Attention All Area Businesses: Free Advertising At The Times

   

  

Dorchester is lucky to have its share of great businesses.  Some have been here for decades, while others are new on the scene.  

Here is an offer for all area businesses, whether you have a storefronts on main street (Washington Ave., for those who don't know) or you're in the countryside: You can advertise your business for free on the Dorchester Times.

• In the comments section of this post, business owners are encouraged to let readers know about specials or new offerings for their customers.  Let us of why and how we can do business with you.  Share your business hours, website addresses, contact numbers or e-mail addresses, and perhaps a brief history of your business.

• Those of you who patronize Dorchester area businesses, tell us which are your favorites and why others should give them a try.

Many services and products are available right here in the Dorchester area.  It is important to keep our dollars close to home, to ensure that our community businesses not only survive, but grow. The best way to do that is by spreading the word about our community's top-notch businesses.  

So go ahead -- tell us where we should be spending our dollars.

Paper: The Dimming Of Nebraska's Friday Night Lights

One of the biggest stories of 2013 was the loss of DHS' football team, marking the first season since 1948 our school didn't have a team of its own.

But Dorchester is far from alone in this story.  Rural Nebraska high school football is suffering a noticeable decline, border to boarder.  The Omaha World-Herald recently ran a well-written story profiling small-town football and its shrinking numbers.

Nebraska's declining rural population has had a dramatic impact on high school football, according to the World-Herald.  Since 1983, Nebraska's total number of football programs has dropped by more than 20%.

And while Dorchester's loss of a football team is temporary, we hope, many schools in western Nebraska and northeast Nebraska are halting their programs for good.  The further a community is from Lincoln or Omaha, the tougher the odds.  Every mile counts.

The story looks at Lindsay Holy Family as its example.  In 1980, Holy Family had 336 students in grades 1-12. In 2003, enrollment had dropped to 201. Now it's 98, including only 16 high school boys.  The cause?

» Advanced machinery allows farmers to work 10 times as many acres as their fathers did. The demand for help in small towns isn't what it used to be.

» Families choose two or three kids rather than six or nine. Kindergarten classes are consistently smaller than senior classes.

» The ebb and flow of rural economics leads to generation gaps. During the '80s, for instance, times got so tough that small farmers moved away.

» The lure of cities like Lincoln and Omaha, two hours east. More high school graduates go to college and don't come back.

» Decreased participation rates in football. Maybe it's the fear of injury. Maybe it's more extracurricular alternatives. Either way, fewer kids are playing.

And the article details those familiar stories of what happens whens schools try consolidation.

"Community rivalries aren't as nasty anymore.  But there's still bad blood, mostly among parents.  (P)artnerships have been ruined because towns can't agree on uniform colors or mascots or where to play home games.  Elba and North Loup-Scotia broke up and the latter had to cancel its season. Greeley-Wolbach split with Cedar Rapids and will join North Loup-Scotia. Now Cedar Rapids is merging with Spalding, leaving Spalding Academy on its own. It's like a homecoming dance. You don't want to be without a date. You also don't want to give up independence before necessary. A small town's greatest fear is losing the high school."

See the World-Herald's story by clicking here.

Dorchester Is SENDD's Spotlight Community

Be proud, Dorchester.  You are in the spotlight of the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) and its December publication.

In an article titled "Dorchester Planning = Success," the SENDD newsletter highlights the Dorchester's comprehensive planning strategy, which started nearly a decade ago, and the subsequent initiatives that have taken place in recent years.

The article reads as follows:

"The Village of Dorchester believes success comes from planning. This mantra was
adopted in 2004 as Dorchester began its first Community Strategic Planning project as part of organizing the Dorchester Community Foundation. Momentum from those meetings continues to pulse through the community. Activities that position the community for future growth and opportunities continue to be reviewed, prioritized and developed by citizen groups and local government agencies.

"Existing facilities have been renovated to continue to serve community needs and new facilities have been built to support future opportunities.  Investments have been made in schools, parks, government services and buildings throughout Dorchester. The Village Board has taken a leadership role in providing for the future delivery of government services, particularly water and waste water.

"Before any ground was broken for construction projects, planning activities prioritized the best available use of resources for infrastructure investments. The community has completed two community surveys, four planning projects and has just started a fifth planning project.

