Website Uncovers New Data On Dorchester

Think you know just about everything about our community and surrounding area? See if you know the following:

• Dorchester faces no major environmental hazards, according to the EPA.
• There is currently one sex offender residing in our town limits.
• Dorchester votes 53.77% Republican.
• Dorchester is 48% male and 52% female.
• The largest age group in Dorchester is the 35-44 category, which comprises about 16% of our community.
• There is a 1.192% chance of a major earthquake hitting Dorchester within the next 50 years.
• The largest tornado in the Dorchester area was an F5 in 1964 that caused 50 injuries and 4 deaths.
• Crete (the closest town in our area that reports crime stats to the FBI) exceeds the national average for cases of forcible rape and larceny (non-violent) theft.

This is all according to a website called HomeFacts.com.  Click this link to see Dorchester's page on HomeFacts.

USDA Names Dorchester As Target Location For Rental Housing Program

The Times has just learned that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has announced its 2012 designated place list for the Rural Rental Housing (RRH) loan program. Dorchester is included on this list.

The program helps build and maintain affordable multi-family housing rental developments in rural areas. Potential applicants include individuals, corporations, associations, partnerships, limited partnerships, state or local public agencies, and nonprofit organizations.  Only rural rental housing proposals located in the state’s designated places will be accepted for review.
Designated places were selected based upon certain demographic data that indicated a possible need for additional affordable rental units.  The only other nearby towns the Times noticed on the USDA list were Friend, Hickman, Milford, and Wilber. 

Since new and renovated housing is a need in our community (see our latest Times poll), this may be a good opportunity for a respected property investor to enter the Dorchester housing market.

Contact the Nebraska USDA Rural Development State Office for loan proposal information at (402) 437-5734.  Or visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/NEHousingPrograms_RRH.htm.

DHS Alumni Gather May 26; Classes Of '92 And '62 Honored

Nearly 120 Dorchester alumni, faculty and their spouses gathered at the Dorchester High School gym on Saturday evening, May 26, for the annual DHS Alumni Banquet. 

According to three e-mail reports sent to the Dorchester Times, the event featured speakers Dan O'Brien (former Dorchester coach and teacher), Larry Gish (former Dorchester teacher and coach), Doris Kohout (former Dorchester elementary school teacher) and Scott Pohl (current Dorchester teacher and coach).  Videos of the 1992 graduating class were also shown between speeches. (*UPDATE* -- Thanks to an e-mail from a reader, we have links to the videos.  See video #1, video #2, video #3, and video #4.  Click on the video you wish to view.  We apprecieate the heads up.)

The banquet honored the DHS Class of 1992 and the 50-year DHS Class of 1962, as well as all other Dorchester graduates who graduated in years ending in "2."  More than half of the Class of 1962 was in attendance (four are deceased). 

One alum who e-mailed us wrote that more than $1600 was raised through a live auction conducted by Jackie and Bill Rut's auction services, as well as a raffle ticket drawing.  The funds will go to the DHS Alumni Association.

Don and Louis Eret were honored after helping lead the alumni association for more than two decades, the Times has learned.  We are also told that alumni association president Joyce Karl announced Bob Weber had agreed to oversee the organization and that she would continue to serve as treasurer.  Three alumni association scholarships were awarded to members of the DHS Class of 2012.

Those unable to attend may send their donations to: Dorchester Alumni Association, PO Box 247, Dorchester, NE 68343.

Memorial Day Ceremonies At 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Many of us are welcoming the unofficial start of the summer season this weekend.  Some of us choose to hit the lakes, camp, swim, play ball, grill, or just relax with friends and family. 

But we should all take a significant amount of time tomorrow to  pay homage to the true meaning of this holiday weekend.

The Dorchester American Legion's Veterans Memorial program is a tradition in our area that we are proud to honor. It is a heartfelt tribute to our military heroes -- past and present -- so many of whom sacrificed their lives for freedom and to protect our country.

If you can, take 30 minutes out of your day to salute our fallen heroes who died serving our great nation. 

The Dorchester Legion's ceremonies will be Monday morning -- 10 a.m. at the Dorchester Cemetery, followed by 11 a.m. service at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Lunch will be served at Tabor Hall for all who wish to attend.

Fourth Of July Committee Meets Tuesday, 7 p.m.

Do you enjoy Dorchester's Independence Day celebration?

Do you have ideas on on how our community can improve the day's events and draw even more folks from nearby towns to help us commemorate America's birthday?

The Dorchester Fourth of July Committee will meet this Tuesday, May 29, at 7 p.m. at the Dorchester Community Hall. 

