Dr. Steve Nemeth Dr. Pat Wetovick

Dr. Kate Boos Shana Carter APRN

300 E. 12th Street • Cozad, NE 69130(308) 784-2261 • Fax: (308) 784-4691

www.cozadhealthcare.com

Dr. Jack Cole Dr. Matthew Peterson

table of contentsWelcome ......................................................................04

Church Listings ..........................................................06

History ..........................................................................10

Business Industry.....................................................12

Calendar of Events ..................................................13

Attractions ..................................................................14

Lincoln Highway .......................................................17

Education .....................................................................18

Health Care .................................................................21

Ad Table of Contents ..............................................22

Business Directory ..................................................23

Business Directory (categorically)....................28

Contents03

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 dedicated and hard working 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 connected 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 geiser.cdc@cozadtel.net to discover all that awaits you in COZAD.

Sincerely,Robyn GeiserExecutive DirectorCozad Development Corporation

Welcome to Cozad - a town filled with proud people that have a long-standing history of hard work and dedication.• The city strives to provide its

residents with a variety of services:

• There is a strong medical community.

• A progressive library that strives to serve its patrons with new technology.

• The Grand Generation Center provides our seniors with many social opportunities.

• An up-to-date Wellness Center also provides extra room for our school activities.

• The city maintains eight parks one with camper hook ups to assist travelers.

Cozad is a nice place to visit an even better place to live.

Sincerely,Mayor of Cozad,Nancy Meyer

Welcome04

Located on the 100th Meridian and nestled within the fertile Platte River Valley, Cozad is home to a proud history richly blended with intrigue, art, agriculture, and thriving businesses, driven by our hardworking, caring citizens.

The 2013 Cozad Area Chamber of Commerce Directory is designed to provide you with information about our history, business community, education, healthcare, attractions and events. Whether you are planning a visit to Cozad or contemplating relocation, we invite you to Discover Cozad and experience for yourself our warm and gracious community.

Foremost in Cozad’s business climate is the friendly and cooperative spirit that characterizes the area’s labor force. Cozad boasts innovative businesses that design and produce products shipped across the nation and around the world. Our rich and diverse agriculture/livestock productions feed our world as well as propel our community. We are proud of their determination to produce high quality products using “green” techniques, many of which have been developed by our own local industries.

A visit throughout our quaint downtown is much like an adventure seeking unique treasure. Spend the day exploring our exceptional gift, quilt, antique and consignment stores that carry countless treasures including handmade gifts produced within our local area and throughout Nebraska.

Enjoy a tour of the boyhood home of world-renowned artist, Robert Henri and take a stroll down the historical walkway to the Little Church by the Park, Pioneer School and the original Pony Express Station. Discover Cozad’s fascinating history at the 100th Meridian Museum and Visitor Center located next door to the Henri Museum and join with us as friends at our community events and celebrations.

Cozad’s commitment to families is very evident in our healthcare, education and compassionate churches. Cozad Community Health System has held a steadfast commitment to providing the region’s highest-quality healthcare through their passionate professional team of healthcare providers. Cozad City Schools in cooperation with the district technology team, administrators, teachers and students, have come

together to move our classrooms, instruction, and student engagement into the 21st century, encouraging media rich environments and life-long learning. The Cozad Association of Churches is a group of many religious denominations with a dedicated group of caring volunteers committed to reaching out to those in need within our community.

So whether you are visiting Cozad for the first time or seeking a new place to call home, we welcome you to our hometown and may you discover lifelong treasure among friends!

Sandra BappeExecutive DirectorCozad Area Chamber of

Commerce

Welcome05

American Lutheran ChurchPastor J. Michael Parsh200 East 12th StreetSunday Morning Worship – 8:15 & 10:30 AMSunday School - 9:15 AMOffice: 308-784-3264alccozad@cozadtel.net

Christ the King Catholic ChurchFather Don O’Brien1220 M & 13th StreetOffice & Home: 308-784-3959djob77@cozadtel.netSaturday Evening Mass – 6 PMSunday Morning Mass – 8:30 AMDaily Mass – Please call the office.Religious Education Classes - Wednesday evening at 6:30 pm

