Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Students Urged To Enter Legion's Americanism Essay Contest


Kids, are you proud to be an American? Then tell us why!

Students in grades 3-12 are urged to take part in this year's American Legion Auxiliary "Americanism Essay Contest."  One award in each of the five classes will be presented -- and winners will get $50, as well as a $50 donation to the Children of Warriors Scholarship Fund made in the winning student's name.

Your essay title will be, "What Does Freedom Mean To My Family?"

Here are the five classes of competition and the length requirements:

Class I (Grades 3-4) -- 150 to 250 words.
Class II (Grades 5-6) -- 250 to 300 words.
Class III (Grades 7-8) -- 350-400 words.
Class IV (Grades 9-10)-- 450-500 words.
Class V (Grades 11-12) -- 450-500 words.

The deadline is approaching fast.  If you're interested in taking part, call Marva Kasl at (402) 946-6851.

Boys Basketball Team Will Fight Tonight For Winning Record


(UPDATE: The DHS boys basketball team concluded their season Tuesday night with a 57-51 loss to Lawrence-Nelson in the first round of subdistrict action.  The team ends with a 10-12 record for the 2014-15 campaign.)

The Dorchester boys basketball team will conclude its regular season schedule tonight at the DHS gymnasium.  

The Orange and Black Attack has a lot on the line, since the 10-10 Longhorns will be fighting to claim a winning regular season record for the 2014-15 campaign.

But there are two big question marks standing in the way for tonight's game.  

The DHS boys are coming off a disappointing 32-61 loss at McCool Junction last week.  

What's more, the Longhorns tonight face one of the standout teams in Class D2, Exeter-Milligan, which sports a 15-6 record.

The E-M Timberwolves blew out DHS last month at the CRC Tournament in York by a score of 59-26.

Regardless of what happens in tonight's game in Dorchester, the Longhorns already know their subdistrict assignment for next week.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, DHS will take on Lawrence-Nelson (7-13) at the D2-2 subdistrict tournament at Sandy Creek.  If Dorchester beats Lawrence-Nelson, the boys would likely meet Exeter-Milligan for a third time this year on Feb. 26.

The Lady Longhorns' season concluded this past Monday evening at the Class D2-2 subdistrict contest at Sandy Creek, as the DHS ladies fell to Lawrence-Nelson 42-30.  The Lady 'Horns finished 3-18 on the season.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Joe's Place's Sharon Schmale Passes At 74


Sharon K. Schmale, 74, of Dorchester, passed away yesterday, Feb. 23, at Warren Memorial Hospital in Friend. 

She was born Oct. 6, 1940, in Exeter. Sharon married Dwayne Schmale on Oct. 13, 1984.  For many years, Sharon worked at her stepfather’s famous bar/restaurant in Dorchester, “Joe’s Place.”  In 1984, Dwayne purchased the bar, and he and Sharon continued to work there for another two decades.

Survivors include her husband, Dwayne Schmale; stepson Jeff (Nicki) Schmale; sister-in-law, Loretta (Robert) Powell; aunt, Tillie Soukup; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Shirley and Joe Ladman; mother-in-law, Mary Hartog.

Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.  Rev. Roger Wolfe will officiate the service. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home. 

Interment at Dorchester Cemetery.  Memorials may be directed to the Capital Humane Society.

Private condolences may be left here.

DHS Captures 2nd Place At CRC Quiz Bowl


The academic accomplishments and awards for Dorchester High School continue to accumulate.

The DHS Longhorns' Quiz Bowl Team traveled to Shickley earlier this month for the Cross Roads Conference (CRC) Quiz Bowl competition.  

The Dorchester students dominated the competition much of the way to capture the runner-up award at the CRC championship.  

The team from High Plains edged the Longhorns for first place. 

We congratulate Dorchester's committed students and academic standouts who participated on this year's quiz bowl team.

We also commend the Dorchester educators whose dedication and professionalism ensured another successful showing by DHS' best and brightest.

