The Times Gets With The Times

After years of prodding by some of our dearest readers, the Dorchester Times has finally (and reluctantly) joined Facebook, the online social networking service we thought would be dead by now.

Despite our reluctance to join, members of our staff thought the Times could do a better job communicating with area residents, as well as DHS alumni and former residents who have moved away, by having a presence on Facebook.

Anyway, that's enough about our late arrival onto the social networking scene. (Isn't having a blog enough nowadays?)

Check out our page at  https://www.facebook.com/dorchestertimes.

You don't even have to "like" us.  We're just asking you to be our "friend."  (We really are getting too sappy in our old age...)

Can Dorchester Silence The Train Horns After 10 P.M.?

It seems the trains running through Dorchester are starting to test the patience and nerves of some town residents.

Earlier this month, we reported on citizen complaints about the lengthy blockades occurring regularly at the town's railroad crossings due to stopped train cars.

Now, one resident is tell us he thinks it's time for Dorchester to consider imposing a quiet zone after 10 p.m. for both crossings entering town.  He says it "makes little sense for trains moving 5 to 10 m.p.h. to blow their horns up to a dozen times long after most residents have gone to bed."

The resident who e-mailed informs us that south Lincoln (14th Street) is a "no horn" zone during the evening hours.  He said local residents in that part of the Capital City requested the designation be made by the Lincoln City Council, which then had to work with Burlington Northern Santa Fe on the details.

According to a City of Lincoln website, a quiet zone is a minimum one-half mile long railroad corridor containing one or more public roadway crossings where train horns are not routinely sounded. All crossings must have flashing lights, gates, and constant warning before a quiet zone can be established. Train horns may still be sounded in the case of an equipment malfunction or if a person or vehicle is near the tracks.

Lincoln has four designated Quiet Zones, which include twelve crossings along the BNSF railroad.

We at the Times like the idea and think it would improve Dorchester's quality of life. And we thank the resident for e-mailing us this idea to share with readers.

Czech Days Are Here

The first full weekend of August is almost here and area folks, young and old, will be headed to the annual Wilber Czech Days Festival, one of Saline County's most noted and celebrated annual events. 

This year's theme for the festival: "Education -- a Czech Value."

Our readers in Wilber tell us town officials have spent months preparing for the 2013 National Czech Festival (July 31-Aug. 3).

Every year at this time, the population of Wilber swells to as many as 50,000 as folks traverse from miles around to celebrate their own Czech ancestry or just to pay tribute to some of the county's early pioneers and traditions. 

The community of approximately 1,700 has been the official Czech capital of Nebraska since 1963 -- and of the United States since 1987. The festival itself began in 1962.

This year, Czech Days activities will include a free dance at Hotel Wilber, Czech bingo, the accordion jamboree, a sand volleyball tournament, a children's parade, an art show, dance contest, Czech dinners, museum tours, quilt show, Czech heritage demonstrations, and the sounds of various polka bands.

The official Czech Days' parade starts at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The Miss Czech-Slovak U.S.A. Queen Pageant begins at 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at the outdoor theater.  For more information and a full listing of the Czech Days' activities, click here.

A note to all of you who are driving to the event: The Nebraska State Patrol in conjunction with local law enforcement will conduct special enforcement efforts in and around Saline County this weekend. A grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety will help pay for overtime hours used by troopers and communication specialists.

If you go, have fun and be safe.  And if you don't speak Czech, just tell them: Ahoj kámo! (Hello, friend!)

Options For Addressing Unsightly, Dangerous Properties In Town

Earlier this week, the Times received a letter from a resident who complained about the condition of some unkempt properties in town.

Old complaint.  Old problem.  The question is: What to do about it?

We asked three friends of this blog what they would do -- if made king/queen of Dorchester for a day -- to address homes and commercial buildings in major disrepair? We received three different answers.  Here they are:

1. Crack down more on negligent and/or messy property owners, using heavier fines and legal means.
2. Create a "cost-share incentive program" to financially assist clean-up and restoration efforts made by low-income property owners.  (When we asked how this fund would be financed, the resident told us through donations, fundraisers, property tax revenues and perhaps a new sales tax.)
3. Declare certain blocks in Dorchester as blighted and substandard, then use tax increment financing to encourage rebuilding and/or renovation.  (The person who gave us this answer said this could bring a new retirement facility to town, or maybe a new apartment building.) 