Church of ChristPastor Mike Dennis2117 Newell StreetOffice: 308-784-2700churchofchrist@cozadtel.netSunday Morning Worship – 9:30 AMSunday School – 11 AMWednesday Night Youth ProgramsJr. - High School Youth – 4-6 PM3 Years – High School – 7 PM Church of God210 East 14th Street308-784-4074Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 AMSunday School – 9:30 AMWednesday Bible Study – 6:30 PM

Cozad Bible ChurchPastor JC Calhoun1602 O StreetOffice: 308-784-3675cozadbiblechurch@hotmail.comFacebook: Cozad Bible ChurchSunday Morning Worship – 10:30 AMSunday School – 9:15 AMWednesday Adventure Club – 6:30 PMWednesday Youth Group – 6:30 PMLadies Bible Study – Thursday 9 AMAdult Bible Studies - Please call the office for more information.Mom In Prayer Group Monday Evening at 6:30 PM Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM

Cozad Christian Church821 F Street308-784-4808pastorjjech@yahoo.comhttp://cozadchristianchurch.wordpress.com/Facebook: Cozad Christian ChurchSunday Morning Worship – 10 AMSunday School – 9 AMWednesday Night ProgramsKids Club (4 Years – 5th Grade) – 6:30-7:30 PMCrossroads Youth GroupMiddle School – 6-7 PMHigh School – 7-8 PMAdult Studies – Call the office for details.

First PresbyterianRev. Elaine Besthorn819 E Street, PO Box 228308-784-2717cozpres@cozadtel.netpurplespeaking123@gmail.comwww.cozadpresbyterian.orgFacebook: First Presbyterian Church, CozadSunday School 9:30 AM (Sept-May)Sunday Coffee and Fellowship 9:45 AMSunday Worship 10:30 AMA variety of Wednesday evening activities throughout the year. Contact the church for more information.Adult small groups meet in the fall and during Lent.

First Church of the NazarenePastor Rodney Mohler919 H StreetOffice: 308-784-3738cozadnaz@cozadtel.netSunday Morning Worship 10:45 AMSunday School - 9:30 AMSunday Evening Bible Study - 6:30 PMTuesday Night Celebrate Recovery (A Christ center recovery ministry) - 7:30 PM Wednesday Evening prayer meeting & children & teen ministries - 7 PM

Cozad United Methodist ChurchRev. Doug Smith1515 B Street, PO Box 187Office: 308-784-2887Home: 308-784-3192www.cozadfirstumc.orgFacebook: First United Methodist Church of CozadSunday Morning Worship – 10:30 AMWednesday GroupsKids of the Kingdom (K-5th Grade) – 2:30 – 4 PMChurch School (Preschool – 5th grade) – 4-5 PMUnited Methodist Youth – (6-12th Grade) – 6 PMAdult Bible StudiesBeginning Bible Study – Monday - 6:30 PMDisciple Bible Study (Advanced) - Thursday – 6 PM

Living Hope Assembly of God ChurchPastor Blake Armstrong1800 Kiowa LaneOffice: 308-784-4761lvnghope@cozadtel.netwww.livinghopecozad.comSunday Morning Worship – 8:30 AM & 10:30 AMChildren Ministry during 10:30 AM ServiceSunday Evening Prayer Service – 6 PMWednesday Night ProgramsMiddle School – 6:30 PMHigh School – 8 PMAdult Life Group Bible Studies meet throughout the week. Call the office for details.

MT. Zion Primitive Baptist ChurchElder Thomas Bond319 West 11th StreetOffice: 308-784-2441thomasbond13@yahoo.comSunday Morning Worship – 10:30 AMWednesday Bible Study – 7:30 PM

St. Christopher’s Episcopal ChurchRev. Aurilla Walker1520 B StreetOffice: 308-784-2227aurilla@cozadtel.netSunday Morning Service – 10 AM

St. John Lutheran ChurchKathy Gundell, P.M.A.42646 Road 764Office: 308-784-3063kathyann486@msn.comSunday Morning Worship – 11 AMSunday School available Sept.-Dec. and during Lenten – 9:45-10:45 AM