Bring your ideas and help us make this year's Independence Day the best yet in Dorchester!

Kids: Improve Your Athletic, Teamwork Skills At A YMCA Camp

Kids, are you wondering what you'll do this summer?

Parents, is reality starting to settle in that your little ones won't be going back to school for another three months?

Let's keep our kids active and prepare them for future success by taking them to a sports camp.  If Dorchester is to be competitive in this era of school consolidation, many in the community say our kids need to learn skills and teamwork at an earlier age.

We were contacted by the Lincoln YMCA regarding several sports camps they offer to area youth.  One expert told us:  "These camps are a terrific way to develop skills, learn rules and strategies, and understand team concepts. It is also a positive way for students to improve their individual physical fitness level while building their social skills."

Why not call a fellow Dorchester parent or two and carpool the kids 30 minutes to Lincoln to attend one of these excellent events? Below is a sample of the YMCA's offerings:

• Mini Soccer Camp: June 4-8 (Ages 4-6)
• Baseball Camp:  June 11-14 (Grades 2-8)
• Softball Camp:  June 11-14 (Grades 2-8)
• Cheerleading Camp:  June 18-21 (Grades 2-8)
• Football Camp:  June 18-20 (Grades 2-8)
• Speed & Explosive Power Camp: July 9-12 (Grades 3-8)
• Boys Basketball Camp:  July 25-28 (Grade 2 and Grades 3-8)
• Girls Basketball Camp:  July 9-12 (Grades 2-3 and Grades 4-8)
• Volleyball Camp:  July 23-26 (Grades 2-8)

For more information, please contact YMCA Youth Sports at 402-434-9217 or tjohnson@ymcalincoln.org.

On-line registration is available by clicking here.  Or click here to download a registration form.

Community Garage Sale Day, Chuch Bake Sale On June 16

Crete, Dorchester and Friend are joining to hold a Community Garage sale day on Saturday, June 16.  The sales will be held from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Residents of Dorchester interested in having a garage sale, they may want to to consider June 16.  Carol Olson is helping to organize the event. 

(*UPDATE*) If interested in participating, e-mail Olson at cjolson@farmersco-operative.com or call (402) 946-3531 or call Gloria at the Dorchester Village Office. Garage sale registration forms can be picked up and turned in at the village office.  Deadline to register your garage sale is June 8.

A generic ad will run in the Crete, Friend, Lincoln, Milford & York newspapers, along with radio ads for this one-day event. A map of Dorchester’s sales with brief descriptions will be available at all the Dorchester sales. Attached is a form to be filled out to get a sale on the Dorchester map.

Also on June 16, the Dorchester United Methodist Church is having a bake sale. The church is offering its lawn to an individual(s) to host a sale. The hosts of course would be responsible for set up & clean up. There would be a few tables available in the church for garage sale use (first come, first serve).

If the softball/baseball committee is looking for a fund raiser, a garage sale might be an idea, according to Olson.

What Do You Like Best About Dorchester? In 140 Words Or Less

We at the Dorchester Times don't subscribe toTwitter, the online social network that allows users to post comments ("tweets") of only 140 characters or less. 

We have never really understood the appeal of Twitter.  So you won't see the Dorchester Times utilizing that platform anytime soon.

Still, we know our readers appreciate concise, substantive comments from fellow readers. 

We also know most of our readers like positive commentary.

So our challenge for readers today is this: We want to hear what you like best about Dorchester -- in 140 words or less. 

Why do you live here? What is an overlooked aspect of Dorchester life?

If you've moved away, what do you miss about home?

If you are a long-time resident, what good qualities have stayed the same or improved?

We all need to be reminded of our many blessings from time to time.  Here is your chance to remind readers why they should be grateful that the community of Dorchester is a part of their lives.

Dorchester Home Values 33% Below State Avg.

As staff members of the Times walked around town over the last several days, we counted only a handful of homes for sale.  That's a good sign. 

It also prompted us to ask, what's the real estate market like in Dorchester compared to surrounding towns and the rest of Nebraska?

According to real estate website Trulia.com, the average listing price for Dorchester homes currently on the market is $95,750. 

This is compared to an average home price of nearly $103,000 in Wilber and nearly $108,000 in Crete -- two nearby cities that have paved streets, which typically enhance housing values.

For more comparison, the average listing price in Pleasant Dale is $119,900.  In Seward, it's $143,257.  In Lincoln, it's $171,269.

The average price of owner-occupied housing units in Dorchester is $59,200.  That is compared to just over $88,000 statewide, meaning the average home in Dorchester is 33% less ($28,800) than the average Nebraska home.

To see the homes for sale in Dorchester, click here.

