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COZAD NEBRASKA
2023 VISITOR’S GUIDE CELEBRATING 150 YEARS
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CONTENTS
Welcome................................................................................4
Churches ...............................................................................6
Lincoln Highway ....................................................................9
Our History ..........................................................................10
Things to See & Do..............................................................12
Parks & Recreation..............................................................13
Education ............................................................................14
Industry ...............................................................................15
Healthcare ...........................................................................16
2023 Upcoming Events .......................................................18
Ad Contents.........................................................................20
Businesses ..........................................................................21
Businesses • Categorically .................................................26
A Lexington Clipper-Herald publication in cooperation with Cozad Tourism
Cover photo courtesy of Rose Mapel
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WELCOME
The Cozad Tourism committee invites you to explore Cozad to enjoy art, history,hopping, dining ando much more!
buildings, honor the memory of loved ones. ○ Multiple bronze sculptures adorn the Wil- son Public Library’s garden. ○ Visit barnquiltsdc.com for an interactive Google map and more information. Cozad’s 150th Birthday Celebration begins January 1, 2023, with many activities planned throughout the year. These activities center around four themes integral to the history of Cozad. 1. The Union Pacific Railroad: How John J. Cozad originally arrived on the 100th Meridian. 2. The Arts: Boyhood home of artist Robert Henri (Robert Henry Cozad), as well as Cozad’s community commitment to all types of art. 3. Agriculture: Cozad historically known as the Alfalfa Capital of the World. 4. The 100th Meridian: Longitudinal line running through Cozad, where the humid east meets the arid west.
• Tour the Robert Henri Museum & Art Gallery. • Discover Cozad’s fascinating history next door at the 100th Meridian Museum. • Shop our varied specialty and retail shops. • Enjoy diverse cuisines at our restaurants. • Celebrate the night life at one of our pubs or three screen movie theater. • Visit Cozad’s many Outdoor Art projects, ac- cessible at all times of the day. ○ Hunt for unique barn quilts on the Barn Quilts of Dawson County Trail. ○ The 50 States Barn Quilt display beautifully represents all 50 states. ○ “Cozad Creates” painter’s palette icons on display throughout Cozad. ○ Rhakenna’s Wings, painted on different
Please visit the Cozad 150th Celebration Face- book page for events and more information.
From art to shopping to dining to festivals to just relaxing, there’s plenty to do in Cozad, Nebraska!
Cozad Tourism Committee P.O. Box 411 Cozad, NE 69130-0411 cozadtourism@gmail.com
WELCOME
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WELCOME TO COZAD
Welcome to Cozad. I am pleased that you picked up the Cozad Nebraska 2023 Visitor Guide. I was born in Cozad, attended Co- zad Community Schools and graduated as a Cozad Haymaker. My career moved me around the United States for 15 years and I chose to move back here and raise my family. Cozad is a great example of small-town life. I know my neighbors, I celebrate and mourn with them. Neighbors soon become family and when a family is in need this community steps up to help. While our main industry is based in agriculture, not everyone has livestock or raises corn here, but that
farm and ranch work ethic is had by all. I hope you choose to spend some time looking through this guide and visiting Cozad. I promise you will be impressed. If I can be of any help, please reach out.
Mayor of Cozad Marcus Kloepping 308-784-3907 MayorMarcusK@gmail.com
The Cozad Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting our local business community. The chamber’s goal is to help business owners network and grow, by hosting Business After Hours, Open Houses, Ribbon Cuttings, networking events, fundraisers, workshops, and other activities to make community connections possible. The Cozad business community boasts diversity. Spend the day exploring our exceptional gift, clothing, quilt, antique and home decor stores, explore our numerous outdoor art projects, then grab a bite to eat at one of our many eating establishments. Join us for some of our annual events, including Hay Days in September, Spook Night If you are looking for a location to start a new business or for an expansion of an existing business, you’ve found your place in Cozad! Our community is committed to helping you succeed. Cozad has a regional workforce that is skilled in manufacturing, agriculture, trucking and distribution, retail and a variety of service sectors. You will not only find skilled workers but you will find dedi- cated and hardworking employees with the Midwest values that you will come to truly appreciate. Cozad is committed to growing our tax base through business growth and development so an emphasis on community infrastructure and technology is a focus. You will be able to stay seamlessly con- nected to all your locations utilizing available fiber connectivity or our central location along Interstate 80. Our community is thankful for the visionary citizens of the past but we continue to look to the future. We invite you to take the time to look around and visit with our community and business leaders. Our
economic development team will assist you in working through the process from identifying a location, establishing financing, locating employees and any other need you have in getting your business up and running smoothly. We welcome the chance to discuss the opportunities available to you in Cozad! You will discover why so many have made Cozad their home not only for their business but for their families as well. Please contact me by phone at 308-784-8006 or email at jen.cdc@cozadtel. net to discover all that awaits you in COZAD. Sincerely,
Jen McKeone Cozad Development Corporation Executive Director 308-784-8006 jen.cdc@cozadtel.net
in October and Old Fashioned Christmas in December. Check out cozadchamber.com for these events and more. Whether you are visit- ing Cozad for the first time or seeking a new place to call home, we welcome you to Cozad!
