10/11 News: Dorchester Village Board Chairman Out On Bond

This is one of those rare instances when the staff members of the Dorchester Times are conflicted about publishing a news story.  In this case, we simply do not know the facts.  Because of the sensitive nature of the story, we have chosen not to report anything to date.  But considering the high-profile nature of this story, and the high-profile nature of the public servant who is well-known in Dorchester and Saline County, the Times has made the decision to publish excerpts of a wire story so that the community is abreast about what is being reported locally and statewide.

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10/11 News in Lincoln is reporting that Matthew Hoffaman, chairman of Dorchester's Village Board, has been released from Saline County's jail following a bond payment.  This follows a court hearing held yesterday, Jan. 30.

10/11 reports it this way:  "According to the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Matthew T. Hoffman, 41, was arrested on Jan. 17 for reportedly committing two acts of second-degree sexual assault of a protected individual. According to court records, the alleged assaults go as far back as June of 2017 and are as recent as January 8 of 2018.

The video version of the story reports that Hoffman has plenty of support in Dorchester, with many residents saying they do not believe the charges against him are true.

10/11 adds: "Hoffman is asking for more time" to decide on whether to have or wave his preliminary hearing "because he just retained an attorney Monday. Scott Gropp appeared in court Tuesday as Hoffman's Attorney.

"In Tuesday's hearing, Hoffman asked the judge to reduce his bond, and to have contact with his children.  His bond was lowered to 10 percent of $75,000. It previously was set at 10 percent of $100,000. The Saline County Sheriff's Office confirmed Tuesday afternoon that Hoffman posted bond hours later.

"Hoffman has conditions on his bond that state he can't have contact with any person under the age of 19.  He also can only talk with his kids by telephone."

No. 1 BDS Too Much For DHS Girls At CRC

The Dorchester girls basketball team fell 54-26 in the quarterfinals of the Crossroads Conference Tournament in York last night.

The young DHS squad, coming off a miraculous win late last week, was no match for the No. 1 team in Class D1.

The York newspaper reports it like this: "It was all BDS from the opening tip to the final horn on Wednesday night" as "the Eagles took a 16-7 lead at the end of the first quarter, held the Longhorns scoreless in the second and cruised to the 54-26 win over the Longhorns.

"It was stifling defensive pressure that was too much for the young Longhorns to handle as the Eagles defense forced 17 first half turnovers and the BDS offense built a 27-7 lead at the break.

"The Eagles won the second half 27-19 to run their season record to 15-2 heading into Thursday’s showdown with Meridian.

"Dorchester (7-10) hit just 9 of 34 shot attempts and was 5 of 22 on 3-point attempts. The Longhorns were 3 of 6 at the free throw line.

Scorers for Dorchester were: A. Zoubek 6, Plouzek 9, J. Zoubek 2, Bird 9. 

To see or purchase photos from the CRC Tourney, click here.

Superintendent Schrunk: Help Us Grow Dorchester's School -- Be Part Of The Solution

Today, we feature another editorial from Daryl Schrunk, who gives our readers his thoughts on Dorchester and its school after a year on the job.  Schrunk took over as superintendent of Dorchester's K-12 school at the start of the 2016-2017 school year.

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My goal is to increase enrollment, yet retain the strength of small class sizes.  I am encouraging all patrons to assist in this effort.  

By reaching out to friends in neighboring communities and promoting the quality education we provide, we can meet this goal.  In this joint effort, I hope to increase our K-12 enrollment to at least 200 students in two years (currently our K-12 enrollment is 180 students).  

The short term fix lies in option enrollment, especially targeting 7-12 students, since this is where we have lower numbers.  

Longer term fix needs to be focused on housing rehabilitation and development.  Need to have attractive housing options to bring in families.  

Ideally, the following needs to happen, with your help:

• Keep the resident students in the district. 
• Bring back resident students who have opted-out.  
• Option-in students who can contribute positively to our district.  

The state formula for Net Option students gives the school district approximately $10,000 per student.  So if a school had a Net Option of five students, the school would get approximately $50,000 in additional funding.  Currently, Dorchester gets $0 for option students as our number of students who option-in compared to the number of students who option-out is equal.

Do you know of a student in a nearby school district who would benefit by optioning-in to Dorchester? If so, click here for the option enrollment form, which is due March 15.  Call 402-946-2781 for assistance.

A patron recently asked me how many students we could have enrolled at one time without adding costs of staffing and facilities.  There are obviously various factors to consider, especially the needs of the uniqueness of every student.  However, I immediately answered him by saying 250 students.  This would be class sizes averaging 18-20 students per grade level (currently we average 13 students per grade level).  This may seem like a lofty goal but it is definitely possible with a commitment by the school and community to build and sustain our safe, caring town.     