FeedlotsDarr Feedlot Inc.42826 Rd 759Cozad, NE 69130308-324-2363 www.darrfeedlot.com

Hi-Gain Feedlot1609 East 8th St., PO Box 267Cozad, NE 69130308-784-5000

Will-Feed, Inc41617 Hwy 30Willow Island, NE 69130 www.willfeed.com

Fence Manufacturer/InstallationCountry Estates & Country Manor Products601 West Hwy 30, PO Box 45Cozad, NE 69130308-784-4544, 800-445-2887 www.countryestate.com Fertilizer/Feed/Seed/AgAll Points Cooperative302 West Hwy 30Cozad, NE 69138308-537-4501 www.allpoints.coop

The Feed Store Inc.308 West 2nd St.Cozad, NE 69130308-784-2666

Gavilon Grain, Inc.305 E Hwy 30, PO Box 225Cozad, NE 69130308-784-3611 www.gavilon.com/cozad

Thramer Agronomics2309 Newell St., 1701 BCozad, NE 69130308-784-3731www.pioneer.com

Fire Extinguisher Service Mast’s Fire Extinguisher Service613 South Meridian Ave.PO Box 475Cozad, NE 69130308-784-4760www.mastfireextinguishers.com

Investment Advisor Contryman Associates, PC707 E Pacific St.Lexington, NE 68850308-324-2368 www.capc.com

Churches06

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LexingtonP.O. Box 324 • 709 E. Pacific - E Hwy30

Lexington, NE 68850Toll Free: 888-324-5581

Local: 308-324-5581

Patti L. Johnson, Broker/Agent; Doug Heineman Associate Broker/Agent;Linda Kneifl, Agent; Julie Dornhoff, Agent; Nayeli Quintero Samayoa, Agent

www.allpoints.coopGrain • Energy • Agronomy

Conveniently located to serve our farmers andranchers in 12 Southwest Nebraska locations.

IncludingLexington324-2000

Cozad784-4000

Gothenburg537-7141

Staton Insurance Agency“For All Your Insurance Needs.”

Brad Staton, Owner

• Business• Farm• RV’s• Home• Life• Auto• Boats• Disability

Income• Health

Insurance

(308) 784-2131201 West 8th • Cozad, NE

Feed Store, Inc.The

SPECIALIZING IN LIVESTOCK & TURF SOLUTIONSLawn Fertilizer

and Weed Control Program

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FREE ESTIMATES308 W 2nd St., Cozad, NE

308-784-2666 • 888-234-7637Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00

Saturday 8:00 - 12:00

The town of Cozad, located on the 100th Meridian 247 miles west of Omaha, was the dream of John J. Cozad from 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 therefore purchased 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.

Soon the railroad company erected a depot at Cozad and Mr. Cozad built a hotel and several other buildings to improve the town. Circulars extolling the merits of the new settlement were sent far and wide, especially to the states of Ohio and Indiana. By 1876, the new town boasted a population of five or six hundred.

By the time the colonists were settled, along came the grasshoppers 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 the colonists gave up and returned east, leaving only five families behind.

Though the grasshoppers, drought and hot winds continued over the next six years, the little colony never lost heart and Mr. Cozad built an additional three business buildings and erected a school.

Mr. Cozad, while known as a haughty, aloof man with a violent temper, spent thousands of dollars building a school and a temporary “sod bridge” across the Platte River in order to give the settlers work and to improve the chances for his town to succeed. Interestingly, when he needed funds, he would “seek out a Faro game” usually back east, and was known to make $50,000 in a gambling room in Omaha between trains.

A newspaper, “The 100th Meridian,” was published and its copies were sent far and wide throughout the nation, bringing many people to settle in Cozad during the years of 1880-1882.

One day when Mr. Cozad returned to town from a business trip, Alfred Pearson confronted him and the argument soon became physical ending with Mr. Cozad drawing his gun and shooting unarmed Mr. Pearson who died two months later.

Mr. Cozad left town immediately leaving his wife to sell his property and other assets. She sewed the money in her skirts and in in the coat pockets of her son, Robert’s coat, and the Cozad family left the town. Changing their names, the Cozad family moved to Atlantic City. Robert changed his name to Robert Henri and became a famous artist and teacher of art in New York.