Chantelle Krepcik Cozad Chamber of Commerce Executive Director 209 W 8th 308-784-3930 cozadchamber@cozadtel.net
COZAD GOVERNMENT
MAYOR OF COZAD Mayor Marcus Kloepping (308) 784-3907
CITY COUNCIL David Hernandez Jordan Curtice Ron Olds Torrey Kloppenborg
The City of Cozad operates on a Mayor and City Council form of government. The public elects the Mayor and Council members on four-year terms. Cozad’s Police Department maintains a Police Chief and full-time Police Officers. The Cozad Volunteer Fire Department handles all fire and rescue emergencies. Cozad owns and operates their own electric system.
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CHURCHES
AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor Kathy Gundell 200 East 12th Street Office 308-784-3264 alccozad@cozadtel.net Facebook: American Lutheran • Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. • Adult Sunday School 9:15 a.m. • Wednesday Children’s Christian Education 6:30 a.m. CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH Father Mike Pampara 613 West 13th Office 308-784-4161 secretaryckc2016@gmail.com • Saturday Evening Mass 6 p.m. • Sunday Morning Mass 8:30 p.m. • Daily Mass - refer to the bulletin • Religious Education Classes Wednesday 6 p.m.
CHURCH OF CHRIST Pastor David Haynes
2117 Newell Street Office 308-784-2700 churchofchrist@cozadtel.net
• Adult Sunday Classes 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Groups
• Sunday School Worship 9 a.m. Wednesday Night Programs • Kids Club (4 Years-5th) 6:30-7:30 p.m. • M2J (MS) & Crossroads (HS) Youth Groups 6:30 p.m. • Adult Studies - Call the office for more information
www.churchofchristsite.wordpress.com • Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. • Coffee & Cookie Fellowship 11 a.m. • Small Groups (All Ages) 11:15 a.m. • Small Group 9:30 a.m. • Team Jesus Youth (Preschool-HS) - Wednesday 7 p.m. • Women’s Bible Study - Wednesday 9:30 a.m.
• Kids of the Kingdom (K-5) 3:30-5:30 p.m. • School Early Out Wednesdays (K-5) 2-4 p.m. • Youth (MS & HS) 6 p.m. (Sept thru April) Thrift Shop Hours (710 Meridian Ave) • Tuesday & Friday 1-4, Saturday 9 a.m.- noon LIVING HOPE ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH Pastor Brent E. Graves 1800 Kiowa Lane Office 308-784-4761 livinghopecozad@gmail.com livinghopecozad.org • Sunday Morning Worship & Children’s Service 10 a.m. • Sunday Evening Youth Group 6:30 p.m. • Wednesday Bible Study & Prayer 6:30 p.m.
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Rev. Jill Boyd 819 E Street, PO Box 228
CHURCH OF GOD Harvey Pierce
Office 308-784-2717 cozpres@cozadtel.net www.cozadpresbyterian.com
210 East 14th Street Office 308-784-4074 • Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.
Facebook: First Presbyterian Church, Cozad • Sunday Coffee and Fellowship 9:45 a.m. • Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE Pastor Susan Sukraw 919 H Street Office 308-784-3738 Pastor Cell 308-529-0763 cozadnazarenechurch@gmail.com cozadnaz@cozadtel.net
COZAD BIBLE CHURCH Pastor JC Calhoun 1602 O Street Office 308-784-3675
cozadbiblechurch@hotmail.com Facebook: Cozad Bible Church • Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. • Sunday School 9:15 a.m. • Wednesday Adventure Club 6 p.m. • Ladies Bible Study - Thursday 9 a.m. • Moms In Prayer - Monday 6:30 p.m. and Thursday 2 p.m. • Ladies Bible Study at Meadowlark Pointe - Monday 7 p.m. • Adult Bible Studies - Call the office for more information COZAD CHRISTIAN CHURCH 821 F Street Office 308-784-4808 cozadchristianchurch@gmail.com http://cozadchristianchurch.wordpress.com/
• Sunday School 9:30 a.m. • Family Worship 10:30 a.m.
ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor Kathy Gundell 42646 Road 764 Office 308-784-3063 stjohns@atcjet.net • Sunday Morning Worship 9 a.m.
• Sunday Story 5:30 p.m. Potluck meal with interactive family study using storytelling
COZAD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Doug Gahn 1515 B Street Office 308-784-2887 cozadUMC@cozadtel.net www.cozadumc.org Facebook: Cozad UMC
THE CROSSING FELLOWSHIP Lead Pastor Eric Most thecrossingfellowship.com thecrossingfellowship@gmail.com • Sunday Worship 9:30 & 11 a.m. at The Fox Theater
Sunday Morning Worship • Contemporary 8:30 p.m. • Traditional 10:30 a.m.
Facebook: Cozad Christian Church • Sunday Morning Worship 10 a.m.
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COZAD
150 YEARS
THE 100TH MERIDIAN CITY
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LINCOLN HIGHWAY
wing walls. No road extends east or west of the bridge, but the bridge gives testament that the original Lincoln Highway was located on a slightly different course than today’s Highway 30. Another of the telltale artifacts left from the original Lincoln Highway is a raised berm locat- ed south of Gothenburg, now on private land. The berm marks the original bed of the road, which was most likely rock and gravel, as concrete and asphalt was not yet in existence. Not all the Lincoln Highway was rock and gravel, how- ever. Some sections, known as seedling miles, such as those near Grand Island and Elkhorn were brick. In fact, reconstruc- tion of these sections of what is now Highway 30 was bypassed because of local citizens intent on preserving “their” section of history. Be sure to visit the 100th Me- ridian Museum in Cozad and the Great Platte River Road Museum in Kearney, NE for more informa- tion on the history of this famous highway across our nation.
