OUR OPINION: An Idea That's Catching Fire

It is being reported on the news wires that volunteer firefighters in Blue Springs, Neb. last Saturday burned down two homes in the small town just southeast of Beatrice.  The burns help clean up the community and give volunteer firefighters much-needed training.

Talk about hitting two birds with one stone.

Blue Springs Councilman Gene Reedy Jr. told the Beatrice Daily Sun the fires Saturday helped the small southeast Nebraska community remove two longtime eye sores. Reedy owns the property where one home was burned.  He says it was up to 100 years old and had been unoccupied for decades. The two houses bring the total number of such controlled fires to three this year.

At least one home in Dorchester's southern section was recently burned for practice by the DVFD, clearing the lot for commercial use.  We think this may be the only way to address some of Dorchester's long-time abandoned and dilapidated properties.  

As one Times staff member said the day of the practice burn as he watched from the grounds of the county museum: "Let's give our firefighters even more training if they need it."

DHS Students Selling Handmade Bracelets For Good Cause

Yes, there are ways you can help a good cause and look good while doing it. 

The Dorchester Student Council will be selling YUDA bands for a service project beginning today, April 22, and continuing through May 3.  

These are handmade bracelets of leather and coconut shell that were shipped from Guatemala.  The bracelets cost $7 each and there are many different designs to choose from.  

All proceeds support students in Guatemala -- as selected by the DHS Student Council -- to help give them an education. If you are interested in purchasing one, please contact Mrs. Lutjemeyer at the school or by emailing slutjemeyer@gmail.com.

Dorchester School Notices

• Dorchester Play This Weekend:  Dorchester 7-12 Drama will be performing “Long Live Rock N Roll” by Cynthia Mercati  tomorrow (Friday) April 12 and Sunday, April 14.  The Friday night show will start after drama awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. -- meaning the play will begin around 7 p.m.  The Sunday afternoon show will start at 2 p.m.  Come and watch what happens to the girls' academy when a rock star and his hillbilly family show up.

• Longhorn Keychains, Necklaces Help Fight Against Cancer:  The Dorchester FBLA is hosting a fundraiser for Relay for Life.  You can purchase hand stamped keychains and/or necklaces that say "GO HORNS" or "DPS" for $16.  Additional orange or silver beads can be added for $2 each.  These quality products are made by Kylie's Creations.  Please turn in orders to Alyssa Cochnar by Friday, April 12, with checks payable to Suzy Cochnar.  For questions, contact Suzy at suzy.cochnar@doane.edu.

Dorchester's Jacob Cerny Wins Statewide Poster Contest, Meets Governor

The Dorchester Public School's second grade class was recently chosen as one of 10 grade-

school classes in the state named as winners in the "Call Before You Dig" poster contest.  

DPS' own Jacob Cerny and his fantastic poster were chosen as winners.  His art teacher, Stacy Lutjemeyer, entered posters from Grades 2 through 4 because she thought her students would enjoy the contest, especially since the subject matter was pirates.  

The students were presented information about the dangers of digging before they created their posters.  

The 2nd graders will get a cookie party, a tree, a bench and a plaque for the school, which will be presented May 1 at 2:30 p.m. by the Safe Diggers' Hotline. 

Pictured above is Jacob with his winning poster at the State Capitol, taken Wed., April 10.  His mother took him to the proclamation signing to declare April 2013 as Safe Digging Month.  He was very excited to meet the governor, the Times has learned.

Hail Hits Dorchester

Dorchester was one of many areas hit Tuesday evening with early spring hail.  Pea to marble-sized ice pelted our area, but no damage was reported.

These photos were taken by Toni Keller Ladely and sent to us by a reader who subscribes to Toni's Facebook page.  (Thanks, Toni!)

This was just the latest in a strange mix of weather our region has experienced.  Today's blast of cold air was a drastic change from Monday's humid temps in the upper 60s.  (Remember, it could always be worse -- like in western Nebraska, which received more than a foot of snow, as road crews reported 8- to 9-foot drifts.)

For tomorrow (Thursday), we will see a chance of light freezing rain. Rain and light sleet in the morning, then a chance of rain and light freezing rain in the afternoon. Highs in the upper 30s. North winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. Chance of precipitation 50%.

Cloudy conditions will continue Thursday, with a 20% chance of rain and snow in the morning. Highs in the upper 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph.

The sun should finally appear Friday and Saturday, but highs will still only be in the 40s to mid-50s.  Sunday will be partly sunny with a 20% chance of rain. Highs in the mid 60s.

The Cold Beginning Of A Drought Buster?

It was no drought buster, but last night's rain is a start.

According to our official rain gauge, the Dorchester area received around 0.40" last night and early this morning.  Further south in Saline County, in the Tobias area, 0.60" was reported.

More rain and other forms of precipitation are forecast for Saline County. Tonight,  there's a 90% of thunderstorms. 

