Merry Christmas, Dorchester!

Is there anything better than Christmas in a small town?

Here's our Christmas music for you and your family on this special day.

Merry Christmas to all. 

Be safe -- we want you reading the Times in 2025

NEWS ROUND-UP: Lady Longhorns Begin Season 6-0

DHS Girls Basketball Off to 6-0 Start: The calendar says it's still December, but the high school basketball season is one-third complete -- and the Dorchester girls varsity team is off to a 6-0 start. Under the guidance of Coach Brandon Bruha, the DHS girls have defeated Deshler, Meridian, High Plains Community, BDS, Harvard, and Osceola this month. The team is off until Jan. 2, when they will host Lewiston (1-3) and then travel to Cedar Bluffs (3-3) on Jan. 4. On Jan. 6, DHS will host Grand Island's Heartland Lutheran (1-4). 

DHS Boys Snag First Win of Season: The DHS boys basketball squad nabbed the season's first win on Dec. 17, beating Harvard 43-39. Under Coach Cory Bird, the Longhorns are now preparing for a fast and furious January. They will host Lewiston (1-3) and then travel to Cedar Bluffs (2-4) on Jan. 4. On Jan. 6, DHS will host Grand Island's Heartland Lutheran (0-4). 

Dorchester Spotlighted by National Tourism Website: The Travel, a national digital publication dedicated to inspiring travel, has named Dorchester as one of eight "surprising small towns in Nebraska worth a visit." The site named the community's Czech roots and community events as its strong points, as well as its water park and being the home of the Saline County Museum.

Garbage Collection Day is Now Friday: As a reminder, Dorchester trash pick-up day is now Friday. The village office is reminding residents that of Items that will not be picked up or allowed in trash containers. Those items include wet paint containers, motor oil, antifreeze, lead acid batteries, fluorescent bulbs, household hazardous waste, waste oil, tires, yard waste, major appliances, and ashes or any item that could cause a fire.

Long Overdue: Keystone XL Oil Pipeline (Or Something Like It)

In the first of many disastrous decisions, President Joe Biden killed the Keystone XL oil pipeline permit on his first day in office nearly four years ago. 

As a result, Americans -- and Nebraska workers -- have paid a heavy price in higher fuel prices and fewer private-sector jobs. Biden's politically motivated action has had significant consequences for Saline County's area economy.

In the Dorchester area, economic losses included lost construction jobs along with a dramatic reduction in use of local services and businesses -- including restaurants, hotels and retailers.

The move was not only unfair to a company that had invested billions of dollars and followed the rules, more than 1,000 jobs -- the majority unionized -- were eliminated. 

Nebraska property owners also took a major hit without the existence of a second Keystone pipeline that would have helped relieve the tax burden. See the Dorchester Times' previous reporting on this matter.

With the election of former President Donald Trump, there's now wide speculation that the 1,700-mile Keystone XL pipeline -- which would carry roughly 800,000 barrels of oil a day from Alberta to the Texas Gulf Coast -- could still become a reality.

As reported by national media, Chris Wright, Trump’s pick for energy secretary, has said restarting the pipeline was one of the most important things the government could do to boost energy supplies. But restarting the venture could be extremely difficult and costly, several media stories point out.

Three years ago, TC Energy, the Canadian-based sponsor of the Keystone XL Pipeline, said it was calling it quits. TC Energy recently spun off its pipelines business to a new company, South Bow, which hasn't indicated whether it will attempt to restart the Keystone XL, Fox Business reports.

Fox Business adds: Regardless of whether Keystone XL is ultimately restarted, there are likely to be more pipelines built crossing the Canada-U.S. border in the years ahead given the dynamics of the oil market.

"If you look around the globe, the supplies of diesel are relatively tight and the world needs more of it," said one oil executive. Pipelines like Keystone XL would allow Canadian oil to flow into the U.S. "in a more efficient, safe way" to alleviate the global supply shortage.

Developing...

Dorchester's Tom Scheffert Passes At 70

UPDATE: Tom Scheffert's celebration of life ceremony will be Jan. 18, noon until 3 p.m. Lunch will be served.

Thomas Leroy Scheffert ("Big Tom"), 70, left this world Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024 in his
home in Dorchester after a 24-year battle with congestive heart failure. He was telling his wife what to do right to the end.

