Dawson County Factbook - January 31, 2015

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Dawson County Factbook

2015

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February 2015

Dawson County Fact Book

Welcome to Dawson County Progress seems to be synonymous with Dawson County. Even in the midst of economic hardships, Dawson County continues to elevate itself and its citizens. Nearly all Dawson County communities continue to experience economic upswings with a variety of developmental projects launched or completed.

Lexington is expanding with construction that is. Lexington Regional Health Center is building a new facility, which will house four new doctors offices giving the people of the area more options for doctors.

At Lexington Middle School, the new YMCA of Lexington is scheduled to open at the beginning of the 2014-15 school year, and at Bryan Elementary to school has opened up with the additions of a new gymnasium and several classrooms.

The former Walmart building across from Tyson’s Fresh Meats, Inc., was purchased by the city and in late 2011, finished the last phase of revamping the space within it to become a center for educational development. It now houses the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, Dawson

Area Development, Workforce Development, Central Community College as well as a customer service center for the Department of Health and Human Services.

News and Information for Dawson County Newspapers based in Dawson County are the Lexington ClipperHerald, the Overton Beacon-Observer, the Tri-City Tribune in Cozad and the Gothenburg Times. The Elwood Bulletin and the Kearney Hub also circulate in Dawson County.

Newspapers The Lexington Clipper-Herald is distributed on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Subscription rates are $56 per year for Lexington, rural Lexington, Elwood, Overton, Cozad, Gothenburg, Eddyville, Oconto, Sumner, Smithfield, Bertrand and Elm Creek, and $66 per year elsewhere.

Papers are available at racks or dealers throughout Dawson County for 75 cents. For information call 308324-5511.

The Gothenburg Times is published

each Wednesday by Greg and Kathi Viergutz. For subscription rates or to subscribe, call 308-537-3636.

The Tri-City Tribune is published

by Corbey Dorsey and is distributed on Thursdays. For subscription rates or to subscribe call 308-784-3644.

Radio Carrying local news are: Lexington’s KRVN-AM (880 KHz) and KRVN-FM (93.1 MHz); Cozad’s KAMI (1580 KHz); Kearney’s KRNY (1460 KHz), KQKY-FM (105.9 MHz), KGFW (1340 KHz); and North Platte’s KJLT (970 KHz), KODY (1240 KHz) and KOOQ (1410 KHz).

The Lexington radio station generally carries information about area school closings, due to inclement weather, during early morning broadcasts.

Television Television stations carrying local and area news are KLNE-TV, Lexington, Channel 3; KNOP-TV, North Platte, Channel 2; KPNE, North Platte, Channel 9; KOLN/KGIN-TV, Lincoln/Grand Island, Channel 10/11; KHGI-TV, Channel 13, Kearney. In

Lexington the local educational access channel is Channel 6.

Internet Access to the World Wide Web is available in Dawson County through a variety of sources. Check with your local cable service provider or phone book listings for Internet providers.

Community College The Central Community College System encompasses 25 counties and has learning centers in Cozad, Lexington, Gothenburg, Arapahoe, Cambridge, Beaver City and Kearney.

A Distance Learning Program provides opportunities for students to complete a business and management degree through off-campus students.

The business and management degree program uses state-of-the art teaching technologies for delivery of courses. Satellite courses, computer conferencing and other interactive programs allow students to complete degree work without driving to one of the campuses.

Central Community College works with area industries, retail establishments and other agencies and organi-

Proudly Serving Dawson County For over 30 Years

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February 2015

Dawson County Fact Book

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Dawson County Information zations in planning in-service or inplant training programs. Call 324-8480 or toll-free at 1-877-222-0780.

All area codes: 308 EMERGENCY Emergency (police, fire, ambulance) - 911 Lexington Food Pantry, 931 W. Seventh, 324-4219 Love In Action (clothing, light housekeeping items), 907 W. Eighth, Lexington, 324-5353 Seventh-day Adventist Church (clothing), 1520 E. St., Gothenburg, 537-3339 Parent-Child Center (domestic violence, sexual assault), 1001 N. Washington, Lexington, 324-2336 24-hour Crisis Line (in Lexington), 324-3040; 24-hour Crisis Line toll-free, 1-800-215-3040 Dawson County Civil Defense, 3243011 (Sheriff ’s Office) LAW ENFORCEMENT Nebraska State Patrol, 1-800-5255555 Lexington Police Department (Chief Tracy Wolf), 324-2317

Gothenburg Police Department , 537-3608 Cozad Police Department, 784-2366 Dawson County Sheriff ’s Department (Sheriff Gary Reiber), 324-3011 Dawson Gosper County Crimestoppers (callers can report crime information anonymously), 1866-652-7383 Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline, 1-800422-4453 Dawson County Probation Office, 324-5615 HEALTH/MEDICAL Lexington Regional Health and Fitness Center, 1600 W. 13th St., Lexington, 324-6884 Lexington Regional Health Center, 13th and Erie, Lexington, 324-5651 Lexington Regional Health Center Hospice, 13th and Erie, Lexington, 324-8300 Maternal Health Clinic, 207 E. Sixth, Lexington, 324-6223 Plum Creek Medical Group, 1103 Buffalo Bend, Lexington, 324-6386 Plum Creek Surgery, 1101 Buffalo Bend, Lexington, 324-5660

SAVINGS - SERVICE - SELECTION PLUM CREEK MOTORS 1111 PLUM CREEK PARKWAY • LEXINGTON (308) 324-2306 • 1 (888) 324-2306 Where Everyone Gets A Great Deal & A Great Deal More!

www.driveplumcreek.com • Factory Certified Sales & Leasing • Factory Certified Express Auto Detail • Factory Certified Service Department • Factory Certified Parts Department • Factory Certified Quick Lube Express

Lexington Chiropractic Center, 104 W. Seventh St., 324-5948 Emeritus C/O Park Avenue Estates, 1811 Ridgeway, Lexington, 324-5490 Plum Creek Health Care Community, 1505 N. Adams, Lexington, 324-5531 Homestay Village, 503 B St., Overton, 784-3661 Elwood Care Center, 607 Smith Ave., Elwood, 785-3302 Cozad Community Medical Clinic, 1803 Papio Lane, Cozad, 784-3535 Cozad Wellness Center, 218 E. 16th, Cozad, 784-5100 Golden LivingCenter, 318 W. 18th, Cozad, 784-3715 Stone Hearth Estates, 110 20th St., Gothenburg, 537-7771 Hilltop Estates, 2520 Ave. M, Gothenburg, 537-7138 Gothenburg Memorial Hospital, 910 20th, Gothenburg, 537-3661 Gothenburg Family Practice Associates, 902 20th., Gothenburg, 5377131 Gothenburg Medical Arts Building, 610 10th St., Gothenburg, 537-3673

Lexington Regional Health Center Home Health Care, 1600 W. 13th St., Lexington, 324-8300 Two Rivers Public Health Department, 1-888-669-7154 Lexington Family Eyewear, 111 E. Eighth St., Lexington, 324-5631 Central Plains Home Health (Cozad), 300 E. 12th St., Cozad, 784-4630 or 1-800-243-9872 Lifeline (24-hour personal emergency response system), 784-4630 Cancer Information Services, 1-800422-6237 National AIDS Hotline (callers remain anonymous, open 24 hours), 1800-232-4636.

