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Charles 'Nick' Nichols receives Quilt of Valor before Platte Valley Auto Rodeo
Charles "Nick" Nichols sits while Teri Buhlmann, far right, reads his military service during the Quilt of Valor presentation Friday before the first performance of the Platte Valley Auto Rodeo in Lexington.
Two Plum Creek Quilt Guild members hold up the Quilt of Valor presented to Charles "Nick" Nichols Friday at the Dawson County Fair before the rodeo performance.
Charles "Nick" Nichols of Lexington was honored with a Quilt of Valor Friday night before the first performance of the Platte Valley Auto Rodeo in Lexington.
"It was my pleasure and honor to serve," Nichols said as he was called up to take a seat before Teri Buhlmann, a member of the Plum Creek Quilt Guild and the Quilt of Valor Foundation, read off his military service.
Nichols began his military career on Aug. 29, 1969, joining the Marine Corps.
He was sent to the Marine Corps Recruit Center in San Diego with the 1st Battalion Platoon 1163.
After completing boot camp, he trained as a communication wireman and received his first duty with the 8th Communication Battalion at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in April 1970.
Nichols was transferred to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in August 1971, where he was in charge of wire communications on fence lines.
He also helped run the MARS station that was used for radio calls to the States for troops on holidays.
In August 1972, Nichols was transferred to the 3rd Battalion 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, at Camp Pendleton in California.
He trained for Embassy School at Arlington, Virginia, in January 1973. The training allowed him to transport military records to and from the headquarters of the Marine Corps and the Pentagon.
Nichols transferred to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division Platoon in March 1973 before being honorably discharged as an E-4 in August of the same year.
In August 1975, he joined the Nebraska Army National Guard in Lexington.
He started with Company B 1 Battalion/195th Armor, where he served for 10 years.
In December 1995, he transferred to HQ 734th Transportation Battalion in Kearney. He was promoted to an E-7 master sergeant and battalion commander chief.
Nichols activated in February 2003 to serve in Iraq. However, after he was sent to Fort Riley, Kansas, the mission was canceled and he was sent back to Nebraska.
He transferred to the 67th Area Support Group in Lincoln in January 2004, where he was promoted to master sergeant. There he was the BGD commander chief in charge of state communications.
In July 2005, Nichols activated for duty in Iraq and was assigned as base operations in Al-Asad, Iraq.
Nichols spent nine months in Iraq overseeing the maintenance of internet cafes before spending three months working on electrical of the base infrastructure.
He returned to Nebraska in September 2006.
Nichols retired after 32 years with the Nebraska Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in January 2007 with the rank of E-8.
Buhlmann said that Nichols stated, "Once a Marine, always a Marine."
She said Nichols "contributed to critical missions during challenging times in our nation's history. His work ensured that the missions would succeed, and the lives of his fellow soldiers and Marines were supported in meaningful ways."
"This Quilt of Valor is a symbol of our gratitude, respect and admiration for you courage and dedication," Buhlmann said. "May this quilt bring you comfort, warmth and the knowledge that your service to the United States of America will always be remembered and appreciated."
She finished by saying, "Thank you, Nick, for your service and for the sacrifice you made on behalf of our country. We honor you today and always."
The Quilt of Valor Foundation's mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.
Since its founding, Quilts of Valor has awarded over 420,000 quilts to American veterans and military personnel.
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Heartland Chevrolet Show and Shine offers drive down memory lane
The Heartland Chevrolet Show and Shine car show was held Sunday afternoon on the west side of the Dawson County Fairgrounds.
While attendees could vote for their favorite vehicles, earning owners trophies in five categories, and participants could register for a cash prize drawing, the event inspired more than competition for contestant Susan Fagot.
Susan Fagot stands in front of her 1965 Pontiac GTO at the Heartland Chevrolet Show and Shine at Dawson County Fairgrounds.
Fagot, who grew up outside Kearney before moving to the Lexington area as an adult, brought her 1965 Pontiac GTO to the show. She has owned the car for 59 years after purchasing it with the help of her uncle before leaving for college.
Her uncle, a mechanic, helped her choose the vehicle after her father died and she needed reliable transportation for school.
