Three DHS Wrestlers In Latest LJS Rankings

DHS has become a consistent power in Class D wrestling. The latest rankings of individual wrestlers is further proof of that fact. The Lincoln Journal Star has ranked the following Longhorn grapplers in the paper's top six:

• 119 lbs.: No. 6. Jeremy Inderlied, DHS.
  
• 145 lbs.: No. 5. Adam Kahle, DHS.
  
• 189 lbs.: No. 3. Russell Barak, DHS.
  

Our congratulations to these outstanding DHS athletes and their coaches.

State Accepting Community Block Grant Applications In Janurary

A reader has notified the Times that the Nebraska Department of Economic Development will award a third cycle of 2009 Community Development Block Grant planning grants soon. Dorchester leaders should note that applications will be accepted beginning Jan. 11.

The process will remain open until all funding is gone, according to the notice. For a copy of the application guidelines, click here. For more information, contact Kevin Andersen at 1-800-426-6505 or kevin.s.andersen@nebraska.gov.

Saline County Receives Between 9-10" Overnight

Reports from around Saline County reveal that most of the county's towns received between nine and 10 inches of snow as of 1 a.m. Wednesday morning and consistent wind speeds of 25-35 mph with gusts reaching 42 mph.

The National Weather Service warned of “extremely dangerous blizzard conditions” and near whiteout driving conditions throughout the Midwest. Wind gusts of up to 50 mph could build snow drifts between 8 and 15 feet tall.

Our location in Dorchester received an average of just over 8". Developing...

A Stroll Around Town: Dorchester's Top Christmas Displays

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Dorchester. We are encouraged once again this year to see so many displays of Christmas cheer. From one end of town to the other, friends, neighbors and passersby have plenty of visual treats. We want to know which Dorchester-area homes you think best reflect the Christmas spirit. What Dorchester residence gets your vote for best holiday display? Give us your nomination in the comments section of this post or e-mail us photos of your favorites at Dorchester.Times@gmail.com.

H1N1 Vaccinations Offered Dec. 10

According to a notice sent to the Times, Public Health Solutions District (PHSD) in Crete will hold an H1N1 vaccination clinic Thursday, Dec. 10 from 4 to 7 p.m. for all priority groups, including pregnant women; persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months old; healthcare providers and EMS personnel; children 6 months to 24 years of age; and those with chronic health conditions and long-term problems.

The clinics will be free of charge and run until capacity is reached. For additional information, click here or contact Kim Plouzek, Emergency Response Coordinator, at (402) 826-7075. 995 The PHSD office is located at East Highway 33, Suite 1, in Crete.

Up To 17 Inches Of New Snowfall In Dorchester; School Closed Tues.

(UPDATED -- 10:15 p.m.) After examining several computer models, including that of the National Weather Service, the Dorchester Times predicts up to 17 inches of new snowfall could be on the ground in town by early Wednesday. Dorchester Public School is closed Tuesday. Click here for the latest Dorchester forecast or click on the Times' forecast icon in the left sidebar. Any new snowfall would be on top of the three inches that fell Sunday night.

Beginning mid-Tuesday, wind gusts of nearly 40 mph will bring blizzard conditions. Law enforcement and emergency management officials are urging area residents to stay home. For those who must be on the roads, they are advised to slow down and wait for roads to be cleared.

Saline County Emergency Management coordinator B.J. Fictum said in a news release that the county is working to prepare for the upcoming storm. “We are currently coordinating the county’s response to the larger winter storm Tuesday and Wednesday and are urging people not to travel on Tuesday or early Wednesday unless absolutely necessary."

Dorchester Loses Two Community Members

On Wednesday evening, Dorchester lost longtime resident LeRoy A. Vyhnalek, 65, when he passed at home. Born June 18, 1944 to William and Dorothy (Wendelin) Vyhnalek, LeRoy was a veteran and served in the Army from 1962 to 1966. He was also a former Dorchester village employee, businessman and community supporter.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors are his children, LeAnna and Tim Hessheimer of Dorchester, Patrick and Erin Vyhnalek of Lincoln, Kelly Vyhnalek and fiance Jamie Bruns of Dorchester, Philip and Nicole Loseke of Milford, Pamela Loseke of Lincoln; grandchildren, Katlin and Karmen Lawver, Kelly, Grace, and Jack Vyhnalek, Tim Hessheimer, Jr.; sisters and spouses, Sherry and Dick Sehnert of Wildamor, Calif., Elaine and Jim Lantz of Lincoln; brother and spouse, Fred and Nancy Vyhnalek; nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, with Rev. Roger Wolfe officiating. Visitation is Sunday, noon to 9 p.m. Family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Interment: Dorchester Cemetery. Memorials in care of the family.

