Dorchester's Jim Heeren Sr. Passes At 78

Dorchester's Jimmy Dean Heeren Sr., age 78, has passed.

He was born September 16, 1941 in Beatrice, and went to be with our Lord on April 27, 2020. Jim graduated from Dorchester High School in 1960. He went to work at Russell Stover out of high school, then to the Crete Mills prior to becoming a full-time farmer. He married Dona Conkling Heeren on July 3, 1962 and they had three children. 

Besides farming, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, traveling, and spending time with family. 

Jim is survived by wife Dona, sister Mary Ann McComas, children: Jim Jr. and Darla of Phoenix, AZ; Barbara and Jeff Rohrbough of Gainesville, TX; and Jody and Bob Vogt of Dorchester. Grandchildren: Renee and Gabe Dorcey, Becky Heeren and Keenan Brown, Garrett Reckling and Lillie Lueke, Grant and Morgan Reckling, Karley Rohrbough and Jeffery McClinton, Mackenzie Rohrbough and Kaleb Gleeson, Jenifer Heeren and Dave Winslow, Foster Reckling, Jacob Heeren, Kayley Rohrbough, Carter Reckling, Kolton Rohrbough and Elliott Rohrbough. Great Grandchildren: Gunnar Dorcey, Serena Heeren, Amari Heeren, Rhys Dorcey, Jaixian Heeren, Anastasia Dorcey, Wrenn Reckling, Hattie Gleeson, Myles Heeren, Booker Brown, Maren Reckling and many nieces and nephews. Special cousins: John and Kathy Palky, and special friend Benny Bartek. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Blanche Heeren; in-laws, Donald and Helen Conkling; grandparents, John and Mary Heeren, and Barbara and Frank Pospisil. 

Private family graveside services will be held at Dorchester Cemetery. Memorials are in care of the family. Arrangements are in care of Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Alum Kristi Nohavec Promoted at Architecture Firm

Kristi Nohavec

DHS Alum Kristi Nohavec Promoted at Major Architecture Firm: LEO A DALY has appointed Dorchester alumna Kristi Nohavec to senior associate, the Omaha newspaper reports. Nohavec, a 1989 DHS graduate, is a licensed Structural Engineer, Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 17 years of experience in the industry. She is one of only 14 individuals in Nebraska dual-licensed as a professional engineer and a registered architect. She is a founding member of the Nebraska chapter of Women in Architecture and has served on committees for AIA, the Architectural Foundation of Nebraska and the Structural Engineers Association of Nebraska. She mentors with numerous organizations in Omaha and has been awarded for her leadership including Alumni of the Year from the University of Nebraska and Engineer of the Year from the Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers.

DHS Graduation Date Change: Dorchester Public School has announced that this year's DHS graduation ceremony will tentatively be moved to June 19 at 6:30 p.m. due to the ongoin pandemic. A later, alternative date of July 10 has also been announced. Stay tuned as the situation is dependent upon COVID-19 restrictions. (Class of 2020, you will be talking about this into your 100s!)

DHS Recognizes Student Athletes, Letter Winners: The annual DHS Athletic Banquet has fallen victim to COVID-19, but school officials have published a complete list of DHS letter winners in all school year 2019-20 sports. Let's take time to celebrate these student athletes for representing  Dorchester by donning the Orange and Black.

O'Reilly Says Mainstream Media Bigger Threat Than Virus: We are sharing this national tidbit because it's true. Longtime journalist and commentator Bill O'Reilly says a concentrated, powerful, agenda-driven news media are failing to inform and tell the facts.  In an interview, O'Reilly says: "Six large corporations have control over 90% of the national news flow" and that "these are liberal people, who hire liberal editors and reporters and producers. ... It's never been this concentrated." He also estimates that government officials have only about two more weeks to get a plan in place before people quit staying at home and get on with their lives.

Dorchester To Honor DHS' Class Of 2020 With Nerud Field Lights

COVID-19 has robbed people of their lives and livelihoods. On a less tragic level -- but heartbreaking in it's own right -- the coronavirus has robbed millions of young people of a formal graduation ceremeony, at least for the time being.

The Dorchester-area community will honor DHS' Class of 2020 by turning on the lights of Nerud Field at 20:20 (military time) -- or 8:20 p.m. -- and keep them shining for 20 minutes on an evening designated for each member of the graduating class.

The Nerud Field lighting starts tomorrow night (Friday, April 24). 

Here is the class roll call and the order in which the DHS Class of 2020 will be recognized:

We are told that school officials are still exploring options to recognize Dorchester's seniors in some version of a formal graduation ceremony, depending if public health guidelines permit such a gathering. 