"Planning studies have included: Preliminary Engineering study for water improvements, Preliminary Engineering study for Waste Water improvements, a Street Improvement Study, and a Housing Market Study. Currently, the community is working through the planning activities to create a new Comprehensive Development Plan with updates to Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances.

"The Village prioritized projects and has completed three major infrastructure projects, and has initiated the design phase of a fourth. Investments have been made to provide more efficient services and meet regulatory requirements.

• "In 2010 a new complete retention sewer lagoon was constructed, replacing an obsolete discharge lagoon system.

• "In 2012 a new municipal well and water line replacement project was completed.  

• "In 2013 a new water tower was constructed and the obsolete tower was removed. 

• "A new storm water drainage project has been initiated in 2013 with completion expected in 2014.

"Other projects prioritized through community planning activities have included two nuisance abatement programs and a housing rehabilitation project. Homeowners and businesses worked with the Village to successfully complete the nuisance abatement programs over the last two years, improving community appearance and quality of life. The community is still pursuing opportunities to implement a housing rehabilitation program that will assist homeowners with substantial rehabilitation of their homes.

"There are many successful civic activities being developed and led by local organizations and citizens, as well as successful projects by the local school district and the fire department. The community foundation has been fundraising for a new community entrance sign. These investments not only preserve the community but also build the local leadership capacity and energize citizens that enable the community to adapt and prepare for its next 100 years as an endearing place to call home."

Dorchester's Roth Receives Her Degree From UNL

More than 1,500 students received degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in ceremonies Dec. 20-21.  Dorchester's Tonya Alice Roth was among those, receiving her bachelor's degree in education and human sciences.

UNL awarded postgraduate degrees on Dec. 20 and baccalaureate degrees on Dec. 21 in ceremonies at Pinnacle Bank Arena. 

The commencement speakers were Karen Kunc, Willa Cather Professor and professor of art at UNL (postgraduate ceremony), and former Nebraska Gov. and former U.S. $en. Ben Nelson (baccalaureate).

New Task Forces Sets Its Sights On Dorchester's Future

The Dorchester Times has learned a new community task force has been formed by village leaders to address Dorchester's future growth and quality of life.  

According to an e-mail we received, the Dorchester Community Task Force is comprised of younger residents who live within the village limits.  The group will study current challenges and opportunities facing Dorchester, as well as propose fresh solutions and a comprehensive plan moving forward.  Among the issues the group will analyze will be housing, infrastructure, businesses, and recreation.

"This is a wonderful step," the source wrote in her e-mail to the Times. "It is so refreshing to see a younger generation of leaders step forward and carry the water for our community.  

"Dorchester offers a lot of promise and good standard of living, with a new school, new water system, and good people who have many options nearby for jobs and careers.  We need younger residents to have a voice on some important decisions that will be made in the near future."

We are told the task force members are: LJ Barley, Kelly Vyhnalek, Penny Keller, and Brent Zoubek.

We tip our collective hat to these young Dorchester leaders and we offer our support in every way possible.

Longhorn Boys Go On Win Streak; Take On Osceola Tonight

The Dorchester boys basketball team is batting .500 in the young season, as the 2-2 Longhorns have won
consecutive games.  

The win streak started last Friday, as DHS came from behind to beat Bruning-Davenport-Shickley 48-47, despite trailing 41-31 going into the fourth quarter.  

Under the guidance of head coach Adrian Allen and  assistant coach Zach Rosenboom, DHS was led by Riley Zahourek, who had 19 points. Kevin Donohoe, who scored seven of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, helped spark the rally.  And senior Derek Pohl added another 12.  Corey Bird grabbed 15 rebounds in the game, and Donohoe contributed five steals.

“We fought back. That shows our character,” Allen said. “I’m happy with the effort.”

See the Friend Sentinel's recap of the game by clicking here.

On Tuesday, the Longhorn boys knocked off Harvard by more than doubling the tally on the Clay County team, 55-25.

The DHS boys and girls travel to Osceola tonight, Dec. 19.

This Christmas, Give The Gift Of Dorchester History

Are you searching for a unique, meaningful last-minute Christmas gift? We suggest searching the Internet for items from Dorchester's rich past.

