How To Get Rich Quick: Land A Public Power Job

Nearly a century ago, populist Nebraska Sen. George Norris worked to establish the Cornhusker State’s public power system. 

Norris believed publicly owned electric generation and transmission would mean less expensive electricity compared to that produced and delivered by shareholder-owned utilities. Because of Norris' influence, no private electric utilities have operated in Nebraska since the late 1940s.

Nebraska law specifically states that electric service shall be provided at as "low overall cost as possible, consistent with sound business practices."

Despite some clear advantages, public power brings with it some downsides; one of them is an entrenched, well-paid bureaucracy that faces little public scrutiny or transparency, especially when it comes to their compensation.

The Flatwater Free Press -- a next-generation publication, like the Dorchester Times -- recently published the annual salaries of Nebraska's highest paid public employees. The list shows that 21 of the two dozen top-paid public employees are employed by public power.

Here's just a handful of individuals who made the list:

- John Dent, Executive VP & Chief Nuclear, Nebraska Public Power District, $1,308,780

- Thomas Kent, President & CEO, Nebraska Public Power District, $967,113

- Luis Fernandez, President & CEO, Omaha Public Power District, $764,330

- Khalil Dia, Site Vice President, Nebraska Public Power District, $708,477

- Kevin Wailes, Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln Electric System, $585,042

- Billy Chapin, General Manager of Plant Operations, Nebraska Public Power District, $473,883

- John McClure, Executive Vice President External Affairs, Nebraska Public Power District, $454,942

- Jeffrey Bishop, Vice President-Fin Srvcs & CFO, Omaha Public Power District, $450,780

- Troy Via, COO & VP Utility Operations, Omaha Public Power District, $434,239

- Kathleen Brown, VP & CIO -Bus Tech & Build Srvcs, Omaha Public Power District, $429,556

These executives aren't working at for-profit companies; they are employed by regulated, consumer-owned, public entities.

The next time you see your elderly parents or grandparents struggling to pay their electricity bill, remember these salaries. Think about who is paying for this excess compensation and how it's hurting the public's bottom line.

Mr. Norris is rolling in his grave.

NEWS ROUND-UP: City Slickers Receives Rave Reviews

Dorchester's City Slickers Gets Rave Reviews: On a website called Restaurant Guru, Dorchester's City Slickers Bar and Grill gets high marks. The national website calls City Slickers "a great place to visit for a small-town dining experience" with a friendly and attentive staff, and delicious food. "The prime rib and rib-eye steaks are particularly noteworthy, and their wings are also very good. The salad bar is huge and always fresh." The site also notes that prices are very reasonable and the portions are generous. 

Village Board Approves Generous Employee Compensation Increases: In recent weeks, the Dorchester's village board has approved hefty increases in compensation for village government employees. According to public meeting minutes, the board OK'd a 6.5% wage hike for full-time village employees and dump attendant. In a special meeting held Oct. 17, the board also approved annual Health Savings Account contributions for full-time employees -- paid by village taxpayers -- worth $5,400 annually for those with families/spouse and $2,700 for singles. This is in addition to other health insurance benefits, the minutes note.

Village Board Holds Special Meeting for Real Estate Purchase: On Oct. 25, the Dorchester village board held a special meeting. A closed-session meeting makes it difficult to know exactly what was discussed, but the meeting minutes note that the village's contracted attorney has been authorized to "negotiate a real estate purchase on behalf of the village." The board held its regular monthly meeting Nov. 13, but minutes for that meeting have not yet been approved.

Village of Dorchester's Public Information Request Policy: Nebraska's public disclosure laws include the Nebraska Public Records Law, which gives citizens the right to examine public records and documents -- regardless of physical form -- belonging to the state, county, city, village, political subdivision (including schools), or tax-supported entities. The law also lets citizens make copies of public documents; and request public records (without providing a reason). Dorchester residents can request the disclosure of certain village government documents and other resources via a public information request. Requests must be in writing, but can be delivered by hand (in person) or via mail, email, or fax.

Food Truck in Town on Nov. 25: Billies Grilled Cheese will be in Dorchester on Monday, Nov. 25 form 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The truck will be parked by the Legion building. Menus will be posted at the bank, post office, and the village government website when available.

DPS' Amanda Cerny Nominated For National Honor

Dorchester's Amanda Cerny has been nominated for a national honor that recognizes school employees who go above and beyond for their students.

Dorchester Public School's head cook, Cerny was nominated by DPS colleague, Stacy Lutjemeyer, for the National Life Group's LifeChanger of the Year award. This annual program spotlights K-12 educators and school employees nationwide.

According to LifeChanger's site, Cerny is "not only the best head cook of all time, but she is also a fantastic person of all time. With the power of her delicious and well-planned meals and her nurturing personality, Ms. Cerny can work wonders for students and faculty alike." 

