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Cozad hospital reopens front entrance after two years of construction
Cozad hospital chairman Matt Burkholder cuts the ribbon during the front entrance reopening and the hospital's 75th anniversary celebration Friday in Cozad. Also in the picture are staff members, board members and community members.
Community members gather for tours during Friday’s ceremony reopening Cozad Community Health System's front entrance and celebrating the hospital’s 75th anniversary.
Community members and hospital staff listen to CCHS CEO Robert Dyer speak during the hospital's 75th anniversary and reopening of the front entrance Friday in Cozad.
COZAD — Cozad Community Health System celebrated the hospital's 75th anniversary on Friday, May 15, as well as the reopening of the front entrance after two years of construction.
Along with the facelift to the building's exterior, the hospital's other upgrades included a vestibule, a larger canopy, private registration stalls, additional security cameras and controlled access, new flooring, ceilings, plumbing and electrical and HVAC improvements.
"The vestibule helps improve staff safety; the bigger canopy creates more shade and protection during rain and snow," CEO Robert Dyer said. "We added the registration stalls for patient privacy as well."
Where it started
In the late 1940s, a group of community leaders came together with the idea of building a hospital in Cozad.
The group was led by Claude Zwink, who became the planning committee's leader.
The group received the OK from the state of Nebraska to build an accredited hospital.
'The first board was chaired by Mr. Zwink," Dyer said.
Other board members were W.J. Hagadon, Ralph Radluff, Mrs. W.H. Bodmer and Mrs. Archie Smith.
"Now, obviously, I know none of those people, but some of you here may be familiar with them," Dyer said. "But they were the ones that had a vision. Their vision is the reason our hospital exists today."
Maintaining the vision
Dyer said he's seen a lot of growth in his 24 years here. "Most of that growth was under the direction of Lyle Davis."
Robert Dyer, Cozad Community Health System CEO, speaks during the reopening ceremony Friday in Cozad.
He said the hospital is well positioned to continue growing.
"Providing healthcare in rural communities is not easy," he said. "There are a lot of challenges. And it seems to become more challenging every day.
"But I really feel good about the future of CCHS."
Dyer said the three reasons for his trust in the hospital's future are the staff, the hospital board and the Cozad community.
First, we have incredible staff that impacts the lives of our community every day. They provide great care. I can't say enough about our staff," he said. "Secondly, we have a board that supports us, and they do it in a smart manner."
He added that the board doesn't give them everything they want but equips them with what they need. "And they do it in a fiscally responsible manner."
Dyer thanked the staff and board for their leadership.
"If you look around Cozad, I really think we're a community on the move," he said. "We have a lot going for us right now.
"You can't say we don't have great places to eat, a great movie theater, great gift shops, a great wellness center, a great museum, a great school system, and as of a few days ago, a great ballfield complex on the north end of town."
He added, "You also can't say that for the last 75 years, that we haven't provided great healthcare here in Cozad."
Lemons make lemonade
Dyer said that after the hailstorm in June of 2024, they decided to make improvements.
During the Friday ceremony, they had put out a bunch of lemons.
"Instead of just putting back things the way they were," he said. "We're going to make lemonade out of lemons. We're going to turn this negative (storm) into a positive.
"So that's why you see the lemons around. You see some pictures of the hailstorm, but you see what has come out of that. What you see before you today is our lemonade."
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Tyler Buesing’s Hot Wheels exchange box brings joy to Gothenburg
Tyler Buesing was inspired by his childhood memories and community engagement to open a free Hot Wheels exchange in his front yard on Lake Avenue in Gothenburg.
GOTHENBURG — It was the first warm day of the year when Tyler Buesing was inspired to bring joy to his home community with Hot Wheels toy cars.
With memories of his childhood in the back of his mind, he hid three Hot Wheels at each of Gothenburg’s parks and then posted in the Gothenburg For Sale Facebook group, where community members commented as they found the cars.
“I still have all of my childhood Hot Wheels,” he said. “My son enjoys them, and we wanted to spread that joy to other people.”
Buesing has been a car person all his life and credits his dad, Matt Buesing, and his 1978 Dodge pickup for his love of cars.
“My first car was a Hot Wheel,” Buesing said. His grandmother Betty gave him his first, an orange pickup with a yellow wing.
Buesing collected “whatever looked cool” and discovered early on that he loved Mustangs, which he called “horsy cars” when he was younger.
The first time he saw a Mustang Hot Wheel, he knew that was his car and that he would have one when he was an adult, a dream he fulfilled with the two he currently owns.
A correctional officer for Dawson County in Lexington, Buesing enjoys working on his cars in his spare time and keeping his Hot Wheels exchange box full.
The Hot Wheels exchange box came about after community members enjoyed the cars he and his son Carter hid at local parks.
The concept is based on little free libraries. People can visit his exchange box, take a car, leave a car or even trade cars.
The average cost of a Hot Wheel is about $1.35, but Buesing said he will buy lots of them to keep the box stocked. He said it’s a cheap hobby that sparks joy and inspires people of all ages.
Buesing has chatted with fathers and sons who’ve stopped by his exchange box and witnessed a woman who “was probably in her 60s or 70s” looking through the cars.
He said his Hot Wheels exchange box provides a fun experience for all ages and genders. “Everybody is welcome to stop by.”
