Scores From DHS' Dec. 15 Basketball Games

Here are the scores from the Dec. 15 DHS basketball games:

Boys: 

OSCEOLA 56, DORCHESTER 32

Osceola	8	21	16	11	--	56
Dorchester	10	9	8	5	--	32

Osceola--Stats not available.

Dorchester--Vielma 5, Havlat 15, Cervantes 3, Nelson 9.

Girls:

DORCHESTER 50, OSCEOLA 29

Osceola	4	6	4	15	--	29
Dorchester	16	11	9	14	--	50

Osceola--Stats not available.

Dorchester--Stats not available.

Dorchester's Citizen Of The Year: Penny Keller

The Dorchester Times is proud to name Penny Keller as its "Dorchester Citizen of the Year."

Keller is receiving this honor based largely on her efforts to clean up neglected properties throughout Dorchester.  Many small towns in Nebraska -- from Wymore to Lyman -- have neglected to be proactive in this area, and it shows.

One reader told us: "I’d like to nominate Penny Keller.  She cares about the community of Dorchester.  She is a loyal and tireless citizen who wants to make our wonderful village an even a better place.  She has passion for Dorchester."

In the summer of 2016, Keller was hired by the village board as Dorchester's new nuisance abatement and code compliance officer to ensure that residents and other property owners are keeping their properties up to community standards and ordinances.  

Keller, who is working as a contract employee, started her duties in early August, according to official documents.  Her job is to help ensure the continuation of property clean-up notices and enforcement originally initiated by SENDD.

Within just weeks of Keller starting her job, residents noticed the difference. For example, one clean-up of commercial property south of the city park received rave reviews.  The Times received several e-mails and online comments praising the village for requiring action.

"It's good to see property owners willingly and promptly complying with the village requests for clean-up," we wrote in August.  "They, too, should be applauded for their efforts. Those who ignore the warnings and requests should face consequences."

Run-down, neglected, and unsafe pieces of property trample the rights of those who live nearby.  Moreover, they harm Dorchester's public image, which matters if we want to grow our village.  Approaching people to tell them it's time to clean up their mess -- whether in person, by phone or by mail -- is no easy task.  We commend Keller for the work she has done over the past several months. 

If you suspect a property in Dorchester is non-compliant with village standards, call 402-418-8670 or to i.comply@outlook.com.

Keller has also volunteered for several years by serving on the Dorchester Planning Commission.  This commission is charged with guiding village efforts to grow and improve Dorchester's quality of life.  Among the actions the commission undertakes is dealing with zoning issues.

Our previous Citizen of the Year winners include Carol Olson, Dale Hayek, and Bill Velder. 

Honorable mentions submitted to the Times (Dorchester.Times@gmail.com) this year and in years past include:  Peg Bergmeyer, Lyle Weber, Greg Tyser, Todd Axline, all members of the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Dept. and Rescue, Ben Haufle, Brent Zoubek, Kyleigh Jo Lewis, Phil Weber, Steve Ottmann, Scott Pohl, Eric Stehlik, Joyce Karl, Adam Briggs, Rob "Bert" Parks, John Bruha, Mark Bors, Tom Cerny, Amanda Cerny, Julie and Joe Holly of "The Well", LJ Barley, Bob and Marva Kasl, and Ryan Voelker.

Congratulations to Penny Keller, our Times' Citizen of 2016!

Scores From Dec. 13 DHS Basketball Games

Here are the scores from the Dec. 13 Dorchester basketball games:

Boys:

HARVARD 42, DORCHESTER 24

Dorchester	10	4	3	7	--	24
Harvard	15	8	10	9	--	42

Dorchester--Stats not available.

Harvard--Brand 1, Scott 1, Nieman 12, Alvarez 11, Callahan 7, Marshall 8, Wilkerson 2.

Girls:

Dorchester 39, Harvard 30

Tragic Case In Crete: Woman And Her Three Kids Living In Storage Unit, Car

The story from York earlier this week (see below) was evidence that the world has changed in recent years, and not necessarily for the better.  

