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STATE RUNNERS-UP
‘We are so proud’: Lexington soccer team gave town something to cheer for
A Lexington fan stands with a “Lex Strong” sign after the Class B State Championship soccer game ended Wednesday at Morrison Stadium in Omaha.
Orange flooded the concourse the minute the gates opened. Supporters filed into the stands at Creighton’s Morrison Stadium. Immediately, flags donned with large letter “L’s” for Lexington started to unfurl through the crowd.
“I think this is the one,” said Artemio Munoz, who helped establish the Lexington High School boys soccer team in 1999. Munoz wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with every player’s name and number — including his son’s.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Minutemen were getting ready to play in the boys soccer state championships against Gretna. The weekend before, Lexington beat Schuyler, last year’s state champs. The 2-0 upset secured Lexington its fourth finals appearance in the last decade, a state title run that felt different – more crucial – to the team’s coach, its players and town residents.
Six months ago, news that Tyson Foods would close its Lexington plant shook the town. The plant employed more than 3,000 people — including parents of members of the team and their classmates.
But through the months of uncertainty, soccer helped pull the community together, fans said. The town’s support was evident in that morning’s send-off as the team bus left for Omaha.
“The streets were lined with people, the fire department, the police department, the sirens. It really just was so nostalgic,” said Nicole Thorell, who has lived in Lexington since 1993. “The boys were pounding on the windows and waving. It really did just bring tears to my eyes.”
Hundreds of supporters followed the bus 3 1/2 hours east on I-80 to Omaha. Family and friends took off work, donned their orange T-shirts and Converse, painted their faces and sneaked in noisemakers.
“I don’t know if there’s a business open today in Lexington,” Thorell said, looking at the crowd.
As the players warmed up, Julie Neher said that while she hoped for a win, she was already so proud of the boys on the team, including her son.
“A lot of them have to be adults way younger than most kids,” said Neher, a seventh-grade art teacher in Lexington.
Some of her students already left midyear after the Tyson closure, Neher said. Others plan to move away this summer.
Thorell’s father was the plant manager at Tyson. The past months have been hard on her family and the community, she said.
“You never know what people are struggling with … the Tyson closure brought to life what those struggles really are, you know, with people losing jobs, families leaving the community,” Thorell said.
“I think it has given the boys a drive and really pushed them to be closer,” Thorell said. “They want to win for themselves, for their community.”
“This group of boys on the field right now have played together since they were like 8 years old,” Thorell said, pointing to her homemade poster featuring a photo of some of the players as kids.
Around her in the stands sat the boys club soccer coaches, teachers and even the county attorney.
“As a mother, it makes me very tearful just to see how much this community admires these boys, how much they show up for these boys,” Thorell said. “It really, truly is a community that wrapped each other in as a family.”
It didn’t end like it would have in the movies. Gretna got up early and poured it on, scoring goal after goal. Lexington lost the championship game 8-2.
But even as the final seconds ticked off the clock, the mostly Lexington crowd shouted out “Go Lex.” They chanted “Sí se puede.” Yes, you can.
“Support from our community is second to none. I never doubted that for a second,” said head coach Joel Lemus. “It stinks that we couldn’t come out with a win today and see their smile one more time.”
“I’m sorry,” he said to his Lexington community.
The Lexington Minutemen soccer team gathers for a team photo after falling to Gretna in the Class B State Championship Wednesday at Morrison Stadium in Omaha.
From the sidelines, senior Juan Raymundo-Jesus’ mother hugged him. She was proud of him, she told him, no matter the outcome.
“Especially with the hardship we face right now, it’s really something important to me how (the town comes) out here every single time,” Raymundo-Jesus said. “Hopefully, everyone just comes together and everything just goes back to normal, because this really is a special town. It’s a little small town, but there’s a lot of people that are connected to each other. This is what makes you one big family.”
Freshman Christopher Moro’s parents moved to Kansas in January to work at a different Tyson plant after being laid off. He stayed with his aunt in Lexington for the rest of the school year so he could finish the soccer season with his cousin.
“I just wanted to play a season with my family, my teammates. I thought we could get it this year,” Moro said.
His mom walked over and wrapped her arms around him. He’ll move to join them in Kansas next week.