But in the meantime, take a few moments to honor DHS' Class of 2020 by viewing Nerud Field's lights for the next several eveings.

Dorchester's Imogene Hostetler, 91, Is COVID-19 Survivor

The Lincoln Journal Star reports on Dorchester native Imogene Hostetler, age 91, on her release from CHI St. Elizabeth after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

Hostetler -- who moved from her Dorchester home on Whitmar Street to Gold Crest Retirement Center in Adams, Neb. four years ago -- tested positive for the coronavirus on April 5.

The paper says the retirement home had 24 residents or staff test positive. Three Gold Crest residents who tested positive died.

Hostetler said: "I wasn't real, real sick. I just had the aches. My whole body ached. ... It wasn't a headache. It was everywhere else. I never had any other symptoms. I didn't have a fever."

A ventilator was never required to treat Hostetler, who has COPD as well as other underlying health issues, according to daughter and DHS alum Sally Kastanek. Her heeling regiment included regular inhaler treatments.

"She was very lucky," said Patrick Kamphaus, a registered nurse who works the COVID-19 unit and worked closely with Hostetler. "Her symptoms were very mild. ... This disease affects people so differently."

After the celebatory parade was held at St. E's, Hostetler was loaded into her daughter's SUV and headed back to Gold Crest. Kastanek said, "Everyone wants to just go home, and that's her home."

Journal Star: Could Crete Become The Next COVID-19 Hotspot?

The Lincoln Journal Star has just published an article with this headline: Could Crete become next virus hot spot?

The Lincoln newspaper reports that as of Wednesday afternoon, "there were at least 17 confirmed cases of the virus in Saline County, according to Public Health Solutions, the health department that covers Saline, Gage, Jefferson, Fillmore and Thayer counties." 

Six of those cases are in employees of Farmland Foods in Crete, the story notes.

"Right now, what we're seeing in that area is starting to raise an alarm with us," said John Woodrich, president and CEO of Bryan Medical Center. He said that several patients with COVID-19 have been transferred from the Crete hospital to Bryan.

According to JournalStar.com, Crete will be the first site where Bryan will use its new Bryan Mobile Screening unit, and the vehicle may go there as early as Thursday to set up a testing site at the hospital. 

"Also on Thursday, the Nebraska National Guard is doing a a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing event in Crete in conjunction with Public Health Solutions and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services."

Saline Co. Has 11 Confirmed Cases of COVID-19; Statewide Testing Plan Announced

Saline County's number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 has grown to 11 as of Tuesday evening, up from six on Sunday. No deaths are reported. 

That's according to official preliminary data as collected by Johns Hopkins COVID-19 map.

The latest news release (dated Sunday, April 19) from Public Health Solutions -- the local health board -- shows the following cases:

• Female, 50s, Saline County, close contact of previously reported case;
• Male, 30s, Saline County, exposure under investigation;
• Male, 20s, Saline County, exposure under investigation. 

Saline County's new total compares 92 confirmed cases and 1 death in Lancaster County. 

There have been 28 confirmed cases and 1 death reported in Gage County, 4 cases in Seward County, and no cases reported in Fillmore, Jefferson or Thayer counties. 

Meanwhile, Nebraska officials are promoting TestNebraska, a new initiative in partnership with the state and private corporations. The goal is to dramatically increase the rate of COVID-19 testing so Nebraskans can have better access to testing and help stem the spread of COVID-19 to get us back to normal as quickly as possible. You can take part in this program by clicking here.

Dorchester's West Blue Farm Offers Fresh, Safe Meats During COVID-19 Outbreak

We have published several Dorchester business spotlights over the years. Today we are adding to the list.

West Blue Farm is a local business in Dorchester that could provide a wonderful service to area residents during this time of COVID-19. The agribusiness raises and directly markets farm-raised beef, pork, chicken and turkey. 

The farm is located three miles south of Dorchester and has been direct marketing farm fresh meat since 1990, when it was founded by Dave and Deb Welsch. For the last three years, the farm has been operated by Joe and Shanae Yeackley. 

All of the chicken, beef, and pork you purchase from West Blue Farm is raised on their farm. The farm markets its products as non-GMO, and they do not have any low level antibiotics or growth hormones added. 

The farm's website allows customers to complete an order form online -- or to contact the Yeackleys to learn more.

This business is a success story in southeast Nebraska's local food production and processing abilities. Support the West Blue Farm.