He is survived by his loving wife and companion of 32 years, Patricia (Skutchan) Morfeld, his loving sister, Gayle (Scheffert) Beals, and her husband, Patrick of Lincoln, his niece Kimberly (Beals) Luzum, her children Chandler and Kaden Lukert and Emma Kasl, great-grand nieces Aleah and Emerson, nephew Ryan Beals and his wife Kara, and their son Charlie of Omaha, his aunts Jane Scheffert and Loretta Pape, as well as numerous cousins, his stepsons, Shon Morfeld and girlfriend Tonia Sutliff of Tempe, AZ, and Michael Morfeld and children of Chandler, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his father, Glen “Jack” Scheffert and his mother, Darlene (Rosekrans) Scheffert, his grandparents, several uncles, aunts and cousins.

Tom was born June 18, 1954 in Lincoln and lived by Centerville until his parents moved to the farm south of Dorchester in 1963. After graduation in 1972, he worked at the Crete Mills and the Dorchester Coop for many years and Peterson Vise-Grip in Dewitt for eight years. He owned and operated a salvage yard in Dorchester for four years. He owned and operated a semi for 20 years. In 2020, he had to retire to town as he could no longer maintain the farmyard due to his health.

He always said he loved the life he lived. He was a life-long farmer and enjoyed visiting with friends about farming and learning about farming in Arizona. For the last seven winters, Tom and Patricia snow-birded in Arizona, buying a place near Casa Grande, AZ.

Tom loved dirt track racing. He owned and drove stock cars and IMCA modifieds, starting in 1976 until after 2001. He made a multitude of friends over the years, both in racing and everywhere he went.

He will be greatly missed by everyone he touched in his life.

Tom’s ashes will be spread on the farm he loved. There will be no service but a celebration of life will be held at a later date in Dorchester.

Christmas Gatherings In Dorchester

Dorchester has Christmas spirit.

Christmas lights are on all over town, with more than a quarter of the village's homes having lights.

What's more, several Christmas gatherings are planned over the coming days and weeks.

Here's the lineup: 

- The first Christmas event will be Sunday night's (Dec. 1) Dorchester American Legion Family Christmas Party. Join friends and family for food, drinks, presentations from the Jr. Auxiliary, and even Santa. Doors open at 5 p.m. with food being served around 6 p.m.

 

- On Monday, Dec. 2, Dorchester High School will host its Christmas concert, which will begin at 7 p.m. at the school. This is always a seasonal favorite in the community.

 

- The Dorchester Elementary School Christmas concert will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 at the school. Get there plenty early; this will draw a large crowd.

- On Saturday, Dec. 14, the traditional Morning With Santa will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Community Building and Legion Hall. A free-will donation breakfast will be hosted by the community foundation fund starting at 8:00 -- everyone of all ages is invited. Santa arrives at 8:30 a.m. This gathering will feature special events for the kids!

- The Saline County Historical Society will host a free old-fashioned holiday gathering on Saturday, Dec. 14 at the Saline County Museum in Dorchester from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

- The Dorchester United Methodist Church's Christmas Eve service will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 5 p.m. Everyone is welcome. (Children's program will be held during the regular service on Sunday, Dec. 22 at 9:30 a.m.)
 

DHS Basketball Tips Off New Season

A new season of DHS basketball is underway.

There is a lot of buzz surrounding the Orange and Black Attack this year, especially when it comes to the girls basketball program. Some are speculating that with a great amount of effort and consistent play, this year's team could be headed to the state basketball tournament in Lincoln.

The Lady Longhorns, under the tutelage of coach Brandon Bruha, are off to a 2-0 start. The girls beat Deshler 42-32 on Dec. 5. The next evening, Dec. 6, DHS handed Meridian a 45-35 loss.

Next up for the Lady Longhorns will be a Dec. 10 road trip to High Plains Community (2-0) and then a Friday, Dec. 13 road contest at BDS (2-0). On Dec. 17, the girls travel to Harvard (0-1).

Meanwhile, the DHS boys team are off to a 0-2 loss start, losing their opening contests to Deshler and Meridian. On Dec. 10, the boys will travel to High Plains Community (1-1). On Dec. 13, DHS will take on BDS (1-1) in another road contest.

Go Big D!