WEATHER ALERT: Tornadic Activity Likely Tonight

(*UPDATE*) -- As of 6 p.m., Saline County and Dorchester are in a severe thunderstorm warning.  But tornado warnings are in effect in the counties immediately west and southwest of Saline.  See the Dorchester radar by clicking here.

A forecaster in Lincoln tells the Times there is a 50% chance of rain and storms in our area today and tonight.  The meteorologist we spoke to says Dorchester and the surrounding area need moisture badly.  For the first 138 days of 2012 -- Jan. 1 through Thursday -- several parts of south-central Nebraska and north-central Kansas have experienced the warmest start of any year on record, surpassing records for average temperatures dating back to 1887.  But the current desert-like air and the lack of humidity mean that precipitation may not develop anytime soon if we miss the rain in the next 12 hours. Chances of rain will be around 50% beginning at 5 p.m. today, when the temperature is expected to drop by up to 10 degrees.  Those chances for rain will remain until around 5 a.m. Sunday.

WANTED: Your Ideas To Make Our Town, School Even Better

Let us be clear: We think Dorchester is a wonderful place to grow up, raise a family and retire.  It's safe, clean and affordable.  

We like it here -- a lot.

But we can always make our village and our school better.  New approaches and new ideas can always be utilized.

We want to hear your suggestions on how  our village services, town administration, school operations, and the business community could be improved. 

No idea is too "outside of the box" for this discussion.

Regardless of your age or situation, if you live in Dorchester, you have a stake in how are community fares.  You are a direct investor in our village.  And your family's future here matters.

Please keep your comments civil and constructive, and be respectful of elected officials and volunteers who have the guts to put their name out there.

First State Bank Is Rural Lender Of The Year

The U.S. Small Business Administration has recognized First State Bank Nebraska as the 2012 Rural/Community Lender of the Year for Nebraska. First State Bank owns and operates the bank in Dorchester.

"Bank employees serve their community in a wide range of ways, from volunteer firefighters, paramedics and EMTs; leading high school 4-H clubs; mentoring at local schools; and serving on chambers of commerce, village and city boards," Leon Milobar, Nebraska district director for the SBA, said in a news release.

"Through its visionary leadership, based on building relationships with clients in Southeast Nebraska, by looking beyond their immediate financial needs, they help boost the confidence of existing small business in its economically underserved markets in the southeast part of our state, allowing them to expand despite difficult economic times," said SBA Nebraska District Office Lead Lender Relations Specialist Mike Niehaus, who nominated the lender for the honor.

First State Bank, which originated in Hickman, but now is based in Lincoln, has 17 branch locations, including in downtown Dorchester.

Fischer Beats Bruning In Dorchester

According to official results obtained by the Times, Dorchester voters have given U.S. Senate Republican candidate Deb Fischer a victory in the Dorchester precinct tonight.   The Nebraska race for U.S. Senate is being followed closely by all the national media outlets.

UPDATE:  Deb Fisher has beat Jon Bruning statewide by 41.1% to 35.9%.  Don Stenberg finished thired with 18.75%.  Fisher won Saline County by more than 10%.

The results from Dorchester are as follows:

	Votes	Percent					Recount Votes	Recount %
	REP		Jon Bruning	31	33.33%			651
			Sharyn Elander	0	0.00%			651
			Deb Fischer	45	48.39%			651
			Pat Flynn	1	1.08%			651
			Don Stenberg	16	17.20%			651
			Spencer Zimmerman	0	0.00%			651
			Total Votes	93	100%

Dorchester Student Council Raises Big Bucks For Make-A-Wish

According to Dorchester Public School faculty member Stacy Lutjemeyer, the Dorchester Student Council recently raised more than $850 for the Make-A-Wish Nebraska Chapter.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation enriches the lives of children with life-threatening medical conditions through its wish-granting work.

The successful fundraising at DPS was the result of activities sponsored by the student council on May 9. An after-school movie for K-6 students, along with free-will donations, snacks, a sloppy joe/hotdog supper, and a silent auction were all part of the effort.  

 

According to Lutjemeyer, about 60 Dorchester school students stayed for the movie, "Alvin and the Chipmunks -- Chipwrecked."  For all who donated items or came to help support this event, the DPS Student Council and its sponsors say "thank you."

 

For more on how you can donate to the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Nebraska Champter, go to https://secure.wish.org/?pDonorIntent=1&Custom4=018-001NE.