Nebraska Department of Health, 200 S. Silber St., North Platte, (308) 535-8134 Al-Anon Family Groups, 1-800-3442666 Four Roads Counseling, 513 N. Grant St., Lexington, 324-0222 Lutheran Family Services, 207 W. 7th St., Lexington, 324-6223 Alcohol Treatment Referrals, National 24-hour help and referral network, 1-800-252-6465

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Dawson County Fact Book

Dawson County Information Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, National Referral Service, 1-800-662-4357 Mental Health, Drug & Alcohol 24hour Crisis Line, 534-6963 (call collect) Hotline for Disability Services (Voice/TTY), 1-800-742-7594 Poison Control Center (Voice/TTY/TDD), 1-800-222-1222 FAMILY SERVICES Dawson County Immunization Clinic, Clinic of Good Health, 1-877209-3723 x143 Department of Health and Human Services, 200 W. Seventh Suite 1, Lexington, 324-6633 Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska (immunization), 931 W. Seventh Street, Lexington, 3244219 National Hotline for Missing and Exploited Children, 1-800-843-5678 Runaway Teen Hotline, 1-800-7862929 Dawson County Parent-Child Center, 324-2336 or 1-800-215-3040 Compassionate Friends (support

for bereaved families), 324-3538 Women, Infant and Children (WIC Program), 324-6212 Lexington Area United Way, (Services for families and children by referral), 324-5774 HOUSING Lexington Housing Authority, 3244633 Cozad Housing Authority, 784-3661 Gothenburg Housing Authority, 537-7275 Eustis-Farnam Housing Authority, 784-3661 Overton Housing Authority, 7843661 ADULT EDUCATION Lexington Community Education (Adult Ed, English as a Second Language, GED), 324-4395 Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, 1501 S. Plum Creek Parkway, 324-5504 Cozad Chamber of Commerce, 135 W. Eighth, 784-3930 Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce, 1021 Lake Avenue, 5373505

Lexington Area United Way, 3245774 Dawson County Museum, 805 N. Taft, Lexington, 324-5340 Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, 606 Heartland Rd., Lexington, 324-6329 100th Meridian Museum, 206 E. Eighth, Cozad, 784-1100 Robert Henri Museum/Hendee Hotel, 218 East Eighth Street, Cozad, 784-4154.

LEXINGTON SCHOOLS Superintendent’s office, 300 S. Washington, 324-4681 Lexington High School, 13th and Adams, 324-4691 Lexington Middle School, 1100 N. Washington, 324-2349 Bryan Elementary School, 1003 N. Harrison, 324-3762 Morton Elementary School, 505 S. Lincoln, 324-3764 Pershing Elementary School, 1104 N. Tyler, 324-3765 Sandoz Elementary School, 1711 N. Erie St., 324-5540 Head Start, 931-1/2 W. Seventh, 324-

5282 Lexington Early Learning Academy, 1501 S. Plum Creek Parkway, 324-1841 COZAD SCHOOLS Cozad High School, 1710 Meridian Ave., 784-2728 Cozad Middle School, 1810 Meridian, 784-2606 Cozad Elementary, 420 E. 14th, 7843462 Cozad Early Education Center (preschool), 420 W. 14th, 784-3381 GOTHENBURG SCHOOLS Gothenburg Superintendent’s Office, 537-3653 Gothenburg Junior/Senior High School, 1415 G Street, 537-3651 Dudley Elementary School, 1415 G Street, 537-7178 Liberty Heights Christian School, 3307 Lake Ave., 848-4740 OVERTON SCHOOLS Overton schools, 401 Seventh Street, 987-2424 SUMNER-EDDYVILLE-MILLER High School, 762-2925

PROUD TO BE PART OF THE LEXINGTON COMMUNITY Our praise goes out to area businesses, cattle industries, our team members, and the entire community. We are committed to providing the best quality product, a safe work atmosphere for our team members and support to the area communities.

Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. Lexington

February 2015

Dawson County Fact Book

Lexington LEXINGTON Topography Lexington is 2,408 feet above sea level.

Lexington is located on level terrain composed of deep, medium-textured soil developed on a well-drained and moderately wet terrace. The uplands on either side of the community are level to gently rolling to moderately rolling.

Lexington Parks and Recreation Lexington has six parks covering more than 99 acres. Facilities include swimming pools, picnic tables, shelters, playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, volleyball, sand volleyball and a skate park.

The city has 14 playgrounds with playground equipment and open play areas.

Recreation programs include basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, tennis, soccer and adult supervised gym activities. For more information call Community Activities Director Ann Luther, 324-2498.

Lexington has facilities for: Soccer: The city sponsors youth soccer each year and adult league soccer meets on Sundays at the soccer fields south of St. Ann’s Parish Center on Taft Street. The Optimist Recreation Complex near the airport on West 13th Street includes five soccer fields.

Baseball: The Lexington Legion Field is located at the Optimist Recreation Complex on West 13th St. near the airport.

Softball: Fields are scattered throughout the community. Three are located at the Rec Complex.

Indoor hitting facility: A new indoor hitting facility for baseball and softball opened in 2006 at the Optimist Recreation Complex. It provides space for Baseball/Softball and golf warmups. The City of Lexington recreation director coordinates its use.

Golf: Lakeside Country club, a private 18-hole grass greens course with clubhouse, is located at Johnson Lake, about 9 miles south of Lexington.

There are also two golf courses about 13 miles away, one near Cozad in the west, and one near Overton in the east.

Swimming: A family aquatic center with zero-depth (beach-type) entry, water slide and diving pit is near Memorial Park, Ninth and Monroe.

The facility also includes a snack bar,

sand volleyball court, sand play area and a splash pad. Swimming lessons are offered and the Lexington Swim Association sponsors a swim team.

Tennis: Twelve lighted tennis courts and organized men’s, women’s and youth leagues are offered through the Lexington Women’s Tennis Association. For information call Mary Maloley, 324-2156.

Fishing: Excellent fishing at Plum Creek Park’s six-acre lake, as well as Johnson Lake, the Platte River, Interstate 80 lakes, Tri-County Canal, Elwood Reservoir, Gallagher Canyon and many ponds and sandpits.

Hunting: Area hunting for ducks, geese, wild turkey, upland birds and deer.

Bowling: Strike and Spare, 1408 N. Adams, offers bowling on 12 lanes, with many organized leagues. 3244675.

Boating: Boating at Johnson Lake, and canoeing on the Platte River.

Skateboarding: A skate park, created in 2006, is located in Oak Park, at the corner of Plum Creek Parkway and Oak. Grand Generation Center, 407 E. Sixth, Lexington, provides many recreational activities, including dancing, strength training, quilting, cards and pool for area seniors. The center, administered by the city, serves noon meals on weekdays and provides “Meals on Wheels” and RYDE Transportation services. For more information, call Director Ann Luther, 324-2498.

Johnson Lake, nine miles south of Lexington on U.S. Highway 283, has a surface area of 3,030 acres and 20 miles of shoreline, providing excellent fishing, swimming, boating and skiing.

More than 900 families have built homes and cabins adjoining the lake.

Two state recreation areas provide facilities for camping, playground equipment, shower and restroom facilities and picnic equipment in treeshaded areas.

Two public docks, restaurants, boat rental and service, marina and an aircraft landing strip are available at Johnson Lake.

The Johnson Lake Yacht Club sponsors an annual invitational regatta with entries from several surrounding states.

During the spring and fall the lake is a resting place for thousands of ducks and geese migrating along the nation’s central flyway.

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Saturday • 8:30-11:30 a.m.

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785-3385

For after hours medical assistance, call (308) 746-6065. w w w. p l u m c r e e k m e d i c a l g r o u p . c o m

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Dawson County Fact Book

Lexington Starting in late February, the Sandhill cranes begin arriving and by mid-March, 70 percent of the world’s Sandhill cranes crowd a 150-mile stretch of the Platte River through Central Nebraska. Prime viewing spots to see the majestic cranes are along river roads south of Highway 30, between Lexington and Kearney.

Photographers and ornithologists from across the nation come to Central Nebraska to witness and record the spectacular sight of more than 200,000 sandhill cranes during their migratory stay in the area.

The Lexington area is also a winter nesting site for an estimated 250 bald eagles. They feed primarily below the Central Nebraska Public Power District J-2 Hydroplant southeast of town. The J-2 Eagle Viewing Site is open to the public, free of charge, usually from December through January.

For information, call the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, 324-5504.