In the early days, the Cozad area was primarily an agricultural community. Alfalfa, the Platte Valley’s “green gold,” was once the dominant force in Cozad’s economy,

History10

210 Frontier St., Ste. #6Located in the shopping center just North of Walmart

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Lexington, NebraskaTruckersWelcome

Deb DarnallBroker/Owner, GRI

308-325-1860

Vicki J HalliganBroker

402-429-3963

Melissa MalcomAgent

308-746-0688

Helping clients buy & sell properties in Cozad, Lexington, Gothenburg, Eustis,

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earning the community 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.

The Cozad Telephone Company was established in 1902. Owned locally by Marcus D. Young, the company continues to offer the residents of Cozad telephone, wireless, internet, and email services.

Nebraska Plastics, Inc. began manufacturing irrigation pipe during World War II. Due to the war effort, aluminum was impossible to get. New, experimental plastic materials were available and they became a plastics company. In 1979, they discovered that the technology used in our irrigation tubing had an even greater future as the most advanced, innovative, and cost-effective fencing material ever produced bringing about the beautiful Country Estate Fence, Deck & Railing. Country Estate sells and ships all across the United States and to foreign countries as well.

Paulsen Building and Supply opened for business in Cozad Nebraska after moving from the Blair Nebraska area in 1946. They started out as a homebuilder and a hollow block supplier. Today they handle asphalt and concrete paving, building construction, redi-mix and aggregate supply and currently have ten locations throughout Nebraska. Larry Paulsen is the Corporate President and the third generation Paulsen to run the company.

Hunt Cleaners, Inc. began production in 1951 in Cozad by Fran and Jo Hunt as a small retail dry cleaner business. During a visit to a large local manufacturer in the early 1960s, Fran noticed a pile of oil and grease soaked gloves. He asked if he could attempt to dry clean them at no cost to the company. This first successful trial order led Fran to invest time and attention to the field of industrial dry cleaning. Today Hunt Cleaners, Inc. currently maintains a vast inventory of hand protection, eye

protection, respirators, hearing protection, protective apparel and oil absorbents. They also serve customer accounts in over 40 states and multiple Canadian provinces.

In March of 1961, VVS Inc. (Valley Vending Service) was founded when Wayne Davis, a Cozad, Nebraska truck stop and café owner, and Gale Evans, a local bakery owner joined forces in the automated food business. Within six months they purchased 100 percent of the company and in 1968 VVS expanded into the amusement device business with its first pool table on location. In June 2001, VVS Inc. signed with Canteen, the

largest vending company in the world, as a member of their Franchise Group. With Canteen’s guidance and VVS’s deep roots in quality service and innovation, the company has continued to acquire business in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Colorado and Texas.

New businesses continue to migrate to Cozad and we are excited with our more recent business additions, Colorado Biolabs and Industrial Skins bringing with them diversity and innovation to our community.

Cozad owes much of its continued success to the hardworking farm and ranch businesses and families who are committed in feeding our nation and our world through agriculture and livestock production. Cozad is committed to continued progress and development while offering excellent quality of life to all within our local area.

History11

David W. McNallyCertified Public Accountant

More Than 35 Years Experience

Tax Planning & Preparation

Auditing & Consulting

Computer & Other BusinessServices

905 Meridian, P.O. Box 360Cozad, NE 69130

308-784-4080

HEATING, PLUMBING, REFRIGERATIONResidential & Commercial

Roger Keim - Owner217 E. 8th St . - Cozad, NE 69130

308.784.3477 • 308.325.4317fax: 308.784.3486

COZAD HOUSING AUTHORITY421 WEST 9TH STREET• COZAD, NEBRASKA 69130

308-784-3661 • TDD: 308-784-3661, EXT. 16www.cozadhousingauthority.com

We welcome your application for Housing - with a variety of locations andPrograms to choose from.