Readers of this blog might not be too familiar with tax increment financing, but it's a tool being used in many Nebraska communities to encourage the redevelopment of deteriorating, dilapidated properties.  Nebraska law permits its use. 

We aren't experts on tax increment financing, or TIF for short, but it seems to be a pretty straight-forward concept.  It takes property tax revenue that would normally be paid by developers (once a property is improved and valued at a much higher price) and diverts it back into their projects.  That money can even be used for for public infrastructure near the project.

Under Nebraska law, TIF projects may be commercial, residential, industrial, or mixed use.  After a project is approved by the town board, the locality authorizes the issuance of warrants or TIF bonds to undertake public improvements in the designated area.  

We are interested in what our readers would do to encourage clean-up and repair of dilapidated properties in town?

Journal Star Story Spotlights Saline County's Generosity

Some on the Dorchester Times staff are in our 60s and 70s.  As long as we can recall, Saline County has always been comprised of good-hearted, generous people.

Today's Lincoln Journal Star is spreading the word.

An article in today's paper shines a light on the story of Breauna Derr, a 14 year-old from Friend who was diagnosed last fall with a painful form of bone cancer.

Breauna is a big player in Saline County's 4-H club.  At last week's Saline County Fair at Tuxedo Park in Crete, Breauna's brother showed her two market goats, her feeder calf and Ralph, an 18-month-old red roan shorthorn she’d bottle fed on her family’s acreage.

At the livestock auction at the fair, following the showing and the judging, something special occurred -- openly displaying the generosity and caring spirit of Saline County residents.

The Journal Star features a photo of Dorchester's Joel Weber, shown hugging Breauna at the auction. His eyes are rimmed in red.  Weber runs a feed yard in Dorchester, and his two boys are in Breauna’s 4-H club, The Live Wires.

Weber also belongs to Exeter Feeders and Breeders -- a chapter of Nebraska Cattleman -- a group that set aside $500 to spend at the auction to help Breauna, according to the Journal Star.

Thanks to the Feeders and Breeders bid, Breauna's steer brought $3,500 on the auction, which far surpassed any of the sale prices from earlier in the day.  Some of Breauna's fellow 4-Hers even donated their earnings to her cause.

But things really got weepy after the bidding ended, when folks started holding up $100 in cash, to add to the bid. And then more people, waving their hands and bid cards and more money.

“It was just a spur of the moment deal, all just bang bang,” said Randy Pryor, an extension educator at UNL’s Saline County Extension office.

“It was just unbelievable the number of people who stepped forward out of the sky blue,” said Bill Rut of Dorchester, the auctioneer.

All together, more than $8,000 was raised for Breauna's fight.

“I tell you what, we have an awesome county,” Breauna's mom, Kim Derr, said. “They are good people.”

Read the entire article here.

Guest Letter: C'mon, Man! Clean Up That Property

(Note: The following letter and photos were submitted to this blog by a guest reader and a Dorchester resident.  The Times staff has determined that, despite its controversial nature, the article is appropriate for publication.  Other guest articles may be e-mailed to Dorchester.Times@gmail.com for consideration.)

***

Dear Dorchester Times,

If you have watched ESPN's Monday Night Countdown during football season, you know

 the phrase I'm about to invoke. During the show, the hosts will describe a play or series of plays that made them scratch their heads and say "C'mon man!"

Every community in Nebraska has a handful of neglected properties that also make you want to scream, "C'mon, man!" You know the ones I'm talking about.  The ones that look like the owner is purposely trying to recreate the set of that old TV show "Sanford and Son."  Dorchester is no different in that regard, even if it's just a very small percentage of homes that are painful eyesores.

Recently, on a walk around our town of Dorchester, my wife and I decided to snap pictures of the most offensive properties in Dorchester.  I do understand not everyone is physically able to take care of their yards and homes the way they would like, but I'm talking about the properties that someone actually had to work hard to mess up!

I can count about seven or eight truly offensive properties. I am sending you pictures of some of them, though I know you've seen them, too.  One is on main street! The owners of these properties should be forced to clean up immediately.  How would you like to be a home owner next to one of these "beauties"? Neighbors have rights, too. We pay taxes, too.