We found this picture of Dorchester's Christian Church, likely taken around 1908, when the church was built on the NW corner of 9th and Jefferson. It included a tank behind the alter, since the members of the Christian Church practiced total immersion for baptism.  From the best we can tell, the 1908 Christian Church in town replaced this one from an earlier era.  

Both postcards featuring the two Dorchester Christian Churches are for sale -- and both are amazingly crisp, clear photographs.

We also found some very unique tokens, which were used by Dorchester retailers as a promotion to lure more customers into the story.  This beautiful brass token was issued by A.W. Simons on Dorchester's Main Street. Simons' drug store operated from 1895 to 1905. It was good for 5 cents' worth of merchandise. Click here to see several similar coins. 

We also found this unique square token -- good for 1 cent in merchandise -- distributed by F.B. Ireland's Grocery and Dry Goods store, which operated in Dorchester from 1900 to 1919.  It was located in the space that currently is home to the community building and American Legion Hall.

Finally, we came across this 2005 Dorchester Public School yearbook.  One member of our staff thinks this was a particularly good year for Dorchester High, for whatever reason.

These items and many others are out there.  We encourage to take a stroll on the Web for items uniquely Dorchester -- and make your loved ones' Christmas something special!

Is It Time To Close Some County Roads?

This is a fact: $2 million doesn't come easy.  Not even to local government.  But that is what Saline County appears to be spending annually on its gravel roads, if the current trend is any indication.  

The Saline County Board of Commissioners, which manages your taxpayer dollars -- primarily derived from property taxes -- provides some serious cash to maintain Saline County's roads and bridges.  At the Dec. 3 Saline County board meeting, the county's five commissioners gave their approval to spend roughly $75,000 on roads and bridges in Saline County. (Nearly $37,000 in gravel alone -- for a two-week period!)  

Keep in mind the commissioners meet every other Tuesday at the Saline County Courthouse (2nd floor beginning at 9:15 a.m.).  

At the Nov. 19 county board meeting, the commissioners OK'd nearly $70,000 on county roads and bridges.

At this pace, Saline County commissioners will have spent nearly $1.9 million on roads and bridges over the course of a full year.

Some of us can recall a time when the county's gravel roads were well traveled -- back when there were farms every quarter-mile or half-mile.  But those days are gone. In 2013, some country roads are lucky to see more than one or two vehicles a day. 

That leads us to this touchy question: Is it time to close some of the county's rural roads -- for the good of the taxpayer? We think the idea should at least be explored if mile-long stretches have no residents.

The mile-by-mile grid pattern of our county's rural roads means residents have multiple routes to take into town and back. If farmers need the roads for access to their fields, those farmers or landowners should be responsible for maintaining the roads, not the general taxpayer.

We'd love to hear our readers thoughts on this issue. Millions of taxpayer bucks are at stake.

Readers Nominate Best Christmas Decorations In Dorchester

In 2013, the Christmas spirit has been contagious in Dorchester.  

It has been many years since we've seen so many Christmas lights and other decorations on the homes within our vibrant little community.

From one end of the village to the other, Christmas displays have greeted residents and out-of-towners alike.  

And now it's time to honor the Dorchester homes our readers say best reflect the Christmas and holiday spirit.  

The Dorchester Times received several nominations at our official inbox (Dorchester.Times@gmail.com). 

The pictures below are of the homes and displays receiving the most nominations.  Perhaps you'll recognize them on your next drive around town.

Thanks to all those who took time to decorate their homes, and to those who took time to send us their nominations.

Letters From The Times Mailbag

Occasionally, we like to share with our readers some of the recent feedback we've received.  Today we're taking time to do just that.

We enjoy hearing directly from our readers.  Whether it's about what we are doing right or not so right, your input matters.

Below are some selected e-mails we've found in our official inbox (Dorchester.Times@gmail.com) throughout the past year.  The actual names have not been published to protect readers' identities.

 ************************

Short note to advise that I thoroughly enjoy receiving  the "Dorchester Times"! The folks who put the news letter together should be congratulated on a job extremely well done!  While the town is small, it is a nice laid back place to live. While I wouldn't want to see Dorchester explode in growth like Crete and it's problems, it would be nice if a few more stores would elect to move in to offer some needed amenities.     