Dorchester Public School enrollment since 2002-03.  Click to see a larger image.

Dorchester Public Schools are fortunate to offer so many extra-curricular activities for our students.  A strength of a small school is the opportunity to participate in so many activities.  Please continue to encourage our youth to participate in as many activities during their time at DPS.  We believe that some of the most important life skills are learned through these experiences. 

Dorchester offers the following extra curricular activities: Football, Volleyball, FBLA, Jr. High Football, Jr. High Volleyball, Student Council, Wresting, Girls & Boys Basketball, Science Olympiad, Jr. High Wrestling, Jr. High Basketball, Electronic Vehicle, Track, One-Act Play, Quiz Bowl, Jr. High Track, Jr. High Play, Spring Play, Journalism, Speech, Elementary Honor Choir, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, D-Club, Jr. High Vocal Music, Jr. High Instrumental Music, Reading Classic, National Honor Society (NHS), High Ability Learners (HAL), Jr. High Quiz Bowl.

Daryl Schrunk

Superintendent
(402) 946-2781

dschrunk@dorchesterschool.org

Dorchester offers a quality education, supportive staff, new facilities, advanced technology and many opportunities for students in grades pre-Kindergarten through grade 12.  At Dorchester, every student truly matters.

DHS Girls Advance In CRC Tourney With 'Miracle' OT Win

Photo Credit: York News-Times

UPDATE:  BJ Fictum is reporting via social media that the Crossroads Conference Basketball Tournament games on Monday, Jan. 22, will be postponed until Tuesday, with Tuesday's scheduled games to be played on Wednesday.  Thursday and Friday will play as scheduled.

The DHS girls basketball team is a squad on a mission, even when the situation looks bleak.

In the first round of action at the Crossroads Conference Basketball Tournament in York, the Dorchester Lady Longhorns pulled off a miraculous victory Saturday night by scoring eight points with just over a minute remaining in overtime.

The York newspaper reports it like this: "East Butler fans had to be feeling pretty good when Kaitlyn Hain dropped in a free throw with 1:18 to play in overtime to give the East Butler Tigers a 54-47 lead."

But "the Longhorns scored eight unanswered points and pulled off a 55-54 unlikely win to advance to the quarterfinals of the girls Crossroads Conference Tournament.

"With under 10 seconds to play, Dorchester freshman Abbey Zoubek had ice in her veins and drilled a right wing 3-pointer to tie the score at 54-54.

"On the ensuing inbounds pass by East Butler, another Zoubek, this time freshman Jacee stole the pass and was fouled as she tried to put up a shot as time expired.

"The freshman stepped to the line, sank the first free throw and the Longhorns were on their way to the quarterfinals with the 55-54 win."

Dorchester was led in scoring by Jacee Zoubek with 16, Abby Plouzek, a 6-2 sophomore added 13, and Abbey Zoubek finished with 12.

The Longhorns were 19 of 46 from the field and 9 of 26 on 3-point shots. Dorchester was 8 of 20 at the charity stripe.

The 14 3-pointers combined by both teams on Saturday tied the record set in 2000 by Dorchester and Fairmont and in 2017 by these same two teams.

Dorchester (7-9) will take on No. 3 seed BDS this week.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Another Wicked Winter Storm This Way Comes

Yet Another Winter Storm Coming Our Way: Another winter storm could bring near-blizzard conditions to parts of Nebraska this weekend, but an early look shows the Dorchester area should avoid the worst of the weather.  Eight to 10 inches of snow are expected in parts of northern and central Nebraska beginning Sunday afternoon and into Monday. The National Weather Service is forecasting just 2 to 4 inches snowfall in our area, although some models show the city receiving as much as a foot of snow.  Stay tuned to the Times' forecast page for this developing situation.

Crete Man Charged For Stealing $1.1 Million:  KWBE Radio is reporting that federal authorities have indicted a Crete man already charged with stealing more than $1.1 million from his former employer in Lincoln.  The wire fraud indictment involves Mark Ackerman, who was office manager for Vertical Horizons Contracting Inc. in Lincoln. Federal prosecutors say Ackerman used accounts designated for reimbursement fees to transfer funds to his personal account for items never purchased. It also alleges that he falsely represented legitimate business expenses and made checks payable to himself from company accounts.

Dorchester Groups Get Tourism Promotion Funds: The Wilber newspaper has a story this week that Dorchester-based organizations were on the receiving end of funding from the Saline County Tourism Advisory Committee.  More than $18,000 in funds were available for increasing tourism in the county. Grant monies are generated by the lodging tax collected in the county.  In the fund for marketing and advertising for 2018 events, the Saline County Historical Society received funding for promotional materials for the Dorchester-based museum and genealogy room, while the  Dorchester American Legion received fund for promotion of events, including Buffalo Feed, auction, and dances.  The Dorchester Festival Committee received funds for the Fourth of July activities.  From the pool of funding for improved facilities, the Dorchester American Legion received dollars for its storage shed repair, while the Saline County Historical Society received money for the museum's sidewalk construction.

