got from teaching classes at UNK Loper Launch.
This year's themes are: kindergarten, rain forest; grades 1-2, light; grades 3-4, foods; and grades 5-6, printmaking.
Stortenbecker said, “Art provides students with a unique perspective in which it is OK to make mistakes. I want a student to leave my classroom with a finished project and a sense of 'I did this, and I am proud!'"
To register for Gothenburg’s summer art camp, call Dudley Elementary School, 308-537-3651.
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
First United Methodist Church is hosting a retirement party for Shining Star preschool teacher Christy Treffer Thursday, May from 5-7 p.m. in the fellowship hall at the Methodist Church in Lexington.
LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS
Lexington Area Christian Women's Connection presents "Color My World" Tuesday, May 19 at 11:30 a.m. at Kirk's restaurant. $13 inclusive. Speaker is Patricia Bishop. For reservations and cancellations call Sheri at 308-320-0952 or Jonelle at 308-325-8279 by Monday, May 18.
Find Your Future in Health Care CAREfair Nebraska at the Nebraska Department of Labor Office (1501 Plum Creek Parkway) Tuesday, May 12 from 1-4 p.m. in Lexington. Free to attend.
Dawson County Historical Museum Plant Sale Saturday, May 16 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 805 N. Taft St.
"Hooked on Heroes" youth fishing event with veterans Saturday, May 16 from 5-8 p.m. at Plum Creek Park. This is a free event. Prizes for smallest fish, biggest fish and sportsmanship award. No license needed and all families and children are welcome.
Central Community College is offering a scholarship-supported basic welding training. To register, contact ahill@cccneb.edu or danielgettinger@cccneb.edu.
Growing Pride Through Park Cleanup at Plum Creek Park Wednesday, May 13 from 3:30-5 p.m. for ages 10 and up.
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.
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
Steak Night Dine In/Drive Thru Thursday, May 14 at the Cozad Grand Generation Center at 5 p.m.
Pop-Up Market Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Meridian Events Center (1910 Meridian Ave.)
Cozad Community Health System is hosting a 75th year open house and remodel ribbon cutting Friday, May 15 from 4-7 p.m.
Living with hearing loss? Learn about free local resources Tuesday, May 19 at 11:45 a.m. at the Cozad Grand Generation Center.
The Chamber Golf Tournament is Friday, May 29 at 9 a.m. Register now for the 18-hole, four-person scramble.
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. $15 registration to put your location on the map.
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.
JOHNSON LAKE HAPPENINGS
BBQ Lunch 5K run/walk to celebrate EMS workers Saturday, May 23 at Johnson Lake Drive. The 5K check-in is 9 a.m. Lunch is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the helicopter is at 11 a.m.
FARNAM HAPPENINGS
Farnam Fire appreciation dinner Saturday, May 16 at 5 p.m. at Farnam Fire Hall (203 Main St., Farnam). This is to honor first responders and everyone who helped in any way with the fires across Nebraska this year. To RSVP call 308-537-6154 or email: farnamems@gmail.com.
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.
OVERTON HAPPENINGS
The Overton Alumni Association 125th annual banquet will be Sunday, May 24 at 6 p.m. at the Overton school gym. Tickets are $25 each and must be purchased by May 18, and available at First Security Bank in Overton. For tickets and more information call Alyce Bauer at 308-987-2280.
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.
Free lunch and learn for new advances in Alzheimer's treatment Wednesday, May 27 from noon to 1 p.m. at Gothenburg Health YMCA Cottonwood room.
The 51st annual Gothenburg Area Fireman's Ball is set for Saturday, May 30 from 5 p.m. to midnight.
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:
"The Devil Wears Prada 2" (PG-13) - May 13; Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Michael" (PG-13) - May 15-17, 20; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Mandalorian & Grogu" (PG-13) - May 22-24, 27 and 29-31 and June 3; 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:
"The Devil Wears Prada 2" (PG-13) - May 12-21; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 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 Sheep Detectives" (PG) - May 12-21; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 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.
"Michael" (PG-13) - May 12-14; Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7 p.m., 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:
No showings in preparation for "The Play That Goes Wrong" June 4-7.
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.
TUESDAY
10:30 a.m. - I've Got It
11 a.m. - Christian Women
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.
TUESDAY
Orange Chicken, Rice with Veggies, Cali Blend Veggies, Mixed Fruit
WEDNESDAY
Cheeseburger, Fries, Baked Beans, Plums
THURSDAY
Italian Chicken, Potato Casserole, Buttered Beets, Peaches
FRIDAY
Pork Fritter with Gravy, Baby Bakers, Lima Beans, Mandarin Oranges
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
1:15 p.m. - Foot Clinic
4 p.m. - Home Instead Medicaid Presentation
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
5:30 p.m. - ESL Class
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Tai Chi
5 p.m. - Dine In/Drive Thru Steak Night
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
Beef Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Pina Colada Fluff, Salad Bar, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Chicken and Dressing Casserole, Corn, Mandarin Oranges, Salad Bar, Dessert
THURSDAY
Taco Burger, Tater Tots, Pork and Beans, Peaches, Dessert
FRIDAY
Sausage and Bacon, Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Veggie Sticks, Hot Fruit, Salad Bar, Bread Pudding
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
Chicken Casserole, Tater Tots, Mixed Veggies, Cucumber Salad, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Fruit Cocktail, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Baked Pork Chop, Cheesy Potatoes, Cauliflower, Pineapple, Dinner Roll
FRIDAY
Closed
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.
TUESDAY
Beef Fajitas
WEDNESDAY
Pork Chops
THURSDAY
Chicken Parmesan
FRIDAY
Bierocks
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.
Government-politics
Top Story Spotlight
Planning Commission sends 2 recommendations to Lexington City Council
The Lexington Planning Commission voted 5-0 Wednesday to send two separate recommendations to the City Council.
Members Kristi Moyer, Jeff Tappan, Curtis Roemmich and Sadie Worthing were absent.
The first recommendation was for a rezoning application submitted by Michael Wieneke for 110 E. River Road.
It is currently zoned for a U-Haul business that Wieneke started in January.
Wieneke is seeking to have the property rezoned for commercial use as a hair salon.
City Clerk Bill Brecks said no public comments had been received on the request.
“There will be some paving requirements,” Brecks added.
After no one spoke during the public hearing, the board voted to recommend the application to the council.
Cam Smith then opened a second public hearing to consider the St. Ann’s Third Addition replat.
Brecks said this is the last piece of the St. Ann’s development.
“We would like to subdivide this to make those utility connections and have 10 more housing lots available,” Brecks said.
No comments had been received on the replat, Brecks said.
After no public comments were made during the hearing, the board voted to recommend the replat.
Both proposals will be on the City Council agenda for the May 26 meeting at 5:30 p.m.