Dawson County Historical Museum, 805 N. Taft, offers 30,000 square feet of exhibit rooms displaying an outstanding collection of historical and pioneer artifacts, many of which were

donated by families of pioneers who traveled the trails to settle Lexington and the surrounding area.

The museum complex houses many examples of china and glassware, historic clothing and quilts, furniture, farm machinery and wagons, Native American artifacts, the locally-built McCabe Baby Biplane, a log cabin, train depot and an early rural school house built in 1888.

The museum also houses on-going paleontology work on “Big Al,” a mammoth skeleton discovered north of Cozad, and features an art gallery and archives for genealogical and other historical research.

For information, call Dawson County Museum Director John Woodward, 324-5340.

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles, located at the Lexington I-80 exit, features military vehicles and memorabilia from WW I, WW II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars as well as Operation Desert Storm.

A living museum, nearly all the vehicles are fully operational and they have appeared in films, parades, festivals and veterans reunions.

The building also houses a gift shop, public restrooms and educational displays.

For information, call Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles Director Gary Gifford, 324-6329.

The settlement of the West was a tumultuous time and two sites of Native American raids are commemorated near Lexington.

Turkey Leg Raid Site, three miles west of Lexington, is the place where a Union Pacific Train was derailed and attacked by Native Americans, and Plum Creek Massacre Cemetery, 14 miles southeast of Lexington, is where the victims of a raid on a wagon train were buried.

The Oregon Trail marker also is located south of Lexington.

For directions, call the Dawson County Museum, 324-5340, or the Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce, 324-5504.

Lexington Celebrations Annual celebrations include Cinco de Mayo in May, the Plum Creek Rodeo in June, an Old Fashioned Fourth of July celebration, the Johnson Lake

Regatta, the Dawson County Fair in late July or early August, the Lexington Labor Day Antiques and Crafts Extravaganza and Hispanic Heritage Festival in September.

Lexington Education For information about enrolling your child in school, call the superintendent’s office, 324-4681.

New students must have a current immunization record and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate.

School District No. 1 in Dawson County, also known as Lexington Public Schools, covers approximately 38.3 square miles and has a total enrollment of nearly 3,000.

The district is accredited by the State of Nebraska and the North Central Association of Schools and Universities.

Lexington has four elementary schools: Pershing, Bryan, Morton and Sandoz. The middle school, located between 11th and 12th Streets along North Washington, was built in 1914, with additions in 1928, 1979, 1997 and 2000 and one currently underway. The school’s historic auditorium has also

Nationally recognized in 2013 and 2014

Outstanding patient satisfaction Convenient Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am — 9:00 pm Weekends & Holidays 10:00 am — 8:00 pm Proud to provide high-quality health care to Dawson County and the surrounding area.

1201 N. Erie | Lexington, NE | (308) 324-1656 | www.LexingtonRegional. org

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Lexington been refurbished with new seats, curtains and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system, paid for in part by contributions from local businesses, individuals and organizations through a $1 million fund drive spearheaded by The Lexington Foundation.

The high school, built in 1961, contains additions built in 1970, 1992, 1997, 2000 and 2008.

Renovations included the construction of a new gymnasium and classrooms and the addition of a new vocational technology building and vocal/band room.

Vocational courses offered in the high school include construction, careers, shop, industrial technology, architecture, drafting, woodworking, business systems, business law, business economics, and family and consumer science.

Each school building contains facilities for the education of handicapped children, including a pre-school facility for students up to age 5 at Sandoz Elementary and at the Dawson County Opportunity Center with the Lexington Learning Academy classrooms.

ESL courses are also offered throughout the system.

Lexington City Government Lexington operates on a council/manager form of government. The public elects the council members for four-year terms; they in turn select the mayor for a two-year term and hire the city manager.

The Lexington City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 5:30 p.m., at the City Municipal Building, 406 E. Seventh Street.

Meetings are open to the public, and an agenda, kept continuously current, is available at the city office. Citizens asking the council to take action on an issue can be placed on the council agenda by calling the city manager, 324-2341.

The city office also is the place to pay your utility bill and purchase building permits.

Fire Protection Fire protection in Lexington is provided by a 40-plus member volunteer fire department, with headquarters across the street east of the municipal building. Emergency and ambulance

Offering the most thorough exams and highest quality eyewear in the tri-city area.

Ted J. Harvey & Jason T. Seim Office: 308.324.5631 Fax: 308.324.3096

Doctors of Optometry 801 N. Grant St. • P.O. Box 637 Lexington, NE 68850

services, as well as mutual aid, also are provided. Protection in the rural area is provided on a contract basis with the Lexington Rural Fire Department.

Law Enforcement The Lexington Police Department employs 18 full-time police officers and two full-time civilian workers.

Dispatch services are coordinated with the Dawson County Dispatch System.

Fire and police dispatch duties in Lexington are consolidated at the Lexington Law Enforcement Center, corner of Eighth and Grant, next to the Dawson County Courthouse.

The Dawson County Sheriff ’s Department, located at the corner of Eighth and Grant in Lexington, employs more than 70 people, including office, dispatch, jail employees and sheriff ’s deputies.

If you need law enforcement assistance at night, call the Dawson County Sheriff ’s Department, 324-3011, or go to the Dawson County Law Enforcement Center and use the nightentry door between the courthouse and the jail, facing Washington Street.

Troop D of the Nebraska State Patrol, headquartered in North Platte, maintains an office in Lexington.

Troop D covers a 23-county area, including Dawson County and has 55 sworn officers and 12 carrier enforcement officers.

Library The Lexington Public Library, 907 N. Washington, was built in 2005. The library offers a wide range of services from Lapsit Story Hour, book club, summer reading program, Nebraska Humanities programs throughout the year, Internet for public use, a copier, a fax machine, laminator, an Accu-Cut machine and dies. During tax season, free electronic filing is provided at the library for low- to moderate-income families who qualify.

The library offers online databases, a 30,000-plus collection, which includes e-books, cake pans, area newspapers, audio books and videos.

A dividable community room with kitchen and public restrooms are features at the new library, along with a children’s area, young adult area and fireplace reading area.

Visit the library’s website, lexing-

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Dawson County Fact Book

Lexington tonlibrary.com, to see library policy, events, hours, browse the online card catalog and access the electronic databases. The library also offers an ongoing used book sale.

Library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Friday and Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, call 324-2151.

Lexington Utilities For information on Lexington utilities call 324-2343.

Rural residents are served by Dawson County Public Power District, a wholesale power customer of Nebraska Public Power District. For rate information, call the DPPD office, 324-2386.

Natural gas is supplied by SourceGas, Inc. through transmission pipelines. About 2,700 commercial and industrial customers are served by SourceGas. For information about gas service availability and rates, call 1800-563-0012.

LP gas is available for residential, commercial and industrial uses at All Points Cooperative. Oil is available for residential, commercial and industrial uses from All Points Cooperative

• Propane Cylinder Refills • 24-hour Pump Services

and Davis Energy.

Telephone Service CenturyLink Communications provides telecommunications services to the Lexington area.

The electronic switching office utilizes digital carrier facilities for trucking to the Grand Island switching center for equal access to all companies.

Installation and maintenance personnel are located in Lexington.

For information about telephone service in Lexington, call CenturyLink Communications, 1-800244-111; Spanish-speaking customers, 1-800-564-1121; and hearing impaired customers (TTY and voice), 1-800-2233131.

Package Delivery Services Package delivery services in Lexington are provided by the U.S. Postal Service, FedEX and United Parcel Service.

Lexington Industry The base industry in the Lexington area is agriculture because of the availability of natural resources: fertile soils, availability of high quality surface and ground water and a grow-

everyone. Lexington is fortunate to have a downtown business district that is full of historical buildings and is home to many specialty shops. Also, Lexington has numerous businesses along Plum Creek Parkway.

Non-manufacturing employers (20 or more) City of Lexington offers employment in city government and services.

Dawson County also employs people in county government and services.