Programs Include:Public Housing

FmHa New ConstructionRural Development

Housing Choice Voucher ProgramOverton Housing

All of our Programs offer Rental Assistance for elderly, Handicapped and Disabledas well as for Families. Some Programs offer Maintenance-Free living

“This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider”

Located in the heart of Dawson County with deep roots in agriculture, livestock and manufacturing, the friendly people of Cozad are committed to work cooperatively to provide strong infrastructure and superior quality of life features for both prospective residents as well as new businesses.

Major businesses in Cozad include:

Nebraska Plastics, Inc. began as an irrigation pipe manufacturer during World War II. In 1979, they discovered that the technology used in irrigation tubing also lent itself as the most advanced, innovative, and cost-effective fencing material ever produced,

Paulsen Building and Supply opened for business in Cozad after moving from the Blair area in 1946. They started out as a homebuilder and a hollow block supplier. Paulsen Building and Supply, Inc. changed its name to Paulsen Inc. in 1990 and today they handle asphalt and concrete paving, building construction, redi-mix and aggregate supply and currently have ten locations throughout Nebraska.

Larry Paulsen is the Corporate President and the third generation Paulsen to run the company.

Hunt Cleaners, Inc. began production in 1951 in Cozad by Fran and Jo Hunt as a small retail dry cleaner serving Cozad and the immediate surrounding area. Today Hunt Cleaners, Inc. currently maintains a vast inventory of hand protection, eye protection, respirators, hearing protection, protective apparel and oil absorbents. They serve customers

in more than 40 states and across Canada.

Valley Vending Service was founded in 1961 when Wayne Davis, a Cozad truck stop and café owner and Gale Evans, a local bakery owner, joined forces in the automated food business. Within six months they purchased 100 percent of the company and in 1968 VVS expanded into the amusement device business with its first pool table on location. Since that time VVS, Inc. has continued its expansion

the company now has franchises in Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, Colorado and Texas.

Relatively new to the Cozad area is Industrial Skins, LLC, a company founded on the concept of “Green and Clean.” Company founder Shawn Engberg patented a multiple layer, biodegradable, industrial skin that adheres to ceiling tiles and grid structures called BioTile, a labor saving cleaning application that eliminates harsh chemicals that require a clean air breathing device.

Also new to Cozad is Colorado Biolabs, Inc., the manufacturer of Proferrin ES and Proferrin Forte. The firm plans and develops an oral iron supplement made from heme iron polypeptide (HIP) called Proferrin. Their proprietary process results in an oral iron product that supports healthy iron levels by providing an optimal amount of HIP in a single tablet.

The rest of the area’s economy thrives on a variety of agricultural endeavors as well as a service sector that includes a broad selection of restaurants, motels and retail stores.

Industry12

131 West 8th Street, Suite D • Cozad, NE 69130Phone: 308.784.5464 • Fax: 308.784.5444

COZAD TELEPHONE COMPANYINTERNET • BROADBAND LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE

122 East 7th Street • Cozad, Nebraska 69130Serving Cozad and Surrounding Communities Since 1902.

308-784-4044800-842-9733

www.cozadtel.netinfo@cozadtel.net

January• January 18 - United Way Big

Red Casino Night

February• February 14 - Cozad Jaycees

March of Dimes Cake Auction

March• Jaycees Easter Egg Hunt - TBA

• March 22 - Chamber Banquet

April• April 27 - Chamber of

Commerce FUN-Raiser Golf Tournament

May• In & Out Xpo - TBA

June• Movie Under the Stars at the

Robert Henri Museum - TBA

• Wilson Public Library Summer Reading Program – TBA

• Farmers Market Opens - TBA

July• July 13 – Rock, Roll & Run,

Bands, Brews & BBQ’s, Crafts in the Park, Triple B Car Show, Ladies Poker Run, Talent Show

• Sidewalk Sales - TBA

August• August 17 – Quilts Around the

Block, 100 Mile Hundred Bike Ride, Cruise Night

• 34th Annual Farmers & Businessman’s Appreciation BBQ - TBA

• United Way Duck Plunge - TBA

September• September 6-7 - Hay Days

• September 28 - Livin’ Light Women’s Conference

October• October 28 – Spook Night

November• Cozad Hospital Fall Ball - TBA

• Community Thanksgiving Dinner - TBA

December• December 5-6 - Henri Tour of

Homes & Holidays at the Henri

• December 6 - Taste of Cozad

• December 2 - Winter Wonderland Parade

Upcoming Events13

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We are very proud of the Cozad community and we hope you take the time to visit some of the many attractions that are guaranteed to make your stay more enjoyable. If you have any questions about what we can offer you, please feel free to call the Cozad Area Chamber of Commerce at 308-784-3930 or visit us online at www.cozadchamber.com.

