LEXINGTON — The Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2024 Chamber and Ag Banquet on Friday, Feb. 23. It was an evening to reflect and recognize the efforts of individuals, businesses and agriculture for the tireless work they do in the community.
The event was kicked off with a welcome from Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) Executive Director Heather Heinemann.
Friend of Tourism – Heartland Museum of Military Vehicles
In 1986, armed with only a determination to preserve historic military vehicles, four Lexington men formed the Heartland Museum; Terry Lauby, Chris Larsen, David Smith and Albert Martin. In the beginning, the four friends began by taking their restored vehicles to Veteran’s Day celebrations across Nebraska.
During these trips, veterans were able to ride in the vehicles, and even drive them if they wished. The response was so gratifying to the
quartet that they continued to comb central Nebraska for additional historic equipment.
Today, the Museum is home to dozens of fully restored military vehicles and is dedicated in honor and memory of those who served. The recently expanded facility includes a wide variety of vehicles, although most of them were acquired within a 150- mile radius of Lexington.
Many of these pieces were formerly used by farmers in the 1940’s and early1950’s when tractors were still in short supply. As these old standbys were retired, many were parked amongst windbreaks and left to rust away. Thanks to the efforts of the four founders, Heartland
Museum has breathed new life into these proud and historic machines.
Presidential Award – Tara Naprstek
The Presidential Award recognizes a person that has shown extraordinary leadership within the community during the past year. It is with great honor that we present the Presidential Award to Tara Naprstek, Chief Compliance Officer, and Director of Finance at Lexington Regional Health Center.
Throughout the past year, Tara has exemplified extraordinary leadership, not only within the walls of our healthcare center but also within our community. Her tireless dedication to the betterment of Lexington has left a lasting mark on all who have had the privilege of working alongside her.
Since 2011 Tara has served on the Lexington United Way Board and has been president since 2012. Tara has been a Lexington Community Foundation Board member since 2021 and last year alone she volunteered nearly 50 hours to LCF! She is a secretary/treasurer for the Council of Economic Development that further highlights her unwavering commitment to the prosperity and well-being of our city.
But perhaps what truly sets Tara apart is her willingness to roll up her sleeves and get things done, always with a sense of urgency and a heart
full of compassion. Whether it’s tackling complex compliance issues or spearheading community initiatives, Tara approaches every task with
dedication, integrity, and a relentless drive to make a difference.
Jim Kelly Memorial Award – Barb Batie
The Jim Kelly Memorial Award. This award is given to a person or organization that has worked tirelessly to serve the members of our community and area in one form or another.
This is why our award is dedicated to such a great and humble citizen of Lexington.
It would be an easier task to list what this year’s award recipient hasn’t done rather than their full accomplishments.
She is well known for her freelance reporting, particularly on agricultural issues.
Our recipient this year is Barb Batie, native of Battle Creek, Neb., and a graduate of the University of Nebraska—Lincoln.
A farmer as well as a journalist, she has won awards for her columns, photos, and reporting for numerous newspapers including the Tri-City
Tribune, Norfolk Daily News, North Platte Telegraph, Lexington Clipper-Herald, Midwest Messenger and Cozad Local, in addition to contributing to many magazines.
In 2019 she traveled with Gov. Pete Ricketts on the Nebraska Trade Mission to Germany.
Barb was also appointed by him to the 17-member Nebraska Sesquicentennial Commission that planned and organized the 150th celebration.
She has been a 4-H leader for decades, has been a board member for Lexington’s volunteer movie theater, and is active at Trinity Church, Dawson County Museum, and in county and state Farm Bureau.
She is also a 40-year member of both Nebraska Press Women and the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW), Barb has held every state office, organized numerous conferences, hosted the NFPW pre-conference tour, and represented NPW at the national conference numerous times.
2023 Business of the Year – Madeline’s Café & Bakery
Madeline’s Cafe & Bakery was opened in 2008 by Kellie Rieke. Kellie named the place after her grandmother, who was an inspirational force in Kellie’s life, and taught her everything she knew about cooking and baking.
Ten years later, after changing hands several times, Madeline’s Cafe & Bakery was bought by Mataya Schwarz.