Three COVID-19 Cases Now Confirmed In Saline County

Public Health Solutions -- the local health office that serves Saline County and four neighboring counties -- has reported two additional lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Saline County. Both patients are men, one in his 40s and one in his 50s.

These cases are unrelated to each other and both patients are currently self-isolating in their homes and being monitored by PHS.

Investigations are in process to identify individuals who may have been in close contact with the patients.

This brings the total confirmed COVID-19 cases within the PHS district to 29. As of today, there have been 26 confirmed cases reported in Gage County, three in Saline County, and no cases reported in Fillmore, Jefferson or Thayer counties.

PHS reminds everyone to continue social distancing and respecting the 10-person rule for gatherings. These interventions will help slow the spread of this virus in our community.

For more information, call Public Health Solutions at (402) 826-3880.

OUR VIEW: Trump Is Right to Stop WHO Funding

This evening, President Donald Trump announced that the United States would begin withholding funds from the World Health Organization (WHO). 

At best, the WHO has been completely worthless in preventing or slowing the worst global pandemic since 1918. At worst, the organization is being run by China.

The United States is easily the top donor to the WHO, giving it more than $400 million in 2019, according to the State Department. Meanwhile, China -- where the coronavirus originated -- gave the group just $44 million.

President Trump is to be commended for this common-sense move. Consider these facts:

• On Jan. 14, the WHO tweeted that there had been "no human transmissions" of the novel coronavirus within China yet, as it cited Chinese health officials. (That was just two weeks before Trump's travel ban on China -- the same ban that the national news media and Joe Biden called "racist" and "xenophobic," like brainwashed teenagers.)

• While the bureaucrats at WHO were tweeting, they were failing to obtain virus samples from China. The WHO continuously relied on information from Chinese health authorities, all while the Communist government was being accused of obscuring facts and figures -- and had begun expelling American journalists. (By the way, the Chinese government reportedly knew the disease was spreading before the WHO's Jan. 14 tweet was sent, according to the South China Morning Post.)

• Even as U.S. intelligence confirmed that the Chinese Communist Party has been concealing the truth regarding its COVID-19 deaths, the WHO has upheld China's figures as truth. China hid the outbreak of COVID-19, manipulated its numbers, and at no point did the WHO question China or seek the truth.

• The WHO decided as late as Jan. 22 that the coronavirus did not pose a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, all while praising China’s response. (We aren't even sure if China's actions were not intentional.)

Folks, it's estimated that WHO's inaction created a twenty-fold increase in COVID-19 cases. 

Whether in Dorchester, Nebraska; Detroit, Michigan; or Dos Hermanas, Spain, countless lives could have been saved, businesses could been unharmed, and jobs could have been preserved had the WHO done its job. 

In his remarks tonight, President Trump noted that the WHO not only opposed his January travel ban, but that in doing so, European nation's failed to impose their own travel bans. Their trust in the WHO lead to an explosion in COVID-19 cases in EU nations, which in turn led to the crisis in the U.S.

"It would have been so easy (for the WHO) to have been truthful," the president said tonight.

Had the WHO been truthful, many fewer deaths would have occurred -- and much less economic harm would have been inflicted upon billions of humans who need economic security, not trillions from governments hellbent on making their currencies nearly worthless.

It seems "the swamp" exists well beyond the borders of Washington, D.C. 

Keep draining, we say.

Looking Back: Dorchester's Main Street -- South Side

The photo at the right shows Dorchester's bustling main street (officially Washington Avenue) as it appeared in the 1920s.

The image is from a 1929 postcard.

The photo shows the South Side Garage, located on the west side of the block that sits between Dorchester's 6th and 7th Streets (next to the modern-day car wash).

Henry Sehnert owned and operated the South Side Garage from 1925 to 1930, before moving north to the other side of the street, where he would operate his Ford garage for half a century. 

The South Side Garage was located near the present-day car wash.

Also housed in this building, in later years, was: Floyd Beck's John Deere dealership; the Dorchester skating rink; and Bob Wanek's furniture storage warehouse.

Today's Village Hall can clearly be seen in the photo, looking north.

At the time the picture was taken, the corner building actually housed Citizen's State Bank -- Dorchester oldest continuous business, despite the name change.

Also pictured is the U.S. Post Office, as well as the Masonic and Good Fellows Hall, which occupied the second floor of today's Village Hall building.

Prior to the 1920s (see photos on the left side), the south side of main street was home to Skinkle Cafe and the H. Oetkin Machine Shop, according to a 1914-1920 map of Dorchester. 

