DHS Girls Basketball Building On Already-Strong Foundation

Dorchester's Lady Longhorn basketball team is entering a new season with big expectations.

Last year, DHS went 13-9 last season. The Lady Longhorns want to improve on that foundation in the 2021-22 campaign.

Under now-veteran Coach Brandon Bruha, the Dorchester girls will rely on its freshman talent, which was shining not that long ago in elementary school YMCA ball. 

This young talent will need to step up immediately to ensure success on the court, insiders say.

The Lady Longhorns will tip off the new season at 6 p.m. this Thursday, Dec. 2 at Meridian. (Update 11/29: Game times have changed for the high school basketball games Thursday at Meridian. Boys varsity will start at 6 p.m.; girls varsity at 7:30 p.m.)

This year's schedule for the Orange and Black Attack:

Dec. 2 - @ Meridian   

Dec. 9 - @ Exeter-Miligan

Dec. 10 - BDS 

Dec. 14 - Harvard 

Dec. 16 - @ Osceola  

Dec. 21 - Cedar Bluffs

Dec. 30 - @ Lewiston

Jan. 4 - @ College View Academy 

Jan. 6 - @ Sterling

Jan. 11 - @ Friend 

Jan. 13 - East Butler 

Jan. 14 - High Plains Community   

Jan. 18 - @ Cross County 

Jan. 20 - Shelby-Rising City 

Jan. 22-28 - (To Be Determined) CRC Tournament @ York

Feb. 1 - @ Parkview Christian  

Feb. 3 - Nebraska Lutheran 

Feb. 4 - @ Giltner  

Feb. 8 - Hampton

Feb. 11 - McCool Junction

Feb. 14, 15, 17 - Subdistricts (Location TBD)

DHS Boys Basketball Team Will Showcase Young Guns

Those who say Dorchester's male student-athletes aren't hungry to compete have not met this season's Longhorn boys basketball team.

So can the Longhorns hang tough this year?

Our sources say yes, thanks to young players and emerging talent.

The freshmen and sophomores on this year's team will need to provide big-time leadership if the DHS squad is to improve on its 5-17 mark from last season.

The new season tips off this Thursday, Dec. 2 at Meridian. (The junior high school teams begin their seasons at home this Tuesday, Nov. 30 against Friend.)

Representing the Dorchester School and community this year will be 10 Longhorns, pictured above. (Photo is by Sharon Axline.)

Here's the schedule for the 2021-22 DHS boys basketball team:

Dec. 2 - @ Meridian   

Dec. 10 - BDS   

Dec. 14 - Harvard  

Dec. 16 - @ Osceola

Dec. 21 - Cedar Bluffs 

Dec. 30 - @ Lewiston  

Jan. 4 - @ College View Academy

Jan. 6 - @ Sterling

Jan. 11 - @ Friend 

Jan. 13 - East Butler  

Jan. 14 - High Plains Community 

Jan. 18 - @ Cross County 

Jan. 20 - Shelby-Rising City 

Jan. 22-28 - (To Be Determined) CRC Tournament @ York

Jan. 31 - College View Academy 

Feb. 3 - Nebraska Lutheran  

Feb. 4 - @ Giltner 

Feb. 8 - Hampton  

Feb. 11 - McCool Junction (Parents Night)

Feb. 18 - @ Exeter-Milligan 

Feb. 21, 22, 24 - Subdistricts (Location TBD)

Ed Kotas Passes At 79

Edward John Kotas, 79, of Western, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 25 at his home. He was born on December 30, 1941, to Edward and Marie (Novy) Kotas at the homestead in central Saline County, the youngest of five children. 

On August 9, 1969, Ed was united in marriage at Zion Lutheran Church to Linda Bartels. They were married for 52 years. From this union are two sons who they raised on the family farm. He was a lifelong farmer who grew crops for the cattle he raised, he did custom windrow and baling and did livestock trucking. In addition to farming, he sold feed off the farm under the name Kotas & Sons.  

Ed was a member of Dorchester American Legion, and a lifelong member of Saline Center Lodge 389. He was survived by his wife Linda, his two sons Greg (Amy) Kotas of Loup City and Darin (Cindy) Kotas of Western, Grandchildren Kelsey (Tate) Ziebart, Michelle, Katelyn, Kristin, Megan, and Amber Kotas, Jakob Piontkowski, April Rademacher, and Abbie Obermiller. Great-Grandkids Sawyer Obermiller and Tilly Ziebart. Sisters Shirley Znamenacek, Marlene Stehlik, and sister in laws Ardell (Richard) Endorf, Diane (Alan) Krupicka, and Arlene (Charlie) Filipi, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Saline Center. Casual attire is requested. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4 – 8 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. For the full obituary, click here.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester Actors, Athletes Honored; Win A Turkey/Ham

DHS One-Act Play Takes Home Honors: Congratulations to the talented DHS one-act play cast and crew (as well as coaches Hrdlicka and Jirsa) on their third place finish at Crossroads Conference play production. Six dedicated Dorchester actors received "outstanding acting" awards.