President William H. Taft agreed it would help unite the nation. Construction on the project began in 1914. In 1919, Dwight Eisenhower led a military cara- van on the Lincoln Highway that came through Cozad. As it was the first highway to connect East and West coasts, the towns and villages through which the Lincoln Highway passed experienced an eco- nomic boom and the Lincoln Highway became affection- ately known as “The Main Street Across America.” Nebraska was no different. Smaller villages, those without hotels, set up free tourist camps to get travelers to remain there, where they would most likely spend money. These days, a few telltale artifacts along Highway 30 are the only reminder of those early days of the Lincoln Highway. A few of those artifacts exist here in Dawson County. Outside Overton, for instance, there is a small cement bridge with the red, white and blue Lincoln Highway logo painted on the
In June 2013, the Lincoln Highway Association celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Lincoln Highway by conducting an Official Lincoln Highway Cen- tennial Tour of the road. The tour began simultaneously in New York and San Francisco, and met midway, west of Kearney. The Lincoln Highway was the first transcontinental road across America and connects the people and places in Nebraska. In 1912, Carl G. Fisher, the man who created the India-
napolis Motor Speedway, had the idea of a transcontinental highway of good roads that would facilitate easier travel. He pitched the idea to anyone and everyone who would listen. Dur- ing these pitches, he proposed the new highway should be given a patriotic name, so he chose Lincoln, after his favorite president, Abraham Lincoln. Fisher was able to convince a few folks in the auto industry of the need for a highway that stretched coast to coast, and
Enjoy a scenic drive around Cozad, tour our museums and outdoor art, delight in small town shopping, and savor the flavors of dining.
Cozad’s Outdoor Art projects celebrate our art heritage while making art accessible at all times of the day.
“ Cozad Creates ” Paint Palettes
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Rhakenna’s Wings
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• Wilson Public Library Sculpture Garden • Barn Quilts of Dawson County Trail • 50 States Barn Quilt Display
Paid for by Cozad Tourism Funds For more information and maps about Cozad’s Outdoor Art visit barnquiltsdc.com.
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OUR HISTORY
Long before homesteaders and immigrants began to pass through and settle in central Nebraska in the early and mid- nineteenth century, the region had long been peopled by Na- tive Americans, and in the last two millennium, the Pawnees. They had occupied a wide swath of territory that included parts of present-day Nebraska, Kansas, and South Dakota. Indigenous peoples had inhabited what is now the United States and Canada for at least ten thousand years and some have suggested as many as forty thousand years. Central Nebraska has long been a transportation artery with its rivers, trails, railroads, and later roadways crossing it. The Great Platte River Road as it was called, was described as the grand corridor of America’s westward expansion and fol- lowed the route of the Platte River beginning at the Missouri River, at the eastern end of Nebraska, to the west end and then continuing into the state of Wyoming. This route was the basis for the later creation of the Overland Trails includ- ing the Mormon, Oregon and the California trails which were most heavily used between 1841 until 1869. These trails ran through on the north side, such as the Mormon, or to the south of Cozad including the Oregon and California trails. In addition, the route of the Pony Express mail system ran to the south of Cozad and a waystation, which was moved, has been preserved in City Park. Those trails were succeeded by the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad which arrived
in the place that later became Cozad in 1866. It proceeded westward until in 1869 it met the Central Pacific Railroad at Prom- ontory Summit, Utah. For the first time a transcontinental railroad was in operation. Then, less than five decades later, the newly designated Lincoln Highway was dedicated in 1913, the first road built across America which ran through Cozad and was suc- ceeded by U.S. Route 30. Finally, there is Interstate Route 80 which begins just west of New York City, passes just south of Cozad, and ends in San Francisco, California. Cozad is located on a corridor of commu- nities including San Francisco, Denver, Salt Lake City, Omaha, Chicago, and smaller cities in between. The 100th Meridian, on which Cozad is located, holds significance beyond the 1862 transcontinental railroad legis- lation that President Abraham Lincoln signed to encourage the construction of a railroad clear across the country. It was a unique place that had been ar- tificially created and, as railroad surveyors would proclaim, was the place where the humid East met the arid West. John Wesley Powell a surveyor with the United States Army and writing for the United States Geological Survey in 1879 had stated that: “The 100th Meridian was the natural demarcation line extend- ing northward from the western shore of the Gulf of Mexico. Evaporation from the gulf waters supplies most of the rainfall east of the Meridian, West of the Meridian precipitation comes largely from the Pacific which is
generally insufficient for agri- cultural needs without irrigation. Here on the Meridian East meets the Arid West.” It remains for the community a matter of pride and continues to play an important role in the city’s identity. For decades, the sign placed along the railroad track by Thomas Durant in 1866 greeted visitors going in either direction. Sometime in the late nineteenth century the sign disappeared. A new monument, made of stone native to the area, was erected by the Cozad chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution at approxi- mately the same location, next to the 1925 Union Pacific railroad passenger station. A sign has straddled U.S. Route 30 des- ignating the community as the site of the meridian for decades. Even today promotional efforts continue to draw attention to that
line although it has been located by more modern techniques and with greater accuracy, to the west of the town on U.S. Route 30 near the Cozad Municipal Airport. The town of Cozad, located on the 100th Meridian, 247 miles west of Omaha, was the dream of John. J. Cozad from Cincin- nati, Ohio. In 1872, when John J. Cozad was traveling through the Platte valley on the Union Pacific, he saw a sign on the right-of-way bearing the words 100th Meridian. This particular location impressed him as being a favorable site for a town. He purchased options on 40,000 acres of land from the Union Pacific Railroad and organized a campaign to encourage people to move to Cozad. A railroad boxcar was the first building, with the name COZAD painted on each end.
