

GOTHENBURG — Domestic violence does not always leave a visible injury. At Gothenburg Health’s October Coffee and Chat, representatives of Lexington-based Sheltering Hands discussed the ways abuse can take hold and the support available to people experiencing it.
Executive Director Melanie Gomez and Outreach Coordinator Presley Ureste spoke as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
They described domestic violence as a pattern of behavior intended to gain control over another person. It can affect people of any age or gender and occur in different kinds of relationships, they said.
Executive Director Melanie Gomez, left, and Outreach Coordinator Presley Ureste spoke as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Gothenburg Health’s Coffee and Chat. They spoked about what domestic abuse is, how to spot it and how survivors escape.
“Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate,” Gomez said. “Though it’s often seen as physical abuse, we mainly see it as hidden violence.”
Gomez and Ureste said abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual or financial. It can also involve stalking or monitoring someone’s activity online. An abuser may isolate a person from friends and family, control access to money or make leaving feel dangerous.
“In reality, abusive relationships are a very complex situation and take a lot to leave,” Gomez said.
According to Gomez, it takes an average of seven attempts for a victim to leave an abuser, and 75% of domestic violence-related homicides occur when a victim tries to leave.
Fear, limited resources, children and continuing feelings for an abusive partner can all affect a person’s decision, Gomez said. Some abusers use immigration documents or threats about immigration status to maintain control.
In small communities, a victim may also worry about the consequences of speaking out against someone others know and trust.
Gomez recalled helping a woman whose abuser took her children, forcing her to fight for custody. She said advocates work with survivors as they weigh concerns about their children and make plans for their safety.
Sheltering Hands offers safety planning, crisis intervention, emotional support, medical and legal advocacy, help seeking protection orders and financial assistance for immediate safety needs. Its advocates also staff a 24-hour crisis line.
Gomez said the organization helps survivors recognize signs of abuse, seek support and plan for a safe departure when they are ready.
Gomez reported that Sheltering Hands has seen a 50% increase in clients and a 127% increase in contacts this year. Audience members asked whether economic uncertainty associated with the Tyson plant closure in Lexington could be contributing to the increase.
Gomez said there was no clear answer. She said the cases her organization sees have become more violent and time-consuming, while greater awareness may also be prompting more people to seek help.
Gomez stated abuse is learned a learned behavior. Statistically, boys who witness their father abusing their mother are more likely to be abusers and girls who witness it are more likely to be abused.
Drugs and alcohol are not direct causes of abuse, but they can escalate it.
“It’s a cycle and it does happen, but no matter where they learned the behavior they can choose not to do the behavior,” Gomez said. “Abusers know exactly what they are doing. They are very controlled with their abuse and anger.”
The most helpful first response when someone discloses abuse is to believe them and tell them it is not their fault, Gomez said. The person experiencing abuse must be able to make their own decisions about leaving, she added.
“You need to recognize they are the experts of their own lives,” Gomez said.
Gomez said donations help cover safety needs that government funding does not fully pay for. Sheltering Hands spends about $18,000 a year on hotel rooms for survivors, she said, in addition to costs such as clothing, hygiene supplies and court-related expenses.
Sheltering Hands’ 24-hour crisis line is 308-324-3040 or 800-215-3040. Its office number is 308-324-2336. More information is available at shelteringhands.net.
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 Regional Health Center Ladies Auxiliary meeting Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Rehabilitation Service Building (1600 W. 13th St.).
Lexington Area Christian Women's Connection presents Song in My Heart Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Kirk's. Speaker is Lisa Story of Wausa. Reservations and cancellations by noon on Monday, Oct. 19. Call Sheri Giesbrecht at 308-320-0952 or Jonelle Lans at 308-325-8270. Cancellations are essential.
Humanities Nebraska Pioneer Women of Nebraska series: "Maria Rodaway: Prairie Pioneer" Thursday, Oct. 20 at 6 p.m. at the Lexington Public Library.
Countryman Associates, P.C., is hosting a Farmer Appreciation BBQ Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 709 E. Pacific St. Call 308-324-2398 for more information.
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
Maker Market is held every Tuesday until Oct. 20 from 5-7 p.m. at the Green Space, east of 222 Hardware.
Meet the candidates Wednesday, Oct. 21 at 5:30 p.m. at Cozad Grand Generation Center.