Accolades for DHS Athletes: Underclassman Baylor Behrens has earned honorable mention all-conference in volleyball, while the following DHS football players were recognized for their hard work on the gridiron: Garrett Tachovksy (first-team running back); Andy Drake (second-team QB); Marcos Gonzalez (second team running back and second team kicker); Ben Nohavec (second team defensive line); Jacob Cerny (second team defensive back); Jason Paz (honorable mention center); Brett Ladely (honorable mention end); and Jose Tellez (honorable mention defensive back).

Win a Turkey or Ham at the Legion: The Dorchester American Legion Hall is open every Monday evening, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., to the public for refreshments and food. But this Monday, Nov. 22, there's extra incentive to show up. Turkey Bingo will be on tap -- and winners can win a turkey or ham for the holiday feast. All ages welcome.

Dorchester Superintendent Recognized by Statewide Organization: Dorchester School Superintendent Daryl Schrunk was recognized recently at the Nebraska Association of School Administrators conference for his 20-year membership with the association. Mr. Schrunk has distinguished himself statewide as a recognized K-12 leader and we are proud to have his talent leading Dorchester's youth.

Time to Get Your COVID-19 Shot: For those who've held out on getting a COVID-19 shot, your wake-up call is here: "Time to get the damn shot." Is the shot 100% effective? Nope. But at this point, the evidence is overwhelming that more than 90% of those who die from this China-produced virus are unvaccinated. The unvaccinated (or those who don't have natural immunity from a COVID infection) have become a major strain on the health care system, while also prolonging the mask mandates that most of us hate. Ten months of data show unvaccinated individuals are nearly four times more likely to contract COVID, nearly 10 times more likely to be hospitalized, and nearly 14 times more likely to die. Hesitancy is fine; stupidity is not. Get the shot.

Acreage For Sale West Of Dorchester

Given the ongoing housing shortage in Dorchester, the Times staff wants to keep our readers aware of all opportunities to purchase a home in the Dorchester area and school district.

In the past 24 hours, we have spotted a nice acreage for sale west of Dorchester at the intersections of Highways 6 and 15. The actual address is 405 State Highway 15, Dorchester.

This beauty has lots of land (over three acres) and has highly-sought-after paved access.

The realtor says this about the property: "Three-acre property boasting a great location and intimate country feel. This lovely traditional two-story home reflects a family tradition of over 35 years with cherished memories of exquisite sunrises, sunrises, sunsets and school bus pick-ups. Now make this family tradition your family tradition. This early 20th century home has received the benefit of major remodeling bringing it into the modern era. However, this property is being sold in as is. This is a jewel you don't want to miss!"

For more details, click here.

'Pure Nebraska' Set To Spotlight Tabor Hall

Most readers are familiar with 10/11 News' "Pure Nebraska" -- a popular TV show that spotlights some of rural Nebraska's most unique and noteworthy attractions and residents. 

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Jon Vanderford and his wife Taryn, 10/11's Pure Nebraska airs at 9 a.m. weekdays and on Sundays at 7:30 a.m. Its segments can also be watched online.

This week, Vanderford was in the Dorchester area, filming an upcoming feature on Tabor Hall, just south of our village. 

It's still unknown when the segment will air, but readers can check the Pure Nebraska page frequently to watch for the Tabor Hall showcase.

Of course, this blog has for years called attention to Tabor Hall and its cultural and historical significance. Read our post on Tabor Hall's 105th anniversary right here.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Suspicious Activity In Rural Dorchester; Rezabek-Biar Honored

Rezabek-Biar Honored by State of Nebraska: Rural Dorchester's Rachel Rezabek-Biar has been recognized with the State of Nebraska's Excellence in Leadership Award for her work as assistant state treasurer/director of the NEST 529 College Savings Plans. A 1990 DHS graduate and longtime public servant, Rachel says, "I have been blessed to spend the majority of my career helping families save for education. I am grateful for those I have had the opportunity to work with and look forward to continuing our efforts in providing quality NEST 529 Savings Plans."