Also on Wednesday, former resident Mildred Mateja, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Milford. She was born in Dorchester and is survived by daughter, Pat Dolan, Woodbine, Iowa; son, Micheal Mateja, Lincoln; ten grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; sisters, Marilyn Johnson, Milford; Eileen Cordry, Fairbury; brother, Forrest Simpson, Thornton, Colo.

Funeral service is 11 a.m., Saturday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Seward. Interment, Dorchester Cemetery. Visitation, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. today at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home in Milford and one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials to family.

DHS Boys Rated No. 9 In Omaha W-H Poll; Season Starts Friday

The DHS boys' basketball team is charged up and ready for action in the corral. And sports reporters around the state think the team has some serious potential.

The Omaha World-Herald has DHS rated No. 9 in its pre-season poll for Class D1. Humphrey St. Francis sits atop the World-Herald poll, while rival Shelby is No. 6. The Longhorns will take on Shelby on Jan. 5. In Class D2, DHS opponents Sterling and Giltner are No. 2 and No. 4, respectively. No other Saline County schools are ranked.

The Longhorns, coming off a 12-7 season last year, will be led by first-year coach Jake Snodgrass. DHS will feature three senior starters, including Brandon Zoubek and Alex Walton, who each averaged in double figures last season.

Meanwhile, the DHS Lady Longhorns are also preparing for another successful run. The girls will be coached again by Coach Steve Fusco, now in his 4th year at DHS. The Lady Longhorns went 18-4 last season and finished with a No. 6 ranking. Seniors Charity Springer and Karmen Lawver return to lead DHS.

Both teams begin play tomorrow (Dec. 4) at Exeter, followed by another road contest on Dec. 8 at Diller-Odell.

Joe's Place Founder, Namesake Ladman Passes At 90

The Times has learned that longtime Dorchester resident Joe Ladman, who founded Joe's Place Bar and Grill, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 1, at the Friend Manor. Ladman was 90.

Born March 1, 1919 to Joe and Matilda (Divoky) Ladman, Joe was a veteran and served during World War II.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Dwayne Schmale of Dorchester; step-grandson and wife, Jeff and Nicki Schmale of Lincoln; sisters, Ella Vajgrt of Rupert, Idaho, Albie Hoffman of York, Tillie Soukup of Friend; brother-in-law, Joe Kudelka of Rupert, Idaho. Several nieces and nephews are also survivors. Ladman was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; brothers, Ed and Ray; sister, Irene Kudelka; and brothers-in-law James Vajgrt, Clarence Engel, Arnie Soukup, Clarence Hoffman.

Services will be held tomorrow (Dec. 4) at 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, Rev. Roger Wolfe officiating. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. today (Dec. 3) at the funeral home. Interment at Dorchester Cemetery. Memorials in care of the family.

Lawver Receives All-State Honors

DHS senior Karmen Lawver has been named to the Lincoln Journal Star's Class D1 all-state honorable mention team for the 2009 volleyball season, according to a note received by the Times. The full listing of Journal Star's all-state volleyball selections can be found here.

Our congratulations to Karmen on her outstanding DHS volleyball career.

Saline County Veterans Memorial Planned

According to The Crete News, a small group of residents from across Saline County are working to raise funds to honor the 3,200 veterans that have called Saline County home.

Organizations such as the American Legion and Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled Americans Veterans (DAV) and Sons of the American Legion (SAL) are assisting in the project, which is being led in part by Bernice Weber of Dorchester, treasurer of the volunteer group.

The Crete News reports: "The northwest corner of the courthouse lawn in Wilber will be home to the Saline County Veterans Memorial. ... Ideas came from months of researching and traveling to look at memorials around the state including North Platte, Lincoln, Beatrice and Marysville, Kan. ... The committee chose the design from a total of 12 submitted by an architecture class as Southeast Community College at Milford."

The total estimated cost of the project is $100,000, including the kiosk, which is expected to be added at a later date. The committee plans on a summer construction schedule. About $53,000 has been raised already.

If you would like to help make the Saline County Veterans Memorial become a reality, send your contributions to Bernice Weber, Treasurer, SCVM, P.O. Box 251, Dorchester, NE 68343.

Taking Time To Give Thanks

Every now and again, the Times receives an e-mail that we feel compelled to share with the all of our readers. Last year, we received the following message, reprinted here with the permission of the author. Happy Thanksgiving from the Times' staff.

Sweet home Dorchester! Oh sweet Nebraska! On thisThanksgiving we have so many thing to be grateful for.

You never really know how amazing something, or someplace,or someone is when you don't have it or them. I lived out of state for several years and during that time I reminded myself almost daily of the things Imissed back home and am thankful for.

On this Thanksgiving, I will once again take time to give thanks for those things that make life worth living. They are...