Mataya also credits her own grandmother for her passion for food and for feeding people, as well as her parents and coworkers for teaching her so much along the way.
In 2023, Madeline’s celebrated 15 years of business, and 5 years of its current ownership- and they look forward to being a part of this community for years to come.
Rising Star Award – Stephanie Novoa
The “Rising Star” award has been introduced this year to honor the bright, refreshing light already being spread by a member of our community, and it will be a reminder to keep an eye on them, because we can see this is just the beginning of a lifelong journey of leading, serving, and honoring their community with their character, work ethic, and most of all: their amazing heart.
This person learned from their family, stayed involved in school activities, sports, graduated from Lexington High School, and moved on to UNK thanks to the Susan Buffet Scholarship and a Multicultural Scholarship through the Office of Multicultural Affairs, where she joined the Lambda Theta Nu Sorority, and graduated with her degree in Family Science – all while working part-time jobs, and beginning her
family with her high school sweetheart, turned lifetime partner.
Fast forward through some years, and she has had her hands in everything she cares about. As an early graduate of the Dawson Area
Development Leadership Program, it was a natural fit for her to become a Workforce Education Coordinator at Dawson Area Development, then a Sixpence Home Visitor Parent Educator for Lexington Public Schools, and now she’s a part-time childcare coordinator with Lexington Community for Kids.
In her spare time, she is an active volunteer for CASA, as well as member of the Board of Directors for United by Culture, the Orthman
Community YMCA, Committee Member for Lexington Area Chamber of Commerce Business Education Committee, the REALTORS of
Greater-Mid Nebraska and a Full-time Real Estate Agent at Go Home Realty.
Please join me in showing your appreciation for Stephanie Novoa, our 2023 Rising Star.
Ag Employee of the Year – Rick Esslinger
This year’s recipient loyal, honest and hard-working man that is dedicated to his craft. He sets out each day to satisfy his customers and his fellow co-workers. Rick Esslinger was named as the 2023 Ag Employee of the Year.
Rick Esslinger started his career in the cooperative in 1991 at the Cozad Station working as a Station Attendant before becoming the Station Manager.
After Cozad, Rick worked in Gothenburg for a couple of years before being named the store manager of the Lexington Car Care in 2018. Kevin Kalsbeck, VP of Energy says, “Rick has been an integral part of the cooperative in the Cozad, Gothenburg, and Lexington locations for the past 32 years. His efforts describe what true cooperative employees exemplify, while meeting his customer’s needs.”
Rick is a dedicated employee, co-worker, and family man. His daughter Mica is also an employee of Country Partners at the Gothenburg Ampride. When asked about her dad, Mica said she remembers growing up at the cooperative with her dad. He is someone that she looks up to because he always goes out of his way to help his customers.
The VP of Energy, Kevin Kalsbeck shares these sentiments saying, “Rick’s is always ready to assist at any time for Country Partners Coop patrons and employees. Please take the time to stop by and congratulate Rick at the recently upgraded Lexington Station location.”
Agri-Service Award – HAR Transportation
Starting in 2005, HAR Transportation is a family- owned heavy haul trucking company based in Lexington. Owned by brothers Tim and Dan Heinemann, HAR operates a growing fleet of specialized trailers which make delivering bulk products quick and easy. Their service area is primarily within a 250 mile radius of Lexington.
In addition to being the preferred distillers trucking company for Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. in Lexington, HAR sources and delivers a variety of fee products for its customers. HAR has been helping feed cattle for over 18 years.
Most recently, HAR added a building division offering Martin Metal building kits. These post/stud framed buildings are highly customizable, from detached garages, large agricultural related structures, houses or barndominums and readily available, most ship in under six weeks.
In times of unforeseen challenges, HAR Transportation has proven to be a reliable partner, going above and beyond to address issues
promptly. Their proactive measures ensure that our customers never face disruptions in their feed supply.
HAR Transportation’s willingness to go the extra mile has been instrumental in preventing feed inventory issues at the plant, showcasing their commitment to the success of Chief Ethanol.
Farm Family of the Year: Don and Joan Burks