Suspicious Activity Reported Northeast of Dorchester: There are reports from area residents that around 5 p.m. Wednesday evening, Nov. 17, three suspicious individuals were spotted roughly two miles east of and 1.5 miles north of Dorchester, walking near the intersection of County Roads 1600 and D. The individuals made their way through a field, carrying backpacks. The Saline County Sheriff's Department was called to the area and conducted a search, but it's unknown if any illegal activity or the individuals were found. We've said it before and we'll say it again: These are strange times, regardless of whether you live in town or country. There is a segment of our society that holds no standards and wants more chaos and fewer norms and rules. Protect yourself and your family. (For those who aren't comfortable with firearms, we suggest the HERO® gun -- a non-lethal, self-defense product.)

City Slickers to Provide Meal to Needy Family: For Thanksgiving, Dorchester's City Slickers Restaurant will provide a Thanksgiving meal to a family in need, according to the establishment's social media account. If you know of a family in need of assistance, send City Slickers a private message via Facebook.

DHS One-Act Play Set For Saturday Night

It's time for dessert and drama at Dorchester High School.

The DHS one-act play will take place at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 20. 

The production, titled "Ten Ways to Survive the End of the World," sounds like a chapter from the COVID-19 era. The Times has been informed this will be a remarkable show that the students have worked hard to perfect.

Doors open 6:30 p.m. for dessert. (And there will be a wide variety of sweets for every sweet tooth.)

Admission is $5 per person.

Novak, Duchek, Parks Are Top Dorchester Names For Longevity

Today, we offer our readers one of our more unusual, morbidly fascinating stories we have ever published.

Updated data from the U.S. Census bureau show if your family name is Novak, Duchek or Parks -- and you live in the Dorchester area -- odds are good you will outlive your peers with other common surnames.

The data, compiled by the website city-data.com, show that among the most common names of deceased individuals who lived in Dorchester, those with the last name of Novak lived to an average age of 89.4 years.  

Not too far behind were those with the last name of Duchek, living to an average age of 88.2 years.  

Those with the surname of Parks came in third in Dorchester's longevity competition, passing at an average age of 87.7 years.

Also noteworthy were the Weber and Nerud families, both of whom are living to nearly 85 years on average.

Among the most common names of deceased individuals who had resided in Dorchester, those named Sehnert were at the bottom of the top ten list, living to an average of 73.7 years. The Stehliks came in at No. 9, living to an average of 76.1, while the Bruhas came in at No. 8, living to an average age of 78.4.

Other common names appearing on Dorchester's deceased list include Mariska (80.2 years) and Krivohlavek (83.7 years).

One final note: If your name is on the list, don't blame us; we're just the messenger.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Farmers Co-op Expanding Dorchester Headquarters (Again)

Farmers Cooperative Expands Dorchester Offices (Again): In 2014, Dorchester-based Farmers Cooperative -- one of Nebraska's (and the nation's) largest agribusinesses -- conducted a massive expansion of its office headquarters. Now the co-op's office footprint is expanding once again, this time growing to the north -- occupying the considerable space at 607 Franklin Ave. where a house stood up until a few years ago. The expansion -- along with the added silos and street paving in recent years -- shows the co-op's commitment to Dorchester, while adding to the village's property tax base.

Saline County a Leader in COVID-19 Vax Rate: At last check, 88% of our area residents who are 65 and older have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. According to Public Health Solutions -- the public health office that serves Saline, Fillmore, Thayer, Jefferson and Gage counties -- only Lancaster and Douglas counties boast a higher vaccination rate. Meanwhile, our area's vaccination rates are 61% for those ages 50-64; 50% for those 30-49; and 35% for those 16-29.

County's COVID-19 Cases Remain High: Saline County is still seeing a high rate of COVID-19 transmission, according to the CDC. Over the past week, the county has seen 38 cases, equally a case rate of 267 per 100,000 people (the standard for comparing counties nationally). The case rate is supposed to be around 50 before it's considered low risk for transmission.

New Tower Should Improve Dorchester's Cell Phone Coverage: Verizon and other communication service customers in Dorchester suffer from spotty (at best) cell service. But that reception may be improved soon. Late last month, the Dorchester Planning Commission (Justin Sand, Faith Nerud, John Yeackley, Nancy Tellez, and Brent Zoubek) recommended that the Dorchester village board approve a conditional use permit for a new wireless telecommunications tower that would serve the community and surrounding area. We are keeping our fingers crossed!