-D.
___________________________

This is just a quick letter of gratitude to let the Times know how much some of us appreciate all the history stories you guys publish.  A lot of this history is being lost as the older generation passes on.  Keep up the good work.

-J.
____________________________

The Dorchester Times should be ashamed of yourselves for constantly trying push paving [streets] in our town.  You did it again with your recent survey.  You must all be rich because most Dorchester residents couldn't afford the cost associated with new paved streets.  Most of us can barely afford property taxes as they are now. Quit trying to stir the pot by being a paving pusher. If you don't like our town as it is is, there are several exits out of town and I'll be happy to show you the door!!! 

-Unsigned
_____________________________

One thing I like about your blog is that it shows some community initiative.  While I don't always agree with the editorial content of some of your stories, I am glad you are stepping up and filling a void in our community, in this case the lack of a newspaper or other news source.  We need others to do the same whether it is coaching kids, opening businesses, joining or running volunteer organizations, running for elected offices like town board or school board, or just looking out for the safety and well-being of their neighborhood.

-S.
______________________________

When will you reveal the Times staff members? Will we ever know who is the "Village Dweller?" The world is dying to know. Lol!

-B.

DHS Basketball Teams Fall To 0-2 After Losses At Diller-Odell

The Dorchester High School boys and girls basketball teams are both off to an 0-2 start, despite showing considerable effort in their first couple of contests of the new season.  The teams both suffered a season-opener loss at Meridian last Friday.

Last night (Tuesday), the DHS boys came up a few points short in a road game at Diller-Odell.  The Longhorn boys, with little team depth this year, managed to score only 13 points the first half.  But the team fought back to outscore Diller-Odell in the second half, losing by a 39-36 tally.  The Longhorns' scorers were Donohoe 6, Zahourek 13, Bird 8, Pohl 7, and Nerud 2.

The DHS boys will play their first home game this Friday night at 8 p.m. when they take on Bruning-Davenport-Shickley.

Meanwhile, in the earlier game last night, the youthful Lady Longhorns struggled against Diller-Odell, unable to score beyond single digits in either half.  The DHS girls lost 56-17.  Scorers for DHS were Weber 2, Velder 1, Kahle 4, Wells 2, and Behrens 8.

The DHS girls will tip-off Friday at 6:15 p.m. in their home opener against BDS.

Saline County Property Taxes Above Average -- For Nebraska And U.S.

Ever wondered how Saline County's property taxes compare to those in other parts of the country -- or even other Nebraska counties? 

CNN Money has an interactive map showing the average amount of annual property taxes paid in every U.S. county from 2007-2011, based on data from the Tax Policy Center.  

Saline County's annual property tax bill was an average of $1,816 per property. That's above average compared to the rest of Nebraska.  While Saline County is considerably lower than Lancaster and Seward counties, and slightly lower than Gage, it is much higher than York, Fillmore, Jefferson and Thayer counties.  Thayer County, for example, saw an annual property tax of $1,020.

(Note: Recall our story from August that Crete and Friend school districts have significantly higher property tax levies than Dorchester.  That must be kept in mind when analyzing the Saline County figure.)

In our state, the counties with the highest average annual property tax burdens were Sarpy ($3,348), Douglas ($2,853), Washington ($2,849), Lancaster ($2,793) and Cass ($2,732).  The Nebraska counties with the lowest average annual property tax burdens were Wheeler ($790), Blaine ($815), Hitchcock ($859), Grant ($862) and Hooker ($867).    

On the national level, 60% of U.S. counties reported annual property taxes averaging between $500 and $1,500, says CNN Money.

The CNN Money map also shows property tax burden as a percentage of home price in each county; in this category, it is clear Nebraska has some of the nation's higher property tax burdens -- with several counties either at or near the 2% of home value range.  Saline County's average property tax burden was around 1.9% the average home price. Over a decade, that certainly adds up.

See the map here.

In Nebraska, the property tax is levied only by local governments -- mostly school districts, counties, cities, and NRDs.  The tax on real estate is levied based on the actual or market value of the real estate.  Most is assessed at 100% of actual value, but ag land has been assessed at only 75% of actual value since 2007.