Dorchester Legion Wants To Hear From You


When we broke the news about the Dorchester Legion's financial problems, our Facebook followers discussed some of the problems facing Legion posts all over the country.

One of the key issues is declining membership.  

We are told the Dorchester Legion wants to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining either the American Legion (for active military personnel and veterans) or the Sons of the American Legion (for relatives of those who served).  

If you are in the Dorchester area or have Dorchester ties and want information on joining either group, call Roger Wolfe (402-946-2461) or e-mail wolfe1935@windstream.net.  Or call Larry Kaspar (402-946-6711) or e-mail lckaspar@yahoo.com.

Click here to learn more about American Legion membership. Click here for more on the Sons of the American Legion.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Update: Legion Members Seek Ways To Keep Doors Open


The Times has been provided follow-up information to a story reported earlier this week regarding the financial troubles of the Dorchester American Legion, Post #264.

We've learned that Dorchester Legion members met Thursday evening at the Legion Hall to discuss ideas on how to produce more revenue to keep the club functioning in its current location, and how boost involvement from members and the community at large.

More than 30 people were in attendance at Thursday's meeting, we are told via an e-mail.

Among some of the ideas mentioned were raffle drawings, dinner fundraisers, and raising money online.  

It was announced that Rick Thompson donated a mini chopper motorcycle (pictured) that runs and drives.  According to the e-mail, "Dorchester Legion members will soon be selling raffle tickets to win this mini chopper.  The drawing will be held during Dorchester's Fourth of July celebration."

We are told that the fundraising idea that resonated most among Legion members was a gun auction to be held over the Labor Day weekend.  Dorchester auctioneer Col. Darryl Novak of Novak Auction Service volunteered his services for the event, our source said.

According to the e-mail, the Dorchester Legion gun auction is definitely going ahead.  

Our source wrote: "Anyone who has guns or rifles (or equipment related to firearms and/or hunting and/or gun collecting) will be able to sell their items at this auction on Labor Day weekend at the Dorchester Legion.  The Legion will keep a small percentage of the winning bid to help fund its activities and clubhouse."

We are encouraged to hear of this development and hope the community continues to rally to save the Dorchester Legion so that it can continue to serve our area and inhabit its facilities on main street.

In the meantime, if there are Dorchester residents, alumni, or friends of the Dorchester Legion who would like to donate funds to the organization, we're told they should contact Tom Cerny, Post 264 Commander, by phoning (402) 381-8049 or e-mailing thomas.cerny00@gmail.com.

Developing...

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Vote Today For DHS Student As "Artist Of The Week"


The Times has learned that Dorchester student Jordan Keller has been nominated for "Artist of the Week" on Artsonia -- an online, nationwide kids art museum where young artists and students display their art for other kids worldwide to view. 

Jordan is in the 10th through 12th grade category.  Her artwork posted on Artsonia depicts a skateboard with printed pineapples in the background.  

According to information received by the Times, this is the second time in the past year that Dorchester has had an artist selected by Artsonia, with Ripley Creamer being honored earlier.  

The public is encouraged to vote for their favorite artwork of the week.  But if you want to help Jordan, time is limited.  Vote today!

If Jordan gets the most votes, she will receive a $50 Dick Blick Certificate and the school will receive a $100 certificate. 

Voting is very simple.  Just click here.  Vote for the artwork with Jordan's name and the "Dorchester, NE" location.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Source: Dorchester's American Legion Could Shut Doors Forever By April


Last November, on Veterans' Day 2014, this blog composed a tribute to Dorchester's August-Vanek American Legion Post #264.

This May, Dorchester's Legion Post will celebrate its 95th anniversary.

And for 95 years, the Legion and its members have been a key part of community life in Dorchester.  

But now this blog has learned the members of Dorchester Legion members will be holding a special meeting this week to decide the future of the Legion's club.

According to information e-mailed to the Times, the Legion is nearly out of operating cash and will soon be forced to close its clubhouse on Dorchester's main street.  