Three Commercial Properties For Sale on Dorchester's Main Street

Dorchester's real estate market remains strong even as cheap money -- following several years of money printing following massive government spending -- come to a close.

Dorchester's commercial real estate looks especially appealing now. Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A newer K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. This means individualized attention for your child.

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

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable living costs with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESSES 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 12 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a small, close-knit community.

Here are commercial properties that recently hit the market:

Tyser Repair and Auto Sales Building, Washington Ave.: This building is fully functional and is in use at the present time. The facility includes office space, one restroom and a large open shop area. The building is fully insulated and has a heavy duty steel roof. The entire shop area has a 6"-8" concrete floor. The structure is in excellent condition. The shop area is 88' X 50 ' wide with 6 inches of insulation on the walls and ceiling. (5/8 " sheetrock on the walls and 1/2" sheetrock on the ceiling. There are 2 insulated roll up doors 12'X12"'and 14'X22' . The building has 220 electric service and is heated by natural gas and propane units. It is available for immediate possession. The equipment in the building is available for purchase separately from the real estate. This is a great opportunity to purchase an existing successful business and start your own new business opportunity with current clientele in place. The listed price is for the building only. The business and equipment would be a separate negotiation.

Storage Sheds, Washington Ave.: There are 21 individual storage units in the complex. 19 of the units are 22'X11' and two of the units measure 11'X11". The complex is fully rented at this time. There continues to be excellent demand for storage units in this area. They are located on the main street of Dorchester with excellent access.

Tyser Car Lot, Washington Ave.: This offering includes seven city lots located on the main street of Dorchester. There is one building (former Conner Roofing and Gifts building) on the north end of the lots that is currently used for storage of personal items. There are multiple uses for these lots and a real opportunity to purchase main street property.

It's Turkey Bingo This Monday, Nov. 25

On Monday, Nov. 25, the Dorchester Legion Bar and Grill will host turkey bingo once again. 

Participants can win a turkey, ham, duck, or pie -- and then tell their family members at Thanksgiving that they splurged just for them. 

According to social media posts, "The guys will be cooking a couple of turkeys and a ham with mashed potatoes. Come join us for a fun night. All side dishes and desserts are welcome."

Doors open at 5 p.m., food is served at 6 p.m., and bingo begins at 6:30 p.m.

All ages welcome.

How To Get Rich Quick: Land A Public Power Job

Nearly a century ago, populist Nebraska Sen. George Norris worked to establish the Cornhusker State’s public power system. 

Norris believed publicly owned electric generation and transmission would mean less expensive electricity compared to that produced and delivered by shareholder-owned utilities. Because of Norris' influence, no private electric utilities have operated in Nebraska since the late 1940s.

Nebraska law specifically states that electric service shall be provided at as "low overall cost as possible, consistent with sound business practices."

Despite some clear advantages, public power brings with it some downsides; one of them is an entrenched, well-paid bureaucracy that faces little public scrutiny or transparency, especially when it comes to their compensation.

The Flatwater Free Press -- a next-generation publication, like the Dorchester Times -- recently published the annual salaries of Nebraska's highest paid public employees. The list shows that 21 of the two dozen top-paid public employees are employed by public power.

Here's just a handful of individuals who made the list:

- John Dent, Executive VP & Chief Nuclear, Nebraska Public Power District, $1,308,780

- Thomas Kent, President & CEO, Nebraska Public Power District, $967,113

- Luis Fernandez, President & CEO, Omaha Public Power District, $764,330

- Khalil Dia, Site Vice President, Nebraska Public Power District, $708,477

- Kevin Wailes, Chief Executive Officer, Lincoln Electric System, $585,042

- Billy Chapin, General Manager of Plant Operations, Nebraska Public Power District, $473,883

- John McClure, Executive Vice President External Affairs, Nebraska Public Power District, $454,942

- Jeffrey Bishop, Vice President-Fin Srvcs & CFO, Omaha Public Power District, $450,780

- Troy Via, COO & VP Utility Operations, Omaha Public Power District, $434,239

- Kathleen Brown, VP & CIO -Bus Tech & Build Srvcs, Omaha Public Power District, $429,556

These executives aren't working at for-profit companies; they are employed by regulated, consumer-owned, public entities.

