Dorchester Leader Tom Cerny Passes At 63

Longtime Dorchester leader Tom Cerny has passed away at age 63 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Cerny served our community as a well-liked, respected member of the town board. He also led the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department and was a key figure of the Dorchester American Legion.

Cerny moved to Lincoln in 2019 due to the need to be near his health care providers. 

His obituary follows:

Thomas William Cerny, 63, of Lincoln, formerly Dorchester, passed away on October 26 at home. He was born on July 14, 1958 in Albion, Nebraska to Stanley and Marie Cerny and grew up in Fremont. He married Janet L. Christensen on July 31, 1976.  

During his lifetime, Thomas lived in Nurnberg Germany, Fort Riley, Kansas, Dorchester, and Lincoln. He served his country for over 38 years in the military and earned his rank as chief warrant officer 5. His memberships include the American Legion, lifetime member of the VFW and DAV, Dorchester Foundation member, past Fire chief of the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department.   

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, step-father: Otto Brazda, sisters: Marie Matson and Jane Francis, brothers: Stanley Jr. and Michael. 

He is survived by his wife of 45 years:  Janet (Christensen) Cerny, sons: Bret Allen (Amanda Heusinkvelt), Shane Michael (Suzi Werts).  Grandsons: Ethan James Bowlin, Colton Trace Cerny, Carter Allen Cerny, Blake Daniel Cerny, granddaughter:  Aubrie Grace Cerny.  Sister: Patricia A. (Randy) Johnson.  Sister in law: Elaine (Michael) Hickey. Brothers: John Charles (Julie) Cerny, Bernard James (Kay) Cerny, Steven Anthony (Cathy) Cerny, Daniel Patrick (Carol) Cerny. Brother-in-law: Warren (Rose Marie) Matson. Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his military family.  

Visitation will be on Monday, Nov. 1 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dorchester United Methodist Church. Memorials have been designated to the following: American Legion Post 264, VFW Post 10648, DAV Post 7, the Dorchester Foundation, and Dorchester United Methodist Church.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. 

Tonight's Scary Movie: The Blob

Every Halloween week for the last several years, the Times has
aired scary classic shows. It has become a tradition.

This year, we've selected some of the scariest horror movies from the 1950s -- the golden era for Hollywood imagination.

Keep in mind that while these shows are family-friendly, we do not recommend that children under age 13 watch these alone -- or at all, for that matter.

Tonight's movie is called "The Blob" -- a 1958 horror film starring Steve McQueen (in his feature film debut). It was distributed as a double feature with "I Married a Monster from Outer Space."

The film is about a growing, corrosive, alien entity that crashes to Earth from outer space inside a meteorite. It envelops everything in its path in small towns in Pennsylvania -- growing larger, redder, and more aggressive, eventually becoming larger than a building.

Enjoy tonight's Halloween movie. But be sure to leave on an extra light.

Surveys Show It's Time For Rural America To Capitalize On Current Trends

An interesting piece recently ran at the International Business Times. It points out that since the 1950s, Americans living in rural counties have had a higher rate of poverty than those living in and around large cities. 

"Poverty in rural America was then exacerbated in the 1970s as big box stores moved in, often leading to the shuttering of once-thriving local retail businesses," the article notes. Making matters worse was China being granted entrance into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the 1990s by then-President Bill Clinton -- a move that eventually killed manufacturing jobs in many in small towns and rural areas.

That was then. This is now.

After more than 70 years of being shunned, rural America is now cherished once again as people are moving to rural areas in ever-increasing numbers. While this trend was emerging even before the pandemic, the urban riots, government-imposed lockdowns, and violent crime that exploded in 2020 (and has continued in most cities) has accelerated the rural movement.

Large corporations seem, for now, bent on continued investment in urban America. But we question how much longer that can last.

According to Paulsen, a Sioux Falls-based marketing agency, more Americans want the sense of community, affordability, and the values found in rural areas. A survey conducted by Paulsen shows that when telecommuting is an option, two-thirds of Americans say that they would consider moving to a rural home or a subdivision.

The Paulsen survey also interviewed those who had already recently moved to a rural area. The top reasons those folks gave for leaving large cities included the desire for: more land or space; fewer people; more home for less money; a safe environment with clean air and water; lower cost of living; no traffic; a different culture; and living in a place with different political affiliation. 

This moment brings a tremendous opportunity for Dorchester and other rural towns. But to capitalize on the current trends, our community must ensure the following for residents (and future residents):

• A reliable internet connection. (This is one of the biggest issues that some folks have with the rural migration.) 
  
  
• Welcoming community organizations and activities. (Groups need to actively reach out and invite new/existing residents to join and participate, not just expect them to show up.)
  
  
• Employment opportunities. (These need to be publicized.)
  