FLASHBACK: Saline Co. Named Among Top 75 Counties In America

In October 2008, Progressive Farmer magazine published its "Best Places to Live in Rural America" report -- and the publication named Saline County as one of its best counties in America. 

The magazine's editors compiled their list of best rural counties based on certain criteria, including home and land prices; crime rates; environment; education; economic factors; and health care access.  

Three Nebraska counties made the magazine's top 20 list of Midwest counties. Red Willow County was No. 10, Adams County was No. 12, and Wayne County was No. 18. 

Saline County was ranked No. 71.

According to the magazine's statistics, Saline County scored well for its low housing costs; low unemployment and poverty rates; student/teacher ratio; large number of college bound students; and average sales tax rate. 

The county's score was hurt by a slow job growth rate and below-average number of health care clinics and pharmacies.

School Soup Supper Is This Thursday, 5-9 P.M.

Just in time to beat the winter chill!

The Dorchester Elementary Parents Advisory Committee (EPAC) and Dorchester's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter will be sponsoring a free-will donation soup supper this Thursday, January 18, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. during the DHS vs. Shelby-Rising City games. 

That's right -- soup on a cold January night while you get to help the mission of Dorchester's EPAC and FBLA.  

That's called a win-win!

Supper includes: Soup, sandwich, dessert and drink.

Several parents have volunteered to help work the soup supper. Those interested should call the school at (402) 946-2781.

Dorchester Hosts Teacher Development Session

Photo Credit: Friend Sentinel

The Friend newspaper has reported on a January 3 event hosted by Dorchester Public Schools that allowed 175 area school teachers to grow professionally.

The Friend Sentinel writes: 

The Blue River Cohort offers opportunities for faculty and staff from Dorchester, Exeter-Milligan, Friend, McCool Junction and Shickley to meet twice a year for speakers, break-out sessions and time to share classroom strategies.

“We hear a lot about consolidation,” Dorchester Superintendent Daryl Schrunk said. “We all believe in our schools. This way we’re able to keep our schools but do professional development together.”

Dorchester hosted the winter meeting Jan. 3, with about 175 teachers and administrators from the five schools attending.

Schrunk said the purpose of the meeting is to provide professional development to all the staff. By combining the resources of multiple schools and Educational Service Unit 6, these workshops can offer more topics and expertise than a single school might be able to give.

According to the Sentinel, break-out session topics included new apps to be used in the classroom, Title I rubric review, using para educators and curriculum strategies. A community panel featured presenters from Striv TV, Sandhills Publishing, Farmers Coop and Hudl.

The story also sheds some light on the training techniques employed at DPS.

Superintendent Schrunk said that at Dorchester, "teachers who go to training are asked to share what they’ve learned with DPS staff when they get back. The cohort gives other schools the chance to learn those things, too."

“We feel we have a lot of experts,” he said. “Let’s use them and share their knowledge.”

Winter Blast To Impact Dorchester Area Tonight, Thursday

Another round of bitter cold, ice and blowing snow is due to hit our area this evening and through Thursday afternoon.  (Be sure to catch the latest forecast and radar image by clicking here.)

Today, the Dorchester area will see temperatures drop nearly 40 degrees, from an expected high of 55 degrees to just 18 degrees late tonight.  

Winds will pick up, and a shower this evening will be followed by periods of snow, sleet, and freezing rain late.  Up to 1-3 inches of snow accumulation could occur.

By tomorrow (Thursday morning), there will be snow and blowing snow, with a storm total of 2-4 inches.  The high will only reach 24 degrees tomorrow, with a low of 2 degrees.

A report by the Nebraska Radio Network says that traffic safety officials are telling drivers, “If it’s not urgent, stay home.”  They say that blowing snow will make driving dangerous, and can make a road you drive everyday unrecognizable.

The Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) also advises against driving in the worst of the weather.

Troopers say using up-to-date traffic information from Nebraska 511, online or via the mobile app, will help.  

NSP also issues the following reminders for motorists traveling in extreme weather conditions:

• Always wear your seat belt and never drive faster than conditions allow.

• Blowing and drifting snow can reduce visibility. Travel only when absolutely necessary.

• If you must travel, use well-traveled routes and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Let others know where you are going, your route, and when you will arrive.

• If you do become stranded while traveling, stay in your vehicle until help arrives. Wind chill and freezing temperatures can be life threatening.

• If your vehicle becomes stuck, run your motor sparingly and keep a window cracked to prevent buildup of carbon monoxide.

• Carry a red flag or bandana in your car and attach it to the outside to signal for help.