Dawson County Public Power District, an electric utility, employs 82.

Lexington Regional Health Center employs 200-plus.

Lexington Public Schools employ more than 300 people.

All Points Cooperative maintains 144 employees, 114 full-time, with headquarters in Gothenburg.

Lexington Livestock Commission Co., a livestock market, has 49 employees.

Plum Creek Medical Group P.C., a local medical clinic, has 40 employees.

The State of Nebraska employs 31 people in the Lexington area.

Hallmark & Gift

Pharmacy

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324-2358

324-2359

• Heating Propane • Bulk Delivery Petroleum

Plum Creek Parkway 324-8003 East Highway 30 324-3468 Lexington

www.allpoints.coop Plum Creek Parkway

ing season suitable for crop and livestock production.

Although the annual rainfall in the area is only 22 inches, high crop yields are possible because of surface irrigation from the Platte River to area fields, plus 3,400 irrigation wells providing water for crops.

The Lexington area is a major player in livestock production, particularly cattle and hogs, and Dawson County was recently designated as a “Livestock Friendly County.” More than 1 million cattle are finished in feedlots within a 50-mile radius of Lexington, 50,000 beef cows produce calves and over 100,000 hogs are produced in the area each year.

Lexington is considered one of the top retail hubs in Nebraska for communities between 5,000 and 9,999, as named by the University of Nebraska, Agricultural Research Division.

Most any product or service you could want can be found in Lexington, from major discount and department stores to many specialty shops.

Whether you need to get a car serviced, or you’re looking for a night on the town, Lexington has something for

308-537-7141 or 1-866-320-6464

East Highway 30

Chapel of the Lake Services each Sunday 8:30 a.m.

Memorial Day through Labor Day Interdenominational featuring guest ministers and a variety of special music.

Located along Hwy. 283 on the southeast side of Johnson

603 N. Washington • Lexington 1-800-658-4288

Bruce L. Hanson, D.D.S., P.C. Preventive Family Dentistry Dr. Bruce Hanson; Marnie Marquardt, RDH; Chelsea Boyd, RDH; Tracy Zern; Kristin Heine & Susi Gonzalez

6th & Jackson • P.O. Box 626 Lexington, NE 68850 (308) 324-5551

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Cozad Industrial Development,

The Cozad High School Haymakers football won the 2013 high school football Class Manufacturers C1 State Football Championship and is CRT Communications, in Lexington coming off of it recent Dot Days celebrasince 2007, has more than 50 employees and tion, an uplifting month-long event named operates a call center for national telemarafter the book “The Dot” by Peter H. keting, specializing in insurance programs.

Reynolds. But to see how far Cozad has Darling International, formerly come one has to see where it started.

Nebraska By-Products, has produced meat Cozad is a landmark in westward develscraps, tallow and hides for the local market opment. In the 1860s, railroads were racing since 1979, with 142 employees. to the 100th meridian, since the first to Designer Craft Woodworking, in busi- reach that point would win the right to ness since 1985, has 22 employees and pro- build on toward California. duces furniture for a national market.

The Union Pacific won that race and in Eilers Machine and Welding Inc., estab- the early 1870s, Ohio businessman John J. lished 1983, employs 65 people, who manu- Cozad was traveling west on the Union facture fabricated metal parts and also do Pacific when he saw the 100th meridian local welding and machine repairs. sign near what is present-day Cozad. He Orthman Manufacturing Co., established returned to his home in Ohio and organized in 1960, has 115 employees, who build farm a company of people to help him develop implements and grain carts for the national the town, which later was named after him. and export market.

Almost immediately following settleTyson Fresh Foods, established in ment in 1873, the town was plagued with Lexington in 1990, employs more than 2,500 drought and grasshoppers. people, producing boxed beef and related The community might have died, but the products for a national and export market. town’s founder paid settlers to build a Veetronix Inc., in business since 1962, bridge across the Platte River and to work employs 25 people who make custom key- on the brick hotel he was building in town. boards and key caps for a national market Cozad added a colorful chapter to the as well as communications equipment. community’s history. In 1882 following a A recent addition to the Lexington manu- wage dispute and accusations that he had facturing community is Rayeman shot a man, Cozad and his family fled back Elements, a company that makes nutrition- East where they took on assumed names al dietary supplements for cattle. They and severed all direct contact with the tiny town. employ upwards of 50 people.

In her book, “Son of a Gamblin’ Man,” COZAD published in 1960, Mari Sandoz revealed the Cozad Demography mystery surrounding the disappearance of Cozad has the geographic distinction of the Cozad family and identified the worldbeing founded on the 100th Meridian. It lies famous painter Robert Henri as John in Dawson County in south-central Cozad’s son.

Nebraska, along U.S. Highway 30 and A hotel built by Cozad that was Henri’s Nebraska Highway 21 and just under a mile childhood home, was sold to the Hendee north of Interstate 80. The community is located 247 miles west of Omaha and 317 family after the Cozads left.

The Hendee Hotel now is more than 100 miles east of Denver. years old and has been renamed the Cozad Facts “Robert Henri Museum and Historical

Maintenance Free Living

Walkway” to commemorate Henri’s contri- tennis courts; restrooms; baseball diabution to art. Henri is known for his “Ash monds; outdoor sand volleyball courts; a Can” theory of painting. walking track; and overnight camping with electrical hookups, dump stations and Topography water.

The Platte Valley, in which Cozad is locatCozad has seven playgrounds that have ed, is fairly even terrain bordered on the tennis courts, basketball courts, Frisbee south by the Platte River and on the north by the “Sand Hills.” The soil is deep-medi- golf, ball diamonds, rest-rooms and stanum to medium-heavy texture of sedimenta- dard playground equipment. ry and wind-blown deposits.

The Cozad Parks and Recreation Department has 25 seasonal employees.

Local economy Programs offered include youth baseball, Cozad’s major economic activities are softball, soccer and co-ed sand volleyball. farming, feeding and raising cattle; manuFor information about city recreation profacturing, services and tourism. The city’s grams, call 784-5100. service sector includes a variety of restauCozad has facilities for: rants, motels and retail stores.

Golf: Cozad Country Club, a public 18Major non-manufacturing employers hole grass greens golf course with club(30 or more) house built in 1994, and new back nine City of Cozad has 38 employees. opened in 2001, a mile east of town on Cozad Community Health System has Highway 30.

108 employees.

Swimming: A 50-meter pool in Muni Park, 14th and Avenue O. Other highlights Cozad Public Schools employ 210 at Muni Park are baseball and soccer fields, Golden Living Center employs 70 Frisbee golf, horseshoe pits, walking trail, Cozad Parks & Recreation RV hookups, camping, sand volleyball, restCozad has eight parks covering 33 acres. rooms, sheltered picnic areas and a playPark facilities include a 50-meter swimming ground. pool; horseshoe pits; picnic area; cooking Tennis: Four lighted courts and private facilities; playground equipment; lighted indoor courts. Public tennis courts are at

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Cozad Centennial Park, 18th and H streets, and through Friday. Activities include crafts, Sportsman’s Field, 19th and B streets. card playing, dancing, bingo and other Racquetball and indoor tennis: Private activities. courts are available through the Dawson County Racquet Club. For information call 308-325-5057.

Fishing: Excellent fishing at Johnson Lake, southeast of town; Gallagher State Recreation Area, southeast of town; Midway Lake, southwest of town. Fishing also is superior at area sandpits, the Platte River, canals and reservoirs. Fishing licenses can be purchased at area retail outlets, bait and tackle shops and convenience stores.

Hunting: Deer, quail, pheasant, ducks, geese, rabbit and grouse make Cozad and Dawson County popular hunting areas.

Hunting licenses can be purchased at area retail outlets, bait and tackle shops and convenience stores.

Skating: Natural ponds for ice-skating.

Bowling: 100th Meridian Bowl, 819 Avenue H, has eight lanes.