Time's Running Out To Nominate Christmas Displays In Dorchester

The Christmas spirit is alive and well in Dorchester.  Already, we are seeing so many displays of holiday cheer -- like this house on Jefferson Street.

From one end of the village to the other, Christmas lights and holiday displays have gone up quickly, greeting residents and out-of-towners alike. 

We want to know which Dorchester-area homes you think best reflect the Christmas and holiday spirit.  And we're taking your votes! But time is running out for nominations.

What Dorchester residence gets your vote for best holiday display? Give us your nomination by Sunday, Dec. 15, by leaving it in the "comments section" of this post. Or e-mail your nomination to Dorchester.Times@gmail.com.

We will announce which displays received the most nominations by Dec. 17.

DHS Basketball Teams Tip Off Tonight

Another season of Dorchester High School basketball tips off tonight at Meridian, as the Longhorns and Lady Longhorns prepare to play in Class D-2.

This season has special meaning for the DHS squads since there has been some discussion among school officials and district patrons about combining the DHS basketball programs with those at Milford, similar to what has already occurred with the football and wrestling programs.

Several parents and players have predicted that both DHS basketball teams will be competitive.  The boys squad faces a hurdle with participation, with fewer than 10 players on the team due to a much-declined number of boys currently in grades 9-12.

The girls team has stronger numbers, but the Lady Horns will face growing pains with a very young squad.  

One parent told us the teams are both coached by dedicated instructors who will get the most out of the talent they have.

We hope all DHS fans will turn out and support the Longhorns this basketball season! The first home contest for both teams is set for Dec. 13 against Bruning-Davenport-Shickley.

Dorchester Boys Basketball (2013-14)

12/06/13 @ Meridian  
12/10/13 @ Diller-Odell
12/13/13 BDS
12/17/13 Harvard 
12/19/13 @ Osceola
12/30/13 Sterling
01/04/14 @ St. Edward 
01/07/14 @ College View Academy
01/14/14 Friend
01/17/14 High Plains Community
01/21/14 Cross County
01/24/14 Shelby-Rising City
01/25-01/31  Crossroads Conference Tournament @ York
02/03/14 @ Parkview Christian
02/06/14 @ Nebraska Lutheran 
02/07/14 @ Giltner 
02/11/14 Hampton
02/14/14 McCool Junction
02/21/14 @ Exeter-Milligan

Dorchester Boys Basketball (2013-14)

12/06/13 @ Meridian
12/10/13 @ Diller-Odell
12/12/13 @ Exeter-Milligan
12/13/13 BDS
12/17/13 Harvard
12/19/13 @ Osceola 
12/30/13 Sterling
01/04/14 @ St. Edward 
01/07/14 @ College View Academy 
01/14/14 Friend
01/17/14 High Plains Community
01/21/14 Cross County
01/24/14 Shelby-Rising City
01/25-01/31  Crossroads Conference Tournament @ York
02/03/14 @ Parkview Christian
02/06/14 @ Nebraska Lutheran 
02/07/14 @ Giltner 
02/11/14 Hampton 
02/14/14 McCool Junction

Tom And Judy Weber Celebrate 40th Anniversary

Dorchester's Tom and Judy Weber are celebrating four decades of marriage this coming weekend.

The two were married Dec. 8, 1973.

A special tribute was paid to the Webers by their children and grandchildren in a special insert in last Sunday's Lincoln Journal Star.

Times readers who wish to send their congratulations and greetings to the Webers may do so at:  405 State Highway 15, Dorchester, NE 68343.

Be sure to wish the Webers a happy 40th anniversary!

Dvorak Retiring After 32 Years At DPS

The year is 1982.

Ronald Reagan is president.  The federal debt is only $1.1 trillion.  Michael Jackson's "Thriller" sells 20 million albums to become the largest selling record ever.  E.T. is a smash hit on the big screen. John Belushi dies of a drug overdose.  Prince William is born to Charles and Di.

And Pat Dvorak begins working at Dorchester Public Schools.

Now, nearly 32 years later, Dvorak will retire at the end of the fall semester.  

She has served the DPS system as an instructional paraeducator and teacher's aide, helping guide more than three decades of Longhorn students.

Be sure to wish Pat all the best on her well-deserved retirement!