More proof of that fact came from Crete yesterday, when news broke that a woman arrested in town had been living with her children in a storage unit and out of a car.

According to the Lincoln Journal Star, when Crete police arrested the 29-year-old mother last week on a Lancaster County warrant, officers found her three youngest children -- ages 5, 3 and 2 -- "in the back of an SUV, filthy, half-clothed and each holding a stolen boxer puppy."

From what we can gather, all the children had different fathers.  (Yes, it matters, which is why we've included that in this post.)

The Journal Star's updated story reports: "The Crete woman arrested last week has five children according to court records. Her oldest daughter, 12, lived with her father at the time. The woman is not named here to protect the identity of her kids.  Her second oldest, a 9-year-old boy, has missed school for days or weeks and bounced between Crete and Lincoln school districts seven times since 2013, according to court records."

According to the Lincoln newspaper, "School officials said his mother appeared intoxicated and unable to follow conversations. ...  The boy spent days in intensive care this summer after he nearly lost his left arm when it became badly infected, and court records indicate his mother neglected to take him to follow-up medical appointments after doctors put pins in his arm to fix a broken bone.

"Crete police caught up with her Thursday as she dropped her 9-year-old son off at school after he'd been truant for days. In the back seat of her trash-filled SUV, officers found her youngest three children holding puppies.  The 5- and 3-year-old girls each had one bare foot and the 2-year-old girl was naked from the waist down and wrapped in a blanket, according to court documents. ... Police arrested the woman on a misdemeanor warrant for pawning property by a convicted person and cited her for possession of stolen property, theft and child abuse.

"The children have been placed with their fathers. Their mother was in Saline County jail Monday evening."

Dorchester Man Killed In Single-Car Accident Near Wilber

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that 30-year-old Dorchester man was killed in a Dec. 7 accident 2½ miles west of Wilber. 

Joshua Ostrander died in the single-car wreck on County Road 5, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. 

The Saline County sheriff did not return calls asking for details on the accident, the Journal Star reports.

Ostrander was a dog lover and outdoorsman who marched to the beat of his own drum, his obituary said.

A private memorial service is set for tomorrow in Seward. 

Planning A Home Improvement? You Need A Building Permit

So you are a Dorchester resident -- or nearby resident -- who's planning a home improvement or change to your property soon.

Well, you'll likely need to notify the Village of Dorchester and get a permit.

According to Dorchester's Comprehensive Plan for Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, a building permit is absolutely necessary for properties within a one-mile radius of the village's limits.

Applications are required for:

* New construction.
* Additions.
* Fences.
* Basements.
* Replaced structures.

Permits are needed before work begins.  

Permit applications are reviewed for approval at the village board meeting held at the first of each month, so you should apply for your permit several weeks before starting your project.

When in doubt, always contact the village office first.  Or call 402-946-3201.

Also if you're going to dig, you need to call 811 at least two days before the digging takes place.

Santa To Visit Dorchester On Morning Of Dec. 10

Hey, kids.  The big guy -- Santa Claus -- is coming to town.

Dorchester's "Morning with Santa" is set for Saturday, December 10, 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Dorchester Community Building.

There is no charge for this special event.  And it's sponsored by the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department.

In years gone by -- when the event was sponsored by DACA, before a lawsuit brought an end to the organization -- "Morning With Santa" featured activities organized by Dorchester's FBLA students, such as crafts, decorating of sugar cookies, making bead bracelets and bookmarks, making picture frames and more. Also, the Dorchester Legion was known to serve a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and toast.

A decade ago, more than 65 area children attended this event.  Will 2016 break that record?

We hear extra special activities are planned this year, but we've promised Santa we would not disclose the details.

Developing...

Girls Basketball Score: Dec. 8

Here is the score from Dorchester's Dec. 8 girls basketball game.  There was no boys game.

Girls:

EXETER-MILLIGAN 51, DORCHESTER 18

Exeter-Milligan	15	12	8	16	--	51
Dorchester	5	3	6	4	--	18

Exeter-Milligan--Hall 13, Jansky 10, Beethe 8, Horne 8, White 7, Sluka 3.