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OUR HISTORY
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innovation to our community. Cozad owes much of its suc- cess to the hardworking farm and ranch businesses and families who are committed to feeding our nation and our world through agriculture and livestock production. Cozad is commit- ted to continued progress and development while offering ex- cellent quality of life to all within our local area. Today, the City of Cozad’s business district is included within a National Register His- toric District that was established in 2018. The district includes an interesting variety of architec- tural styles such as Italianate, Neo-Classical Revival, American and Mid-Century Modern. In all more than forty buildings are listed within the district which is roughly bounded by 9th Street to the north, 7th Street to the south, H Street to the west, and F Street to the east. In 2023 the down- town of the city was designated as a Creative District by the State of Nebraska in recogni- tion of its support of the arts and culture.
a business trip, Alfred Pearson confronted him about an unre- solved issue, and the argument ended with Cozad drawing his gun and shooting Mr. Pearson who died several weeks later. Cozad left town immediately leaving his wife Theresa to sell his property and other assets. She sewed the money in her skirts and in the coat pockets of her son, Robert, and they left the town in 1884. Changing their names, the Cozad family moved to Atlantic City. Robert changed his name to Robert Henri and ul- timately became a famous artist and teacher in New York City. In the early days, the Cozad area was primarily an agricultural community. Alfalfa, the Platte Valley’s green gold, became a dominant force in Cozad’s economy, earning the com- munity the title Alfalfa Capital of the World. When World War II ended, alfalfa dehydrating plants came to the Platte River Valley and agriculture and livestock production continued to flourish. New businesses came to Cozad bringing with them diversity and
Photos courtesy of the 100th Meridian Museum
Soon the railroad company erected a depot at Cozad and Cozad built a hotel and several other buildings to establish the town. Circulars extolling the mer- its of the new settlement were sent far and wide, especially to the states of Ohio and Indiana. By 1890, the new town boasted a population of more than five hundred. By the time the colonists were settled, along came the grass- hoppers and everything green was destroyed. The colonists tell the story of the hoppers eating the pitchfork, hoe and shovel handles as well. The vast majority of colonists gave up and returned east, leaving only five families behind. Though the grasshoppers, drought and hot winds continued over the years, the little colony never lost heart and Cozad built additional busi-
ness buildings and erected a school. John Cozad, while known as a haughty, and aloof man with a violent temper, spent thou- sands of dollars building a sod bridge across the Platte River to give the settlers work and to improve the chances for his town to succeed and connecting it to settlers to the south. Interest- ingly, when he needed funds, he would “seek out a Faro game” usually back East and was known once to make $50,000 gambling in Omaha between trains. A newspaper, The 100th Meridian, was published and its copies were sent far and wide throughout the nation, bringing people to settle in Cozad during the early years. On October 14, 1882, when John returned from Denver on
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THINGS TO SEE & DO
Cozad is well known for our art heritage with numerous art collections on display. Homestead Bank is home to the CSB Co. collection of paintings and sculptures done by western artists. Cozad High School is home to paintings from different artists, where each
loved ones. Each set of wings is unique, and photos are encouraged in front of them. Mul- tiple bronze sculptures surround the outside of The Wilson Public Library as part of a beautiful greenscape. Windswept Reflec- tions, a contemporary windmill sculpture, is located on the west side of the library. In April 2023, a commemorative Cozad 150th celebration mural and barn quilt will be unveiled in downtown Cozad. For more information regarding Cozad’s Outdoor
Museum & Art Gallery is located at 218 E. 8th. Robert Henri started life as a boy in the prairie town of Cozad founded by his father, John J. Cozad. The museum is also the famed American artist’s boyhood home and is full of historical information on the life and times of Robert
senior graduating class purchases a painting to be displayed. Each Artist-in-Residence at the Henri Museum also donates a painting to the High School art collection. Stop inside Wilson Public Library , at 910 Meridian Avenue, to see the beautiful stained
Henri. Leader of the Ashcan movement, Robert Henri studied and taught art in Philadelphia, Paris, and New York. An environmentally controlled gallery, built in 2014, houses the largest collec- tion of Henri’s work on display than anywhere else in this country. For more information visit roberthenrimu- seum.org . Those who want to learn more about the history of Cozad are encouraged to visit the 100th Meridian Museum at 206 E. 8th. Located on the historic Lincoln Highway, the museum has on dis- play the Concord Touring Coach used by William Howard Taft on a visit to Yellowstone Park. Also
glass that flanks the Crafts- man style fireplace or tour the library to see the original paintings by local artists as well as prints by Robert Henri and other artists. In- side the library is a bronze sculp- ture entitled A Heritage of Love and Learning . Visit wilsonpubliclibrary. org for more information.
