Distinguishing Between the Ins and Outs

Every town has them: leaders; movers and shakers; people who make things happen.

And every community has those on the other end of the spectrum -- folks who would rather bask in negativity; the nay-sayers; the "sticks in the mud," as one Times reader called them.

We realize Dorchester has both types in town. However, we are an optimistic lot and believe anyone can change their outlook, even if it takes a good nudge from friends and family members.

With this in mind, we wish to share a 2006 article published in the North Platte Telegraph. Written by former Telegraph reporter Mary Ann Koch, the piece concludes that residents in any community belong to one of two groups -- the "Ins" and the "Outs".

Read this short piece and ask yourself: Which group do I belong to?

'Separating the Ins from the Outs'

There is an easy way to tell the “Ins” from the “Outs” in a community -- any community.

The Ins are the people who spend long, hard hours working for community improvement. The Outs are the people who spend their time and energy being critical.

The Ins invest hours in meetings, organizing programs and weighing alternatives. They are usually generous in their opinions of others, knowing that anything to be done must be done with the help of others. The Outs invest in gossip, repeating rumors without regard for truth, and spreading resentment and frustration.

The Ins see a need in the community and try to do something constructive to meet that need. The Outs complain about everything the community lacks and find fault with everyone who tries to do anything about it.

The Ins get their names in the news because they are news makers. The Outs don’t get involved.

The Ins look for the best in people and believe that people do the very best they can in a given situation. The Outs are sure that everyone in the public eye is crooked and has a selfish motive for everything.

The Ins believe a person who has accumulated material wealth has worked hard and deserves that wealth. The Outs believe a wealthy person got that way in some dishonest manner or simply inherited it all.

The Ins are doers. The Outs are talkers.

The Ins are positive. The Outs are negative.

Which one are you?

DACA Reviews July Fourth Celebration

On Tuesday, July 10, the Dorchester Area Community Association (DACA) held its regular monthly meeting.

DACA leaders recapped the July 4 celebration. DACA president Carol Olson reported that 22 walkers participated in the Independence Day two-mile fun walk. Shelley Bruha noted that 25 vehicles (mostly tractors) were on display at the Show and Shine. Bruha said that while he was pleased with the attendance, but he would like to see it expanded to include more cars & trucks.

Steve Ottmann reported that the Sons of the Legion served approximately 280 people at the BBQ held at the Legion. Dorothy Beekley said there were more Bingo players than any prior year, and that nearly $250 was raised at the event. Marvin Kohout reported that approximately 60 children participated in the Kid’s Tractor Pull -- and Pat O’Brien commented that there were more children present in Dorchester than at some County Fairs.

Cory Woerner said he and Steve Parks were very busy loading and unloading kids from the train ride, provided by Harold Jones of Crete. The parade featured over 40 entries, including several floats, as well as antique cars and tractors. The music in the park was by Shawn Cole, while the Jr. Auxiliary provided ice cream and cupcake. The Crete ATA Martial Arts Academy furnished Taekwondo entertainment prior to the fireworks.

The cost of the Fourth of July events are as follows:

• Fireworks -- $2,500
• Bounce House -- $375 (Sponsored by Tyser Repair, West Side Saloon, Saline State Bank-Dorchester, R Lounge, Dorchester Grocery, and Donna’s Hair Creation.
• Train -- $175
• Music -- $200
• Tractor Pull -- $395 (Sponsored by Farmers Cooperative.)
  

Some of the fundraising profits include:

• Fireworks Sales -- $1,028
• Mailed Donations/Business Buckets & Free-Will Offering -- $1906
• Bingo -- $250

After chairing or co-chairing the 4th of July event for the past years, Carol Olson announced she is resigning that position. DACA members then agreed that it would be best to find a chairperson to oversee the entire July 4 celebration, as well as a chairperson for advertising and a chairman for individual events. Area residents who are interested in any of these positions are asked to contact any DACA member or attend the next meeting.