  
• Access to retail and shopping locations. (Dorchester has a geographical advantage.)

More than any other time, Americans feel they have mobility -- the freedom to live where they want. When the history books discuss the COVID-19 era, we predict the major theme will be the rapid decline of major cities and the simultaneous revitalization of rural areas.

To make the most of this moment, Dorchester must be ready.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Volleyball Ready for Sub-Districts

DHS Volleyball Prepares for Sub-Districts: The young DHS volleyball team, now 6-19 on the season, is ready to compete in Class D1 sub-district play. The Lady Longhorns, who have won their last three of five contests, will travel to Heartland Community School on Monday and Tuesday, Oct 25 and 26, to face McCool Junction (4-22) and the winner of the Harvard vs. Heartland match. Root for the Orange and Black Attack!

Longhorns Conclude 2021 Football Season: The DHS football team concluded its season on Friday, Oct. 22 with a 54-15 loss to McCool Junction (also known as the "York annex"). Dorchester, hampered by the loss of three standout starters before the season even began, went 1-7. DHS is expected to bounce back next year, which will mark the fifth campaign of the modern era in DHS six-man football.

DHS One-Act Play Set for Nov. 20: "Ten Ways to Survive the End of the World." Sounds like a chapter from the COVID-19 era. Actually, it's the name of the production to be presented next month by the Dorchester one-act team. Stay tuned for details regarding this "dessert and drama" event, set for Saturday, Nov. 20. Meanwhile, the junior high play will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Here's Why Every Employer Should Have a Firearm: Tragedy struck Superior, Neb. yesterday when an evil nutcase killed two at the Agrex grain elevator with a handgun, and injured a third person. The killer -- who had been fired from the elevator earlier in the day -- was shot dead by a fellow employee who retrieved a shotgun from an office, thereby avoiding an even bigger nightmare. There's no way to keep guns (or knives or axes or swords or bombs) from evil or insane individuals; the only sensible solution is to ensure the innocent have means to defend themselves. This should be an obligation for employers across America.

OUR VIEW: Inflation Is Soaring! Thank Joe Biden and Jane Kleeb

Inflation is running hotter that it has in 30 years. While this is happening for many reasons -- federal money printing, government giveaways, lack of American workers, unprecedented supply shortages -- the most obvious factor is the price of energy.

Of course, this all started on Day 1 of the Biden administration, when the president declared war on U.S.-produced fossil fuels and rural economies that depend on energy production and transportation, like Dorchester's.

In the nine months since Old Joe first sat in his Oval Office recliner, gasoline prices here have spiked from $2.29 a gallon to around $3.10 today. And you haven't seen anything yet.

Never mind that Biden has had bigger issues to worry about -- problems like fighting COVID-19, fixing a broken southern border, not letting the Taliban regaining Afghanistan, curtailing China and North Korea and Iran, stopping cyberattacks on the nation's infrastructure. 

Forget that, he said. Let's screw up the one thing we have going for us right now: American energy independence.

The sad thing is, Joe Biden had help right here in Nebraska.

East Coast-transplant, far-left activist and lobbyist Jane Kleeb helped lead this charge to destroy American energy independence and U.S. jobs. (Yes, that's her full-time job -- and she's proud of it.) Despite the disaster she has helped create for Americans who need affordable energy, Kleeb is worshipped by the news media, even as she wears and uses fossil fuels every day and every hour. She's the essence of "American hypocrite."

Next time you're filling up -- trying to get to work or shuttle your family -- think about Joe Biden and Jane Kleeb. And be sure to mutter a few kind thoughts under your breath.

Only About 50% Of Saline County Area Is Vaccinated For COVID-19

The Delta variant of COVID-19 has taken a toll. In 2021, more Americans have already died from COVID-19 than in 2020.

While the COVID-19 vaccine has not been as effective in preventing new cases as experts had hoped, it has largely prevented hospitalizations and death.

According to the latest state figures, since the start of 2021, Nebraska has seen 922 COVID-19 deaths tied to individuals who were not vaccinated, compared to 83 deaths tied to individuals who were fully vaccinated.

Moreover, the state has seen 3,403 hospitalizations among those not vaccinated; for the fully vaccinated, it's 301. (That means 92% of hospitalizations have occurred among the unvaccinated.)

According to the latest figures from the CDC, only about 54% of eligible Saline County residents had received their COVID-19 vaccine as of early October.

Public Health Solutions -- which serves Saline, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, and Thayer counties -- reports that the district is significantly trailing the state average for vaccinations in every age category of 64 and under.

Fortunately, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are declining in the U.S. and worldwide. But experts remain cautious, as the spread of new variants and changing social behaviors could cause another spike, especially among under-vaccinated communities.