What happened to consideration for our fellow man (and woman)? What happened to hometown pride? What happened to self dignity?

Sorry for this rant, but I am proud to be a Dorchester resident.  I love our community and want it to never stop improving.  I don't know how to force someone to take care of or clean up their property.  Obviously, the town's threats of fines or even bulldozing isn't motivating some people, so maybe public pressure and shame are the only alternatives.  It's sad to think so.

I doubt your blog will run this or my photos.  I won't blame you if you don't, but I don't know what else to do other than to say, "C'mon, man! Clean up your act."

Sincerely,

NAME WITHHELD
Dorchester

New Virus Spreading In U.S., Even In Our Area

First it was West Nile.  Then the Swine Flu.  Now it's Chikungunya, a painful virus spread by mosquitos, that is being reported across the country.

Nebraska reported its first case in June.

The Centers for Disease Control has listed a total of 497 cases in the U.S. in 35 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, 197 locally transmitted. Examiner.com reports that other state and local health agencies noted 40 cases, bringing the total to 537.

Nebraska's chief medical officer, Dr. Joseph Acierno, says the disease is fairly uncommon in the United States but will likely increase in the coming years. Deaths from the virus are rare, but the pain can be severe and debilitating.

DHHS says outbreaks have occurred in Africa, Europe, Asia and islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says no mosquitoes that carry the virus have been found in the United States.

The disease is spread through mosquito bites, usually aedes species mosquitoes, which bite mostly in the daytime.  Chikungunya, discovered in Africa 60 years ago, can't spread human to human. The best way to ward off the disease is to take precautions against mosquito bites-wear repellent with DEET, dress in light-colored long sleeves and pants when venturing outdoors, drain any standing water around the house, and try to stay inside at dusk and dawn, when mosquitos are out buzzing the most.

Looking Back: 2007 Reader Comments For The Village Board

Seven years ago, in July 2007, we published the first of our "Suggestion Box" series.  These posts provided an open online forum for readers to offer suggestions, complaints and compliments for village leaders.  

Today, we decided to dust off that very first "Suggestion Box," which was entitled "Comments for the Village Board."

A lot has changed from seven years ago.  A lot has not.

The key topics of concern back then, according to reader comments, were:

1.) Paving (or not paving) Dorchester streets.
2.) Illegal immigration.  (And that was during the Bush years.)
3.) Water quality.
4.) Condition of the business district and water tower. (Hey, one of those has improved.)
5.) Did we mention paving?

In the comments section of this post, you'll be able to see all the reader comments -- good and bad -- left back in July 2007.

Which ones are relevant today? Feel free to add your 2014 comments for village leaders.

Survey: Lack Of Immigration Control Is Biggest Problem Facing U.S.

With thousands of undocumented immigrant minors crossing the nation's southern border in recent months, a new Gallup poll finds the percentage of Americans citing immigration as the top problem has surged to 17% this month, up from 5% in June, and the highest seen since 2006. 

As a result, immigration now virtually ties "dissatisfaction with government," at 16%, as the primary issue Americans think of when asked to name the country's top problem.

See the survey here.

So what do you think, Times readers? Do you agree with the survey? 

DPS Announces New Hires For 2014-15 School Year

This past spring, Dorchester Public School lost four faculty members who left our community for advanced positions at other educational institutions.

The large turnover was unusual for Dorchester, considering the school has a good record at retaining quality, professional educators.

This week, it was announced that DPS administration has filled those vacancies.

The Times has been alerted that the school's Facebook page announced the names of the new Longhorn staff this morning.

"Please welcome the new staff to Dorchester Public Schools: Kyleigh Lewis, Miles Ray, Grant Cole, and Chelsea Lulla," the DPS Facebook post reads.

You can see the post by clicking here.

DHS Grad, USAF Officer Don Palky Passes At 71

Donald "Don" Lee Palky, second son of John Wm. Palky, Sr. and Helen Marie Heeren Palky, was born in Friend on Nov. 6, 1942. He attended rural school southwest of Dorchester and graduated from Dorchester High School in 1960. Donald was commissioned to the United States Air Force Academy in 1960, graduating from there in 1964, and served as an F4 pilot based in Germany during the Vietnam conflict and then at Edwards Air Force Base working on the Space Shuttle Program.