DACA meets the second Tuesday of every month at the Community Center at 7 p.m. For more information or to join, e-mail Dale Hayek at dhayek@farmersco-operative.com

Youth Football Camp To Be Held Next Week

Football season is approaching quickly! For Dorchester's future gridiron stars, it is never too early to start brushing up their skills.

The Longhorns Youth Football Camp will be held July 17, 18, 19 (Tuesday-Thursday) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening. Students going into 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades are invited to participate.

The camp will introduce and reinforce basic football fundamentals, educating students about the game while instilling within them more confidence -- which will allow them to enjoy their football experience even more. The camp drills will include:

• Skill Development;
• Athletic Fundamentals;
• Team Time;
• 7 on 7 Passing Games;
• Drill Work;
• Position Education; and
• Longhorns T-Shirt.

Cost for the camp is $15. Those with questions should call Coach Zoubek (946-2198) or Coach Voelker (416-8058).

Sheriff's Office Closes In On Two Dorchester Burglaries

The Times has learned that investigators with the Saline County Sheriff's Office are working in conjunction with the Friend Police Department to solve three local burglaries.

According to Saline County Sheriff Alan J. Moore, investigators recently discovered items that were believed to have been stolen during a burglary at the Dorchester Public School that occurred on December 7, 2003. This evidence also helped the sheriff's office solve the burglary at Dorchester's former Pit Stop Bar and Grill, which occurred on January 16, 2004 -- the same evening as another burglary at the Dorchester School and the school in Friend.

The suspect in the case is Rick Schwisow, 34, of Friend. Schwisow is currently being held at the Nebraska State Penitentiary on other charges, according to a release from the Saline County Sheriff's Office. Meanwhile, the investigation is continuing.

The York News-Times reports that Schwisow was also charged in late 2004 with burglarizing the Henderson Golf Course and Northern Pump and Irrigation.

Update On City Park Shelter Project

Take a walk or drive past the Dorchester City Park and you'll notice that construction has begun on the new park shelter. This is one of the first projects initiated by the Dorchester Area Community Foundation (DACF) -- not to be confused with the Dorchester Area Community Association (DACA), despite that many of the same people are involved.

About three years ago, a small group of Dorchester residents established DACF. The members made a wish list, which was topped by hopes for a new park shelter. DACF members began an energetic fundraising project to replace the old shelter, as grant proposals were written, fund raisers were held, and donation letters were sent. Since then, many residents, former residents and DHS alumni have contributed to this project.

According to DACF secretary Peg Bergmeyer, the Foundation also received a $16,200 matching grant from the Nebraska Game and Parks by proving there was a local recreation need for the new shelter. The initial bid for the 30’x 40’ shelter was $39,000. The shelter will feature a concrete floor and gable roof, with lighting and electrical sockets, plus storage for serving tables. The plan also provides for eight picnic tables and two permanent grills.

Bergmeyer said that while there are adequate funds for the shelter construction to begin, donations are still needed for extras such as landscaping and additional sidewalks to the existing restrooms.

For those wishing to help with this important project, engraved bricks are still available through July 31 to anyone who donates between $100 and $250 to the shelter project. More than 130 bricks have been ordered to date. Also, picnic tables can be sponsored by donating $750 for a table or $375 for a half table. Send donations and brick engraving details to DACF, P.O. Box 115, Dorchester, NE 68343.

All donations to the Foundation are tax deductible and can be specified for a specific fund or to the general fund. To learn about donation options and benefits, contact Peg Bergmeyer at pegbergmeyer@yahoo.com or 946-2471.

The Foundation is already planning its next project of “Welcome to Dorchester” signs. More information will be forthcoming, Bergmeyer said.

Top 10 Reasons Smaller Schools Are Best

There has been plenty of exchange between Times' readers regarding the merits of the proposed new school project. However, one thing on which most readers can agree is that a small school education offers several advantages.

Smaller schools know how to educate their students and typically can do it with better results than their larger counterparts. In a recent report by the Rural School and Community Trust, Lorna Jimerson, Ed.D, offered her top 10 research-based reasons why small works for schools. This list was forwarded to us by a loyal reader, and we thought it was important to share it with other readers of the Times.