 

 

Lincoln Paper Examines Dorchester's May 15 School Bond Vote, Loss Of State Aid

We all work hard to pay our property taxes -- be it on our residences, businesses or farm ground.  Most of those property taxes are used to pay for operation of our local school.  But it appears that fewer and fewer rural school districts, like Dorchester, are getting the state aid dollars they were promised long ago.  Instead, Lincoln, Omaha and more mid-sized cities with large Hispanic populations -- like our next-door neighbor Crete -- are taking our tax dollars for their own use.

The Lincoln Journal Star reported last week that of 249 school districts in the state, 102 rural districts are being shut out from receiving state aid funds. That's more than twice as many as were in that unenviable category as recently as school year 2008-09, according to the paper. This situation is due mostly to a surge in agricultural prosperity in the state that has pushed farmland values into record territory.

Because the state aid formula deems schools like Dorchester as unworthy and unqualified, more state aid is being funneled into Lincoln, Omaha "and an array of districts including Lexington, Crete and South Sioux City, where poverty and English proficiency figure strongly in aid eligibility," the Journal Star reports.

The story continues:

"Meanwhile, the list of those being shut out keeps getting longer. Among others already on it in Southeast Nebraska are Dorchester, Friend, Osceola, Mead, Shelby, Johnson-Brock, Humboldt Table Rock Steinauer, Deshler and Sutton.

"Many of the rural districts losing equalization aid have room to raise their property taxes without hitting the state lid, she said.  That, however, is not true everywhere. Dorchester, which no longer qualifies for equalization aid, will have a levy override vote May 15 on its property tax financing."

OPEN FORUM: May 2012

We are reviving this feature from the past.  It's the open forum section for Times readers.

Here is your chance to make your statement or announcement on any issue.

Any topic is fair game, although the Times' comment policy still applies. (Please see the left-hand column -- and please keep it classy.)

The Dorchester Times' website is averaging nearly 200 a day, according to an independent tracking service. T
hat means the Times is the perfect forum to air your thoughts, news tips, announcements, complaints and concerns.

So go ahead and sound off.

We are listening -- and so are many others in the community. 

Morgan Spanyers Graduates With Nursing Degree, Honors

According to a news release sent to us by Nebraska Methodist College in Omaha, Dorchester graduate and native Morgan Spanyers graduated Cum Laude from the college on May 4.

The college awarded degrees or certificates to more than 150 students during graduation ceremonies held at St. Andrew's Methodist Church in Omaha. 

Spanyers was only one of 17 honors students receiving their bachelor degrees in nursing.

For more information on the Nebraska Methodist College's nursing programs and other health care related coursework, contact Ed Rider, communications/public relations manager, at (402) 354-6813.

Times Endorsement: Deb Fischer For Senate

The Dorchester Times staff (all six of us) has endorsed state Senator Deb Fischer for U.S. Senate.

Deb Fischer is a state senator from Valentine who began her service in political office in 2004.  She is not a career politician -- and we consider that a very positive quality.  At the same time, she has proved herself time and again as a true leader who gets things done, even if it means ruffling a few feathers.

Currently, the United States is swimming in $15.7 trillion in debt.  We can't walk away from it; we can't declare bankruptcy.  The longer we wait to address it, the less your dollar is worth.  It is unthinkable, we believe, to leave this burden to our kids and grand kids.  To change this immoral situation, we must first change the type of person we send to Washington.  Deb Fischer has the courage to do the hard, often thankless task of balancing our budgets.

The Times staff is comprised of both Democrats and Republicans.  But we all agree Deb Fischer is right when she says she will work to repeal the federal health care law known as Obamacare.  We agree with her that the federal government should have a very limited role in the economy -- and the best thing the feds can do is to get out of the way and allow small businesses to create jobs.

We agree Deb Fischer is right for the job.  That is why after careful consideration, Deb Fischer will be getting our vote on Tuesday. 

DHS Students Recognized For Journalism Talent

Last week, Dorchester High School made another strong showing at the State Journalism Championships.  Held May 7 at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the one-day championship event was sponsored by the Nebraska School Activities Association, the Nebraska High School Press Association and UNL.

DHS' Meredith Behrens took third place overall, regardless of class size, in the category of yearbook sports feature writing.  

DHS placed second in the Class D state journalism sweepstakes, finishing behind only Yutan.  

See the Omaha World-Herald story on the contest by clicking here.

LOOKING BACK: Main Street 83 Years Ago

The Times has been sent a photo providing one of the best pictures yet that we have seen of Dorchester's bustling main street (Washington Avenue) as it appeared in the 1920s. According to the reader who sent us the photo, the picture is featured on a 1929 postcard, mailed from a young man who was working on a snow fence project near Friend.