After retiring from the Air Force, Don worked as a systems analyst for the Navy based at San Diego. Don passed away on July 6, 2014 at Encinitas, Calif. at the age of 71.

He leaves to mourn him: brother, John (Kathy) of Dorchester; nephew, David (Belinda) Palky and family of Ohio; nephew, Gary (Vickie) Palky and family of Dorchester; cousins, Jimmy (Dona) Heeren of Dorchester, Jean (Bob) Muckel and Mary McComas of Crete and their families.

His ashes will be committed for burial at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. at a later date.

Busloads Of Illegal Immigrants Coming To Town?

The immigration crisis on the southern border, involving tens of thousands of minors from El Salvador, Honduras,and Guatemala, has become a concern for the nation.  

But it's taking place 1,500 miles away, with no real impact to Nebraska or Dorchester, right?

Not so fast.  A busload of illegal immigrants may be coming to a small town near you.

Around the country, there are reports that between 60-120 illegal immigrants are being "resettled" (shipped/imported/smuggled?) into small towns, without any input from residents of the community.

And now Nebraska's U.S. Sen. Mike Johanns says about 200 undocumented children have been placed in Nebraska after arriving at the U.S. Border, most of them from Central America. This is according to a new report from Nebraska Watchdog.

Johanns’ office said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials said during a June 27 conference call that a number of months ago, about 200 children were placed with families or sponsors in Nebraska.  He said the number could be higher than 200.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Service officials said they were aware of the influx of children, but declined to comment. The children apparently have been placed in the Omaha and Grand Island areas. 

“This can’t be allowed to continue,” Johanns said. “The law needs to be changed here … or we have no border when it comes to anybody under age.” 

Johanns said when Obama said immigration laws wouldn’t be enforced for minors, he sent a signal that has been interpreted in Central America as a green light for minors.

“This is serious,” Johanns said. “We’ve got a chaotic situation on our hands.”

It's No Joke: Cold Blast To Hit Area Next Week

The Dorchester Times likes to keep its readers informed about the weather, so we thought it was only fair to give you a heads-up about next week's polar vortex.

Yes, you read that correctly.  Polar vortex -- in mid-July, at the peak of summer.

While President Obama is off talking about global warming and the danger of the greenhouse effect, all we can tell you is unseasonably chilly air is headed for parts of the northern and northeastern U.S at the height of summer early next week.

The Dorchester area could see highs only into the 60s and lows in the 40s by Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.  That's according to some computer models.

Places in Michigan, Illinois and North Dakota could see lower 40s for minimum temperatures.

Developing...

Residents Raise Concerns Regarding Blocked Railroad Crossings

Recently, several Dorchester residents have complained about the increasing frequency of trains blocking one or both southern entrances into town.  

Often, the trains are standing still for 15, 20 or 30 minutes, which is a major inconvenience to town residents and others driving through our community.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe, which operates the rail, notes that the company tries to limit the amount of time any crossing is blocked on a mainline track.  

They add, "Our business depends on keeping trains moving. Unfortunately trains sometimes experience conditions that force them to stop. Those conditions may be related to equipment, track or weather conditions. In those cases, BNSF works to correct the condition and to resume the safe movement of trains." 

Dorchester recognizes that our community exists due to the railroad.  We want to be good partners with those who provide rail services to our community and our region, and we will tolerate an occasional blocked crossing.  But lately, the blockings have been taking place too often.

Nebraska law says the following:

A railroad company or a railroad track owner operating trains over tracks within the State of Nebraska shall not block a public highway-rail grade crossing, for a period of time in excess of ten (10) minutes, except if the train is moving in a continuous forward or backward direction, or if the train is stopped for an emergency condition, including an accident, derailment, critical mechanical failure, track or bridge washout, storm, flood, or other emergency situation.

If Dorchester's blocked crossings continue on a regular basis, we suggest residents call BNSF representatives who work on community issues at (817) 867-6418.

Saline County Courthouse To Get $4.1M Makeover

In case you haven't yet heard, Saline County commissioners have approved plans to build a $4.1 million addition to the county courthouse in Wilber.

Officials say the addition will satisfy requirements for safety, security and accessibility while blending in with the main revival-style courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  That's according to the news wires.