Cozad’s Outdoor Art projects also celebrate our art heritage while making art accessible at all times of the day. Hunt for unique barn quilts on the Barn Quilts of Dawson County Trail throughout Cozad and Dawson County. The 50 States Barn Quilt display at 114 West 7th is a one-of-a-kind art installation with all 50 states represented. The unique “Cozad Creates” painter’s palette icons were painted by various artists and are on display outside throughout Co- zad. Rhakenna’s Wings , painted on different buildings in Cozad, honor the memory of
Art, please visit Barn- QuiltsDC.com . In 2022 the Nebraska Arts Council
housed at the museum are original paint- ings, schoolbooks, tributes to local veterans and an Olympic torch carried by the Pony Express re-enactors. Visit cozadhistory.org . The renovated historic Allen Theater is the home of Fox Theater , a 3-screen movie theater with luxury seating, first run movies and big film premieres shown on state-of-the- art projection equipment.
endorsed Cozad’s Haymaker District as a certified Creative District. The Haymaker District’s mission is to promote creativity and celebrate the arts through history, culture and diversity. Discover the home that shaped Robert Henri’s philosophy of art. The Robert Henri
PARKS & RECREATION
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Muny Park Located at 14th and O Street, this park contains the Legion Baseball field, a municipal swimming pool, a hard sur- faced .62-mile exercise trail, horseshoe and volleyball courts, frisbee golf, playground equip- ment, picnic shelter with tables, outdoor grills, public restrooms, and overnight camping with electrical hookups, dump sta- tions, and water. Wilson Public Library’s Storybook Walk (along the walking trail) can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Centennial Park Located at 18th and H, this park includes playground equip- ment, picnic shelter with tables, public restrooms and the Splash
Pad, which is open daily from May through September. Veterans Memorial Park Sometimes referred to as Co- zad City Park, this park features playground equipment, public restrooms, a picnic shelter with picnic tables and an official Pony Express station. Also on display is a Veterans Memorial Monument listing names of local veterans. Bellamy Park Home of Monroe and Paulsen ball fields, this park is located at the south end of the railroad viaduct at 2nd Street and Merid- ian Avenue. Frenchy Park Located at 4th and A, this park features playground equipment,
outdoor basketball court, picnic tables, public restrooms and an outdoor grill. Sportsman Field Tennis courts, public rest- rooms, playground equipment and the Little League ballfield is located at 19th and B. Stuckey Park Located on 16th Street between K and M Streets, this park is utilized for Little League softball and baseball. Russ Sheets Recreation Field A practice field located adja- cent to Stuckey Park. 100th Meridian Park Located along Highway 30 and Meridian Avenue, this park contains historical information on the 100th Meridian and a caboose for the curious tourist. The Union Pacific Railroad depot has been renovated to house the Cozad Charitable Fund and the Cozad Food Pantry. Cozad Little League Offers youth baseball and softball programs. Comeca Camp and Retreat Center
Located just 7 miles SW of Co- zad, Comeca provides summer camps for youth and also hosts a multitude of retreats year-round for groups and organizations of all ages. With breathtaking views of Midway Lake, comfortable lodging, unique activities, and a gracious staff, Comeca is proud to provide a place where all people can experience Christ. Cozad Community Wellness Center Located at 200 East 16th Street, is an indoor recreational fitness facility with an indoor walking track, basketball court, weight room, and a wide variety of fitness classes. Cozad Country Club An 18-hole public golf course with fast greens, fairways lined with trees and creeks that flow through the course, is located one mile east and one-quarter mile north of Cozad on Highway 30. COMING SOON: Cozad Com- munity Foundation’s Softball/ Baseball Complex scheduled for construction in northeast Cozad.
Dawson County Historical Museum
2 Lakeview Acres Dr 14 Johnson Lake, NE 68937
Restaurant • 308-785-4031 Marina • 308-785-4032
805 N. Taft Street • Lexington • 308-324-5340 Tues-Sat 10:00-4:00 • www.dchsmuseum.com
info@thenauticalrose.com
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nautical-rose nauticalrosemarina Nautical Rose
14
EDUCATION
“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.”
~ John Dewey
Mission: Cozad Community Schools, in partnership with family and community, pre- pares students to be successful lifelong learners through quality education. Vision: Cozad Creates Suc- cess District: With 953 students, the Cozad Community Schools system is made up of the Cozad Early Education Center for pre- school students, Cozad Elemen- tary is a K-5th grade building, and a centrally located campus for Cozad Middle School and Cozad High School students. Cozad Community Schools is updating our facilities after the community passed a twenty- six million dollar bond initiative that will upgrade our facility’s security, repair our roofing infra- structure, expand educational programming space and make our district more efficient for staff and students being housed in 3 buildings as opposed to 5. Cozad Community Schools is a Nebraska Frameworks School District with excellent facili- ties, utilization of a Professional Learning Community structure, implementation of the MTSS process, and is technologically strong and intent on growing leaders. The district maintains the following strategies: High School and Middle School: • 1:1 Laptop Learning Environment Using
Chromebook Technology • Cloud Computing • Dr. Robert J. Marzano Instructional Framework School • Award Winner of College Access Grant Summer 2022 Many programs and courses are offered at the High School and Middle School levels to help students become college and career ready. In addition to a rigorous core curriculum, Cozad High School offers a variety of Career and Technical Education programs, including Ag. Education and FFA, Family and Consumer Sciences and FCCLA, Business Education and Skills USA, a Work Study Pro- gram, Media Production, Web Design, Programming, Drafting and Construction, CNC Plasma and Welding, and a Certified Nursing Assistant program. In addition to the general core cur- riculum, various honors courses are offered, including Honors English 9,10, 11 & 12, Honors Chemistry, Physics, Honors Physics II, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, Advanced Algebra II, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Honors American History. Our focus remains on preparing all students for post-secondary suc- cess in an environment that sup- ports a positive and safe culture.