Dorchester--Velder 5, Ruiz 4, Zoubek 4, Bird 2, Weber 2, Plouzek 1.

Dorchester's Lloyd Kahle Passes At 81

Lloyd Adam Kahle, 81, of rural Dorchester, passed away on Dec. 5, 2016, at home. Lloyd was born on Nov. 30, 1935, to Adam and Elvia (Friendt) Kahle. He was baptized on Jan 5, 1936, by Rev. A.F. Schrein at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete and confirmed there on May 29, 1949. He attended District 17 through 8th grade. He decided not to attend high school, but to farm with his dad. He contracted polio at the age of 16 which affected his swallowing. He died from the effect of post-polio syndrome.

He married Lois (Beck) Kahle on December 8, 1957. Four children were born to this union: Linda, Ronnie, Donna and Connie Jo. Lloyd was a life time member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church. He loved farming and he was proud to farm with his dad and son. Lloyd grew grain, had a cow-calf herd and raised sheep. He also enjoyed working with horses and taking his horse and buggy through parades. He was known by his signature bib overalls and polka dot hat.

He is survived by his daughters and spouses: Linda (Roger) Woolsey of Friend; Donna (Brad) Havlat of Crete; Connie (Chris) Hiegel of Grand Island, and daughter-in-law, Joyce Kahle of Dorchester.

Grandchildren: Josh (Becky) June of Milford; Sarah (Mark) Andersen of Palmyra; Spencer (BJ) June of Dorchester; Ryan Kahle of Alexandria, Va.; Crystal (Aaron) Rasmussen of Dannebrog; Adam Kahle of Omaha; Lydia Kahle of Wayne; Ross (Carol) Havlat of Crete; Brian (Katie) Havlat and John (Jill) Havlat, both of Lincoln; Sr. Amy Marie Havlat of Waverly; Malinda Havlat of Lincoln and her fiance, John Wehrs; Tim Havlat of Crete; Courtney Hiegel of Seward; Carter Hiegel, Claire Hiegel and Calie Hiegel all of Grand Island.

Also 14 great-grandchildren and two more on the way. Brother, Larry (Jean) Kahle of Dorchester. Sisters: Bonnie (Ken) George of Omaha; Carol Smejdir and Janet Smejdir, both of Lincoln.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois (2011); son, Ron (2013); grandson, Jared Havlat; brother, Roger Kahle; and sister, Eileen Nerud.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, December 9) at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete. Viewing beginning at 2 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5 - 7 p.m. tonight (Thursday) at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Interment in Lincoln Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are designated to Lambs of Christ Preschool-Crete, Heartland Lutheran High School or Trinity Lutheran School, both of Grand Island.

Scores From Dorchester's Dec. 6 Basketball Games

Here are the scores from Dorchester's Dec. 6 basketball games:

Boys

DILLER-ODELL 60, DORCHESTER 19

Diller-Odell	21	15	14	10	--	60
Dorchester	3	8	0	8	--	19

Diller-Odell -- Stats not available.

Dorchester--Vielma 3, Havlat 5, Nelson 11.

Girls

DILLER-ODELL 60, DORCHESTER 33

Box score not available.

Experts: Frankie Way Off On His Dec. 7 Snow Prediction But Colder Temps Coming

We love him.  He's passionate about his profession.  But Frankie the Canadian weather guy got this one wrong, it appears.

Unless the earth gets tipped off its orbital pattern, there will not be a major snowstorm tomorrow, Dec. 7.

Last week, Frankie predicted "a massive blizzard" for Nebraska on Wednesday.  Frankie said the storm would bring up to 12 inches of blowing and drifting snow -- "especially in Omaha and Lincoln."

Now the experts say there's a 50% chance of only "a couple of flurries in the morning."

While there won't be much snow tomorrow, there will be some very cold temperatures.