The photo shows Henry Sehnert's South Side Garage, located on the west side of the block between 6th and 7th Streets. Sehnert owned and operated the garage from 1925 to 1930. It was located near the present-day car wash. Today's City Hall can clearly be seen in the photo, looking north. At the time of the picture, the building housed Citizen's State Bank, the Post Office, and the Masonic and God Fellows Hall.

Other photos published by the Times clearly show Dorchester's water tower in the background of the South Side Garage. Immediately prior to the 1920s, this area of main street was home to Skinkle Cafe and the H. Oetkin Machine Shop, according to a 1914-1920 map of Dorchester. Just north of the machine shop were Ireland's Dry Goods and Grocery and Randell's Shoe Shop. North of that -- separated by the narrow alley and present-day bank drive-through -- were the Bank of Dorchester and Dr. Waller's Drug Store. On the east side of the street on the same block sat the Commercial Hotel; Opera House; Cookus Blacksmith; Parker's Cream and Poultry; the Chamber of Commerce; City Hall; Dillon's Blue Front Cafe; and Malek's Butcher Shop.

It appears Dorchester was a hub of business activity and free enterprise. We are certain that Times' readers would enjoy hearing from Dorchester any residents who can recall when the South Side Garage was in operation, as well as those who have heard stories from friends or family about Dorchester in the 1910s, '20s and '30s.

From the information we have gathered, Henry Sehnert apparently moved to the other side of main street in late 1930, when he opened his Ford dealership, which he operated until 1974. In addition to selling new Ford vehicles, Sehnert's Garage provided a number of services, including auto repairs and a towing service.

(This article was originally published by the Dorchester Times in January 2010.)

DHS Alumni Banquet Set For May 26

The 2012 Dorchester Alumni Banquet is set for May 26. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the banquet starts at 6 p.m., according to e-mails received by the Times. 

On the agenda for this year's banquet is the traditional dinner, as well as guest speakers, including Mrs. Doris Kohout, Mr. Scott Pohl, Mr. Larry Gish, and Mr. Dan O'Brien.  Videos of the class of 1992 will also be shown.

All classes who graduated in the years ending with "2" will be honored.  Those from the class of 2012 will receive iTunes gift cards.

The event will conclude with an auction conducted by Rut Auction Service, according to e-mails.  Items on the auction block will include tickets to NU football and volleyball games, as well as many other items donated by local individuals and businesses.

Those who wish to attend should send their reservations to: Dorchester Alumni Association, PO Box 247, Dorchester, NE  68343.  Use the following form:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DORCHESTER ALUMNI BANQUET - 6 P.M., MAY 26, 2012

Please reserve ___ seats at $18 each .................................... $_____________
Donation to Dorchester Alumni Association ............................. $_____________
Donation to Dorchester Alumni Scholarship Fund ...................... $_____________

                                                                                          TOTAL $_____________

Name: __________________________ Class of _________  E-Mail___________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________

City:______________________________ State: _______ Zip:_______________________

DHS Graduation, Last Day Of School Approaching

The Dorchester High School class of 2012 will receive their diplomas on Saturday, May 12, at 3:30 p.m, according to school officials.  The graduation ceremony will be heavily attended, so guests are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes early.

The last day of school for K-11 students at Dorchester will be Friday, May 18.  Students will be released at 11 a.m.  Busses will run accordingly.

Award-Winning Quilt Made By Dorchester Residents Now On Display

Nebraska Radio Network says that a detailed and colorful quilt that was part of a statewide contest is now on display at the Homestead National Monument of America near Beatrice. The winning design was created by Jan Stehlik of Dorchester, a retired teacher and history buff. As many as 20 women from the Homestead Quilt Club and the Nebraska State Quilt Guild worked on the quilt. The Guild’s Susan Weber, a former educator at Dorchester Public Schools, says the squares aim to represent the homesteading experience.

Items from prairie life depicted in the quilt blocks include: flying geese, the guiding star, a wind mill, a wild rose, the goldenrod, corn plants, a sod house and a plow breaking the sod. “It will hang on permanent display here at the Homestead Monument,” Weber says. “It has about three public viewings after the big celebration,” with showings across Nebraska in July, August and October.  The quilt is entitled, “Images of Homesteading,” and it was produced to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing by President Abraham Lincoln of the Homestead Act of 1862. The actual document is also on display at the monument throughout May.

Dorchester, Saline Co. Rocked By T-Storms

Last night and this morning brought the fiercest thunderstorms of the spring to the Dorchester area, with the action beginning around 11 p.m. 

Here at Dorchester Times headquarters, we saw quarter-sized hail hit the ground, accompanied by 60- to 70-mph winds that toppled many trees.

Much of Saline County had reported at least 2 inches of rain by 2:30 a.m. Thursday. 