Tomorrow will be much cooler, with an 80% chance of thunderstorms in the morning, then more rain in the afternoon. Highs in the mid-50s. Temperatures falling into the upper-30s in the afternoon. Northeast winds 10 to 15 mph with gusts to around 25 mph.

By tomorrow night, it will be much colder -- with lows in the upper 20s and a 70% chance of rain or light freezing rain in the evening. Then a chance of light freezing rain after midnight. Ice accumulation of less than one quarter of an inch.

On Wednesday, winter will visit us one last time, with a 50% chance of rain or light freezing rain in the morning, then a chance of rain in the afternoon. Highs around 40. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts to around 30 mph. 

A 30% chance of precipitation continues into Thursday.

Wednesday Services For Steven Corning

Steven Corning, age 18, formerly of Dorchester, passed away on March 28, 2013.

He was born May 28, 1994.

He graduated from Dorchester High School in May 2012.

Services will be at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Monday, April 1. Interment will be immediately following service at the Dorchester Cemetery.

Memorials in care of the family. 

Condolences may be left online at www.lincolnfh.com.

TV Coverage Of Saline Co. Severe Weather Seminar

Over the Easter weekend -- on Friday night -- Nebraska had its first severe weather warnings of the year, including a tornado that touched down west of North Platte.

In case you missed it, the Regional Severe Weather Seminar was held this past Saturday at Saline Center.  Two members of the Times staff attended and we were impressed with the event, as we have been in years past.  The event included displays and presentations by storm chasers and meteorologists, as well as spotter training for severe weather for the public.

Several news organizations were present, including KHAS TV out of Hastings.  See KHAS' video story by clicking here.

Teen Dies After Crashing Stolen Dorchester Car

The Times has learned that an 18-year-old man died after crashing his stolen car into a traffic light pole in Lincoln this morning.

Lincoln police report the driver sped through north-central Lincoln until the car hit a curb, jump it, ran through a speed limit sign and crashed into the pole. The car belonged to a woman in Dorchester.

Police have withheld the name of the driver.

More from the Lincoln Journal Star:

The silver 2006 Toyota Corolla jumped the curb on the southeast corner of the intersection just before 9 a.m., tore up some grass, sheared off a speed limit sign before crossing 48th Street and hit the metal pole on the southwest corner.

“He was going really fast,” said Susan Beckler, who was about to make a right turn from Fremont onto 48th to go to work when the Corolla whizzed by. “I just saw a flash of silver come around the left side of me. It was extremely fast.” Beckler estimated the driver blazed through the intersection at 70 to 80 mph while trying to make a 90-degree turn. The speed limit on Fremont is 35 mph.

The crash shook the traffic light askew, and cleaved the car's engine block in half. It also took down a street sign near the Casey’s and carried it across the street before hitting the pole. The impact launched the sign some 60 feet, and debris sprayed out for as far as 90 feet.

Beckler said she got out of her car and tried to yank open the driver’s side door, but it was smashed shut. She then opened the passenger-side door and found the teenager sprawled across the middle of the car. He moaned a couple times and then died, she said. “I was pretty sure he was gone,” she added. “It was pretty obvious.”

Lincoln Police Capt. David Beggs said the car had been reported stolen before the crash. It's registered in Saline County to a woman who lives in Dorchester, according to state records.

Dorchester's Steve Vyhnalek Speaks On Farm Safety

Dorchester's Steve Vyhnalek, who serves as vice president of the Southeast Nebraska Corn

Growers Association, spoke about farm safety today, March 27, at the Saline County Fairgrounds Exhibition Hall in Crete.  

The Wilber Republican reports that Vyhnalek spoke at one of three workshops hosted by the Nebraska Corn Growers Association, Grain Systems Incorporated and the Nebraska Corn Board. 

The first workshop was held on March 26 in Kearney.  The next will be held on tomorrow, March 28, in Norfolk.  

All workshops encompass training in confined space entry, flowing grain safety, rope and harness techniques and hands on CPR.

The newspaper wrote:  "Farm-related accidents are exactly why Vyhnalek spoke at the workshop. He holds a personal interest in both farming and safety."

To learn more about the Nebraska Corn Growers Association call (402) 438-6459 or email mhabrock@necga.org.

DHS Grad Vera Cline Passes At 91

Vera "Yvonne" Cline, passed away on March 19, 2013. She was born January 22, 1922 on a farm near Mahaska, Kansas to Ernest and Crystal Wheeler. Vera grew up in Beaver Crossing, Neb. and graduated from Dorchester High in 1939. Yvonne moved to Seattle, Wash. and worked as an electrician installing radio and radar equipment on ships being built during the war. After the war the Clines moved back to Lincoln to raise their four boys. Yvonne worked for First Mid America 19 years. Her favorite job was caretaker to her mother, Crystal, and her son, Stephen. Her hobbies were gardening, and shooting pool at the Legacy. She loved softball and played until age 68.