According to media reports, there'll be a second surge of cold air, an arctic cold front, that will roll in Wednesday morning.  Wednesday afternoon highs are expected to stay in the low to mid-20s, followed by overnight lows dipping into the single digits and teens for both Thursday and Friday, which are forecast to be dry, with highs in the low to mid-20s.

High temperatures are expected to rise into the 30s by the weekend.

EDITORIAL: Talk Is Cheap; It's Time To Grow Dorchester

(Editor's Note: This editorial was published by the Times in December 2008.  To our knowledge, nothing has changed since.  We think this idea is worth revisiting.)

A few years ago, the Norfolk Daily News reported that four eastern Nebraska school districts -- Clarkson, Howells, Dodge and Leigh -- were contemplating a merger despite their proud histories and longtime rivalries. "At one time, it would have been difficult to consider such a proposal," according to the Daily News story. "Now in rural Nebraska, it happens all the time."

Dr. Jerry Ehlers is a retired school superintendent who conducts studies for school districts looking at merging. He has completed about 25 such studies. "Small-town, rural Nebraska is losing kids," Ehlers told the Daily News. "If there aren't jobs for parents of childbearing age, there won't be kids. Each school in small-town Nebraska faces this."

Many in Dorchester, including the staff of this Web site, have contemplated how to improve the business sector of our community. Perhaps we should devote equal time to consideration of how to grow our population.

In our first year of publishing the Dorchester Times, we suggested it was time for a "Move Back To Dorchester" campaign, to reach out to the sons and daughters who have moved away to another city or state and now have thoughts of returning to our community and the surrounding area.  It's still a good idea, but such a project would not sufficiently boost Dorchester's numbers.

While our town has escaped school consolidation for the immediate future, it is time to assemble a comprehensive plan to attract new residents and retain current ones -- including those attending classes at Dorchester Public School. To our knowledge, such a project has never been undertaken by Dorchester leaders.

Perhaps now is the time for a "Vision 2020" plan that sets a goal of doubling Dorchester's population in the next three years. It is something the new village board and other community leaders should consider.

What needs to be included in such a "Vision 2020" plan? For starters:

• How do we keep our youth in Dorchester after high school graduation?
• How do we convince folks to build here, or improve existing homes?
• How do we fill vacant houses, or convince homeowners of vacant houses to sell or rent?
• How do we encourage young families to move to Dorchester?
• How do we keep our retirees here?
• How do we get the entire community involved in solving these issues?

Dorchester is geographically blessed. It's a relatively short drive to Lincoln, Crete, Seward and other employment hubs. Our area is fortunate to have ample access to major roadways that serve as conduits for both labor and commerce.  We also have reasonably good sized employers in town, with both the Farmers Cooperative and the K-12 school. 

We offer plentiful land; almost non-existent crime rates; quiet, peaceful surroundings; abundant, clean water; an engaged community; reasonable electric rates; low-cost living; and high-quality and safe schools.  We have health care services and treatment within a 10-minute drive.  

We should capitalize on these traits by advertising ourselves to those facing out-of-control taxes, outrageous costs of living, and radical, unpredictable social upheaval in places like California, Colorado, and both coasts.

Dorchester would be wise to start planning for the future, starting today.  We have too much potential to waste it away.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Dec. 3 Snowfall Brings 4" To Dorchester

Dec. 3 Snow Brought More Than Predicted: Dorchester and the surrounding area received its first snow of the season most of the day on Saturday and well past 10:00 Saturday night.  In town, about 4" of snow accumulated, but it quickly started to melt.  Temperatures by noon Sunday were above 35 degrees.  From Saline Weather Services, here are snowfall totals for the county:

Friend 3.9 inches

Crete 4.0 inches

Dorchester 4.2 inches

Wilber: 4.1 inches

5 SW of Wilber: 4.5 inches

Western: 4.4 inches

Swanton: 4.3 inches

Tobias: 4.0 inches

Another cold front will move through our area Monday night into early Tuesday.  The high Tuesday is estimated to be 32 degrees, 21 degrees on Wednesday, 20 degrees on Thursday and then back up slightly to a high of 25 degrees Friday.  Little if any snow is predicted for our area this week -- except by Frankie the Canadian weatherman.