The Times' rain gauge showed around 2.35 inches, although the wind made it difficult to get an accurate read.

Meanwhile, flooding advisories have been issued for parts of Nuckolls, Thayer, Clay and Fillmore Counties. 
Hail, high winds and a possible tornado damaged structures and vehicles near Shickley, the National Weather Service said.

A house and garage were damaged about five miles southwest of Shickley in Fillmore County, reportedly by a tornado.  Two-inch hail damaged vehicles in Hastings.

From now through Friday night, we can expect similar conditions to what the area has experienced over the past couple of days, with at least a 50% chance of late-day to evening thunderstorms, hail and winds.

Dorchester's Farmers Co-Op One Of Nation's Largest Ag Co-Ops

Thanks to an e-mail from a reader, the Times as learned that Farmers Cooperative, based right here in Dorchester, is one of the country's largest ag co-ops.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nine Nebraska cooperatives made the top 100 list for revenue earned in 2010.  Ag Processing, Inc. in Omaha ranked fifth with $3.3 billion. Producers Livestock Marketing Association also of Omaha, had revenue of $908 million; Cooperative Producers Inc. of Hastings, $643 million; Aurora Cooperative Elevator Company of Aurora, $614 million; Farmers Cooperative of Dorchester, $602 million; Central Valley Ag Cooperative in O’Neill, $506 million; United Farmers Cooperative of York, $450 million; Frenchman Valley Farmers Cooperative, Inc. of Imperial, $419 million; and Ag Valley Cooperative Non-Stock of Edison $289 million. 

Farmers Cooperative is ranked No. 45 on the 2010 revenue list.  That is down from No. 32 in 2009, when the co-op earned $712 million.  However, Farmers Cooperative's assets jumped from $150 million to $192 million, thanks in part to the newest silo erected in Dorchester in 2010.

For a complete list of the top 100 cooperatives, go to http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/SupportDocuments/rdTop100AgCoopList04-27-2012.pdf.

Small Town Success Workshop To Be Held In Neb. City

The Heartland Center for Leadership Development has informed the Times that its small-town community development seminar is set for October in Nebraska City. "Pathways to Community Vitality: Helping Small Towns Succeed Institute" will be held October 23-25, 2012 at the Lied Lodge and Conference Center.

This year's content includes:

• Building Entrepreneurial Communities
• Creating a Unique Community Brand
• Engaging and Empowering Youth
• Recruiting Alumni and Newcomers
• Utilizing Social Media to Strengthen Community Capitals
• Moving from Vision to Action

For more information, call the Heartland Center for Leadership Development in Lincoln at

(402) 474-7667 or go to www.heartlandcenter.info.

Your News, Announcements Wanted

The Dorchester Times is back, publishing news on a regular basis and doing our best to keep freiends, family, neighbors and area residents up-to-date.  But we are under new management, with new staff and new editors.  In short, we are maintaining this website because we care about Dorchester and its residents' ability to receive timely information.  We feel that a resource such as this website is imperative for any community of any size.

We do not have the time or resources to compose news stories as previous staff did.  We are here to post the news and announcements sent to us by fellow residents, village officials, school administrators or board members, town leaders, etc.  Without your participation, this website cannot be successful and it will go away for good.

E-mail your news, announcements, notices and other postings to dorchester.times@gmail.com.  Please feel free to attach photos to your e-mails, too.  We will always do our best to publish your news in a timely manner.

Saline County's Latest Demographics

The Atlas of Rural and Small-Town America is a  new mapping application produced by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.  We want to share the website of this handy application, which provides a spatial interpretation of county-level, economic and social conditions along four broad categories of socio-economic factors:  people, jobs, ag, and county classifications.  Data are based on the 2010 U.S. Census.

Here are some interesting facts for our readers for Saline County:

• Percent of residents 25 and over with a 4-year college degree: 15.34%
• Residents 25 and over with only a high school diploma: 37.54%
• Residents 25 and over with no high school diploma: 17.31%
• Residents 25 and over with some college (including 2-year degrees):  29.83%
• Population classified as "Hispanic":  20.22%
• Population classified as "White": 76.18%
• Female-headed homes: 6.94%
• Non-English speaking homes: 11.24%
• Population under 18:  24.45%
• Foreign-born:  10.49%

The Times is interested in your take on Saline County's changing demographics.

A Fresh Look At Dorchester's Economy

According to recent figures, Dorchester is trailing the state average in personal earnings, but our job growth prospects are much better here than in most parts of the country.

