Meet the Neighbors

Brought to you by Bridges Senior Living Advisors, Custer Federal State Bank, and EZ Kitchens

For Mason and Tara Lammers, Kearney isn’t just where they live—it’s where their story took root and continues to grow. Mason grew up in Paxton, and Tara is from Axtell. They met in 2006 while attending the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Even back then, Kearney started to feel like home.

After getting married in 2011, they spent a couple of years in western Nebraska, but it didn’t take long to realize how much they missed the spirit and support of this community. They made their way back and have been building a life they’re proud of ever since. Today, they’re raising three boys—Tripp, Cohen, and Tuffton—and are grateful every day for the community they’re a part of.

Professionally, Mason works with First Interstate Bank, and Tara is with Allo Fiber. Their careers have grown right alongside their family, but it’s the connections with people here that mean the most. As they put it, “Kearney gives you room to grow while keeping you grounded in what matters most.”

With three boys to feed, the Lammers are big fans of the local food scene. Suwannee Thai Cuisine is a family favorite, and they also love spots like Crafty Dog, Fyre, San Pedro, Mom and Dad’s BBQ, and Little Mexico. Tara adds, “Whether it’s a great meal or the perfect avocado from Veronica at Pinion Market, we just love supporting the people who pour their hearts into their businesses.”

When the weather’s nice, their family loves hitting the trails or spending time at the park. Yanney is a go-to for walks, tower climbs, and splash pad fun, but Centennial Park holds a special place in their hearts. It’s close to family and home to a memorial bench for Mason’s dad, lovingly known as Papa Harley. “That spot is where we slow down and remember. It’s a place filled with happy memories and gratitude.”

They also appreciate the hidden gems around town, like Andrew’s Garden for produce or Valley Pharmacy, where Chris and his team make every customer feel like family. “It’s rare to be known by name at a pharmacy,” Mason says, “but that’s exactly the kind of town Kearney is.”

One memory that will always stay with them is the night their oldest son, Tripp, was born—the same night Good Samaritan Hospital flooded. Despite the chaos, the hospital staff stayed calm and caring. “A nurse even gave me her own sandwich because I hadn’t eaten all day,” Tara remembers. “That moment captured the kind of compassion that defines this community.”

Faith and service are at the center of the Lammers’ lives. Sundays at St. James Church are a cornerstone of their week, and they stay active at the Kearney YMCA. Each year, they look forward to volunteering with the Buffalo County Goodfellows, helping out at the Outdoor Expo, and cheering on cancer survivors at Relay for Life.

They live at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in an older part of town, surrounded by families and the priests from their church. Most evenings, you’ll find a dozen kids shooting hoops, jumping on trampolines, or playing pickleball in the driveway. “It’s noisy in the best way,” Tara laughs. “Our neighborhood feels like an extension of our family.”

When asked to describe Kearney in one word, they both agree: Connected. From their roots and relationships to the way the community shows up for each other, Kearney is a place where people care and where life feels full.

As they raise their boys here, Mason and Tara are constantly reminded of how lucky they are. “This is a place where you feel supported, where your kids are safe, and where opportunities are all around. We couldn’t ask for a better place to call home.”