An elevator will provide access to all floors of the building, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a second staircase and fire exit will comply with current codes. The addition is also intended to improve security and will include disabled-accessible restrooms.

Commissioner Marvin Kohout of Dorchester said the five-member board initially looked at building a new courthouse, but the $12 million price tag was too high.

The board also explored renovating and modifying the 86-year-old courthouse, but plumbing problems and rewiring necessary for computer equipment made that option unfeasible.

Kohout said commissioners plan to issue bonds to pay for the addition.

Public safety has been a concern at the courthouse. Currently, prisoners are held in a public corridor just outside of the county courtroom. That's also where the public waits before entering to take driver's license exams.

Once the design of the addition is finalized, officials hope to select a contractor by mid-August. Groundbreaking is set for Oct. 1. The courthouse will remain open throughout construction, which is expected to take about 20 months.

Vacation Bible School Begins Monday, 5:30 P.M.

It's Vacation Bible School time at Dorchester United Methodist Church. 

This year's VBS classes begins tomorrow (Monday) July 7 and continues Tuesday (July 8) and Wednesday (July 9). 

The good news is there is still time to register.  

Just show up at the church on Monday evening at 5:30 p.m.  That's when registration begins.  Also, a light supper will be offered.

VBS will last from 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

All children, regardless of their parents' church affiliation, are invited.

The theme of this year's VBS is "Cokesbury's Workshop of Wonders: Imagine and Build With God."

County Fair Brings Big-Name Bands

It's almost that time of year again -- county fair time! 

The 2014 Saline County Fair will run July 15-20 at Crete’s Tuxedo Park.  This year's fair will feature a double-shot concert on Friday night with Midwest country rockers SwitchBak opening for Grammy and Academy of Country Music artists Restless Heart.

The same five who came together in 1983 — John Dittrich, Greg Jennings, Paul Gregg, Dave Innis and Larry Stewart — still make up Restless Heart today. With over 25 singles on the charts, six consecutive No. 1 hits, four albums certified Gold by the RIAA, and a wide range of awards, including the ACM Top Vocal Group trophy and seven Country Music Association nominations chronicle a multi-decade career in music.

The band, which is best known for hits like “The Bluest Eyes in Texas,” “I’ll Still Be Loving You,” “That Rock Don’t Roll,” “Fast Movin’ Train” and “When She Cries,” is noting its 31st anniversary in 2014.

Lincoln-based SwitchBak, a band with the driving guitars of southern rock, the storytelling of country outlaws and country stars, and the raw edge of Texas red-dirt, mixes all those ingredients together to create a distinctly rugged, natural sound.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. concert are $15 in advance (available until July 15 online at www.salinecountyfair.org or at Crete True Value/Just Ask Rental, Pinnacle Bank-Crete, First State Bank in Dorchester, Friend Insurance Center, Saline County Extension Office in Wilber) and $20 at the gate.

The remaining fair entertainment lineup includes the Nebraska Bush Pullers tractor pull July 16, the ever-popular Figure 8 races the following night (July 17), and the area’s best county fair rodeo and dance on Saturday, July 19. The rodeo will be preceded by mutton bustin’ at 7.  Once the bulls are finished bucking Saturday night, 5-Mile Bridge — a combination of Lincoln, Dorchester and Crete musicians, takes the stage for the rodeo dance, which lasts until 1 a.m.

See the full schedule for the county fair at http://www.salinecountyfair.org/schedule/.

Check Out This Newer Dorchester Home -- Available Now!

Dorchester is a great small town and it's getting noticed for all the right reasons. Just consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• A brand new K-12 school.
• A clean, peaceful and safe community.
• A new water system and new sewer system.
• The lowest school tax levy in the county.
• Affordable cost of living.
• One of the largest agri-businesses (Farmers Cooperative) in the state.
• Friendly, helpful neighbors.
• A 10-minute drive from many employers in Crete and Seward. And only 30 minutes to jobs in Lincoln. Located next to two highways and minutes from Interstate 80.

However, one challenge facing Dorchester is housing.  We've heard from readers who've said they would like to move to Dorchester, if only homes were available.

Today, we showcase the latest Dorchester home available right now.  If you're ready to call Dorchester home, we encourage you to take a look.  Make Dorchester your home and grow with our community.