Outdoor attractions include an official Pony Express station in

Veteran’s Memorial Park as well as several public parks, four of which contain ball fields. Other facilities include a 50-meter outdoor swimming pool, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, disc golf, picnic areas, cooking facilities, playground equipment, lighted tennis courts, restrooms, outside sand volleyball courts and a walking track.

Cozad’s Park and Recreation Department offers youth baseball,

softball, soccer and co-ed sand volleyball programs.

For the avid golfer, Cozad Country Club is an 18-hole public golf course with fast greens, fairways lined with oak and cottonwood trees and creeks that flow through the course. Open 7 days a week, facilities include a practice range, Pro Shop, kitchen, bar and lounge and on-site meeting facilities. Cozad

Country Club is located one mile east and one-quarter mile north of Cozad on Highway 30 at 100 Country Club Drive. Call 308-784-2585 for more information.

The Wilson Public Library, at 910 Meridian Avenue, has free public access computer lab for Internet access and free Wi-Fi throughout the building. Along with a microfiche reader for local newspapers dating

Attractions14

Furniture Mart

139 West 8th Street, Cozad308-746-6160

Antiques&

Used Furniture

carpet • blinds • laminate • woodvinyl • countertops • tile • cabinets

Helping You Design Yourdreams 111 E. 5th, Lexington • 324-3052915 Lake, Gothenburg • 537-2827

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DAVIS FAMILY DENTAL LLC

E X C E L L E N C E I N D E N T I S T R Y

• Family Dentistry• Gentle Care• Friendly Staff

• Implant Dentistry • Dentures• Veneers

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• New Patients & Emergencies Welcome• Financing Available!

W W W.C O Z A D D E N T I S T. C O M • 784-33771002 Meridian Avenue • Cozad, NE 69130

Timothy L. Davis, D.D.S.

Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday

back to the late 1800s, the library offers nearly 30,000 books and magazines in an air-conditioned, modern building with comfortable seating areas.

Those who want to learn more about the history of Cozad are encouraged to visit the 100th Meridian Museum, located at 206 E. 8th Street. Located on the historic Lincoln Highway, the museum has on display the Concord Touring Coach used by William Howard Taft on a visit to Yellowstone Park. Also housed at the museum are original paintings, school books, tributes to local veterans and an Olympic Torch carried by the Pony Express on its way to Atlanta, Ga.

The Robert Henri Museum is next door to the 100th Meridian Museum and has the largest collection of information about the life and times of the famed American artist.

Born Robert Henry Cozad in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1865, he came to Dawson County at the age of eight. His father, John J. Cozad, founded the city of Cozad in 1873. A dispute with neighbors ended in death and

the elder Cozad was forced to flee Nebraska in 1882. His family soon followed, with family members changing their names.

In 1886, Robert Henri enrolled in art school in Philadelphia and then studied three years in Paris. Afterward Henri taught at various academies and founded the Henri School.

He died in New York City on July 12, 1929.

One of the more unique offerings at Cozad is a selection of concerts each year organized by

local volunteers who make up the board of the Cozad Entertainment Series.

Each year the group strives to offer four concerts, all held at the Cozad High School auditorium. Shows in 2012 included: Sirens of the 60s, favorite female singers; Kuba: Vibraphone Virtuoso; Take Me Home, The Music of John Denver and New Odyssey - three guys, 30 instruments.

Cozad Entertainment Series ticket holders enjoy reciprocity with Grand Island, McCook, North Platte

and Kearney so ticket holders may attend shows at those venues at no additional charge.

Season tickets for students are $10, with adults at $30 and families at $90.

The number of events that take place in Cozad each year could easily fill up the desk calendar of the most sociable among us. Check the listing in this section for current events.