Photos courtesy of Cozad Community Schools
Cozad High School 1710 Meridian Avenue 308-784-2744 Cozad Middle School 1810 Meridian Avenue 308-784-2746
Cozad Early Education Ctr. 420 West 14th Street 308-784-3381
District Office 1910 Meridian Avenue 308-784-2745
Learn more about the Cozad Community School system at www.cozadschools.net Follow Cozad Schools on Facebook & Twitter.
Cozad Elementary Schools 420 East 14th Street 308-784-3462
INDUSTRY
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Located in the heart of Daw- son County, with deep roots in agriculture, livestock and manufacturing, the people of Cozad are committed to work and provide strong infrastruc- ture and superior quality of life features for residents as well as businesses. Major businesses in Cozad include: Cozad Telephone Com- pany , owned by Marcus Young, was established in 1902 and is a locally owned, and oper- ated, voice, data, and SkitterTV provider. Bringing the world to you at the speed of light, with outstanding customer service. Nebraska Plastics manufac- tures vinyl irrigation pipe under the brand name, “DAZOC,” underground pipe under the brand name, “COZAD,” and vinyl fence, decking, and railing under the brand name, “Country Estate.” Nebraska Plastics, Inc. was founded by Milo German in 1945 and is now the oldest family-owned plastic extrusion company in the world. In the late 1970’s, Nebraska Plastics invented the first vinyl fencing and began marketing its Country Estate Fence, Deck and Railing products. The Country Estate product line, manufactured exclusively in Cozad, is now sold through independent contrac- tors across North America and in
handle asphalt and concrete paving, building construction, redi-mix and aggregate supply and currently have ten locations throughout Nebraska. Larry Paulsen is the Corporate Presi- dent and the third generation Paulsen to run the company. Hunt Cleaners Inc. began operations as a small retail dry cleaner in 1951. Today, Hunt Cleaners cleans and recycles work gloves, print towels for the print industry, shop towels and oil absorbents in the Midwest and western United States. They have an additional plant location in Newton, Iowa that services the eastern portion of Hunt Cleaners customer base. Valley Vending Service was founded in 1961 by Wayne Davis and Gale Evans when they in- stalled their first vending account in Cozad, Nebraska. Realizing the company’s potential, Wayne Davis soon purchased 100 percent of the business. In 1968 VVS developed an amusement and games division and con- tinued to grow the company in the following years through both vending and games. In 1979 VVS acquired its first dining ac- count and Wayne Davis stepped down so his son Dick Davis could become President of VVS. Dick then guided VVS through a series of company acquisitions and territory expansions. His daughter, Kristen Jack, joined the company in 1991 and is now President of VVS. Dick remains the Chief Financial Officer and Chairman of the Board. In 2001 VVS signed with Canteen, a global company, as a member of their Franchise Group. Today,
Photo courtesy of Nebraska Plastics
VVS Canteen operates on a national level providing Dining Service, Micro Markets, Coffee Service, Vending and Surveil- lance to a diverse client base. Colorado Biolabs, Inc. (CBL) began in a biotech incubator program in Denver, CO in 1997. By 1999 the company was ready to begin operations manufactur- ing its unique Proferrin® brand Heme Iron Polypeptide (HIP). The only source of the needed starting material was and is in Lexington, NE so a site near there was sought. With assis- tance from Cozad Development Corporation and Dawson Area Development, CBL built its facil- ity in Cozad in 1999 and began small scale manufacturing in 2000. The first Proferrin® brand product was launched later that year. Over the years the com- pany has grown and Proferrin®
brand HIP is a key ingredient in iron supplement products sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and seven countries in the Middle East. Nova Ceilings is a com- pany founded on the concept of “Green and Clean”. The com- pany founder, Shawn Engberg, a long-time restaurateur, patented a multiple layer ceiling tile that can be quickly peeled, one layer at a time, for cleaning mainte- nance purposes. The SmartPeel Tile products save labor, elimi- nate chemicals in the cleaning process and drastically reduce landfill waste that has plagued the industry for decades. The rest of Cozad’s economy thrives on a variety of agricultural endeavors as well as a service sector that includes a diverse selection of retail stores, restau- rants, and motels.
over 20 foreign countries. Paulsen Inc. opened for
business in Cozad after moving from the Blair area in 1946. They started as a homebuilder and a hollow block supplier. Paulsen Building and Supply, Inc. changed its name to Paulsen Inc. in 1990 and today they
Complete Mechanical & Computer Diagnostics & Repair Service
Movie Showtimes Wednesday, Friday & Saturday • 7:30 p.m. Sunday • 3:00 p.m.