The next time you see your elderly parents or grandparents struggling to pay their electricity bill, remember these salaries. Think about who is paying for this excess compensation and how it's hurting the public's bottom line.

Mr. Norris is rolling in his grave.

NEWS ROUND-UP: City Slickers Receives Rave Reviews

Dorchester's City Slickers Gets Rave Reviews: On a website called Restaurant Guru, Dorchester's City Slickers Bar and Grill gets high marks. The national website calls City Slickers "a great place to visit for a small-town dining experience" with a friendly and attentive staff, and delicious food. "The prime rib and rib-eye steaks are particularly noteworthy, and their wings are also very good. The salad bar is huge and always fresh." The site also notes that prices are very reasonable and the portions are generous. 

Village Board Approves Generous Employee Compensation Increases: In recent weeks, the Dorchester's village board has approved hefty increases in compensation for village government employees. According to public meeting minutes, the board OK'd a 6.5% wage hike for full-time village employees and dump attendant. In a special meeting held Oct. 17, the board also approved annual Health Savings Account contributions for full-time employees -- paid by village taxpayers -- worth $5,400 annually for those with families/spouse and $2,700 for singles. This is in addition to other health insurance benefits, the minutes note.

Village Board Holds Special Meeting for Real Estate Purchase: On Oct. 25, the Dorchester village board held a special meeting. A closed-session meeting makes it difficult to know exactly what was discussed, but the meeting minutes note that the village's contracted attorney has been authorized to "negotiate a real estate purchase on behalf of the village." The board held its regular monthly meeting Nov. 13, but minutes for that meeting have not yet been approved.

Village of Dorchester's Public Information Request Policy: Nebraska's public disclosure laws include the Nebraska Public Records Law, which gives citizens the right to examine public records and documents -- regardless of physical form -- belonging to the state, county, city, village, political subdivision (including schools), or tax-supported entities. The law also lets citizens make copies of public documents; and request public records (without providing a reason). Dorchester residents can request the disclosure of certain village government documents and other resources via a public information request. Requests must be in writing, but can be delivered by hand (in person) or via mail, email, or fax.

Food Truck in Town on Nov. 25: Billies Grilled Cheese will be in Dorchester on Monday, Nov. 25 form 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. The truck will be parked by the Legion building. Menus will be posted at the bank, post office, and the village government website when available.

DPS' Amanda Cerny Nominated For National Honor

Dorchester's Amanda Cerny has been nominated for a national honor that recognizes school employees who go above and beyond for their students.

Dorchester Public School's head cook, Cerny was nominated by DPS colleague, Stacy Lutjemeyer, for the National Life Group's LifeChanger of the Year award. This annual program spotlights K-12 educators and school employees nationwide.

According to LifeChanger's site, Cerny is "not only the best head cook of all time, but she is also a fantastic person of all time. With the power of her delicious and well-planned meals and her nurturing personality, Ms. Cerny can work wonders for students and faculty alike." 

Lutjemey noted that "there has been no turnover in the kitchen since Cerny became the head cook," and that Cerny "keeps the students' tastes in mind while meeting the health standards."

The Times congratulates Amanda Cerny on her nomination.

OUR VIEW: Trump Re-Election Forces Reform (Or Complete Demise) Of Mainstream Media

As noted by this columnist, it wasn’t for lack positive media publicity that Kamala Harris lost the election badly. 

Since July, ABC, CBS and NBC treated Harris to nearly 80% positive coverage, while the same networks gave Donald Trump 85% negative coverage, audits show. What a disservice to the nation.

For decades, conservatives have complained about the media's left-wing bias. But since the Obama years, this bias has devolved into blatant leftist activism, with the big networks and newspapers focused on attacking conservative values, fiscal discipline, traditional institutions, generally accepted principles, and common sense.

Fortunately, the antiquated "mainstream" media have less and less influence in this country as evidenced by the election results. 

An October Gallup survey found that trust in the media had sunk to a record low of 31%. The last time Gallup found a majority of Americans had either a "great deal" or "fair amount" of trust in media was 2003.

There's a noticeable noose tightening around the collective neck of the mainstream news media; the outlets themselves are providing the rope. 

For the good of the nation, it's time for new generation to ensure reform comes to what remains of journalism.