Boating: Gallagher State Recreation Area, Midway Lake and Johnson Lake all are within 10 to 25 miles of Cozad.

Events and Celebrations Annual celebrations include the Robert Henri Birthday Celebration and Pony Express Reride at the Pony Express Station in Veteran’s Memorial Park in June, Bands, Brews and BBQs and the Triple B Car Show in July, Quilts Around the Block, the Farmer-Businessman Ag BBQ and Farm Family of the Year Award in August, Hay Days in September and Taste of Cozad, Holidays at the Henri and the Winter Wonderland Parade in December.

For more information and the full slate of Cozad community celebrations, call the Cozad Chamber of Commerce at 784-3930.

Activities and museums The Grand Generation Center, 410 W. Ninth Street, has been serving area seniors since 1988.

The center serves noon meals Monday

was extensively remodeled in 2002.

mental retardation programs.

Cozad Public Schools, also known as The state is divided into six regions, with Dawson County School District No. 11, cov- South Central located in Region II. The The Robert Henri Museum and ers four square miles and has an enroll- agency’s phone number is 784-4222.

Historical Walkway opened in May 1986. ment of 1,036.

Cozad utilities Henri, the son of Cozad founder John J. Cozad schools are accredited by the State The City of Cozad operates a municipal Cozad, became a world-renowned artist and of Nebraska and the North Central electrical distribution system with power the museum is his childhood home. The Association of Schools and Universities. supplied by the Nebraska Public Power walkway consists of an original Pony Vocational courses are offered in the high District.

Express Station, the Little church in the school, including marketing, metals, conAn electrical deposit is required for new Park and a pioneer schoolhouse. The struction, housing, clothing and parenting. residential electrical customers. For inforRobert Henri Museum holds many art Facilities for special education are locat- mation, call 784-2090. shows throughout the year. The Hendee Hotel, developed into a museum in 1983, is ed within the regular educational facilities Solid Waste Disposal listed on the National Registry of Historic and are designed for level 1 and level 2 handResidential trash pickup is operated by icapped students.

Places. the city, along with a recycling program.

Severe and profoundly handicapped stuAnother attraction is the 100th Meridian Natural Gas and Other Fuels Museum, which was completed in 1994. The dents are also educated in Cozad through its Natural gas is supplied by Kindermuseum became the permanent home for multiple handicapped program.

Morgan, Inc. For information about gas the Cozad Touring Coach, which now can Special schools service availability and rates, call KM at 1be viewed by the public. The famous tourThe Cozad Alternative School is housed ing coach carried President Taft during his in the Cozad Center at 1910 Meridian in 800-563-0012.

LP gas is available for residential, comvisits to Yellowstone National Park.

Cozad. It is a program designed to meet the mercial and industrial uses at Cozad Oil Cultural activities are provided by the unique needs of a specific group of stuCozad Entertainment Series, which pres- dents who have the potential, but may not and Propane and Farmland Service Coop.

Oil is available for residential, commerents four concerts per year. be experiencing success in a tradition cial and industrial uses from several oil The Cozad Area Arts Council sponsors school setting. companies and service stations in Cozad. artists-in-residence, local singing groups The school offers a component in its curTelecommunications services are providand various plays and musical productions. riculum providing “work-based learning.”

This allows high school students to have a ed by Cozad Telephone Company, which is Cozad Education part-time job while attending the school locally owned and operated. Cozad For information about enrolling your half-days and the middle schools are Telephone Company has a digital central child in school, call the superintendent’s office and has deployed a fiber optic netexposed to community service. office, 784-2745. work throughout the entire service area.

The building is owned by the City of New students must have a current immuThis allows every customers access to all Cozad and leased to the ESU. Resource nization record and a certified copy of his the latest telephone features and high speed materials of all types are housed at the cenor her birth certificate.

Internet. For more information about ter and certain testing services are offered.

Cozad has an early education center, one Also housed at the center is Cozad’s Head telecommunication services in Cozad, visit elementary school, a middle school and Start Program. The center’s phone number www.cozadtel.net or call the Cozad Telephone Company, 308-784-4044. high school. is 784-4525.

Post Office Construction was completed in January South Central Developmental Services, 2003 on the new middle school and grades 1- 821 J Street, is a private, non-profit corporaThe Cozad Post Office is located at 102 E. 5 moved into their newly remodeled ele- tion providing residential, social, vocation- Ninth, 784-3400. mentary building at 420 E. 14th St., former- al and recreational services for people with Package delivery services in Cozad are ly East Elementary. The Early Education mental retardation. South Central provided by United Parcel Service, Federal Center at 420 W. 14th St., houses the special Developmental Services, governed by a Express and the U.S. Postal Service. education preschool and all kindergarten local board of directors, is part of a students. Formerly North Elementary, it statewide system of community-based

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February 2015

Dawson County Fact Book

11

Gothenburg New students must have a current immunization record and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate.

Cozad has an early education center, one elementary school, a middle school and high school.

Construction was completed in January 2003 on the new middle school and grades 1-5 moved into their newly remodeled elementary building at 420 E. 14th St., formerly East Elementary. The Early Education Center at 420 W. 14th St., houses the special education preschool and all kindergarten students. Formerly North Elementary, it was extensively remodeled in 2002.

Cozad Public Schools, also known as Dawson County School District No. 11, covers four square miles and has an enrollment of 1,036.

Cozad schools are accredited by the State of Nebraska and the North Central Association of Schools and Universities.

Vocational courses are offered in the high school, including marketing, metals, construction, housing, clothing and parenting.

Facilities for special education are located within the regular educational facilities and are designed for level 1 and level 2 handicapped students.

Severe and profoundly handicapped students are also educated in Cozad through its multiple handicapped program.

Special schools The Cozad Alternative School is housed in the Cozad Center at 1910 Meridian in Cozad. It is a program designed to meet the unique needs of a specific group of students who have the potential, but may not be experiencing success in a tradition school setting.

The school offers a component in its curriculum providing “workbased learning.” This allows high school students to have a part-time job while attending the school half-days and the middle schools are exposed to community service.

The building is owned by the City of Cozad and leased to the ESU. Resource materials of all types are housed at the center and certain testing services are offered. Also housed at the center is Cozad’s Head Start Program. The center’s phone number is 784-4525.

South Central Developmental Services, 821 J Street, is a private, nonprofit corporation providing residential, social, vocational and recreational services for people with mental retardation. South Central Developmental Services, governed by a local board of directors, is part of a statewide system of community-based mental retardation programs.

The state is divided into six regions, with South Central located in Region II. The agency’s phone number is 784-4222.

Cozad utilities The City of Cozad operates a municipal electrical distribution system with power supplied by the Nebraska Public Power District.

An electrical deposit is required for new residential electrical cus-

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tomers. For information, call 784-2090.

Solid Waste Disposal Residential trash pickup is operated by the city, along with a recycling program.

Natural Gas and Other Fuels Natural gas is supplied by Kinder-Morgan, Inc. For information about gas service availability and rates, call KM at 1-800-563-0012.

LP gas is available for residential, commercial and industrial uses at Cozad Oil and Propane and Farmland Service Coop.

Oil is available for residential, commercial and industrial uses from several oil companies and service stations in Cozad.

Telecommunications services are provided by Cozad Telephone Company, which is locally owned and operated. Cozad Telephone Company has a digital central office and has deployed a fiber optic network throughout the entire service area. This allows every customers access to all the latest telephone features and high speed Internet. For more information about telecommunication services in Cozad, visit www.cozadtel.net or call the Cozad Telephone Company, 308-784-4044.

Post Office The Cozad Post Office is located at 102 E. Ninth, 784-3400.

Package delivery services in Cozad are provided by United Parcel Service, Federal Express and the U.S. Postal Service.

GOTHENBURG Gothenburg Demography Gothenburg is located in south-central Nebraska in Dawson County.