Cars • Light & Medium Duty Trucks Domestic • Import 308-784-2069 812 E. Hwy. 30, COZAD
615 N. Washington St. • Lexington, NE 308-746-7348 • www.lexmajestic.org
16
HEALTHCARE
added privacy. Central Plains Home Health and Hospice has been providing home care since 1971. Home Health Care is provided by skilled professionals on a part-time and intermittent basis in the patient’s home. Home health care is always provided under a physician’s direction. Home health is a way for patients to continue to receive skilled nursing, physi- cal therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy following hospitalization or a change in health status. Elderly persons, who have a gradual decline in health and ability to function independently, may also benefit from skilled care at home in order to increase independence and ability to remain in their own home. Research shows that in the last 40 years, the Central Plains Home Health Care and Hospice has been named the front- runner in Central Nebraska health care. Home Instead senior care services help to enhance the aging experience by provid- ing practical support at home with a human touch. Home Instead professional caregivers help aging adults stay engaged in everyday life with tailor-made support to stay safe and well at home. It’s their mission to provide an elder care plan personalized to a family’s needs to bring comfort, companionship and peace of mind. South Central Development Services
than limiting their choices or leaving their decisions to someone else. Meadowlark Pointe is setting the standard, as today’s retirees are demanding a unique, active, and independent lifestyle. Meadowlark Pointe provides residents a warm and gracious opportunity for positive aging, with a secure memory-care area in addition to apartments and studios. The kind, caring and compas- sionate team are available 24 hours a day to deliver personalized care for every resident. Meadowlark’s person-centered approach to assisted care includes diet and medication management, transportation, home cooked meals, planned activities, and weekly housekeeping and laundry services. While the surroundings alone may appeal to those ready to leave the responsibility of home ownership, it is ultimately the security, peace of mind, and the variety of services provided at Meadowlark Pointe that allows residents to check their worries at the door. Emerald Nursing and Rehab is a skilled nursing facility offering rehabilitative ser- vices and therapeutic care as well as an assisted living unit, skilled nursing care, an Alzheimer’s unit and an advanced Alzheim- er’s unit. The Medicare, Medicaid certified, and Veterans Affairs contracted facility also provides end-of-life care and maintains a hospice room which has extra space and
Cozad Community Health System con- tinues to be committed to providing quality healthcare to the residents of Cozad and the surrounding area. The highly skilled and compassionate providers and support-staff at Cozad Community Health System promise to understand your needs and to tailor those needs to insure you and your family receive the best healthcare possible. Their patient- centered approach ensures they answer all your questions and meet your healthcare needs, through a range of clinical, hospital and physical therapy services. From obstet- rics and pediatrics to geriatrics and every- thing in between; Cozad Community Health System wants to be your provider of choice. The major renovation project which began in early October 2021 that includes 14 new private rooms is now complete with patients utilizing the optimal healing environment and patient experience. The rooms are nega- tive pressure rooms which take the infection control of contagious and airborne diseases to the next level, in turn keeping patients and staff safe now and into the future. In addition to the new patient rooms, remodeling efforts on the hospital pharmacy and nurses’ station are now underway. Cozad Community Health System, caring for you and your family. Now more than ever, seniors are making their own decisions about their future rather
Cozad Veterinary Clinic, P.C. Mixed Animal Practice Oliver K. Holbein, DVM 400 W. 2nd Street P.O. Box 185 Cozad, Nebraska 69130
501 N. Washington St. Lexington 308-324-9010 Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm Breakfast & Lunch Desserts & Specialty Co ees Gluten Free Options
308-784-4200 • okhdvm69@cozadtel.net Critters Great & Small, We Treat Them All
HEALTHCARE
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dysfunctional areas of the spine known as vertebral subluxations. The Well Haus provides a wide spectrum of health benefits to all patients through massage, reflexology, foot detox and infrared sauna.
free, tried-and-true form of pain relief and relaxation with their soothing acupuncture services. Brill Family Chiropractic can help you get back to your active lifestyle through chiropractic care, specializing in preventing
provides residential, social, vocational and recreational services to the developmentally and intellectually disabled. Balanced Body Chiropractic & Acupunc- ture provides the finest chiropractic care to every patient. Take advantage of their drug-
Cozad Haymaker Grand Generation Center
EARL’S AUTOGLASS
• WINDOW TINT • WINDSHIELD REPAIR • AUTO GLASS REPLACEMENT • DETAILING SERVICE
WE ARE YOUR LOCAL PREMIER PORTABLE BUILDING DEALER
410 W 9th St. │ Cozad, NE 69130 Phone: 308.784.2747 │ Cell : 308.325.4305 Tamie Thurn - Director Bus Service • Monday-Friday 8:30-3:00 grandgenerationcenter@cozadtel.net
410 E. HWY 30 • 308-784-5049 WWW.EARLSAUTOGLASS.COM
A BRIGHTER VIEW AHEAD...