According to data gathered by Sperling's Best Places, a popular website, Dorcheter's unemployment rate is at 4%, which is Nebraska's current average jobless rate. Recent job growth in Dorchester is pegged at 2.03%, compared to a -0.12% for the United States as a whole. Due mostly to the ag economy and Farmers Cooperative, Dorchester's future job growth is an estimated 40.06%, compared to a 31.25% future job growth rate for the rest of America.

Dorchester's significantly lags the U.S. average in personal and household earnings, according to Sperlings, with an income-per-capita average of $19,487 -- which includes all adults and children. The U.S. average is $27,067.

Our community's median household income is $44,950, compared to the national average of $52,954.

Helmet Belonging to Dorchester's Dr. Arnold Featured On State Website

The stories of Dorchester's wartime heroes continue to spread across Nebraska and the nation.

The Nebraka State Historical Society website features a story about a World War I helmet that belonged to Dr. Charles H. Arnold. The article is a reminder of the bravery and sacrifice of Dorchester's earlier residents. It also is a reminder of our community's sometimes forgotten links to British ancestory.

Dr. Arnold was a native of Dorchester; he received his medical degree in 1913. He enlisted with the British Expeditionary Forces during the first world war, and served with the Royal Army Medical Corps on the front lines in France and Belgium.

Arnold was dressing a wounded soldier near Aveluy Wood, France, when a German sniper fired a bullet through his helmet. Although Arnold’s scalp was injured, he finished dressing the soldier’s wound before being attended to himself. Dr. Arnold went on to have an active medical career, spanning fifty-three years.

When World War II began, he re-enlisted and was sent to England, where he served as consulting surgeon to more than 50 military hospitals in Europe. Dr. Arnold went on to serve as a surgical staff member and lecturer on surgery at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln; a surgical staff member at Bryan Memorial Hospital in Lincoln; surgeon for Traveler’s Insurance Company; special lecturer in the surgical department at Creighton University School of Medicine; and surgical consultant and honorary professor of surgery at West China Union University at Chengtu, China, and at the Chinese Army Medical Center at Shanghai.

The Nebraska State Historical Society has a wonderful collection of materials that belonged to Dr. Charles Arnold and his family. Click here to learn more about the Arnolds and see the archival finding aid.

DPS Elementary Field Day Set For May 14

One of springtime's annual highlights is just around the corner. Dorchester Public School's Elementary Field Day is set for Monday, May 14 at 9 a.m. As always, the event will take place at Nerud Field, just west of the school building. Be sure to make time to cheer on your favorite rising star!

DHS Athletic Banquet, May 4

It's that time of year again. Dorchester High School's annual D-Club athletic banquet will be held Friday, May 4. This catered event will begin at 6 p.m.

According to school officials, tickets will cost $8 and will be available at the door. Plan to attend, enjoy good food and help the school recognize the accomplishments of this year's athletes.

For more information, call Mr. Scott Pohl, Dorchester School Activities Director, at (402) 946-2781.

EXCLUSIVE: Crete's Pamida Closing

According to several e-mails we received, the Dorchester Times can confirm that Pamida in Crete will soon be closing. The department chain, which was recently purchased by Shopko, has had a Saline County presence since the early 1980s, records show. Our sources could not confirm when Crete's Pamida would be closing their doors for good. UPDATE (April 17): Follow-up e-mails indicate that the building that currently houses Pamida will reopen as a Home Town Store immediately.

Here Comes The Stormy Weather

This weekend will bring a high risk of deadly weather south of Saline County. Here, there is a lesser but still significant threat, according to forecasters. Weather experts are advising folks in southeast Nebraska to pay special attention to changing forecasts on Saturday. Much of southeastern Nebraska, including Dorchester, is placed at moderate risk for Saturday. Much of Kansas and Oklahoma were listed at high risk. Storms are expected to kick up in the late afternoon today and continue into the nighttime hours. To prepare for a forecast like Saturday's, you and your family are advised to plan ahead and always be near safe shelter. Stay up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts by clicking the weather icon in the left column at the Dorchester Times' homepage.

Dorchester Fire Dept. Gets Mentioned For Its Bargain Hunting

In a recent story by the Fremont Tribune, Dorchester's Volunteer Fire Dept. gets an honorable mention for its bargain hunting for new emergency vehicles. The story details how fire departments around Nebraska are snapping up bargains

"Across the state, volunteer fire department interest in the Forest Service’s Fire Equipment Shop, located south of Mead, is picking up. The shop finds local fire fighting uses for federally owned equipment from across the United States, including military vehicles, when the federal government is finished with them. The vehicles are loaned to volunteer departments, who pay only the transportation costs unless they request other repairs or modifications from the full-service Fire Equipment Shop. Departments modify the vehicles to their needs, maintain them and then return them to the Forest Service when they’re finished with them. The program has about 435 pieces of equipment, valued at around $27 million, on loan to more than 200 departments across Nebraska, said Lou Sieber, equipment manager at the shop.