“It’s something we can all relate to,” Buesing said. “I feel like whether you’re a boy, girl, man or woman, you’ve played with a Hot Wheel at some point in your life.
"Maybe you’ll stop by the box and happen to see one you remember from your childhood. You just never know. There’s been brand new stuff put in there. There’s been some pretty old stuff put in there.”
Buesing’s Hot Wheels exchange box is located in his front yard at 1722 Lake Ave., Gothenburg.
The box itself was purchased from Walmart and fits with the nostalgic theme of his exchange by being made of thick red and gray plastic, often associated with brands like Little Tikes.
The Hot Wheels exchange box will be open through the summer, but Buesing is considering putting it away during the colder months. He encourages anyone who to stop by and take a peek into the box.
Buesing has also set up a "Hot wheels exchange Gothenburg" Facebook page where participants can share their experiences, memories of Hot Wheels and love of cars. You can visit this group at facebook.com/groups/2177585476413954.
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
Workshop and Bike Rodeo Wednesday, May 27 at 10:30 a.m. at the Lexington Public Library.
A ribbon cutting for will be held for Elwood Security & Fire on Friday May 29th at 10:00 a.m. at the Lex Chamber Office located at 1501 Plum Creek Pkwy, Ste. 2A. Light refreshments will be provided
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.
Mobile Food Pantry at the Dawson County Fairgrounds Thursday, June 4 at 3 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.
Heartland Museum of Military Vehicle's second annual Summer Celebration Friday, July 3 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum. Join them to celebrate the US's 250th birthday with food trucks, live vehicle demonstrations, family activities and more.
Wine & Wings, Beer & Brats fundraiser night for the Blanche Senior Scholarship at Mac's Creek Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5-9 p.m.
Parkview Baptist Church holds a food pantry every third Saturday of the month at the Refuge Building (1105 Park St.) in Lexington.
The Dawson County History Museum is hosting “Coffee with Carol” the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to noon.
The Lexington Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. every fourth Monday of the month at the Lexington Grand Generation Center.
Lexington Rotary Club meets the first and third Tuesday of the month at Dawson County Annex Building at noon. For more information or to join call 308-325-7006.
The Dawson County Democrats meet at 4 p.m. the first Sunday of each month at the Los Jalapeños Restaurant.
American Legion in Lexington meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles.
WIC Clinic Sites, Dawson County: Lexington – Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Building, 931 W. Seventh St., Tuesday through Thursday the first 4 full weeks for each month.
RYDE Transit — Public Transportation is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To schedule a ride in Dawson County or Lexington call 308-324-3670. Public Transportation is easy to ride and open to everyone.
COZAD HAPPENINGS
Crafternoon: Tuesday, May 19 at 4 p.m. for chenille stem flowers at the Wilson Public Library.
Free document shredding for anyone over 60 at the Cozad Grand Generation Center Monday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to noon.
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.
Mental Health Bingo Night at the Gothenburg Senior Center Thursday, May 28 from 6-8 p.m.
"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:
"Michael" (PG-13) - May 20; 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 19-21; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"The Sheep Detectives" (PG) - May 19-21; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Michael" (PG-13) - May 1-21; Tuesday-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.
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
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.
MONDAY
BBQ Pork on Bun, Tater Tots, Peas and Carrots, Apple Slices
TUESDAY
Beef Hot Dog with Bun, Mac and Cheese, Waffle Fries, Cold Veggie Salad
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Taco Pie, Beans, Red Diced Potatoes, Pineapple
THURSDAY
Cubed Pork in Gravy, Fresh Yams, Tomato Medley, Apricots
FRIDAY
Potato Bar, Meat Sauce, Baked Potato, Broccoli and Cheese, Applesauce, Dessert, Bread Stick
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
5:30 p.m. - ESL Class
TUESDAY
11:45 a.m. - NCDHH Presentation
Noon- Rotary
1 p.m. - Bridge
1 p.m. - Dominos
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
5:30 p.m. - ESL Class
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Tai Chi
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY
Goulash, Mixed Veggies, Garlic Bread, Fruit Cocktail, Salad Bar, Fruit Crisp
TUESDAY
Ham Balls, Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Salad Bar, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Noodle Soup, Tuna Sandwich, Pears, Veggie Sticks, Salad Bar, Dessert
THURSDAY
Liver and Onions or Cook's Choice, Oven Roasted Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Peaches, Salad Bar, Dessert
FRIDAY
Brats or Hot Dogs, Mac and Cheese, Creamy Veggie Medley, Mandarin Oranges, Salad Bar, Pie
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, Diced Potatoes, Carrots, Applesauce, Dinner Roll
TUESDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Peas, Peaches, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Tater Tot Casserole, Cucumber Salad, Fruit Cocktail, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
Baked Steak, Baked Potato, Cheesy Broccoli, Pears, Dinner Roll
GOSPER COUNTY SENIOR CENTER
All meals are served with vegetables, fruit and a sweet item. Please call before 10 a.m. for your reservation 308-785-2500. Menu is subject to change without notice.
MONDAY
Chicken Cordon Bleu
TUESDAY
Beef Stroganoff
WEDNESDAY
Liver and Onions or Hamburger Steak
THURSDAY
Sausage Gnocchi
FRIDAY
Tuna and Noodles
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.