Spook Night in downtown Cozad Monday, Oct. 26 from 5-7 p.m.
First Annual Norm Valenzuela Wing Fest Sunday, Oct. 18 from 2-5 p.m. on Meridian Street between Big E's and Meridian Tap House. Spicy wing challenge, wing eating competition, games and wing and beer specials.
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.
AREA HAPPENINGS
52nd Annual Bertrand Craft Show Saturday, Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bertrand Public School and Bertrand Community Building.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Verity" (R) - Oct. 17-18, 21; Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
"Forgotten Island" (PG) - Oct. 23-25, 28; 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:
"Resident Evil" (R) - Oct. 17-22; Saturday/Sunday at 4:20 and 7:20 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Street Fighter" (PG-13) - Oct. 17-29; Saturdays/Sundays at 4 and 7 p.m., Mondays-Fridays at 7 p.m.
"Verity" (R) - Oct. 17-22; Saturday/Sunday at 4:10 and 7:10 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"Clayface" (R) - Oct. 23-29; Friday at 7:10 p.m., Saturday/Sunday at 4:10 and 7:10 p.m. and Monday-Thursday at 7:10 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. 17-18; 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
9 a.m. - Coffee, Friends and Conversation
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.
MONDAY
Baked Chicken, Potato Casserole, Three Bean Casserole, Mixed Fruit
TUESDAY
Tuna Noodle Casserole, Lima Beans, Stewed Tomatoes, Pears
WEDNESDAY
Cubed Pork in Gravy, Candi Yams, Spinach, Applesauce
THURSDAY
Italian Chicken, Hashbrown Casserole, Buttered Brussel Sprouts, Pineapple
FRIDAY
Potato Bar, Baked Potato, Broccoli and Cheese, 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
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
Noon - Commodities
1 p.m. - Bridge
1:15 p.m. - Foot Clinic
5 p.m. - ESL Class
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
5:30 p.m. - Meet and Greet: The Canidates
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Bridge Marathon
FRIDAY
1 p.m. - Noodle Party
COZAD GRAND GENERATION CENTER MENU
Salad Bar is available daily with meals served from 11:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.
MONDAY
French Dip, Pea Salad, Peaches, Pumpkin Bars
TUESDAY
Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Mandarin Oranges, Jello Salad, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Chicken and Dressing, Green Beans, Pineapple, Dessert
THURSDAY
Lasagna, Beets, Apricots, Garlic Bread, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Ham Salad Sandwich, Wisconsin Cheese Soup, Pears, Veggie Sticks, Cookies
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
French Dip, Potato Wedges, Cheesy Cauliflower, Mandarin Oranges
TUESDAY
Chicken Casserole, Three Bean Salad, Peaches, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Beef Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Lettuce Salad, Fruit Cocktail, Spanish Rice
THURSDAY
Sausage Gravy, Hashbrowns, Carrot Salad, Pears, Biscuits
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
Sweet and Sour Pork
TUESDAY
Taco Salad
WEDNESDAY
Chicken Cordon Bleu
THURSDAY
Loaded Baked Potatoes
FRIDAY
Fish Sandwich
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.

The Lexington City Council ratified the purchase of real estate from Tyson Foods on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
Community members filled the council chambers for the agenda item. Deputy City Manager Bill Brecks explained that the council had approved the purchase in April and it was finalized last week.
Tuesday’s vote approved the final purchase documents under a previously executed memorandum of understanding.
Brecks clarified that the purchase does not include the Tyson building, which has not been put up for sale. He said the property includes approximately 420 acres of farmland east and west of the Tyson wastewater treatment plant.
Lexington City Council members (from left to right) John Salem, Dora Vivas, John Fagot, Jared Jacob and Jeremy Roberts prepare for the Oct. 13 city council meeting. During the meeting, they discussed ratifying a purchase of land from Tyson Foods, replacing a traffic light with stop signs and amending the city code to prohibit parking on the south side of 20th Street between Erie and Ridgeway.
The legal description identifies the property as the Southwest Quarter (SW¼) of Section 9, Township 9 North, Range 21, West of the 6th P.M., except the drainage ditch, an 11.39-acre tract and 1.54 acres for a county road, Dawson County, Nebraska; and the portion of Section 16, Township 9 North, Range 21, lying north of the Nebraska Public Power Irrigation Canal, except the north 50 feet, West of the 6th P.M., Dawson County, Nebraska.