U.S. Highway 30 and State Highway 47 intersect in the community. It is one-half-mile north of Interstate 80; 185 miles west of Lincoln, the State Capitol; 239 miles west of Omaha; and 301 miles east of Denver.

Gothenburg is 2,557 feet above sea level.

The terrain is generally flat with the sand hills beginning on the north edge of the community. The fertile Platte Valley borders the east, west and south edges of Gothenburg.

Olof Bergstrom, a worker with the Union Pacific Railroad became the founding father for Gothenburg in the late 1800s. Bergstrom chose a farmstead north of the town site and traveled back to Sweden to convince his fellow countrymen to migrate to Nebraska to build a new town in the west. Along with the Swedes, many Germans and Danes settled in the area. By July of 1885, Gothenburg was incorporated as a town with a population of 300.

The construction of a man-made lake designed to generate electricity encouraged several industries and factories to locate in Gothenburg in the 1890s. The money panic of 1893 quickly turned the boom to bust.

Water designated for power was redirected to become an irrigation source for nearly 17,000 acres of farmland. Agriculture became Gothenburg’s economic mainstay. Industrial growth in the 1990s has added to the stability of Gothenburg’s already strong agricultural economy.

Known as the “Pony Express Capital of Nebraska,” Gothenburg boasts two Pony Express stations. One is still located on its original site on the Lower 96 Ranch, four miles south of Gothenburg. Protected by a second roof, it retains its original form and became part of the ranch, which was built in 1897. The second station was located on the Upper 96 Ranch, 24 miles west of the Lower 96 Ranch. In 1931, Mrs. C.A. Williams, whose family owned the ranch, realized the station’s historic value and donated the building to the Gothenburg American Legion.

Members dismantled it and rebuilt it in Gothenburg’s Ehmen Park.

The building was dedicated in memory of the Pony Express riders and pioneers of the Old West on Oct. 2, 1931, at the Annual Harvest Festival celebration for the community.

Gothenburg’s first library, built in 1916 with assistance from a $7,000 Carnegie Foundation grant, is unique with its Jacobethan Revival architecture. In 1986 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A $1.4 million addition and renovation was completed and dedicated in 1999.

Gothenburg residents take pride in their “can do” attitude. Past success stories include raising more than $8,000 in 1986 to buy playground

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Gothenburg equipment for the area around Lake Helen and raising $125,000 in just nine days in 1982 to match grant monies for construction of a new senior center.

Volunteers also recognized the need to save the Sun Theater when it closed following 54 years of providing community entertainment.

Purchased by the Community Playhouse with donations from clubs, organizations, businesses and individuals, the theater, operated by volunteers, is open every weekend with first-run movies and four live productions each year.

Gothenburg’s active participation in the Nebraska Community Improvement Program has spanned more than 30 years. Over that time the community has netted well over 60 awards for its projects and the volunteers that have driven them.

In 1991, the National Civic League named Gothenburg an AllAmerica City. In 1993 Gothenburg helped Dawson County achieve All-America City status. Dawson County is the only county in Nebraska to win this distinction.

In 1995, the Nebraska Lied Main Street Program designated Gothenburg as a Main Street community to aid in preservation of the historic downtown business district. A downtown renovation project completed in 2000 included new sidewalks and lighting.

Gothenburg has four parks covering 55 acres. Facilities include swings, picnic areas, pool, athletic fields, football stadium, 4-plex ball fields, camping areas and playground equipment. Three playgrounds in Gothenburg have a variety of playground equipment.

Gothenburg has a summer recreation director and 15 employees.

Weekly summer activities include baseball, T-ball, tennis, open swimming and softball. Special events during the summer are swimming lessons, scuba diving instruction, swim meet, lifesaving instruction, tennis tournaments and other clinics Gothenburg has facilities for: Golf: Wild Horse Golf Club, an 18-hole links style course, opened to the public in April 1999. The course and clubhouse were constructed on a site in the Sand Hills overlooking the Platte River valley. It features huge greens and wide fairways bordered by native grass and about 60 bunkers. This course has been ranked nationally

by Golfweek as the 25th Best Modern Course. It was also ranked No. 1 by Golf Magazine as

the Best Course Under $50.

Swimming: Outdoor heated pool with water slide at the recreation complex.

Tennis: Two lighted courts and one unlighted court.

Fishing: Excellent fishing at interstate lakes, Tri-County lakes, Jeffrey Reservoir, Midway Lake, Johnson Reservoir and Lake Helen. Hunting: Pheasant, deer, grouse, squirrel, rabbit, quail, duck and geese.

Skating: Ice-skating on lakes and ponds in winter.

Bowling: One eight-lane bowling center.

Boating: Canoeing at Lake Helen in city limits, boating at Midway Lake, 13 miles southeast; and Jeffrey Reservoir, 19 miles west.

Theatre: Indoor theatre with 225 seats.

Miniature Golf: An 18-hole course features challenging holes in a relaxed setting by the Lake Helen Recreation Area.

Horseshoes: Regulation pits are available for use at Lafayette Park.

Events and celebrations The Pony Express Rodeo is held on July 3-4. Events include mutton busting for the youth. A barbecue and fireworks display add to the holiday festivities.

The Annual Harvest Festival is held mid-September. It includes a parade, food in the park, ATV polo, games, plus many other activities.

Activities and museums The Senior Center, 410 20th St., provides various activities including pool, snooker and cards and quilting and crafts. They also provide bus service for senior citizens and meals on wheels for homebound residents. Other community events include the Downtown Farmer’s Market held 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Thursday from July through September, the Munchkin Masquerade Parade in October, and the Tour of Homes and Holiday Magic in November or December.

Gothenburg has many attractions including a self-guided tour of historic homes and downtown buildings.

The Pony Express Station in Gothenburg’s Ehmen Park is a main attraction for over 27,000 tourists annually, with displays of souvenirs and artifacts.

The Gothenburg Pony Express Historical Society was organized in 1980 with the purpose of gathering and preserving the history of

Gothenburg to make it available to anyone interested in the area’s past. The Gothenburg Historical Museum, Located across the street from the Pony Express Station, at 15th and Avenue D, officially opened to the public in June 2007 and welcomes visitors at no charge May through September, 14 p.m. every Wednesday through Saturday.

The Oregon Trail marker is located one mile south of Gothenburg. Another attraction is the Swedish Crosses Cemetery, located two miles north and two miles west of the city. A Swedish blacksmith made the three crosses for his grandchildren who died in the 1880s. The award-winning Sod house Museum was established in Gothenburg in 1988 with a fullscale replica of an authentic sod house similar to those used by early settlers of Central Nebraska, two barbed wire sculptures and a barn with artifacts and souvenirs.

Cultural activities include the Pony Expressionists Art Club, Gothenburg Community Playhouse, Sod House Stitchers Quilt Guild, and the Community Concert Association, which serves the entire county.

The Gothenburg Chamber of Commerce was legally incorporated in 1940. Volunteers each year carry out various projects to benefit the community and promote business and industrial growth.

These volunteers serve on the 20 committees and task forces that carry out annual projects such as the Harvest Festival, business and tourism promotion, legislative forums, ambassador services, membership drives, volunteer recognition events, business education seminars and so forth.

Gothenburg Health Care Gothenburg has a fine hospital, five family practitioners, a general surgeon, three physician’s assistants, two dentists, optometrists, two chiropractors, three physical therapists, two wellness centers and a fitness center. Support services are provided by consulting medical and dental staff including oncology, orthopedics, pathology, radiology, ophthalmology, obstetrics, urology, pulmonology, oral surgery, cardiology and orthodontia.

A variety of diagnostic procedures are available: stress and nuclear testing, mammography, ultra-sound and a number of laparoscopic type services. The Gothenburg Memorial Hospital has recently completed a $3 mil-

lion expansion to the facility.

Gothenburg utilities Dawson Public Power District serves the rural area surrounding Gothenburg. For more information about DPPD services, call 3242386. Natural gas is supplied by SourceGas, through transmission pipelines. Call SourceGas at 1-800563-0012.