If that reform does not come quickly -- and with lasting results -- the legacy media's complete demise will be realized by decade's end. Nowadays, there are too many alternative sources willing to deliver credible and accurate information without the spin.

Stay tuned...

Veterans Day In Dorchester: 2024 Events

 

Monday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day and Dorchester is showing its appreciation for those who wore the nation's uniform.

The Dorchester American Legion Bar and Grill is offering a free hamburger basket meal to all veterans and those currently serving in military. 

The Legion opens at 5 p.m. and the serving of food starts at 6 p.m., with the Sons of the American Legion doing the cooking.

During the day, area residents are invited to the Dorchester Public School's tribute to all veterans. 

The school's Veterans Day program will begin at 10 a.m. It will include the presentation of the Quilt of Valor, as well as remarks from area vets.

Let's salute those who served and let them know we are grateful.

Sources: Dorchester Area May Be Prime For New Poultry Plant

The Times has learned that a new chicken processing plant could be coming to the Cornhusker State -- and Saline County may be in the mix for this major project.

According to sources, Lincoln Premium Poultry (LPP) -- a Nebraska-based company established in 2016 for Costco -- is now considering a second poultry complex to complement its current site in Fremont. 

 

Since opening in 2019, LPP has created hundreds of direct jobs in its processing plant and across its network of contracted growers. The plant itself employs around 1,000 people, while partnerships with local farms add even more job opportunities, from farm workers to truck drivers and service providers.

 

The company is now trying to identify interested Nebraska communities that have the capacity to support its next plant.

 

This publication has often touted the Dorchester area's access to rail (BNFS), highways, and grain storage (Farmers Cooperative) -- and how this advantage could attract major agribusiness and/or manufacturing employers to help grow Saline County (and lower our property taxes).

 

The proposed complex would be operational by 2030. The project would not only bring new employment opportunities to the Dorchester area, it would also provide new income opportunities for area ag producers.

 

Farmers, economic developers, and community leaders who are interested in supporting Lincoln Premium Poultry's proposed project can learn more by contacting LPP's Jessica Kolterman at jkolterman@lincolnpremiumpoultry.com or via phone/text at (402) 641-8471. 

 

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester UMC to Host BBQ, Silent Auction

 

Dorchester UMC to Host BBQ, Silent Auction: The Dorchester United Methodist Church’s annual pulled pork BBQ, set for Sunday, Nov. 17. All area residents are encouraged to attend the event at 612 Lincoln Ave. Activities will begin with worship services at 9:30 a.m. Then lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This is a free-will offering, so please generous. There will also be a silent auction, featuring all kinds of cool items worth bidding on. 

New 'Garbage Day' Is Friday: No, this isn't a notice for Trump supporters. The village has contracted with a new garbage service provider, Bel-Con Refuse. If you live in Dorchester, you should have received your new container this week. Starting Nov. 15, the new garbage pick-up day in Dorchester will be Fridays.

Village Board Meeting Is Nov. 13: The Village of Dorchester Board of Trustees will hold their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Farmers Cooperative, door No. 2 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public.

DHS Fall Sports Season Concludes: Dorchester's fall sports season wrapped up in late October. The DHS volleyball team fell in the second round of sub-districts, dropping three sets to Meridian. The Lady Longhorns comprised an 18-12 record on the season. Meanwhile, the DHS football team went 1-7 once again. The winter sports season tips off Dec. 5 when the DHS girls and boys basketball teams take on the Dragons in Deshler.

Dorchester Jr. High Will Debut New Play, Nov. 14

Lights, camera, action!

On Thursday, Nov. 14, the Dorchester Junior High Play Department will be presenting "Doc, Doc ... Goose" on the stage in the multi-purpose room at the school.  

The performance will begin at 7 p.m.  

Here's what we know about the production: When thinking about old-fashioned nursery rhymes, it’s easy to see why Father Goose went to medical school and opened up a clinic in Nurseryland. There’s no “happily ever after” here. These poor nursery rhyme characters have many freak accidents.

This fast-paced drama with slap-stick humor and silly situations, weaves nursery rhymes with modern twists to offer an entertaining evening of drama.

All ages will enjoy this play, which teaches the important message that true beauty comes from the heart.  

The cost for admission will be $3 for kindergarten students through adults.

Please join the junior high drama team for a fun evening!