Just north of the machine shop were Ireland's Dry Goods and Grocery and Randell's Shoe Shop. 

Continuing north up main street -- separated by the narrow alley and present-day bank drive-through -- were the Bank of Dorchester and Dr. Waller's Drug Store.  

In later years, these buildings would house businesses such as the Dorchester opera house, a second fire department station, Dick's Auto Body and Repair, and Max Harling's "Brand X" tractor repair.

On the east side of the street on the same block -- circa the 1920s -- sat the Commercial Hotel; Cookus Blacksmith; Parker's Cream and Poultry; the Chamber of Commerce; City Hall; Dillon's Blue Front Cafe; and Malek's Butcher Shop.

Dorchester's main street was a hub of business activity and free enterprise.

We are certain that Times' readers would enjoy hearing feedback (in the comments section below) from residents -- past or present -- who have stories from friends or family about Dorchester's early days.  

Governor: 21 Days To Stay Home And Healthy

Gov. Pete Ricketts has proclaimed April 10-30, 2020 as “21 Days to Stay Home and Stay Healthy in Nebraska.” 

Infectious disease experts project that the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will be at or near its peak in Nebraska by the end of April. For the next three weeks, the governor is urging Nebraskans to avoid non-essential errands and to limit social gatherings in an effort to prevent the spread of the virus.

Gov. Ricketts: Six Rules to Keep Nebraska Healthy

1. Stay home.  No non-essential errands and no social gatherings.  Respect the ten-person limit.
   
2. Socially distance your work.  Work from home or use the six-foot rule as much as possible in the workplace.
   
3. Shop alone and only shop once a week.  Do not take family with you.
   
4. Help kids follow social distancing.  Play at home.  No group sports.  And no playgrounds.
   
5. Help seniors stay at home by shopping for them.  Do not visit long-term care facilities.
   
6. Exercise daily at home or with an appropriately socially-distanced activity.
   • Nebraskans have been doing a great job of complying with our social distancing directives.
   • These six rules will unite Nebraskans in our shared goal of slowing the spread of the virus as we enter its peak period.
     

Dorchester's 2020 Alumni Banquet Canceled

It's nearly that time of year when Dorchester alumni -- those who are still young, those who are old, and those in between -- all gather together to recall the good times of their school days.

Sadly, we have learned that Dorchester's Alumni Banquet, which had been set for Saturday, May 23, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. (This comes after DPS earlier called off the remainder of the school year.)

According to Linda Woolsey, who oversees DHS alumni activities, twice as many classes will be honored next year.

In the meantime, alumni who have changed their email and/or physical address should let Linda know by emailing her at lwoolsey@dorchesterschool.org.

Former DPS Teacher, Coach Scott Leisy Passes At 34

Former Dorchester teacher and coach Scott Leisy, 34, succumbed to cancer on Sunday evening. For the past several years, Leisy had been an educator at Clearwater High School in Clearwater, Neb.

The Leisy family posted to its Scott's Squad Facebook page on April 2: "Though we don't know exactly why, Scott has declined quickly this week. There are lots more details, but the end result is the same. He has decided to enter hospice care. We are at the ranch, trying to stay ahead of the pain and discomfort. He's in and out; out, but is feeling the love from everyone who has reached out today. We really do have an awesome squad; love you all."

On Saturday evening, a convoy of more than 250 cars drove by the family ranch near Atkinson to show support for the family.

Scott is survived by his wife Mary and children Hayden, Baylor, and Jordyn;  parents Darrel and Wilda Leisy, father and mother-in-law Rick and Nancy Hendricks; sister Jenny Leisy and nieces Bethany and Ryder, nephew Bryson, all of Atkinson and grandmother Rita Mumm of Alliance.

Read Scott's obituary here. A celebration of life service is being planned for a later date when it becomes possible.

Dorchester Cruise Tonight, Teachers' Parade Is Tuesday At 4 P.M.

Dorchester won't let the coronavirus stop the community from having a good time.

Tonight, April 4, beginning at 5:30, there will be a Dorchester Cruise Night on main street (Washington Ave.). 

PLEASE keep in mind -- under state order -- you must maintain personal distancing. While six feet is the minimum distance recommended, most medical experts sugges more than that; sneeze droplets can travel as far as 27 feet. So stay in your vehicles, please. Here is the Nebraska map of statewide cases.