Our source told us that date could come within 40 days.

We hope the community and the Legion members will rally to find a way to keep Legion Post #264 an important part of Dorchester's main street and a central part of our village life.

Developing...

Monday, February 16, 2015

Celebrate Lent With Bible Study Class Beginning Thursday


Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday, Feb. 18.  The Dorchester United Methodist Church invites you to begin your journey by attending the Lenten Bible Study starting Thursday, Feb. 19 in Dorchester at 7 p.m.

This is a seven week Bible study entitled:  "The God We Can Know- Exploring the 'I Am' Sayings of Jesus" by Rob Fuquay.  This Bible study is perfect for Lent or any time of year, and this series will help you find and form an answer to the most essential questions in the Christian faith.

One by one, Jesus’ statements grab our imagination, reveal more about his identity and purpose, and connect us to the God of Moses, who spoke the first “I Am.” These significant yet ordinary images (bread, light, shepherd, vine, and more) give us insightful ways to experience Jesus and point us to a God who wants to be known.

Also, don't forget about the Dorchester United Methodist Church's weekly services on Sunday.  Worship service begins at 9 a.m., while Sunday School starts at 10:15 a.m. 

One final note:  The Friend/Dorchester United Methodist Church is seeking a church secretary working roughly 15 hours per week. Send resume to um71502@windstream.net or leave a message at (402) 947-3481.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Hey, Fourth Graders! Win Big Money In Severe Weather Poster Contest


The springtime severe weather season is quickly approaching and that means it’s time for the annual 2015 Nebraska Severe Weather Awareness Poster Contest.  But the deadline to turn your poster in is Feb. 27!

The contest, sponsored by Nebraska Association of Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, is part of the annual Severe Weather Awareness Week effort by emergency management directors and coordinators across Nebraska.  

There will also be a contest just for Saline County students.

The poster contest is open to all fourth-grade students in Nebraska (including home-schooled and private school students). Teachers are encouraged to have students participate while teaching them about hazards of severe weather in Nebraska. While not specifically designed to promote tornado awareness, tornadoes are the most common theme chosen for posters. Lightning and flooding, which are also products of severe thunderstorms, are also good topic choices. 

The first-place winner in the state contest wins a $125 gift card, second-place winner receives a $100 gift card and third-place winner receives a $75 gift card provided by the Nebraska Association of Emergency Management. The fourth-place poster winner will receive a $50 gift card sponsored by the National Weather Service. All four state winners will also receive a NOAA All-Hazards Weather Alert Radio from Saline County Emergency Management. (In the Saline County portion of the contest, the top four poster artists will receive gift cards and awards during the Regional Severe Weather Seminar at Saline Center Hall on Saturday, March 28 at noon.)

Here are the rules:
  • Poster artists must be a fourth-grader. Entries must be related to the theme of severe weather safety and will be judged on originality, effort and accuracy. All entries must be on an 11" x 17" sheet of white paper, providing a 1-inch white border to allow for mounting the winning posters. Any medium may be used (crayon, paint, markers, etc.). Only one entry is allowed per pupil.
  • All entries must be received by Saline County Emergency Management by Feb. 27, 2015. Contact BJ Fictum, Saline County Emergency Management Coordinator, at (402) 821-3010 or via email at scema@diodecom.net for more information. Her will pick up the posters.
  • Each entry must include student name, age, complete home address, home phone number, name, location and phone number of school on the back side of the entry. 

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Report: Dorchester Students Outperforming Most Area Peers


Running a school -- even a small one -- is expensive.  The personnel and operating budget of Dorchester Public School, for example, is roughly $2.9 million a year.  It takes a lot of tax dollars to educate your kids -- and many more kids who aren't your own.

So are Dorchester School district patrons getting their money's worth?  According to the latest Nebraska Department of Education report, the answer is a resounding "yes."

