How Important Is Dorchester's Public Image?

For better or worse, Dorchester is in the news.

The Associated Press is running a story today on the dramatic increase in the construction of large grain silos due to the booming ethanol industry. Most readers know that AP stories appear across the state and country, in newspapers that reach millions of Americans.

Set in Dorchester, today's silo story by AP reporter Nate Jenkins opens with the following:

"DORCHESTER, Neb. -- Outside of two bars and a bank there’s little activity on Washington Street here, where more windows are covered by boards than 'Open' signs. But at the end of the street, semitrailers stir the dust near a concrete symbol of economic activity. It towers over the signs of small-town decay ... the 132-foot-tall cylinder can hold a half-million bushels of corn. It stands alongside much older silos."

We at the Dorchester Times think the AP story portrays our town in a negative and unfair light. Dorchester certainly has more life than its two pubs and bank. And we cannot think of any boarded windows other than those of the the vacant Conner Roofing and Gifts building, which should have been torn down years ago. To be fair, there are certainly many other rural communities much worse off.

That said, we believe the story serves as a good reminder that Dorchester must make improvements if we are to enhance our public image. And image does matter. After all, public image is what attracts growth or expedites decline in a community.

Take time to scroll down the column at the left of this Web page. Read the historical profile of Dorchester 120 years ago. Back then, our town was a thriving pioneer village with a booming business section, three churches, a newspaper and several community organizations. The community was on the verge of building a new school. Of course we cannot turn back the clock, but lessons can be learned and inspiration can be gleaned from that bygone era.

Times were tough in the 1887 -- much tougher than in 2007. Money was tight back then, too. But town leaders made things happen and residents got behind those efforts because community mattered. In 1887, Dorchester's residents wanted the town to be known for more than its two-story train depot. In 2007, Dorchester residents should strive for the town to be known for more than its grain elevator, despite its contributions to the area economy. The legacy we leave for our children and grandchildren is up to us.

We will now get off of our soap box. But we would like to hear feedback from our readers on their reaction to the AP story, which can be viewed here. We look forward to hearing your thoughts.