Not only will you be able to check out all the sweet rides tonight, but both Dorchester's restaurants wil be having curbside specials:

• City Slicker's Bar and Grill will offer a 1/2 lb City Slicker Burger topped your way w/ Fries for $7. The full menu is available with a Saturday Steak Night. Ribeye, Flat Iron, Steak & Shrimp 5-9 p.m. Call for take out and curbside service. 402-946-2171

• Eastside Bar and Grill is offering a cruise night special of 2 - 4 oz burgers with chips and can of pop for $7. Curbside service. They are also offering their full menu. 402.946.2007

Meanwhile, at 4 P.M. Tuesday, April 7, the educators of Dorchester Public School will be conducting a teachers' parade as they drive throughout our town to wave to their students. 

All Dorchester students will want to stand outside and wave to their teachers, whom they have not seen in several weeks. 

Ricketts Imposes Restricitions on Remaining Counties, Asks Nebraskans To Further Limit Social Interactions

This evening, April 3, Gov. Pete Ricketts announced the state’s ninth COVID-19 related Directed Health Measure (DHM), which adds the remaining counties not already under one. The DHM will be in effect beginning today at 10:00pm and will last until May 11th unless renewed.

“Now that we have seen community spread across the state, the State is applying directed health measures for all 93 counties until May 11,” said Gov. Ricketts. “The next several weeks will be key to slowing the spread of the virus in Nebraska. We are asking Nebraskans to further limit social interactions, work, go home, and shop once a week.”

State-Issued DHM Provisions (Apply Statewide)

• Imposes an enforceable, 10-person limit on public gatherings.
• Prohibits medical and dental elective surgeries and procedures.
• Requires schools (public, private, and parochial) to operate without students through May 31, 2020.
• Cancels all school-related extracurricular activities through May 31, 2020.
• Requires restaurants and bars to close their dining areas and move to takeout, delivery, and/or curbside service only. 
• Requires individuals to home quarantine for at least 14 days if

• They have tested positive for COVID-19.
• They have a fever of 100.4° F or above.
• They have experienced sudden onset of a cough and/or shortness of breath.
• They reside or have resided with individuals who’ve tested positive for COVID-19 or have the above symptoms.

Dorcheter Village Hall Closed To Public Until At Least May 1

Dorchester Village Hall is closed to the public until at least May 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an extension from the original April 1 order.

The Village Board made the decision to close the office to the public to protect citizens and village employees.

Contact the village staff by telephone (402) 946-3201 if service is needed. 

Utility payments are accepted through the door or by mail. Credit card payments are taken by phone or online. Cash payments need to have the correct change in envelopes or the entire amount will be applied to the account.

Village leaders will re-evaluate policies again on May 1.

The original decision to close village hall to the public was made just one day after Dorchester Public School announced it would not hold classes for the next few weeks as the virus continues to spread globally.

Developing...

Village of Dorchester Has Two Open Positions

Need work? 

The Village of Dorchester is hiring.

The first opening is for part-time outdoor summer help. The village is looking for a dependable, energetic individual, preferably 18 years or older. 

A valid driver’s license is required. Work hours are 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The second postion is for a part-time dump site attendant, who will be responsible for monitoring disposal of branches, leaves and grass clippings.  

Beginning hourly wage is $9, every Wednesday 2-6 p.m. and Saturday 10-4 p.m., April through December -- weather permitting.

For more, click here. 

Nebraska Study: Widespread Contamination Of Environment Near COVID-19 Patients

A new study from UNMC and Nebraska Medicine looks at patterns of transmission in COVID-19. It finds widespread environmental contamination in COVID-19 patient care areas, with the virus present on commonly used surfaces, in the air of rooms, and in hallways outside of rooms.

"We are being very careful in the care of patients with COVID-19 or patients suspected to have COVID-19, and the study doesn't change very much in the precautions that people should take," said Mark Rupp, M.D., chief of the UNMC Division of Infectious Diseases.

"It doesn't appear to spread like classic, airborne-spread viruses," he said. "We don't have evidence at this point that COVID-19 would spread in such a fashion, so we need to continue to emphasize the known methods of transmission and the ways to combat such transmission. We are caring for patients known or suspected to have COVID-19 with special precautions, and we recently introduced universal mask use for all personnel in patient care areas. "

John Lowe, Ph.D., co-author of the study, said the genetic material from the virus was found throughout the environment on what the team refers to as high-touch surfaces or surfaces of interest -- toilets, cell phones, personal items, countertops, doorknobs.

"We also did identify a number of samples that detected the virus genes in the air, which confirmed for us the value in prioritizing respiratory protection when possible and prioritizing negative-pressure environments to provide direct patient care to these individuals."

For a map showing the number of COVID-19 cases by Nebraska county, click here.