Said Thorell: “They’re winners in our eyes. Like, even to make it here, we’re so proud of them, so proud of the work they’ve put in, and just so proud of the family they’ve become.
“Win or lose, they have shown resiliency. They’ve shown the heart that they have.”
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Top Story Spotlight
Dawson and Gosper counties ready for Memorial Day celebrations
Memorial Day is just around the corner, and towns in Dawson and Gosper counties are holding memorial services.
Lexington
Lexington will hold its Memorial Day service at Veterans Pavilion on Monday, May 25. The service will begin at 10 a.m. In the event of rain, the service will be moved to the Heartland Museum.
Veterans Pavilion is located at the south end of Kirkpatrick Memorial Park on 10th Street.
Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles is located at 606 Heartland Road.
Cozad
Cozad’s service will be at Memorial Park on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. That day, the flags at the park will be taken down at 5 p.m. Volunteers are needed to help.
Memorial Park is located on East Ninth Street in Cozad.
Gothenburg
Gothenburg also will host its Memorial Day service at 10 a.m. Monday, May 25, at Gothenburg City Cemetery. The national anthem and invocation will be performed by Jonathan Phillips, colors will be presented by the Gothenburg Honor Guard, and the featured speaker is Richard Colson of Paxton.
Gothenburg City Cemetery is located on Road 767 to the east.
Overton
Overton’s Memorial Day service will be at Overton Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 25th.
Overton Cemetery is located at 75221 Road 445.
Elwood
Elwood will host its Memorial Day services on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Cemetery and 11 a.m. at Elwood Cemetery.
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gosper County Senior Center. The meal will consist of pulled pork sandwiches or chili dogs, and is a freewill donation event.
Salem Lutheran Cemetery is located on Highway 283, seven miles south of Elwood.
Elwood Cemetery is located at 74306 Drive 427.
Gosper County Senior Center is located at 406 Ripley St. in Elwood.
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
Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at Veterans Pavilion (in case of inclement weather - Heartland Museum).
A Business after Hours to honor Dennis Burnside, assistant city manager, Thursday, May 28 from 5-7 p.m. at The Well.
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 29 at 10 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 "Music is in the Air" men's night Tuesday, June 16 at 6 p.m. at Kirk's. Reservations and cancellations by noon Monday, June 15. Call Sheri at 308-320-0952 or Jonelle at 308-325-8279.
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
Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park.
Analyzing Henri's notebooks with Andrew Cozad on Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Robert Henri Museum and Art Gallery.
Free document shredding for anyone over 60 at the Cozad Grand Generation Center Monday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to noon.
One Book One Cozad book discussion on "I am a Man: Chief Standing Bear's Journey for Justice" by Joe Starita Wednesday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Dinosaur Noodle Art Thursday, May 28 from 3-5 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Storytime with Hammy "Hammy's Back Yard Adventure" Friday, May 29 at 11 a.m. All ages welcome at the Wilson Public Library.
The Chamber Golf Tournament is Friday, May 29 at 9 a.m. Register now for the 18-hole, four-person scramble.
Community Chat: Wednesday, June 3 at noon with guest speaker Laura Rody with Messtival.
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.
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.
MILLER HAPPENINGS
Memorial Day dinner at the Miller Community Hall Monday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..
EUSTIS HAPPENINGS
Memorial Day service program at 10 a.m. at the American Legion Post 257 and cemetery with a meal following at the Eustis Senior and Event Center.
OVERTON HAPPENINGS
Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at Overton Cemetery.
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
Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m. at the Gothenburg Cemetery.
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:
"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:
"A Great Awakening" (PG-13) - May 23-29; Saturday/Sunday at 4:10 and 7:10 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu" (PG-13) - May 23-28; Saturday/Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7 p.m.