Residential water rates vary according to the size of pipe used to connect a home with city service. Solid waste is collected by private collection services within the city and transported to a regional landfill north of Lexington.

Electrical rates vary depending on the season.

Telephone service CenturyLink provides telephone services to the Gothenburg area from a digital central office.

Installation and maintenance personnel are located in Gothenburg.

Installation and equal access services are available.

Post Office The Gothenburg Post Office is located at 1021 Lake. For more information call 537-2121. Package delivery services are also provided in Gothenburg.

City Government Gothenburg, a city of the second class, has a mayor-council form of government with a city administrator.

The mayor is elected at large and serves a four-year term. Four council members are elected by ward and each serves a four-year term. The city treasurer/clerk and city administrator are appointed annually.

Fire protection Fire protection is provided by a 44-member volunteer fire department, which also serves adjoining rural areas within the rural fire district and responds to mutual aid calls. The Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department has over half of its members qualified as Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and a 2-3 minute response time.

Law enforcement The city employs six full-time police officers. The recently remodeled department has two radio-equipped cars, breath analyzation and other standard equipment. The rural Gothenburg area is served by the Dawson County Sheriff ’s Department, based in Lexington. A Nebraska State Patrol trooper also serves the Gothenburg area.

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Dawson County Fact Book

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Gothenburg Gothenburg education For information about enrolling your child in school, call the Superintendent’s office, 5373653. New students must have a current immunization record and a certified copy of his or her birth certificate.

Gothenburg has an elementary school, a junior high and a high school with a total enrollment of fewer than 1,000.

School district No. 20 in Dawson County covers 121 square miles. The district is accredited by the State and the North Central Association of Schools and Universities.

A new junior/senior high school was dedicated in the spring of 2004. Vocational courses in the high school are family and consumer science, vocational agriculture, industrial technology, business, auto cad and computer technology.

Special education classes are provided to meet the needs for all students who are part of the public school system. A speech therapist and school psychologist are on staff.

Adult education programs are conducted at the high school in conjunction with Central Community College and the UNK. Manufacturers Baldwin Filters, producing air filters for motor vehicles for a national market since 1991, employs 150.

Parker Tech Seal Division, since 1974 has made industrial seals for a national market, employing 70.

All Points Cooperative, employs about 144 employees, 114 of which are full-time. The headquarters office is in Gothenburg.

Gothenburg Feed Products, has provided alfalfa products for a national market since 1953 and has 16 employees.

Land O’Lakes, selling feed to a national market since 1974, has 10 full-time and three parttime employees.

Frito Lay Inc., a corn storage, cleaning and shipping facility, opened in 1996 and employs 13 full-time, five management and four tempo-

rary personnel.

Liquitech, LTD has produced liquid feed for a regional market since 1992 and employs five.

Hicken Lumber Company provides local contractors with building supplies and equipment and employs five.

Non-Manufacturing Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District has 41 employees.

City of Gothenburg employs 30 people.

Monsanto Seed Research focuses on breeding and development of corn hybrids. It has 8 full-time, 2 part-time and 25 additional summer employees.

Gothenburg Public Schools employ 102.

Gothenburg Memorial Hospital employs 120.

Hilltop Estates Nursing Home employs 59.

Hoovestol Inc. is using Gothenburg as a relay station for its trucks hauling mail to locations around the United States. They have 35 drivers and eight mechanics.

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February 2015

Dawson County Fact Book

Churches Churches LEXINGTON Berean Bible Church Sixth and Madison 308-324-3095 Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Located six miles north of Lexington to Cozad Rd., four miles west, then one north.

308-324-4211 Calvary Assembly of God 13th and Adams 308-324-5310 Camino de Vida 810 S. Washington 308-324-3825 Church of Christ 1211 N. Tyler St. 308-324-5022 Evangelical Free 810 S. Washington St. 308-324-3825 First Baptist Church 713 Monroe 308-324-2909 First Lutheran Church Highway 21 to Buffalo Rd., 4 1/2 miles west 308-324-6263 First Presbyterian Church 801 N. Lincoln 308-324-5507 First United Methodist Church 201 E. Eighth 308-324-2397 Grace Lutheran Church 105 E. 17th 308-324-2496 Iglesia Adventista del Septimo Dia Sabados Lexington 308-324-7111 Iglesia Cristiana Pentecostes 2003 Plum Creek Parkway 308-324-6586 Iglesia de Dios Camino de Santidad 500 N. Monroe St. Iglesia Dios Es Amor Jesucristo Salva y Sana 500 N. Monroe 308-324-7960 Lexington Christian Church 1206 N. Erie 308-324-3084 L.D.S. Church 1407 W. 13th 308-324-6840

Northside Church of Christ 704 E. Sixth St. 308-324-4182 Parkview Baptist 803 W. 18th St. 308-324-4410 St. Ann’s Catholic Church (Iglesia Catolica De Santa Ana) 6th and Jackson Parish Offices: 1003 Taft St. 308-324-4647 St. John’s Lutheran Church - ELCA 42646 Rd. 764 308-784-3063 St. Peter’s In the Valley Episcopal 905 E. 13th 308-324-6199 Trinity Lutheran Church 205 E. 7th 308-324-4341 Islamic Center of Lexington 114A W. 5th., Lexington 612-735-7546 (cell) 308-764-2405 (cell) COZAD American Lutheran Church 200 E. 12th St. 308-784-3264 Christ the King Catholic Church 1220 M St. 308-784-3959 Church of Christ 22nd and Newell 308-784-2700 Cozad Berean Church 16th and O 308-784-3675

Living Hope Assembly of God 1800 Kiowa Lane 308-784-4761 Cozad Christian Church 821 Ave. F 308-784-4808 Cozad First Church of The Nazarene 919 Ave. H 308-784-3738 First Church of God 210 E. 14th St. 308-784-4074 First Presbyterian Church 819 E. St. 308-784-2717 First United Methodist Church 1515 B St. 308-784-2887 Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church 319 W. 11th 308-784-2441 Parkview United Methodist Church 120 E. Ninth 308-784-2025 St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church 16th and B Streets 308-784-2227 St. John’s Lutheran Church, ELCA 42646 Rd. 764, between 308-784-3063 American Lutheran Church 1512 Ave. G 308-537-3433 GOTHENBURG Banner United Methodist Church 308-537-3258 Church of Christ 18th and D 308-537-2164 Evangelical Free 1721 Lake Ave. 308-537-2261 Faith Chapel 520 Ninth St. 308-537-7516 First Baptist Church 1002 Ave. C 308-537-2503 First Presbyterian Church 1020 Lake Ave. 308-537-2210 First United Methodist Church

1401 Lake Ave. 308-537-2560 New Hope Evangelical Free 308-537-2812 Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church 1915 Ave. J 308-537-3364 Seventh-Day Adventist 1520 Ave. D 308-537-3339 Svea Dahl Church Rural Brady 308-584-3544 Victory Assembly of God 2611 Lake Ave. 308-537-3047 Zion Evangelical Lutheran N. Hwy. 47 308-537-3194 FARNAM Farnam Church of the Nazarene 503 Main St. 308-569-2514 Farnam Methodist 303 Caribou St. 308-569-2532 EDDYVILLE Eddyville United Methodist 308-858-4918 OVERTON First Christian Church 601 C. Street 308-234-6816 Holy Rosary Church 503 D Street 308-987-2379 United Methodist Church 401 6th Street 308-987-2223 SUMNER United Church of Sumner 308-752-9001 SUMNER You are invited to visit Sumner, a northeast Dawson County community, located 20 miles northeast of Lexington.

Sumner first appeared on the map when the post office was established there on Aug. 6, 1889. Named for Sen. Charles Sumner of Massachusetts, an advocate of the abolition of slavery, Sumner was surveyed in June and platted in July of 1890.