Lutjemey noted that "there has been no turnover in the kitchen since Cerny became the head cook," and that Cerny "keeps the students' tastes in mind while meeting the health standards."

The Times congratulates Amanda Cerny on her nomination.

OUR VIEW: Trump Re-Election Forces Reform (Or Complete Demise) Of Mainstream Media

As noted by this columnist, it wasn’t for lack positive media publicity that Kamala Harris lost the election badly. 

Since July, ABC, CBS and NBC treated Harris to nearly 80% positive coverage, while the same networks gave Donald Trump 85% negative coverage, audits show. What a disservice to the nation.

For decades, conservatives have complained about the media's left-wing bias. But since the Obama years, this bias has devolved into blatant leftist activism, with the big networks and newspapers focused on attacking conservative values, fiscal discipline, traditional institutions, generally accepted principles, and common sense.

Fortunately, the antiquated "mainstream" media have less and less influence in this country as evidenced by the election results. 

An October Gallup survey found that trust in the media had sunk to a record low of 31%. The last time Gallup found a majority of Americans had either a "great deal" or "fair amount" of trust in media was 2003.

There's a noticeable noose tightening around the collective neck of the mainstream news media; the outlets themselves are providing the rope. 

For the good of the nation, it's time for new generation to ensure reform comes to what remains of journalism.

If that reform does not come quickly -- and with lasting results -- the legacy media's complete demise will be realized by decade's end. Nowadays, there are too many alternative sources willing to deliver credible and accurate information without the spin.

Stay tuned...

Veterans Day In Dorchester: 2024 Events

 

Monday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day and Dorchester is showing its appreciation for those who wore the nation's uniform.

The Dorchester American Legion Bar and Grill is offering a free hamburger basket meal to all veterans and those currently serving in military. 

The Legion opens at 5 p.m. and the serving of food starts at 6 p.m., with the Sons of the American Legion doing the cooking.

During the day, area residents are invited to the Dorchester Public School's tribute to all veterans. 

The school's Veterans Day program will begin at 10 a.m. It will include the presentation of the Quilt of Valor, as well as remarks from area vets.

Let's salute those who served and let them know we are grateful.

Sources: Dorchester Area May Be Prime For New Poultry Plant

The Times has learned that a new chicken processing plant could be coming to the Cornhusker State -- and Saline County may be in the mix for this major project.

According to sources, Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) -- a Nebraska-based company established in 2016 for Costco -- is now considering a second poultry complex to complement its current site in Fremont. 

 

Since opening in 2019, LPP has created hundreds of direct jobs in its processing plant and across its network of contracted growers. The plant itself employs around 1,000 people, while partnerships with local farms add even more job opportunities, from farm workers to truck drivers and service providers.

 

The company is now trying to identify interested Nebraska communities that have the capacity to support its next plant.

 

This publication has often touted the Dorchester area's access to rail (BNFS), highways, and grain storage (Farmers Cooperative) -- and how this advantage could attract major agribusiness and/or manufacturing employers to help grow Saline County (and lower our property taxes).

 

The proposed complex would be operational by 2030. The project would not only bring new employment opportunities to the Dorchester area, it would also provide new income opportunities for area ag producers.

 

Farmers, economic developers, and community leaders who are interested in supporting Lincoln Premium Poultry's proposed project can learn more by contacting LPP's Jessica Kolterman at jkolterman@lincolnpremiumpoultry.com or via phone/text at (402) 641-8471. 

 

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester UMC to Host BBQ, Silent Auction

 

Dorchester UMC to Host BBQ, Silent Auction: The Dorchester United Methodist Church’s annual pulled pork BBQ, set for Sunday, Nov. 17. All area residents are encouraged to attend the event at 612 Lincoln Ave. Activities will begin with worship services at 9:30 a.m. Then lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This is a free-will offering, so please generous. There will also be a silent auction, featuring all kinds of cool items worth bidding on. 

New 'Garbage Day' Is Friday: No, this isn't a notice for Trump supporters. The village has contracted with a new garbage service provider, Bel-Con Refuse. If you live in Dorchester, you should have received your new container this week. Starting Nov. 15, the new garbage pick-up day in Dorchester will be Fridays.

Village Board Meeting Is Nov. 13: The Village of Dorchester Board of Trustees will hold their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Farmers Cooperative, door No. 2 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

DHS Fall Sports Season Concludes: Dorchester's fall sports season wrapped up in late October. The DHS volleyball team fell in the second round of sub-districts, dropping three sets to Meridian. The Lady Longhorns comprised an 18-12 record on the season. Meanwhile, the DHS football team went 1-7 once again. The winter sports season tips off Dec. 5 when the DHS girls and boys basketball teams take on the Dragons in Deshler.