The Times analyzed different categories of education -- reading, math and science -- and compared state test scores of selected Dorchester grades to those of four other area schools.  We found DPS students are matching, and in many cases surpassing, their peers nearby.

First, a little background information:  The Nebraska Performance Accountability System (NePAS) was developed by the State Board of Education and Nebraska Department of Education as required by state law.  In August 2012, the State Board of Education adopted NePAS, which is based on student scale scores within grades, buildings and districts.  The system is intended to inform educators, parents, school board members, community members and policymakers about the learning progress of Nebraska schools and school districts. 

For last school year, 2013-2014, Dorchester students showed strong numbers for all grades tested under the NePAS system:  
  • 84 % of Dorchester students met or exceed state standards for reading; 
  • 76 % met or exceeded state standards for math; and 
  • 74 % met or exceeded state standards for science.
When comparing area schools, here are the results for last year's fifth graders:

5th Grade Reading -- Percentage of Students Meeting or Exceeding Standards

Dorchester -- 84.62%
Milford -- 81.63%  
Wilber -- 65.96%      
Friend -- 64.71%               
Crete -- 55.45%

5th Grade Math -- Percentage of Students Meeting or Exceeding Standards

Friend -- 94.12%
Milford -- 91.84%  
Dorchester -- 76.92%      
Wilber -- 74.47%               
Crete -- 58.04%

5th Grade Science -- Percentage of Students Meeting or Exceeding Standards

Milford -- 91.84%
Dorchester -- 84.62%  
Friend -- 70.59%      
Wilber -- 65.96%               
Crete -- 55.36%

When comparing area schools, here are the results for last year's sixth graders:

6th Grade Math -- Percentage of Students Meeting or Exceeding Standards

Dorchester -- 92.31%
Milford -- 90.57%  
Crete -- 62.61%      
Wilber -- 59.57%               
Friend -- N/A

6th Grade Reading -- Percentage of Students Meeting or Exceeding Standards

Dorchester -- 92.31%
Milford -- 88.68%  
Friend -- 85.71%      
Wilber -- 70.21%               
Crete -- 70.18%

When comparing area schools, here are the results for last year's seventh and eighth graders:

7th Grade Math -- Percentage of Students Meeting or Exceeding Standards

Dorchester -- 83.33%
Milford -- 81.48%
Friend -- 68.75%
Crete -- 65.03%
Wilber -- 56.52%

8th Grade Math -- Percentage of Students Meeting or Exceeding Standards

Dorchester -- 83.33%
Friend -- 77.27% 
Crete -- 71.21%               
Milford -- 66.67%               
Wilber -- 58.54%

Friday, February 13, 2015

Report: 40% Of DPS Student Get Free/Reduced Price Lunch


More than 40% of Dorchester Public School students receive their school meals courtesy of the taxpayers. 

That is according to the latest "State of the Schools Report" released by the Nebraska Department of Education based on data from the previous school year.

Dorchester Schools' free or reduced-price meals have soared in recent years.  In 2008, 26% of the DPS student body were on the government program.

The rules determining whether students can get their meals free or reduced are set at the federal level in Washington, DC. Those guidelines are based on family size and income or benefits such as Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

Roughly 34% of students in the Wilber-Clatonia school district receive free or reduced price lunches, while about 30% in the Friend school district get their meals courtesy of the taxpayer. 

Nearly 55% in the Crete school district get free or reduced meals.

Meanwhile, in Milford, fewer than 16% of that district's students are on the government meal program.

Across Nebraska, 45% of K-12 students get taxpayer-subsidized or purchased meals.  That number has increased from 30% in 2000 -- which leads us to believe that politicians (who get votes based on handouts) continue to water down the definition of "impoverished."

A reader who pointed us to these figures raises a good point.  He wrote: "This is an excellent learning opportunity for youngsters who complain about the quality and quantity of food they're being served under First Lady Michelle Obama's school lunch guidelines.  When the government pays your way, you will do what you're told and you will like it.  Keep that in mind."