Located along the Wood River the funloving folks in Sumner enjoy several community gatherings each year and work on community improvements with a team spirit.

February 2015

Dawson County Fact Book

15

Eddyville and Overton Annual activities include a community Easter Egg Hunt, a big Fourth of July celebration with a rodeo on July 3 at 1:30 p.m. and another rodeo session on the Fourth at 7 p.m. There is a rodeo dance on the Fourth and a big parade every year with 90-100 entries.

Other activities on the Fourth include a volleyball tournament, foot races, a boat race, the Firemen’s Barbecue, a car show, crafts, money pile, live entertainment, fireworks and more.

In September the community hosts a back-to-school picnic, and in December a Soup and Santa night.

The Sumner Commercial Club, Sumner Saddle Club, Sumner EMT’s and Fire Department all work together to make these annual events a huge success.

Sumner is the home of Tub’s Pub, famous for home cooking, big homemade, chicken-fried steaks, prime rib and lots more.

Sumner has two churches, the United Church and Grace Lutheran Church.

Sumner’s community park is one of the nicest ones around, featuring a sod house and plenty of shade and Sumner offers youth softball and baseball programs during the summer.

The local school is consolidated with the communities of Sumner, Eddyville and Miller (SEM) all sending students to the K-12 Class D-2 school. There are fewer than 200 students and the community is very proud of all the youth activities in sports and academics. Sumner is known as the “Home of the Mustangs.”

Sumner currently has a population of 229.

Sumner Village Clerk 752-3015.

The village has regular board meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Sumner Community Hall.

FARNAM Farnam is located in southwest Dawson County with Lincoln County one-half mile west and Frontier County one-half mile south.

Keystone, situated two miles east of where Farnam is located today, was the original site of the early settlers of Farnam who later moved to what is Farnam. Farnam was named in honor of Henry Farnam, a railroad builder and philanthropist who was born in New York in 1803.

Farnam has contracts with Dawson County for law enforcement. The 911 emergency number goes to Frontier County at Curtis and they dispatch the information out on pagers to individuals who are on the fire department and EMT squad.

The Farnam and Eustis Schools merged in 1997 and at the time of the merger, there were 347 students in the

district; recent enrollment figures are just above 213. Despite challenges brought on by the merger and fiscal pressures that accompany declining enrollment, the district is committed to quality, innovative educational opportunities and students continue to exceed national averages on norm-referenced assessments.

Farnam has three churches Catholic, Methodist and Nazarene and each maintains regular services and activities.

Community activities each year include a community carnival in February and Founder’s Day, a weekend of activities set in June. Also in the spring is an annual Easter Egg Hunt for the smaller children.

Farnam Village Clerk: 308-569-2355.

EDDYVILLE Originally named Congdon, this tiny Dawson County community traces its beginnings to a post office established May 23, 1881, three miles southwest of the present village.

Officials of the Kearney and Black Hills Railroad whose line opened through the Wood River Valley that fall changed the name to Eddyville on Nov. 12, 1890.

The village was named for a Miss Eddy, an acquaintance of John H. Hamilton, president of both the railroad and the Wood River Improvement Co., which bought and platted the community in the summer of 1890.

Eddyville is nestled in the beautiful Wood River Valley in northeast Dawson County along Nebraska Highway 40.

Small, but mighty, might be a good description for Eddyville, which strives to provide wholesome, family-oriented activities for its citizens and those who stop to visit.

Annual events include a wild game feed in January featuring wild turkey, deer, elk and Canadian fish, harvested by local hunters both in Nebraska and abroad, and in February there is a community pancake feed. Both of these events are sponsored by the Eddyville Volunteer Fire Department.

Highlight of the year, however, is the annual Dinner Theater at the Eddyville Community Building. This year the event reached its 30th anniversary.

The melodrama featured local actors and actresses and homemade soup and pie were served to guarantee a great time by those attending. Proceeds help the Eddyville Methodist Church and maintenance of the community building.

The Eddyville Trail Riders will host its annual rodeo the third weekend in June. The rodeo is approved by the Nebraska State Rodeo Association and the Mid-States Rodeo Association.

Eddyville is the home of the famous

“Buzzard’s Roost,” a deep, long canyon about one mile north of Eddyville. The Buzzard’s Roost was originally about 2,520 acres in Custer County owned by John B. Colton.

You can still enjoy the scenery of the Roost by participating in the annual spring and fall Trail Rides through Buzzard’s Roost. There is a spring in May and a fall ride in September.

A sack lunch at Buzzard’s Roost provides a nice break before the riders return to town for a barbecue. For those not wishing to ride a horse, horse-drawn racks will be available.

The annual Eddyville Mud Drags will be in September. The proceeds from this event are donated to the Eddyville Community Building. This makes for a September weekend full of good times.

Wrapping up the year is the “Soup and Santa” activity in mid-December.

Proceeds are used to help maintain the community’s holiday decorations.

The Eddyville Rural Fire District covers a 193-square-mile territory that includes the rugged canyons of northeast Dawson County. There are 40 members on the fire department and two emergency medical service members.

The Eddyville Methodist Church is the community’s lone active congregation with service every Sunday morn-

ings at 10 a.m. Two UMW Circles meet monthly.

OVERTON Overton was settled in 1873 by the James M. Potter family and the post office was established on June 3, 1873.

The community was named in honor of a government official who was in charge of men guarding construction workers on the Union Pacific Railroad.

It continued to be part of the nation’s cross-country transportation system as first the Lincoln Highway, and later U.S. Highway 30 passed through the community. A historic Lincoln Highway bridge is located just east of the village and was refurbished in the mid 2000s by members of the Overton Boy Scouts.

Overton is also a fun place to go antique hunting with not one, but two businesses offering treasures from yesteryear.

Overton recently finished construction on a monument dedicated to memory of local veterans and military personnel.

Overton Public Schools provide instruction for students in grades K-12.

A Class D-1 school, the office number is 987-2424.

For more information contact: Overton Village Clerk: 987-2433.

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16

February 2015

Dawson County Fact Book

We Have Something for Everyone!

Lexington Lodging Holiday Inn Express Comfort Inn Super 8 Minuteman Hotel Days Inn EconoLodge

Camping Dawson County Fairgrounds Grandma’s RV

Many Ways to Enjoy Lexington Lexington Aquatic Center

Historic Downtown

Optimist Hitting Facility

Museums Open Year Round Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles - 606 Heartland Road, Lexington Dawson County Historical Museum - 805 Taft Street, Lexington

Winery Mac’s Creek Vineyard & Winery - 43315 Road 757, Lexington

Recreation Antique Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza

Historic Homes

Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles

Family Aquatic Center; Sports Tournaments-Hitting Facility; Recreation Center; Bowling; Tennis Courts; 6 Parks; Picnic Facilities; Historic Downtown; Playgrounds, Skate Park; Stock Car Racing; Johnson Lake; Lakeside Country Clup-18 Hole; Overton Golf Course-9 hole; Platte River Historic Trails-Driving Tour; Historical Homes; Diverse Dining

Antiques Bargain John’s Antiques - 700 S. Washington, Lexington Memories Antiques - 75933 Road 434, Lexington Chester’s Antiques Home & Garden - 110 E. River Road, Lexington Dawson County Historical Museum

Mac’s Creek Vineyard & Winery

Events And Celebrations Annual Plum Creek Rodeo - 2nd week of June 4th of July: Fireworks, Veterans BBQ Farmers Market - July-October Dawson County Fair July 11-19 Sizzlin’ Summer Shindig - August 1 - NEW EVENT Antique, Craft, Flea Market Labor Day Weekend Extravaganza - September 5 & 6 Eagle Viewing-J2 Power-Winter Viewing

Annual Plum Creek Rodeo

Paid for by Lexington CVB

Plum Creek Park

For more information contact the Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau at 308-324-5504 I-80 Exit 237 1501 Plum Creek Parkway, Ste, 2A Lexington, NE www.visitlexington.org