According to the Tribune's story, Sieber "likes to tell the story of a 2006 fire truck he placed at Dorchester. It cost $4,500 to get it to Nebraska, and the department spent about $55,000 fixing it up. To buy a similar truck brand new would cost $200,000. 'If you take a $200,000 fire truck and use it for 20 years, then you sell it, how much are you going to get? I feel I’m being fairly generous at $35,000, so it costs $165,000 to use that truck for 20 years,' Sieber said. 'If you take an equivalent truck and spend $60,000 on it and use it for 20 years, then you give it back, which was the cheaper truck to have?'”

Dorchester Featured In Journal Star's Story On More Corn Acres

According to the Lincoln Journal-Star, corn planting in the Dorchester area this season could begin at the earliest date ever recorded. Part of the reason is that not since 1933 have corn expectations in the state been above the 10.3 million acres forecast by the federal government's ag data service.

In the Journal Star article, local farmer and Dorchester school board official Steve Vyhnalek is quoted as saying: "That's a lot of bushels. But there's a lot more people to feed. Your demand for corn, whether it's cattle feed or ethanol or food, it's a phenomenal number of bushels we use per day in the world."

Local grain prices suggest "another round of robust farm income in the state in 2012 and a continuation of good times for agriculture," according to the LJS story. Kelly Brunkhorst of the Nebraska Corn Board said the cost of planting the most corn since the 1930s will add up to about $2.8 billion for the state's approximately 25,000 corn farmers, as "more corn acres in the state reflects a move away from alternating corn and soybean planting in a field and toward corn two years in a row."

"Dorchester farmer Vhynalek is part of that trend.The 50-50 split on his farm now is closer to 70-30, corn versus beans."A guy can make more money growing corn after corn than he can growing soybeans," he said. Current grain bids can be viewed at Dorchester's Farmers Cooperative website.

BREAKING NEWS: Dorchester Times Gearing Up To Go Back Online

The Times can report that talks are underway to resume publishing of the Dorchester Times, under new management and staff.

Complaints have reached a boiling point across town and the surrounding countryside that The Crete News and other local media outlets have failed to deliver adequate coverage of Dorchester's community and school news.

DEVELOPING...

Arnold Bobolz Passes Away Nov. 10

Former Dorchester resident Arnold G. Bobolz, 89, died Nov. 10, 2010, in Lincoln. Mr. Bobolz was born Nov. 9, 1921, in Primghar, Iowa, to Gustav and Louise (Tomm) Bobolz. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart and four Bronze Stars. He was a member of the American Legion and served as district chaplain.

He was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Dorchester and was active in the church choir.

Survivors include his wife Jean Bobolz, Lincoln, formerly of Dorchester; sons and daughter-in-law Larry and Peg Blake, Ashland, Ore., and Lance Bobolz, Fort Worth, Texas; daughters and sons-in-law Peggy and Ken Krasser, Beaver Crossing, and Brenda and Dennis McKay, Avondale, Ariz.; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Service was Nov. 15, 2010, at Christ United Methodist Church, Lincoln. Memorials may be made to the Dorchester United Methodist Church or the Dorchester American Legion.

OPEN FORUM: November 2010

The Times' Open Forum gives our readers their chance to say something, report breaking news, fire off a complaint, praise a fellow area resident, or simply ask a question. Any topic is fair game, although the Times' comment policy still applies. Keep it clean; keep it civil.

The Times is the perfect forum to air your thoughts, news tips, announcements, complaints and concerns. With hundreds visiting this site each day, your comment will get noticed.

The Open Forum is also a great place to find out what old friends are up to, get advice, share and find information, and let the Times' staff know what you'd like to see on this community Web site.

Go ahead and sound off. We are listening. And so are hundreds of others.

Phony Cop Pulls Over Woman In Dorchester

Maybe Dorchester has a police officer in training.The Saline County Sheriff's Office says a phony police officer pulled over a woman near Dorchester and searched her vehicle. The Associated Press is reporting that the sheriff's office says the woman reported that she was pulled over on Nov. 5 while driving on U.S. Highway 6 near Nebraska Highway 33.

The woman, a student at Doane College, says the man was driving a dark vehicle that had a gold stripe on the side and an emergency light on the top. The man was wearing a black, police-style uniform. She told the sheriff's office that she agreed to let the "officer" search her vehicle, then he let her go. No arrest has been reported.