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

DHS Boys Prepare For Final Two Regular Season Games


The Dorchester boys basketball team are once again sporting a winning record, going beyond the .500 mark following a 43-39 victory on the road against Hampton last night.  

The DHS Lady Longhorns, meanwhile, fell to the Hawks by a 50-35 count.

Fueled by the firepower of Corey Bird and Anthony Cordona, and supported by the efforts of Leo Conte, Tim Havlat and Nixon Nerud, the DHS boys squad is playing more consistently and as a team as the regular season comes to a close.  

But according to several DHS fans we've spoken with, the team will need more offensive juice if it wants to crack a dozen victories in the 2014-15 campaign.

The DHS boys are now 10-9 on the season.

Dorchester's boys team are back in action Friday night with a road contest against Class D-1 McCool Junction (6-11), before hosting Class D-2 powerhouse Exeter-Milligan at home on the following Friday, Feb. 20, for the last game of the regular season.

Saturday, February 7, 2015

REMINDER: Methodist Church Soup Luncheon Is This Sunday, Feb. 8


Blowing snow and blizzard conditions postponed the Dorchester United Methodist Women's annual soup luncheon that had been scheduled for last weekend.   

That's why tomorrow, Sunday, February 8, at the Dorchester United Methodist Church, the UMW group will host their annual soup and sandwich luncheon.  This gathering always draws quite a crowd, so get there plenty early.  

Doors will open at 11 a.m. and food will be served up until 1 p.m.

Whether you fancy chili, clam chowder, chicken noodle or liver dumpling soups, you'll be sure to find it.  

Also to be served will be sandwiches, relishes and some of Nebraska's very best deserts.

Best of all, the event will feature live entertainment with Jim Sprague.

There is no charge for the event -- just a free-will offering.  Support a good cause; support the Dorchester UMW.


Thursday, February 5, 2015

DHS Boys Now Playing Over .500 With Easy Win Thursday


(UPDATE: In a heatbreaker, DHS fell Friday night at home to Giltner, 48-54.  The Longhorns move to 9-9 on the season.)

Thursday evening was a big night for the DHS boys basketball team, as the Longhorns managed to turn a big corner and get on the right side of a .500 season.

It was "Retro Night" at the Dorchester School gymnasium, and unlike the crowd -- decked in their vintage Longhorn wear -- the DHS boys never looked back.

By the end of the contest, Dorchester came out on top easily, beating Nebraska Lutheran by a tally of 62-46.

The DHS boys are now 9-8 on the season.

The Longhorns are back in action Friday night with a home contest against 9-8 Giltner -- a very important contest against a similar opponent.

Next week, DHS will travel to Hampton (2-14) and McCool Junction (5-10), before hosting Exeter-Milligan at home on Feb. 20 for the last game of the regular season.
Dorchester does old school — with Debbie Skalak, Sandy Rains, Deanna Sand Bird, Judy Bors and Julie Axline Behrens, Darin Kotas, Lyle Weber, Brad Havlat, Brent Zoubek, Mark Bors, and others.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Dorchester Gets Another 6" Of Snow


Round two of snow, delivered just 48 hours since the last round ended, dropped a healthy amount of the white stuff on the Dorchester area during the morning hours of Feb. 4.

A preliminary snow total from the National Weather Service shows about 6" fell in Dorchester's village limits.

Here are totals for other communities in Nebraska:

Lincoln -- 5.5" - 6.2"
York -- 4.2"
North Platte -- 7.8"
Bradshaw -- 4.2"
Hyannis -- 7.0"
Aurora -- 6.3"
Miller -- 6.4"
Sutherland -- 7.0"
Arnold -- 7.0"
Callaway -- 8.5"
Arthur -- 8.0"

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Here We Go Again: Winter Weather Advisory Issued


The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for much of our area for Wednesday.  (UPDATE: The advisory in effect from Wednesday, 2:00 a.m. CST until noon Wednesday.  Dorchester Public Schools will be closed Wednesday, as will several area schools.  See the school closing list here.)