Attractions15

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Long Term CareAssisted Living Care

318 W. 18th • Cozad, NE • 308-784-3715

Providing Insurance and Financial ServicesHome Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

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Bazata Insurance Agency IncHeidi Bazata, Agent

107 East 9th StreetCozad, NE 69130308-784-3348

828 Lake Ave. - Ste BGothenburg, NE 69138

308-537-2120

The Lincoln Highway was the first road across America and connects the people and places in Nebraska.

In 1912, Carl G. Fisher, the man who created the Indianapolis 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. During these pitches, he proposed the new highway should be given a really 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 President William H. Taft agreed it would help unite the nation.

Construction on the project began in 1914.

As it was the first highway to connect East and West coasts, the towns and villages through which the Lincoln Highway passed experienced an economic boom and the Lincoln Highway became affectionately known as “The Main Street Across America.”

Nebraska was no different.Smaller villages, those without

hotels, set up free tourist camps in an effort to get travelers to remain there, where they would most likely spend money.

These days, 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 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 located 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 of the Lincoln Highway was rock and gravel, however. Some sections, such as those near Grand Island and Elkhorn were brick. In fact, reconstruction of these sections

of what is now Highway 30 was bypassed because of local citizens intent on preserving “their” section of history.

In 2013, the Lincoln Highway Association will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Lincoln Highway by conducting an Official Lincoln Highway Centennial Tour of the

road in June 2013. The tour will have both an East Tour and a West Tour, starting simultaneously in New York and San Francisco, and meeting mid-point in Kearney, for a celebration July 1 at the Great Platte River Road Museum, in conjunction with the Lincoln Highway Association 2013 conference.

The caravan will pass through Cozad on its trip to the conference.

Lincoln Hwy17

“If we teach today as we taught yesterday, we rob our children of tomorrow.” ~ John Dewey

With just under 1,000 students, the Cozad Community School system is made up of the Cozad Early Education Center, which houses preschool and kindergarten students and a centrally located campus which houses elementary, middle school and high school students.

The Cozad School District is on a parallel track in improving student learning. The district is also engaged in Professional Learning Communities in which teachers working as small groups make educational decisions for the improvement of student learning.

The district has also created a learning environment in which students are provided with and use technology and communication tools to embrace the Four C’s: Creativity, Communication, Collaboration and Critical Thinking.

Rapid developments in mobile devices, cloud computing, and available bandwidth are combining to open instructional and learning avenues that have never before been possible in primary and secondary schools. Students are able to access resources, cooperate

and collaborate with other students and teachers, and create quality content that

will be theirs for the rest of their lives.

To take advantage of these opportunities, administrators formulated a program called the 21st Century Classroom Learning Initiative. While all of Cozad schools

are involved in the initiative, the strategies are different at each building. For details at each level, please follow the links below:

High School• 1:1 student mobile devices• Cloud computing• Structured staff development

Education18

ArapahoeBroken BowElm Creek

GothenburgHoldregeGeneral Contractor - Concrete Drives

Feed Bunks - Septic Tanks - Sand & Gravel Ready Mix - Bunker Blocks

Picnic Tables

IndianolaLexington

North PlatteMcCookOgallala

308-784-3333

220 West 8thCozad, NE

308-784-4516

COZAD AUTOSUPPLY

BIG E’S LOUNGE

707 Meridian • Cozad

308-784-4450

Monday - Friday11 - 1:30

Saturday9:30 - 1:30

Middle School• Features Subject area mobile

device carts in social studies and science

• A gradual transition to cloud computing and mobile devices for every student

Elementary grades 3-5• Mobile device carts for every

grade level • Device cases are shared at

each grade level 1-5• Two classes (2nd grade and

5th grade) have iPad carts for their classroom

Elementary grades 1-2• In-room mobile device

learning centersEarly Education• Continued focus on

fundamentals with mobile device supplements

Education19

Cozad High School 1710 Meridian Avenue308-784-2744

Cozad Middle School1810 Meridian Avenue308-784-2746

Cozad Elementary Schools420 East 14th Street308-784-3462

Early Education Center 420 West 14th Street308-784-3381

Learn more about the Cozad Community School system at www.cozadschools.org