1.) The fall harvest

2.) My small town and the feeling of community

3.) A Main Street I can walk with no noise, litter or fear of violence

4.) Mom & pop businesses & no big box stores

5.) Dorchester sports

6.) Small town chatter, even the gossip

7.) Hunters, farmers and our community elders (the producers and providers)

8.) Not being honked at in your car when you don't run a (the one and only) red light

9.) The smell of a wood burning stove or fireplace

10.) Pumpkin pie, homemade jelly and all the great local baking

This is a good start. Oh yes, I am also thankful for my great-grand parents who came to Dorchester to start their families. It is because of them that Dorchester is my home.

Sincerely,

Name Withheld

Mother, Wife and Farmer

Business Spotlight: Kohout's Christmas Trees

With Christmas only a 30 days away, we wanted to recognize Kohout's Christmas and Landscape Trees, which has served the Dorchester area for several years.

The Kohout tree farm opens the right after Thanksgiving. This year's business days and hours are: Nov. 27-29; Dec. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20; 9 a.m. until dark .Some of the customer perks include: hay rack rides to and from the field; complimentary hot chocolate , popcorn and cookies; and free coloring books for kids. Christmas tree varieties include Scotch Pine and White Pine.

At Kohout's, wreaths, swags, tree stands, bags and other Christmas items are also for sale. Trees will be shook and netted for free.

Located at 1214 State Highway 15, just southwest of Dorchester, the Kohout tree farm may be contacted by phone at (402) 946-6531 or by e-mail at makohout@hotmail.com.

Another Grant Opportunity Found At Norris Public Power

Another grant opportunity has been brought to our attention. In 2001, the Norris Public Power District -- which serves the Village of Dorchester -- launched the "Operation Round Up" program and the Norris Power Goodwill Fund. This fund is administered by a board of directors that meets quarterly to consider requests and make disbursements.

The funding, which comes from voluntary contributions made by Norris customers, will be used to address crucial needs such as medical care, emergency shelter, life saving equipment, fire departments, rescue squads, scholarships, 4-H clubs, special school activities or projects, playgrounds, etc. within the District's five county service area including Saline County. Recently, the Tri County High School Booster Club received a donation to purchase a scorekeeper table for basketball and wrestling contests.

For grant guidelines, click here. To get an application, click here.

To Grow, Kansas Towns Give Away Free Land

Reader "90s Grad" sent us a link to a USA Today story that we thought should be shared with other Times' readers.

In Ellsworth, Kansas -- a town of 2,900 with one grocery store, one stoplight and no mall, no fast food and no movie theater -- free land awaits those who agree to build a house. "Got three kids in school? OK, that's worth $3,000 toward a down payment. Need jobs? We'll help you find them. Still not sure? Come visit, we'll show you around."

One former Louisiana family interviewed by USA Today say crime and poor schools drove them from Baton Rouge to Ellsworth, which they say "has everything you could want." "It's quiet. You don't have to worry about your kids. Very low crime rate. Lots of recreation."

The story continues: "The proactive mind-set here and in at least five other Kansas towns that give away lots to lure new residents is one wrinkle in a new economic development strategy sweeping across rural America. The goal is to reverse decades of population loss from the decline of small family farms and businesses, expand the tax base, keep schools from closing and preserve a way of life."

"The new mantra is don't waste time and money trolling for a major employer; instead, build one family at a time. Encourage small-business start-ups and develop aggressive local leaders. Fight 'brain drain' by reaching into high schools and finding students willing to return after college. Nurture them with internships or hitch them to a business owner looking to retire. Ask seniors to will 5% of their estates to the town they love to endow economic development. Preach entrepreneurship and the promise of the Internet economy."

"(E)conomic gardening is affordable and can unite a town. ... Ord, Neb. has made seven small-business loans from a 1-cent sales-tax fund."

See the Ellsworth, Kan. recruitment Web site by clicking here.

Crete Cares Campaign Begins In Dorchester

Carol Olson reports that Crete Cares is kicking off its 36th annual drive.

This year, as in many past, the Crete Ministerial Association has graciously included Dorchester in this very worthwhile cause. On Dec. 19, volunteers from the Dorchester United Methodist Church will meet at the Dorchester Grocery to deliver food boxes to families who have fallen on hard times, as well as fruit baskets to honor our seniors who reside in our community.

John Bruha of the Dorchester Grocery has accepted responsibility for packing the boxes and baskets again this year.

If you know of a family in need of a little extra lift this Christmas season -- or maybe you want to thank a senior citizen for their contribution to our community -- please call Bethlehem Lutheran Church at (402) 826-4359 and provide the name and address of the Dorchester area family or individual.

If you can afford to give a little and would like to donate to a worthy cause, now would be a good time to give back and send any dollars you can to Crete Cares, P.O. Box 343, Crete, NE 68333.