Residents of the Dorchester School district are encouraged to review the following from time to time, especially as the Sept. 11 special election nears.

'Top 10 Reasons Small Schools Work Better'

1. There is greater participation in extracurricular activities, which have been linked to academic success.

2. Small schools are safer.

3. Kids feel they belong.

4. Small class size allows more individualized instruction.

5. Good teaching methods are easier to implement.

6. Teachers feel better about their work.

7. Mixed-ability classes avoid condemning some students to low expectations.

8. Multi-age classes promote personalized learning and encourage positive social interactions.

9. Smaller districts mean less bureaucracy.

10. More graduates in one school alleviate many problems of transitions to new schools.

Readers Note Improvements Around Town

In our June 30 post, we noted that several readers had paid compliments to the many improvements around town. We asked readers to send us more of the community improvements they have noticed, so that they could be shared with other readers. Fortunately, there was no shortage of responses.

Readers noted the appearance of the medians on Main Street; the potted trees outside City Hall; and the floral display in front of the post office. Reader "Jr." paid compliments to the landscaping of a home near the school. Another reader praised the appearance of another home for its "red,white and blue banners" -- saying it left out-of-town visitors with "a good first impression. "

Several readers noted the improved looks of the recently renovated Conner Roofing & Gifts building, which was damaged by a fire 25 years ago. Others thanked "whoever mowed the roadside grass north of town along the spur" and the "young ladies who removed the bindweed from the bushes and flowers in the boulevards" prior to the Fourth of July celebration. We also received an e-mail from a reader who likes the flag poles outside Tyser Welding & Repair.

We thank the readers who took time to note such efforts around town. These compliments are the result of a unique brand of hometown pride that exists here in Dorchester.

Speaking of things unique to our town, we wish to note a sight witnessed on southern Fulton Street, where the owners of a large garden have set up a picnic table and sign offering free produce to passersby. That's the type of generosity that is hard to find in the big city -- and another reason we are grateful for the type of folks who reside in Dorchester.

Sights From the July 4 Parade

An estimated 400 Dorchester residents and out-of-town guests saw a top-notch parade on July 4. While the parade was only one of several events comprising the community's Independence Day celebration, it was undoubtedly one of the day's highlights.

Parade observers were treated to antique tractors and classic cars, as well as floats featuring the members of the Dorchester American Legion; the Legion Auxiliary; the Dorchester Methodist Church; baseball and softball teams; the Nebraska Czech queen; state Senator Russ Karpisek; and the Dorchester Area Community Association.

One of the more memorable floats featured future Dorchester students and their parents riding in support of the school bond issue to be voted on in September. Another parade entry carried a star-spangled Christmas Tree, courtesy of Kohout Christmas Trees.

For those who were unable to attend, as well as those who were there, here is a look back on one of Dorchester's best Fourth of July parades yet. (For a close up view, simply click on the photo.)

Crete News Devotes Front Page Story to School Issue

The July 4 issue of the Crete News features a front page article on the proposed Dorchester School construction project and the special election to be held on September 11.

As usual, reporter B.J. Fictum has written a balanced and informative piece featuring some new information, while also citing details from the Times' May 23 and June 27 stories, as well as the school board's public information meeting held in early May. (Editors' Note: We have been informed that only a handful of visitors attended the July 4 open house at the school.)

The Crete News story includes quotes from Dorchester Board of Education president Brad Havlat, who has served on the board for a dozen years. In the article, Havlat discusses the recent study that found the school's main structure -- built 80 years ago -- has a series of problems requiring action in the near future. Included in this list are ten "Life Safety Code issues" such as fire sprinkler systems; fire barriers between hallways and classrooms; boiler room fire separation; electrical work; and exit stairs and rails.

Other concerns noted by architects and engineers include: the building's inadequate classroom space; leaking ceilings; no vertical access for handicap students; highly inefficient plumbing and electrical systems; indoor air quality concerns; and some foundation and wall problems.