"He thought this was the best one for me to go to Lincoln because I lived in Kearney and he thought this would be the most reliable car after he looked at it," Fagot said.
The Pontiac carried Fagot through college, marriage, raising children and even her children's weddings.
Its original leather interior holds memories no other car could replace, and she has worked to keep the vehicle as original as possible.
"My son and daughter-in-law had their wedding pictures taken in this car," Fagot said.
"I remember, I lived on a farm north of Kearney and I was going to college. I was just a freshman and I had this car and I used to blaze the trail to town in the mornings because we lived on kind of a minimal maintenance road."
She laughed before adding, "This car went through a lot of snowbanks."
Fagot is the car's second owner. The first was an Air Force officer who traded it in after owning it for a few years.
Although Fagot said she would like to have the car repainted someday, she plans to keep its original color and continue driving it for the rest of her life.
"It's always been shedded, and that really helps," Fagot said. "We enjoy driving it. You know, if we put a real expensive paint job on it, I would be afraid to drive it, but I want to be able to enjoy it."
Fagot attends a couple of car shows each year and said she has turned down an offer of $75,000 for the vehicle. She paid $3,612 for the Pontiac and joked that she wished cars still cost that much.
Looking around at the other car owners and visitors at the Heartland Chevrolet Show and Shine, Fagot said she believes nostalgia is what keeps people coming to car shows.
"I think a lot of people are so surprised that these cars are survivors and how beautiful they make them after they've been restored. And our age group, which is the baby boomers, remember that they used to have cars like these and wish they still had them," Fagot said.
Despite the heat Sunday, July 19, people take time to look at the cars participating in this year’s Heartland Chevrolet Show and Shine.
Awards were presented for best paint, best interior, best engine, best accessories and overall favorite.
Every participant was entered into a cash prize drawing donated by Heartland Chevrolet. The company also donated the trophies.
Organizers said the show typically draws about 25 participants each summer, but only 12 vehicles were on the fairgrounds when the event began Sunday.
They attributed the smaller turnout to the heat and said they were prepared to end the show early if temperatures became too uncomfortable.
Fagot and her friends arrived early to claim "one of the few shady spots" where they could relax throughout the afternoon.
Like many of the other owners, they sat in lawn chairs, chatting with friends and visitors, ready to take anyone willing to listen on a trip down memory lane.
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
The 32nd Annual Joe Torres Sand Volleyball tournament is set for Sunday, July 26 at 8 a.m. at Plum Creek Park. The deadline to signup is Thursday, July 23 at noon. The entry fee is $100 per team. Contact Jim Macias to register at 308-746-3100 or Henry Vogt at 308-529-0705. This year's fundraiser is to support Dorita Glaze.
Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles Demo Days Saturday, July 25 and Saturday, Aug. 8 at noon and 3 p.m. Live vehicle demonstrations.
Free dental screenings Thursday, Aug. 6 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dawson County Fairgrounds in Lexington.
Lexington Area Farmer's Market at 237 Hardware on Saturdays from 8-11 a.m. and Tuesdays from 3-6 p.m.
Lexington Area Christian Women's Connection presents "Happy 250th Birthday America" Tuesday, July 21 at 11:30 a.m. at Kirk's. Speaker is Linn Ann Huntington from Hays, Kansas. Reservations and cancellations by noon Monday, July 20. Call Sheri 308-320-0952 or Jonelle at 308-325-8279.
Elementary school bag Back-2-School event Thursday, July 20 from 9 a.m. to noon or until gone at 931 W. Seventh St., in Lexington. Sponsored by Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska.
Mobile Food Pantry Thursday, Aug. 6 at the Dawson County Fairgrounds at 3 p.m.
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
Stop by Security First Bank every Thursday in July for Root Beer Float Day.
Armchair Travels: Kevin and Mariann Boyd of Gothenburg, will talk about a recent trip to Peru and Machu Picchu Tuesday, July 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the Wilson Public Library.
Crafternoon: Join the Wilson Public Library Tuesday, July 21 at 4 p.m. to make fabric bowls. Ages 15 and up. Register at the library by Friday, July 17.