Our immediate area is supposed to received between 2 and 5 inches of snow, according to forecasters.

Stay up-to-date on all the latest forecast details by clicking here.

Here are the details as of 11 p.m.:

 TIMING...LIGHT SNOW WAS ALREADY BEGINNING IN PARTS OF NORTHEAST
NEBRASKA. HOWEVER MORE PERSISTENT SNOW SHOULD MOVE INTO THE THE
COLUMBUS TO NORFOLK AND ALBION AREAS BY 2 AM...EXPANDING TOWARD
OMAHA...COUNCIL BLUFFS AND LINCOLN BY 5 AM. THE REST OF
SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA AND SOUTHWEST IOWA CAN EXPECT SNOW BY
SUNRISE. THE SNOW WILL END QUICKLY FROM NORTH TO SOUTH BY LATE
MORNING.

* SNOW ACCUMULATIONS...2 TO 4 INCH SNOWS WILL BE COMMON...WITH A
SWATH OF 5 INCH SNOWFALL POSSIBLE...MOSTLY LIKELY FROM JUST
SOUTH OF COLUMBUS TO TO SOUTH OF OMAHA.

* MAIN IMPACT...THE LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW AND BLOWING SNOW WILL
AFFECT MORNING TRAVELERS. TRAVEL WILL BE DIFFICULT DUE TO
VISIBILITY RESTRICTIONS FROM ACCUMULATING SNOW AND BLOWING
SNOW.

* NORTH WINDS INCREASING TO 15 TO 25 MPH WITH GUSTS OF 30 TO 35
MPH.

* COLD AND WIND CHILLS...TEMPERATURES WILL ONLY BE IN THE TEENS
WITH SINGLE DIGIT ABOVE AND BELOW ZERO WIND CHILLS. IT WILL BE
MUCH COLDER THURSDAY MORNING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITIES...AND USE CAUTION WHILE
DRIVING.

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR BLOWING SNOW MEANS THAT
VISIBILITIES WILL BE LIMITED DUE TO STRONG WINDS BLOWING SNOW
AROUND. USE CAUTION WHEN TRAVELING...ESPECIALLY IN OPEN AREAS.

Sunday, February 1, 2015

Pictures Of The Blizzard Of Feb. 1


How does the Blizzard of Feb. 1, 2015, compare with those of previous decades to hit the Dorchester area?

For those old enough to remember more than five decades or more, this one probably cracks the top 20 list.  It doesn't match the severity of the blizzard of Christmas 2009, or the blizzard of 1978, as was mentioned on our Facebook page earlier today.  It certainly doesn't touch the blizzards of the 1950s that made Nebraska look like Antarctica. 

Still, this storm is going to be talked about for a while, if only for the fact that the weather experts were forecasting only 1-3 inches just a few hours before the first flakes fell on Saturday, Jan. 31.

We are told many of Dorchester's streets are still impassable and that the county roads are just plain treacherous.  Howling northwest winds are drifting shut passages that were opened just minutes earlier.

Because you should be staying put until conditions are safe, here are some of the pictures of the Dorchester area today that we've found on Facebook, and others that were e-mailed to the Times.   (Click on each picture for a better view.)










Blizzard Of Feb. 1 Will Usher In Subzero Temps


The winter storm warning for the Blizzard of Feb. 1 may be coming to an end.  

But a new warning is being sounded about the coming subzero temperatures.

Tonight and early Monday morning will see the thermometer drop to -10 degrees, with a windchill of -20 degrees.

Please take caution if you must venture outdoors tonight or Monday morning.  

Also, pets should be sheltered appropriately.

School in Dorchester and many surrounding communities is cancel for Monday.

Developing...

Methodist Church Soup Luncheon Postponed Until Feb. 8


NOTICE: Due to blizzard conditions, the Dorchester Methodist Church has postponed the UMW soup luncheon until next Sunday, Feb. 8.