Havlat told the Crete News: "We had a board work session last November to kick around ideas for the school and one thing teachers and administrators had mentioned back then and even before then was lack of adequate space. ... People had seen what other schools like McCool Junction had built recently and that got the discussion going."

After review of the study's findings, Havlat said the board "unanimously" felt that putting any additional money into the 1927 school building was "not a wise way to spend public tax dollars." He noted, "The people of Dorchester would really like to keep their school in Dorchester, and the current board would like to do something so that this school has something to offer for the future." The Times commends the Crete News for its coverage of this important issue and encourages all District 44 voters to pick up the latest edition of the paper.

Dorchester's July 4 Celebration: Today and 99 Years Ago

Today we look back at Dorchester’s 1908 Fourth of July celebration, as we prepare for this year’s Independence Day festivities.

A recent Ebay search uncovered these interesting photos of Dorchester's July 4 events from nearly a century ago. The first photo (above left) depicts the Fourth of July G.A.R. parade, as participants appear to be entering the southern edge of Dorchester on what is most likely Washington Street (Main Street). G.A.R., or the Grand Army of the Republic, was a fraternal organization composed of Union Army veterans who had served in the Civil War. This photo was taken 43 years after the War Between the States had come to an end.

The other photo shows an Independence Day gathering at the old Dorchester fairgrounds. If our Dorchester history is correct, the old fairgrounds were located south of town, near what is today’s Saline County Museum. (Local historians: Please correct us if we are wrong.) The photo was taken by Russell Freidell of Dorchester.

Looking ahead to this year’s celebration, we are told that the Saline County Museum will be open Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All 11 museum buildings will be open -- and free to the public –- including the old Buckingham School House, log cabin, Dorchester Depot, chapel, farm machinery building, and Henry Burden home. The museum’s main building includes a display of historic American flags. In the chapel is a display of bygone wedding dresses. Museum representatives tell us that many displays have been improved in the last year.

Here is a reminder of the event schedule for the 2007 Dorchester July 4 celebration:

2007 Dorchester Fourth of July Celebration

7:30 a.m. .................................... Two-Mile Fun Walk (starts on Main Street)
8 a.m. ......................................... Breakfast (West Side Saloon)
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ......................... Saline Co. Museum (Free to the public)
10 a.m. ....................................... Show & Shine (Main Street). Tractors & vehicles welcome.

11 a.m. - 7 p.m. ........................... Sons of the American Legion BBQ (Legion Hall)
1 p.m.-4 p.m. .............................. Book Swap (Community Building)
2 p.m.-4 p.m. .............................. Bingo (Community Building)
2 p.m.-4 p.m. .............................. Bounce House for the Kids (City Park)

3 p.m. ......................................... Kiddy Tractor Pull (City Park)
3 p.m.-7 p.m. ............................. Girl Scouts Craft Booth (City Park)
4 p.m. ......................................... Taekwondo Demo (City Park)
5 p.m.-7 p.m. .............................. Mr. Jones Train Rides (Main Street)
5 p.m.-7 p.m. .............................. Music by Shawn Cole, One Man Band (City Park)
5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. ......................... Jr. Auxiliary Ice Cream Social (City Park)

7:30 p.m. .................................... Parade (Main Street)
9:30 p.m. .................................... Taekwondo (Football Field)
At Dark ...................................... Fireworks (Football Field) ** Rain-Out Date: 7/7 **

School Open House Set For Wednesday

In about two months, School District 44 patrons will go to the polls to decide whether they want to upgrade the Dorchester School campus and replace the main building built in 1927. In the meantime, the Times has learned another school open house will be held Wednesday, July 4, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., for patrons who would like to see conditions for themselves.

According to the information sent to us, all members of the public are welcome to stop by and look around. Tours will be conducted.

As reported previously, the school board is considering a $3.9 million replacement project (Option #2) in lieu of the renovating the school's main 80-year-old structure.

At the July 16 meeting, the board is expected to select a 15-, 20- or 25-year bond schedule. However, voters must first approve the bonding authority in September 11 election before bonds can be issued or reconstruction can begin.