"The Sheep Detectives" (PG) - May 23-28; Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7:20 p.m. and 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:
"The Play That Goes Wrong" June 4-7; Thursday-Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 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: 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
Closed
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
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
Closed
TUESDAY
Scalloped Potatoes with Ham, Stewed Tomatoes, Mixed Veggies, Pears
WEDNESDAY
Tater Tot Casserole, Spinach, Cream Corn, Mixed Fruit
THURSDAY
Monterey Pork Chops, Boiled Potatoes, Roasted Brussel Sprouts, Plums
FRIDAY
Chicken Strips and Waffles, Hashbrowns, Hawaiian Carrots, Mandarin Oranges, 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
Closed
TUESDAY
8 a.m. - Tourism Meeting
Noon- Rotary
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
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
Closed
TUESDAY
Lasagna, Green Beans, Garlic Bread, 7-Up Salad, Salad Bar, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Enchilada, Spanish Rice, Refried Beans, Peaches, Salad Bar, Dessert
THURSDAY
Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Corn, Red Applesauce, Salad Bar, Dessert
FRIDAY
Sloppy Joes, Mac and Cheese, Baked Beans, Fruit Salad, Salad Bar, Caramel Apple Tartlets
FARNAM SENIOR CENTER
The center will be closed on Fridays until further notice. When Eustis-Farnam Schools are closed due to the weather, the Senior Center will also be closed. Call ahead by 9:30 a.m. to get a meal 308-569-2359.
MONDAY
Closed
TUESDAY
BBQ Pork Sandwich, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Fruit Cocktail
WEDNESDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
BBQ Meatballs, Diced Potatoes, Peas, Pineapple, 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
Closed
TUESDAY
Brats
WEDNESDAY
Taco Salad
THURSDAY
Pulled Pork Sandwich
FRIDAY
Baked Potato Bar
ORGANIZATIONS
It Works Group: AA meetings are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. at 303 E. Sixth St., in Lexington.
First Christin Church NA: meets Sundays at 7 p.m., Tuesdays at 8 p.m. 1206 N. Erie St., in Lexington.
Westside Group: AA/NA: open meeting on Monday and Friday nights from 7-8 p.m. Meetings are held at Grace Lutheran Church, 105 E. 17th St., Lexington, use the south door.
Women's Group: meets every Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. on the second floor lounge at the Dawson County Courthouse (700 N. Washington St.)
Celebrate Recovery: Meetings at 7 p.m. on Fridays at Parkview Baptist Church’s Refuge Building (1105 Park St., Lexington) Contact: 308-324-4410.
Four Roads Group AA: meetings are held on Tuesdays from noon to 1 p.m., Fridays from 7-8 p.m. and Sundays from 7 p.m. at 1801 W. 18th St., in Lexington.
Grupo Lexington AA (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Saturdays from 8-9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon at 114 W. 6th St. in Lexington.
Group Nueva Vida Lexington (Spanish Speaking): open meetings on Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. at 114 W. Eighth St., in Lexington.
Full of Grace: Meetings from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Nazarene Church at 919 H St., in Cozad.
Southview Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Wednesdays at 1804 Papio Lane in Cozad.
SMART Recovery meets at St. Peter’s in the Valley Episcopal Church, 905 East 13th St., Tuesdays and Thursdays 7-8:30 p.m., Saturdays, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Sumner AA Group: meets Sundays and Tuesdays from 8-9 p.m. at 205 E. Fifth Avenue, in Sumner. For more information call 308-325-5827.
Bertrand Thurs Night Group: Meetings from 8-9 p.m. on Thursdays at Hope Lutheran Church, 74094 Road 436 in Smithfield. Call 308-785-3567 or 308-472-3376.
Odie Group AA/NA: meetings at 8 p.m. on Sundays in Elwood at 501 Calvert Avenue.
Pony Express Group AA: meetings are held from 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Mondays at the Gothenburg Evangelical Free Church (515 18th St.) in Gothenburg.
Thirsty Thursday by the Cemetery: Meetings held on Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church (2002 27th St.) in Gothenburg.
Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meetings are held the second Thursday each month at 2 p.m. at Lexington Regional Health Center (1201 N. Erie St., Lexington). For more information contact Dixie Menke at 308-325-5350.
Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Immunization Clinic, first and third Mondays every month: Open 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. by appointment at 931 W. Seventh St., Lexington. Previous vaccination records required. Contact 308-325-3436 or 308-325-3169.
Dawson/Gosper County CASA: seeking Volunteers. CASA Volunteers are everyday people from all walks of life, who advocate through the court system in the interests of children. Contact 308-324-7364.