Meanwhile, as a reminder of just how serious this virus from China is, from early March 2020 through Oct. 10, 2021, Nebraska has seen 2,845 deaths from COVID-19 complications.

Developing...

A Happy Homecoming: DHS Teams Win, King And Queen Crowned

It was a happy homecoming at Dorchester High School this past Friday, Oct. 8. 

Following a week of student festivities, seniors Blake Hansen and Tierra Duchek were named homecoming king and queen. 

On the field, the DHS football team easily handled Heartland Lutheran Friday night, 68-36. 

DHS was led by quarterback Andy Drake, who threw for 71 and three TDs, as well as Garrett Tachovsky, who rushed for 162 impressive yards and three TDs, and Marcos Gonzalez, who ran tough with 152 yards and another three TDs. Brett Ladely also added two TDs as receptions.

Gonzalez contributed another 14 points with his foot, with seven extra points after touchdowns.

This was the Longhorns first victory of the season. The team, now 1-5, will prepare for a road contest at Lincoln's Parkview Christian (4-2) this Friday, Oct. 15.

Meanwhile, the DHS ladies swept Heartland Lutheran in three straight sets in volleyball. The Lady Longhorns are now 4-17, as the Orange and Black Attack prepares to finish the season on a high note. They take on McCool Junction (3-17) and BDS (17-4) on Oct. 12 -- and the Crossroads Tourney in York Oct. 16-19.

Home For Sale: 602 W. 9th St.

Dorchester's real estate market is booming. This as more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. On the rare occasion a Dorchester home is listed, most are sold within a week to 10 days. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A newer K-12 school with small class sizes and some of the state's top educators. 

• A SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With an upgraded water and sewer system, and a surplus at Village Hall.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable living costs with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts that can overspend taxpayer resources.

• KEY BUSINESS AND PRIME LOCATION: Headquarters for one of the nation's largest agri-businesses (Farmers Cooperative), and situated on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to employers in Crete, Milford, Friend, and Seward. Just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 10 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available.

602 W 9th St.: Wow, here is one that everyone has been waiting for! Well designed home, with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths (including a Master), Large Kitchen and Main Floor Laundry. Over 1, 400 sq. ft. on the main floor and another 702 of finished space in the Basement with an egress window. This home was built in 1996, with vinyl siding, new heat pump furnace & a/c, added insulation and is ready for you to just move in! All this is located on a deep lot that backs up to the Dorchester School's football field and has 2 utility sheds. See the listing.

Over 30 Sex Offenders In Saline Co.; Nearly 950 In Lancaster Co.

Nebraska law declares that sex offenders present a high risk as repeat offenders. For that reason, in Nebraska, sex offenders must register as provided by the Sex Offender Registration Act.

Here is the registry to look up the offenders living in your community.

This information is used to provide public notices and information so Nebraska communities can develop reasonable plans to safeguard children and teens.

There are currently 31 registered sex offenders in Saline County. They reside in the following communities:

• 11 offenders in Crete (and two others in the nearby countryside);
• Five offenders in Wilber; 
• One in Friend;
• One in Dorchester;
• Two in DeWitt; 
• One in Tobias;
• One in Western; and
• One in Swanton.

In Lancaster County, there are 947 offenders listed. Seward County has 36 offenders listed.

Under state law, there are three levels of registered sex offenders -- those who must register for 15 years, 25 years, and life. The duration of the sentence is based on the seriousness of the crime.

Visit the website of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

FLASHBACK: October 14 Whiteout Hit Three Years Ago

Three years ago this month, Dorchester and the surrounding area were hit by a serious winter storm -- way too early for most people's liking.

Here is what the Times wrote at the time:

Total snow accumulations are expected from two to four inches in Seward, Lancaster, Saline and Jefferson Counties. Plan on slippery road conditions. Use extra caution if traveling. Visibility could be reduced to 1/4 to 1/2 mile at times. Power outages are possible. Some trees branches could break from the heavy wet snow. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 511.

A freeze warning is in effect from 1 a.m. Monday morning until 10 a.m. Temperatures will be dropping to 24 to 28 degrees after midnight tonight through Monday morning. Freezing temperatures will kill sensitive vegetation and should end the growing season for the area. Damage could also occur to unprotected outdoor plumbing, garden hoses, and undrained sprinkler systems.

Stay up to date with the latest forecast at the Dorchester Times by clicking here.

The last time significant snow hit our area this early was October 14, 2009.  That event was a precursor to one of the worst winters in the past 40 years.

Is an early snow storm in the cards this year?

At this time, AccuWeather -- the official forecasting site of the Times -- shows no hint of snow in its 30-day forecast.

The Farmers' Almanac, likewise, predicts no sign of snow throughout October.

So if flakes fly this month or early November, it appears it will truly be a surprise to everyone (again).