Wednesday's open house will be the school's second in less then 10 weeks. An informational meeting and open house was attended by more than 80 district residents in early May.

Let Us Know The Improvements You've Seen Around Town

Exactly three months ago, this publication asked readers: "What one thing in Dorchester needs immediate improvement?" We received dozens of suggestions -- some of which could be accomplished easily, while other recommendations were better suited for Dorchester's long-term future. All, however, were offered with the goal of enhancing the community's quality of life.

We agree with readers who have commented that paying compliments to improvements around town is just as important as offering suggestions. And we are happy to note some of the improvements that are occurring. As reader "Small Town Gal" notes, Tyser Welding and Repair is repairing its old building; Klein Construction has begun work on the new park shelter; the West Side Saloon has commenced its expansion to the north building; and plans are in place for Fourth of July activities.

As the Times has noted previously, the new electronic marquee is a wonderful addition to our downtown. We like the renovation of the City Park basketball court, made possible by members of the girls' basketball team. Several homeowners are undertaking home improvement projects. Also, we appreciate the new street signs at the corners of several intersections.

So as Independence Day approaches, we ask readers to send us some of the improvements they notice in the community and share them with other readers. By simply noting the small improvements, Dorchester area residents can rest assured that our community is headed in the right direction.

Dorchester Takes 3rd Place In Softball Tourney; Baseball Starts Tonight

The Dorchester girls' 14-and-under team took third place at this week's softball tournament held here from June 25 to 28.

Of the seven teams participating, Meridian took first place honors, while Friend came in second.

"I want to thank everyone who came and helped us out at the tourney," said Dorchester's Corbey Aaberg. "We couldn't have pulled it off with out the volunteers. From chalking the field, concessions and gates, the tournament went very smoothly, and the girls showed great attitude and sportsmanship throughout the whole tournament." Congratulations to the Dorchester girls for their performance and for representing their hometown well.

** UPDATE: 6/29, 5:00 p.m. **

Meanwhile, residents of the Dorchester area are strongly encouraged to get out to the ball park and root for the hometown team as Dorchester hosts the Pee-Wee boys' baseball tournament starting tonight, June 29, and continuing through July 2. The Dorchester boys will kick off the tournament this evening at 6:30 p.m. against the Wilber team.

DHS Alum Jeanne Boller Recognized by NU

DHS graduate Jeanne Boller has been recognized by the University of Nebraska, according to an NU media release.

Boller, who played basketball for the Lady Huskers, is recognized as the most successful Dorchester athlete to play at the Division I level of college athletics. At 6'3", Boller appeared in 61 games for the Huskers, with 51 starts during her two-year career. As the Huskers' center, she lettered in both her freshman and sophomore seasons, and finished her career at Nebraska with 344 points, 458 rebounds and 17 assists.

As a freshman in 1976-77, Boller averaged 4.4 points and a team-leading 7.2 rebounds per game. She shot 40 percent from the field, while connecting making 67 percent of her free throws to help Nebraska to a 21-16 final record. As a sophomore, Boller increased her scoring average to 7.1 points a game while adding a strong 8 rebounds per game.

Meanwhile, the Sioux City (Iowa) Journal reports that 2007 DHS graduate Kayla Stehlik is among a dozen volleyball additions who will play this fall at Morningside College. As a 5-10 outside hitter for the Longhorns, Kayla earned honorable mention Class D1 all-state honors.

School Discussion Remains Lively

One look at the 40-plus comments left at our June 16 post and it's easy to see that readers remain energized when it comes to the proposed reconstruction of Dorchester School's 80-year-old main building.

On June 25, reader "Mike" asked if there were there any estimates of tax consequences should the bond authority be approved? We replied with the following update:

According to outgoing Superintendent Ehlers, the board at this time is looking at the $3.9 million replacement project (Option #2) instead of the renovation options. At the July meeting, the board will select a 15-, 20- or 25-year bond schedule. Ehlers said that until that time, only rough estimates are available for the cost of the contemplated school improvements. A $4 million bond issue for Dorchester Public Schools would add the following to property tax bills:

• 15 year = 28 cents per $100 ($280 per $100,000 of evaluation);


• 20 year = 23.5 cents per $100 ($235 per $100,000 of evaluation); or


• 25 year = 20.5 cents per $100 ($205 per $100,000 of evaluation).
  