Legion And Legion Auxiliary Christmas Party/Dinner Is Today:  This evening, Sunday, Dec. 4., the Dorchester Legion and Legion Auxiliary will host their Christmas program and supper.  This popular event begins at 5:30 p.m. and the entire community is invited.

Ryan Keller Wins Over $700 In Dorchester KENO:  Big T's BBQ Pit Stop reports that Ryan Keller of Crete this weekend won $705 in KENO.  Both of Dorchester's dining establishments offer KENO and both have been seeing more sizable winnings as of late, it appears.  Must be the Christmas season.

Time To Repeal Tax Giveaways For Newspapers?:  There has been a lot of talk about the leftward bias in news coverage during and after the presidential election.  Of course, anyone with a functioning brain cell recognizes this.  It's been there since Kennedy took the White House.  That leads us to wonder why Nebraska newspapers (or their subscribers, we should say) are allowed to pay no sales tax. Nebraska's Legislature gave newspapers (publishing at least once a week) this tax break 50 years ago, back in 1967, according to the revenue department. It costs the state about $3.1 million a year.  And for what? A bunch of leftist blather or 24-hour-old news? Heck, this blog gives you that -- and it costs taxpayers absolutely noting.

Scores From Season's First DHS Basketball Games

Here are the box scores from last night's Dorchester boys' and girls' basketball games.

Girls:

MERIDIAN 57, DORCHESTER 31

Meridian	11	23	10	13	--	57
Dorchester	9	3	8	11	--	31

Meridian--Schafer 1, Pribyl 4, Beals 2, Miller 6, Johnson 18, Klipp 11, Sobotka 11, Kort 4.
Dorchester--Ruiz 2, Plouzek 2, Kotas 2, Weber 8, Velder 6, Eberhardt 1, Zoubek 10.

Boys:

MERIDIAN 43, DORCHESTER 41

Meridian	8	21	5	9	--	43
Dorchester	13	12	7	9	--	41

Meridian--NA.
Dorchester--Vielma 3, Havlat 25, Cervantes 4, Youngblood 3, Nelson 6.

Prediction: Massive Blizzard, 12" Of Snow On Dec. 7

You have likely heard about or seen Frankie the Weather Guy, the YouTube sensation from Canada.  

Last winter, he made extremely accurate weather predictions about Nebraska blizzards.  (Remember, he called this one.)

Now he is calling for a massive snow storm to hit eastern Nebraska -- especially the Lincoln and Omaha areas -- Wednesday, Dec. 7.

"Be warned, Nebraska!" Frankie exclaims. "Be prepared! ... Don't even try to go outside." 

See Frankie's video forecast here.

Here's what Frankie says:  "Massive blizzard is on its way for Nebraska on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 and it will bring (30+ cm or nearly 12 inches) of snow and the winds will be very strong causing blowing and drifting snow -- especially in Omaha and Lincoln."

According to Frankie, the snow storm "will cause whiteout conditions and blowing and drifting snow ... and driving will be treacherous and dangerous."

Frankie continues:  "People in Nebraska, be prepared! Have your winter boots, winter jackets, hats, gloves, scarfs and ski pants ready. Order your pizzas and chinese food and buy cases of pepsi and coke. Do your grocery shopping.  Don't wait until the last minute -- do it right now."  

Stay tuned to the Dorchester Times and our AccuWeather updates on this weather system.

DEVELOPING...

$50 Reward For Lost Black And White Cat

The Times has learned of a lost cat and a Dorchester family is now asking for help to get it back to its owner.

Jerry Pierce e-mailed the Times to say that his son's cat got away last Friday evening.

Accord to the description we received, the cat is a black and white, male adult.  

Because the cat is frightened and in unfamiliar territory, he will probably be hiding.  So Dorchester residents are asked to check their yards in places he might hide.  

The Pierces are offering a $50 reward for information that leads them to getting the cat back.  

If you have information on this lost black and white cat, call the Pierces at (402) 946-2164.