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2023 UPCOMING EVENTS
JANUARY • All Month - Cozad 150th Celebration Honoring Union Pacific Railroad • Every Wednesday @ 6PM - Cornhole Tournament at The Band Factory • Every Thursday @ 6PM - Karaoke at The Band Factory • 3rd - Cozad 150th Beard Growing Contest begins (judging on September 9th) • 3rd-31st - StoryBook Walk @ Muny Park: Train by Elisha Cooper • 12th - Dine In/Drive Thru Meal & Free Produce Box @ Cozad Grand Generation Center 5-6:30PM • 19th - Rustic and Red Sip & Shop Event 10AM-7PM FEBRUARY • All Month - Cozad 150th Celebration Honoring Union Pacific Railroad • Every Wednesday @ 6PM - Cornhole Tournament at The Band Factory • Every Thursday @ 6PM - Karaoke at The Band Factory • 3rd - Souper Bowl Cook Off @ Cozad Grand Generation Center 5-7PM • 9th - Cozad Jaycees Cake & Gift Basket Auction Fundraiser • 9th - Dine In/Drive Thru Meal & Free Produce Box @ Cozad Grand Generation Center 5-6:30PM • 13th - Willa Cather: Writer from the Prairie @ Wilson Public Library 5:30 PM • 16th - Rustic and Red Sip & Shop Event 10AM-7PM • TBA - Sales begin for Cozad 150th Commemorative Gun Raffle MARCH • All Month - Cozad 150th Celebration Honoring Union Pacific Railroad • Every Wednesday @ 6PM - Cornhole Tournament at The Band Factory • Every Thursday @ 6PM - Karaoke at The Band Factory • 1st-31st - StoryBook Walk @ Muny Park: Off Like the Wind! The First Ride of the Pony Express by Michael P. Spradlin • 9th - Robert Henri’s Years on the Great Plains @ Wilson Public Library 5:30PM • 9th - Dine In/Drive Thru Meal & Free Produce Box @ Cozad Grand Generation Center 5-6:30PM • 16th - Rustic and Red Sip & Shop Event 10AM-7PM • 25th - Spring Fling Festival at Cozad Grand Generation Center APRIL • All Month - Cozad 150th Celebration Honoring the Arts • Every Wednesday @ 6PM - Cornhole Tournament at The Band Factory • Every Thursday @ 6PM - Karaoke at The Band Factory • 1st - Barn Quilt Painting Workshop @ The Old Cozad Mill 9AM-12PM
• 1st - Cozad Tourism’s Unveiling of Cozad 150th Celebration Mural & Barn Quilt in Downtown Cozad 1PM • 1st - Barn Quilt Bus Tours hosted by Cozad Grand Generation Center 2-5PM • 6th - The Shooting of Alfred Pearson Program @ Wilson Public Library 5:30 PM • TBA - Cozad Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt • 13th - Dine In/Drive Thru Meal & Free Produce Box @ Cozad Grand Generation Center 5-6:30PM • 20th - Rustic and Red Sip & Shop Event 10AM-7PM • 29th - Food Bank of the Heartland Benefit Dinner & Silent Auction 5PM-? • TBA - Arbor Day Tree Planting & Celebration MAY • All Month - Cozad 150th Celebration Honoring the Arts • All Month - Robert Henri Museum - Feature Artist of the Month & Artist in Residence • Every Wednesday @ 6PM - Cornhole Tournament at The Band Factory • Every Thursday @ 6PM - Karaoke at The Band Factory • 6th - Robert Henri Museum & Art Gallery Opens for the Season • 6th - Walking Historic Architecture Tour Hosted by Robert Henri Museum • 11th - Dine In/Drive Thru Meal & Free Produce Box @ Cozad Grand Generation Center 5-6:30PM • 13th - Cozad High School Graduation Commencement • 18th - Rustic and Red Sip & Shop Event 10AM-7PM • 29th - Memorial Day Service 11AM at Veterans Memorial Park JUNE • All Month - Cozad 150th Celebration Honoring the Arts • All Month - Robert Henri Museum - Feature Artist of the Month & Artist in Residence • Every Wednesday @ 4PM - Farmer’s Market @ Cozad Grand Generation Center
• Every Wednesday @ 6PM - Cornhole Tournament at The Band Factory • Every Thursday @ 6PM - Karaoke at The Band Factory • Every Saturday 8-10AM - Farmer’s Market @ Veterans Memorial Park • TBA - City Wide Garage Sales • TBA - Tractor Relay Across Nebraska • 8th - Dine In/Drive Thru Meal & Free Produce Box @ Cozad Grand Generation Center 5-6:30PM • 10th - Ghosts & Gravestones Walking Tour of the Cozad Cemetery hosted by Robert Henri Museum • 10th - 150th Celebration Co-Ed Softball Tournament • 15th - Rustic and Red Sip & Shop Event 10AM-7PM • 16th-18th - Hot Air Balloon Festival • 24th - Robert Henri Birthday Celebration @ the Robert Henri Museum & Art Gallery JULY • All Month - Cozad 150th Celebration Honoring Agriculture • All Month - Robert Henri Museum - Feature Artist of the Month & Artist in Residence • Every Wednesday @ 4PM - Farmer’s Market @ Cozad Grand Generation Center • Every Wednesday @ 6PM - Cornhole Tournament at The Band Factory • Every Thursday @ 6PM - Karaoke at The Band Factory • Every Saturday 8-10AM - Farmer’s Market @ Veterans Memorial Park • 1st-31st - StoryBook Walk @ Muny Park: My 5th of July by Jerry Spinelli • 1st - Old Fashioned 4th of July @ Muny Park:Old Fashioned Baseball Game 6PM, Fireworks at Nightfall • 13th - Dine In/Drive Thru Meal @ Cozad Grand Generation Center 5-6:30PM • 20th - Rustic and Red Sip & Shop Event 10AM-7PM • 27th - The Art Spirit at 100 Years @ The Robert Henri Art Gallery • TBA - Mission to Cozad Christian Event
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