Ehlers also told us that currently, there are no penalties levied on schools that do not meet state code unless an agency-- such as the State Fire Marshal -- sees a risk in the building. "It could happen in 2007 or 2057," Ehlers wrote. "It would only take one parent to bring up the ADA issue and the school could be required to meet the needs of certain students. Complying with state codes is only one of the building issues."

A flurry of comments, many substantive, followed. One anonymous reader -- who said "my house payment is sitting in front of me" -- wrote that "another $350 a year (on top of current property costs) for the next 15-25 years" would make things difficult financially. "And what about grandma down the street?" the reader asked.

Reader "C.S.R." took exception with the anonymous reader's figures, responding: "My home is valued right around $100,000. That means if the board goes with the 25-year bond, we'll be paying an extra $17 a month on our property taxes. ... That's a bargain. It's a public education, not a free education."

Another anonymous reader stated that "most elderly and veteran homeowners are eligible for and receive a homestead exemption. This means that if their property is appropriately valued and certain age and/or service time requirements are met, their property is exempt from property tax. "

Reader "Younger Than Dirt" responded to a critic of the proposed construction project by saying that if "you want to change the quality of the school from the inside, you have the change the outside -- more specifically, the building and conditions. How will you get great teachers and administrators to work in a school that will not put some long term dedication into the school?"

"Realistic Grad" reminded readers that while homeowners in town might be able to afford the costs associated with the school construction, a small- or average-sized farmer could easily have at least a $1 million worth of farm land, "so do the math on that one." (That would be about $2,050 in extra taxes on $1 million of farm ground under the 25-year bond option.) Another farm land owner, "Rockin Chair Papa", said: "I know my bank account is going to be a lot smaller when I pay those taxes on my farms' -- to which reader "Bob" responded by saying, "Don't forget (farmers) pay at only 75% of valuation on farm ground."

The discussion continues...

** UPDATE: 06/27, 12:30 p.m. **

We have received a draft of the public notice for the upcoming school bond election, which will be held Sept. 11. According to the notice, District 44 voters will be asked if the school should issue bonds not to exceed $3.995 million to pay for the "demolition of the 1927 school building, site preparation and improvements, constructing additions to and renovation of the 1963 school building and providing for necessary furniture and apparatus for said school building and additions"?

According to the public notice, bonds would "be issued from time to time" as determined by the school board, and "bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined by the Board of Education and to become due at such time or times as may be fixed by the Board of Education."

The ballot will read: “Shall the District cause to be levied and collected annually a special levy of taxes against all the taxable property in said District sufficient in rate and amount to pay the interest and principal of said bonds as the same become due?”

( ) FOR said bonds and tax

( ) AGAINST said bonds and tax

Polls will be open on Sept. 11 at 8 a.m. and remain open until 8 p.m.

Reporters Wanted

In an effort to become a more comprehensive community publication, the Dorchester Times is working to report more breaking news and recent developments. To accomplish that feat, however, we need more ears and eyes throughout the Dorchester area community.

If you would like to be a Times' correspondent, we urge you to submit stories whenever you see or hear of breaking news. Also, we encourage correspondents to send special features on deserving individuals or organizations in the Dorchester area. Stories should be relatively brief in length, but with sufficient details. Accompanying photos are encouraged. Stand-alone photos with cutlines will also be considered. The only requirements are that you have a computer and are a resident of the Dorchester area. Simply e-mail your stories to Dorchester.Times@gmail.com.

Those who submit stories should indicate whether or not they wish to be credited for reporting their story. Anonymous stories are perfectly acceptable. All submitted articles will be edited and fact checked by the Times, which cannot guarantee that all submitted stories and photos will be published.