Graveside Service: Tuesday, 3/26/2013, at 10 a.m., Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th. Please meet at the funeral home at 9:45 a.m. Memorial service will follow burial at 11 a.m., Southview Christian Church, 22 & South Street. Visitation: Monday, 3/25, 3-7 p.m., with family 5-7 p.m. Memorials to Southview Christian Church. Condolences may be left online at www.lincolnfh.com.

DHS Grad Vi Bures Passes At 90

Violet "Vi" (Bures) Brchan, age 90, passed away on March 20, 2013. She was born on Dec. 23, 1922 on a farm north of Dorchester to Frank and Marie (Mylnarik) Bures. 

She graduated from Dorchester High in 1941. Vi was united in marriage to Robert Brchan on Nov. 12, 1941 in Marysville, Kan. 

They resided on a farm near Pleasant Hill before moving to Lincoln in 1952. Vi worked as a cook at the old Cornhusker Hotel and at Phi Delta Theta fraternity on the UNL campus. 

She loved to crochet and play Bingo at the Legacy where she last resided as a charter member.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 23, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 So. 14th St. Visitation will be an hour prior to service at the funeral home. Memorials in care of the family for future designation. Condolences may be left online at www.lincolnfh.com.

More Historical Dorchester Items On The Web

When our grandparents were growing up in Dorchester, the saying used to be, "You'd be surprised what you can find when you take a stroll around the businesses on Main Street."  

Once again, we were surprised by what you can find when you take at stroll around the Internet for items from Dorchester. 

For example, we found this Dorchester real estate ID tag by F.G. Johnson Real Estate, dated 1908.  

Next, we came across this giclée print of an original map of Dorchester, as it appeared in 1880.  This giclée (French for “to spray”) shows the names of original Dorchester area land owners -- quite interesting.  We ordered one for our living rooms.

Finally, we found this wonderful postcard showing the Big Blue River near Dorchester circa 1907.  The postcard was sent by Dorchester's Mrs. C.H. Meacham to a resident in Fairmont.  We are always impressed to see just how mighty the Big Blue was during those pre-irrigation days.

These items and many others are out there.  We encourage to take a stroll on the Web for items uniquely Dorchester.

This Is Spring?

It's spring, but you wouldn't know it by stepping or peering outside.

Dorchester's high temperatures this time of year should be averaging around 57 degrees.  We are nearly 20 degrees colder than that, as today's forecast high is 39 degrees, with snow flurries throughout the day.  

Tomorrow, the day will bring temps no higher than 40 degrees, along with a small chance of very cold showers.  Saturday could bring between 2"-4" of snow, with a high of 39 degrees.

Dorchester and the surrounding area won't break 50 degrees until next Friday, March 29, according to the latest forecast.

See the Dorchester forecast by clicking here.

Local Racing Now Underway

Local auto racing fans know that the racing season is underway, as the Spring Nationals were held this past weekend at Beatrice Speedway. The classes included IMCA modifieds, with returning champion Bob Zoubek of Dorchester.

Beatrice Speedway will run regular competition on Friday nights, and the regular-season opener is April 26. Eagle Raceway opens April 19 with the Icebreaker races. Eagle has dropped the 360 sprint cars for the new Racesaver 305 sprints to help car owners save money and increase competition. Eagle will hold its regular-season opener April 27 and race on Saturdays throughout the summer. The Eagle Nationals are June 1, and the Rumble in the Bullring, with wingless sprint cars, is set for May 4. I-80 Speedway near Greenwood will open April 5-6 with the Spring Meltdown races. The annual Silver Dollar Nationals are July 18-20 and the Outlaws are due to race June 9. Junction Motor Speedway will open March 23-24 with March Mayhem, and start the regular season in April.

Funding Available To Help Promote Dorchester Area Tourism

Two grant applications are now available for Saline County organizations involved in tourism. Beginning this year, there are two separate funding options. Organizations may apply for monies to promote 2013 events from the marketing fund, and may also apply for improvement funds to maintain and enhance their sites.

Interested groups may pick up both applications at the Crete Chamber of Commerce office, 239 East 13th Street, the County Clerk’s Office, Saline County Courthouse, or at the Crete Super 8 Motel. Completed applications must be submitted to the Crete Chamber of Commerce office by 4 p.m. Monday April 15, either in person, or by mail. Award recipients will be notified of their grant awards by June 1; however monies will not be distributed until receipts are submitted to the committee.

There will be another round of marketing funds distributed in late fall. Applications for the second funding round will be available in late summer.

For more information about the two funds, the grant process and/or the duties of the Saline County Visitor’s Committee call Deb Polacek, Crete Chamber of Commerce (402) 826- 2136 or Lorine Mares at (402) 821- 2304.