The purchase also includes the wastewater treatment facility and associated influent and effluent sewer line facilities, easements and personal property.
The council approved the ratification without questions.
The council also approved a $285,000 professional services agreement with JEO Consulting Group Inc. for a flood risk reduction assessment.
Brecks said four firms were considered before a committee selected JEO. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will pay 75% of the contract cost.
In other business, the council adopted an ordinance prohibiting parking on the south side of 20th Street between Erie Street and Ridgeway. Parking will remain allowed on the north side.
Brecks said vehicles parked on the south side have forced pedestrians to move around traffic. He noted that the north side has a sidewalk while the south side does not. The council suspended the three readings and adopted the ordinance on its first and final reading.
The council also approved replacing the traffic signal at Sixth and Grant streets with stop signs. The signal has been flashing red, making the intersection a four-way stop.
Brecks said a faulty control board has been difficult to repair because parts are hard to obtain. Purchasing and installing the parts would cost approximately $5,000.
Brecks said drivers have adjusted to the four-way stop and that replacing the signal would not disrupt traffic flow. Councilman Jeremy Roberts said the four-way stop appeared to have improved traffic flow based on what he had seen.
Dawson County Commissioners held their regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, Oct. 15, during which they held a public hearing regarding the vacated Road 425.
The public hearing was held for commissioners to gain insight into how landowners and Dawson County citizens feel about the road’s use. Road 425 was originally vacated in 2018 following a petition to change its status from public to private. Because a civil agreement was never established, there has been debate since the closing over who has access to the road.
Chairman PJ Jacobson stated that the county has received several complaints over the years from landowners who could not access their land because someone else had shut and locked the gate on Road 425. Because of these grievances and the fact that no civil agreement was ever reached, the board is considering whether to reopen Road 425 as a public road.
Citizens at the meeting asked the board if the vacated road had been deeded back to the landowners on either side of it. They were told it had not and that the lack of a civil agreement left uncertainty over who was responsible for maintaining the road and access to it. Currently, the county does not own any easements on the road.
No action was taken on Road 425 during the Thursday meeting. Commissioners closed the public hearing with Jacobson saying they would take the discussion into consideration. A vote on the road is scheduled for Oct. 30.
Sheriff Mark Montgomery gave his crime report to the board and updated commissioners on jail repairs. An inmate broke a window and tore out a floor drain. He explained the inmate tore out the floor drain to access a pipe, which was then used to break the window.
While Montgomery said the floor drain was a relatively easy repair, the broken window was “the most expensive one in the building” and cost $4,000 to replace.
Montgomery said the county is seeing an increase in violent inmates. With force sometimes necessary to subdue them, he has scheduled use-of-force and suicide prevention training for jail staff in January.
He invited the board to attend, and commissioners asked him to send reminders, saying they were curious about the training and would like to observe alongside jail staff.
The jail is technically fully staffed, according to Montgomery. Two staff members are being deployed for nine months, which could cause a small staffing shortage, but Montgomery was confident the Sheriff’s Department could handle it. He also reported that Gothenburg police officer Tim Schweitzer has been hired as a road deputy.
In other business, the board approved:
Two bids from CAT for six-wheel-drive motor graders. The first bid was for $321,750, and the second was for $329,825.
Signing of the Delta Dental renewal plan with a 2% cost increase.
Certification of the Cost Allocation Plan.
Reallocation of Nebraska Secondary Manufacturer Opioid Funds to the Nebraska Opioid Recovery Fund.
The appointment of commissioner Kevin Swanson as this year’s voter for the NACO December conference.
The appointment of Bill Stewart as the alternate for Kevin Swanson at the NACO December conference.
Prior to the commissioners’ meeting, commissioners sat as the Dawson County Board of Equalization for their regular meeting.
The Board of Equalization approved:
The adoption and appropriation of current tax levies.
A maintenance agreement with Cardinal Assessment Group for October through December.
The annual report of property with converted tax status before the levy date.
Tax list corrections for: Rosemary Alberts Life Estate; Kent Bartlett; Jeffrey D. Boesch; Thomas H. Holm; Teresa L. Sayer; Evelyn E. Schultz; Raymond J. Wiesen; Dennis L. Bockus; Barbara J. Jones; Gene H. Mittelstaedt; Adam D. Lee.