• NSP suggests basic items to carry in your vehicle are: First Aid Kit, phone charger, ice scraper, shovel, small bag of sand, flashlight with extra batteries, blankets or sleeping bags, extra clothing and winter accessories, jumper cables, tow rope, tool kit, matches, candles, red flag or bandana, high energy or dehydrated foods, and bottled water.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Blood Drive At DPS Tomorrow, Jan. 8

Here's the latest from the village and surrounding area:

Blood Drive This Monday At School:  Donating blood is one of the most selfless acts.  When you donate blood, there's no telling who you'll be helping. Maybe a mother, a father, a son or daughter. A baby. Maybe a person involved in a car accident. Perhaps one of your own loved ones or friends. Thanks to the Dorchester FBLA and Dorchester volunteer firefighters, there will be a blood drive at the Dorchester School this Monday (tomorrow, January 8) from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Those interested in donating blood can e-mail klewis@dorchesterschool.org, or call the school (402-946-2781), or you can just walk in from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. by checking in at the front office.

'Pack the Gym' This Tuesday for DHS Vs. Friend Basketball:  This Tuesday, January 9, the Dorchester Longhorns boys' and girls' basketball teams will host next-door rival Friend High School.  DHS is promoting that evening as "Pack the Gym" night.  The varsity girls will play at 6:00 p.m., while the varsity boys will start at 7:30 p.m.  All community residents are encouraged to show up, wear your orange and black, and pack the gym.

Dorchester Public Schools Honored For Saluting Veterans: Local schools recently received certificates from Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale for their participation in programs honoring military veterans in November.  Dorchester Public School was among 160 schools and districts across the state recognized for their efforts. “It really is heartwarming to see the efforts that teachers, staff and students put into these events,” Gale said, adding that he often hears from teachers about the appreciation and emotion expressed through these programs.  “They are very much about acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have served our nation, especially in combat,” Gale said.  See the secretary of state's full honor roll by clicking here.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Girls Win Fifth Game In Last Six Contests

DHS Girls Basketball Team Continues Winning Ways:  Last night, Jan. 4, the Dorchester High School girls' basketball team notched their fifth win in six contests.  But it took overtime to get it done.  When the final buzzer sounded, Dorchester beat Sterling, 43-38.  The Lady Longhorns are now 5-5 on the season.  The Longhorn boys fell to the Jets, however, as Sterling beat the Longhorns 59-19.

Excellence Rally Is Today, 3 P.M.:  The Dorchester Elementary Excellence Rally will be later today, Friday, Jan. 5, at 3:00 p.m. This is a popular event that features a "tunnel walk" of sorts to recognize every student of Dorchester Elementary School.  It serves as an excellent morale booster that also serves as a reminder of the importance of doing well in all aspects of schooling. Parents, grandparents and members of the community are encouraged to help Dorchester's youth celebrate their scholastic achievements.

Crete Oncology Suite To Host Open Jan. 19:  The Friend newspaper is reporting that a Jan. 19 open house will celebrate the new Oncology Suite at Crete Area Medical Center and the vision and generosity of the donor who made it possible.  The public is invited to tour the new space and enjoy cookies and coffee in the chapel on Jan. 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.  The Oncology Suite allows area cancer patients to receive treatments closer to home.  The donor behind the project, Lambert Zoubek of Wilber, was a caregiver for his brother, Leonard, while Leonard battled cancer. 

DHS Girls Win, Boys Fall In Tuesday Night Action

Photo Credit: Lincoln Journal Star

Both the Dorchester boys and girls basketball teams were in action last night, January 2 -- even though the Christmas and New Year's break is ongoing. 

In fast and furious hardwood action at College View Academy in Lincoln, the DHS boys fell, while the DHS girls continued to improve in a big way, racking up a lopsided 58-25 victory.

Here's the DHS girls' box score by period:

Dorchester 20 16 11 11 -- 58 
College View 4 7 7 7 -- 25 

Scoring last night for the Lady Longhorns were: Zahourek 3, Creamer 1, A. Zoubek 16, Bird 17, Plouzek 10, J. Zoubek 7, Eberhardt 4.

Last night's win marked the fourth win in five contests for the DHS girls, who are now 4-5 on the season.

The very young DHS boys' squad fell to 0-8, but not due to a lack of effort.  In fact, the Longhorn boys were leading after the conclusion of the first period, and were tied up with the Eagles after the end of the third period.

Here's the DHS boys' box score by period:

Dorchester 11 3 17 6 -- 37 
College View 8 12 11 15 -- 46 

Scoring for DHS were: Zahourek 2, Brummett 2, Tyser 2, Youngblood 2, Cochner 6, Hoffman 23.

See the Lincoln Journal Star's photos of both the boys' and girls' games against College View by clicking here.

Happy New Year From The Times