Teen Crafternoon: Join the Wilson Public Library Tuesday, July 28 at 4 p.m. to make diamond art bookmarks. For ages 13-18. Register by July 24.
Join The Cut Barn for a free will donation hair cut special and bake sale to benefit Benjamin Ide of Cozad on Thursday, Aug. 6 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Wilson Public Library book sale begins July 27 to Aug. 7. Free will donation.
Star Party Friday, Aug. 7 at dusk on the north end of Cozad High School football field.
Maker Market every Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. starting June 16 at The Green Space, east of 222 Hardware.
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
Coffee and Chat at Gothenburg Health with guest speakers from Valley Hope Monday, July 27 at 2:30 p.m. in the Larry Gill Board Room.
Free swimming pool admission, sponsored by Gothenburg Health, on the following Saturdays: July 25. For all ages.
Livin' Out Loud is set for Aug. 15-16 at Lake Helen.
ELWOOD HAPPENINGS
Elwood Lions Club - Gosper County Fair golf tournament Wednesday, July 22 at 10 a.m. The 3-person scramble has registration at 9:30 a.m. at Lakeside Country Club at Johnson Lake.
Elwood Rodeo Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24 with performances starting at 7 p.m. both nights. The rodeo slack performance is Friday, July 24 at 8 a.m.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
LEXINGTON
Majestic Theatre, 615 N. Washington St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $6, Students/Senior Citizens $5, Child $4
SHOWTIMES:
"Moana" (PG) - July 22; Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“Supergirl” (PG-13) - July 24-29; Friday/Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m. and Wednesday at 7 p.m.
“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” (PG-13) - July 31 - Aug. 2, 5 and Aug. 7-9 and 12; 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:
"Minions and Monsters" (PG) - July 21-23; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:20 p.m.
"Odyssey" (R) - July 21-23; Tuesday at 7 p.m.
“Moana” (PG-13) - July 21-23; Tuesday-Thursday at 7:10 p.m.
"The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants" (PG) - Wednesday, July 22 at 2 p.m.
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" (PG) - Wednesday, July 29 at 2 p.m.
GOTHENBURG
Sun Theatre, 404 10th St.
Ticket Pricing: Adult $5, Child (12 and under) $3, Senior Citizen $4
SHOWTIMES:
"The Odyssey" (R) - July 24-26; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
“Minions & Monsters” (PG) - July 31 - Aug. 2; Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.
“Fun Pianos” - Saturday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 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
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
Cook's Choice Soups, Cheese Cubes, Potato Salad, Pickled Beets, Peaches
TUESDAY
Baked Chicken, Fresh Yams, Corn and Broccoli Casserole, Applesauce
WEDNESDAY
Beef Stroganoff, Red Diced Potatoes, Stewed Tomatoes, Pineapple
THURSDAY
Mayo Chicken or Fish, Potato Casserole, Lima Beans, Pears
FRIDAY
Potato Bar, Meat Sauce, Baked Potato, Broccoli and Cheese, OJ Cup, 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.
SUNDAY
8 a.m. - Dawson County Sheriff's pancake fundraiser
MONDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
TUESDAY
Noon - Rotary
WEDNESDAY
10 a.m. - Free Groceries
12:30 p.m. - Pinochle
THURSDAY
1 p.m. - Tai Chi
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
Sirloin Tips over Noodles, Peas, Applesauce, Apple Tartlets
TUESDAY
Pork Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peach Salad, Ice Cream
WEDNESDAY
Potato Bar, Chili, Broccoli, Mixed Fruit, Dessert
THURSDAY
Oven Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Mandarin Oranges, Ice Cream
FRIDAY
Fish, Tater Tots, Corn, Pears, 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
BBQ Meatballs, Cheesy Potatoes, Peas, Apple Salad, Dinner Roll
TUESDAY
Pizza Casserole, Broccoli Salad, Corn, Applesauce, Dinner Roll
WEDNESDAY
Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans, Peaches, Dinner Roll
THURSDAY
French Dip, French Fries, Carrots, Peas
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
Mexican Lasagna
TUESDAY
Chicken Alfredo
WEDNESDAY
Liver and Onions or Hamburger Steak
THURSDAY
Closed
FRIDAY
Closed
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.