203 W 8th St.:  If you like small town living -- and affordable living -- this is the house for you.  Two bedrooms, two baths, built in 1992. Kitchen opens up to the dining area. Laundry room on the first floor, full basement, located on a corner across from the park.

Click here for more information.

Dorchester's Fourth Of July Schedule

It's no secret: Dorchester has one of the very best July 4th celebrations in southeast Nebraska. It's an annual tradition that draws in folks from near and far, including alumni and friends and family from across the country.

Below is the schedule of Dorchester's 2014 Independence Day celebration as announced by the Dorchester 4th of July Committee.

Residents and out-of-town visitors will find plenty of things to do in Dorchester, without the hurried crowds of Seward or Lincoln. 

Of course, the highlight of the day comes after dark with the famous fireworks show, which has been pleasing crowds for two decades. 

Dorchester's 4th of July Celebration

2014 Schedule of Events

All Day .................... Food and drinks at City Slickers/Joe's Place.

11 a.m.- 7 p.m. .............. Sons of American Legion BBQ (at Legion)

11 a.m. ................... Auxiliary and Jr. Auxiliary Pie and Ice Cream Social/Raffle (at Legion)

1-6 p.m. .................... Saline County Museum/Tribute to the Past (Open to public)

1 p.m. ............................. "Show and Shine" on Main Street. Autos, tractors of any year. (South of Tyser's Repair)

2 p.m. ............................. Bingo at Community Building

4 p.m. ............................. Kiddy Tractor Pull. South of City Slickers. (Sponsored by Farmers Co-Op.  Registration begins at 3:30 p.m.  Participants must register.)

4:30-6:30 ................... Farmers' Market within church parking lot.

7 p.m. ............................. Parade (Line-up begins at 6:30 at Co-Op parking lot north of elevator.  Bring a description of your entry.  For more, e-mail pegbergmeyer@yahoo.com)

10 p.m. ............................ Fireworks at Nerud Field.  (Alternate date is July 5 in case of inclement weather.)

Firework sales are currently taking place south of the Dorchester Fire Hall.  All proceeds go to support the Dorchester fireworks show on July 4.

Also, $1 Husker football raffle tickets are being sold at the fireworks stand south of the fire hall, as well as the American Legion.  The tickets were donated by First State Bank - Dorchester Branch.  Winner will be announced July 4 at 10 p.m. at Nerud Field.  Need not be present to win. 

Dorchester's 4th of July celebration depends on private support. Dorchester area residents and friends of Dorchester are encouraged to send their donations to: 

First State Bank
4th of July Celebration
P.O. Box 264
Dorchester, NE 68343

Bowling Alley Effort Appears To Be Legitimate

In late March, this blog reported that a Dorchester business owner had strong interest in establishing a Dorchester bowling alley, especially after feedback given to Dorchester's new planning commission and community task force.

It appears the news was credible.  There's substantial momentum behind the proposal.

Our sources say initial plans would place a Dorchester bowling alley in the two buildings north of City Slickers Bar and Grill (one of those buildings is blighted and vacant residential space).

The interested parties have discussed the matter with the Dorchester Village Board and other leaders, we are told.

There is strong demand for such a social and entertainment venue in Dorchester and surrounding area.  As readers know, Friend and Crete both lost their bowling facilities in recent years.   As a result, those who want to bowl on league teams must wait years before they can bowl in nearby towns like Wilber or Seward.

If you have any breaking information, please leave it in the comments section of this story.

Developing...

Saline Co. Drug & Alcohol Prevention Meeting, July 7 In Wilber

The next meeting of the Saline County Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition will be held this coming Monday, July 7, in Wilber. 

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Saline County Extension office, 306 W. 3rd St., Wilber. 

The organization encourages and welcomes all individuals in Saline County to attend and become a part of the newly formed Prevention Coalition. 

Tim McDermott, the coalition president, says: "We encourage all residents having interest and connection to any of the broad sectors of our county to attend and contribute their time and input on prevention activities being discussed and implemented. Whether you’re a parent or student, business leader or laborer, government or faith representative, law enforcement or health care worker, your input is important." 

If you have questions or would like additional information please contact Tim McDermott, nebraskatim@gmail.com, or (402) 821-3581.