Squirrel Causes Dorchester Blackout: According to an email sent to the Times, a squirrel met it's match when it stepped on an electrical transformer last Sunday, Nov. 7. (For the sake of our audience, we are not publishing the photo of the squirrel's remains. Yes, that was also emailed to us.) The critter's misfortune left residents in the west side of the community without power for a while. But electricity crews from the City of Crete, which provides utility service to the Village of Dorchester, made their way quickly down Highway 33 to restore the flow of electrons.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Foundation's New Project, Veterans' Day Program

Foundation Will Raise Funds for Covered Bleachers: As previously reported, the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund is hosting a fundraiser dinner on Saturday, Nov. 13. (Get the details here.) According to information on the Foundation's social media, funds raised by the organization will be used to purchase news covered bleachers for Dorchester's ball fields. Since the removal of the wooden grandstand overlooking the baseball diamond at Nerud field in the early 1980s, Dorchester has had to share the same bleachers for football and baseball games -- moving them every season. This is a great new project and should be enthusiastically supported by community members.

Village Board Has Open Seat: The Village of Dorchester is in search of a civic-minded public servant who wants to help lead the community. Due to the departure of a town resident who is moving to the countryside, a vacancy exists on the village board. Any town resident who is a qualified registered voter may apply to fill the remaining three-year term, which ends Dec. 2, 2024. (The new board member will need to be approved by the full village board.) If you are interested, drop off or mail a letter and resume to the Village Clerk, 701 Washington Ave., PO Box 287, Dorchester, NE 68343.

Veterans' Day Program at Dorchester School: Dorchester Public School will host a community Veterans' Day programs on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. in the main gym. Breakfast will be served for all local veterans and their spouse. The program will begin at 10 a.m.

Wrestling Volunteers Needed for Nov. 16: Dorchester's annual junior high wrestling tournament will be Tuesday, Nov. 16. Experienced volunteers are needed to help with scoring and to get the wrestlers to the right place before their matches. Call 402-946-2781 if you're willing to help.

Dorchester UMC Spaghetti Feed, Nov. 14

On Sunday, Nov. 14 at the Dorchester United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women (UMW) will host an autumn spaghetti feed. Serving begins at 11 a.m. -- and everyone is invited!

This is a free-will offering!

On the day's menu will be the following: Homemade meat sauce, meatless sauce and Alfredo sauce (gluten-free pasta will also be available), and relishes.

Also, there will be cupcakes for dessert

Attendees may dine in person or utilize the drive-up service. The UMW volunteers will take call-in orders from Wednesday, Nov. 10 through Saturday, Nov. 13 (by 3 p.m.). Call Rhonda at 402-910-1186.

Support this good cause.

Dorchester Leader Tom Cerny Passes At 63

Longtime Dorchester leader Tom Cerny has passed away at age 63 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Cerny served our community as a well-liked, respected member of the town board. He also led the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department and was a key figure of the Dorchester American Legion.

Cerny moved to Lincoln in 2019 due to the need to be near his health care providers. 

His obituary follows:

Thomas William Cerny, 63, of Lincoln, formerly Dorchester, passed away on October 26 at home. He was born on July 14, 1958 in Albion, Nebraska to Stanley and Marie Cerny and grew up in Fremont. He married Janet L. Christensen on July 31, 1976.  

During his lifetime, Thomas lived in Nurnberg Germany, Fort Riley, Kansas, Dorchester, and Lincoln. He served his country for over 38 years in the military and earned his rank as chief warrant officer 5. His memberships include the American Legion, lifetime member of the VFW and DAV, Dorchester Foundation member, past Fire chief of the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department.   

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, step-father: Otto Brazda, sisters: Marie Matson and Jane Francis, brothers: Stanley Jr. and Michael. 

He is survived by his wife of 45 years:  Janet (Christensen) Cerny, sons: Bret Allen (Amanda Heusinkvelt), Shane Michael (Suzi Werts).  Grandsons: Ethan James Bowlin, Colton Trace Cerny, Carter Allen Cerny, Blake Daniel Cerny, granddaughter:  Aubrie Grace Cerny.  Sister: Patricia A. (Randy) Johnson.  Sister in law: Elaine (Michael) Hickey. Brothers: John Charles (Julie) Cerny, Bernard James (Kay) Cerny, Steven Anthony (Cathy) Cerny, Daniel Patrick (Carol) Cerny. Brother-in-law: Warren (Rose Marie) Matson. Numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and his military family.  

Visitation will be on Monday, Nov. 1 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Dorchester United Methodist Church. Memorials have been designated to the following: American Legion Post 264, VFW Post 10648, DAV Post 7, the Dorchester Foundation, and Dorchester United Methodist Church.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. 

Surveys Show It's Time For Rural America To Capitalize On Current Trends

An interesting piece recently ran at the International Business Times. It points out that since the 1950s, Americans living in rural counties have had a higher rate of poverty than those living in and around large cities. 

"Poverty in rural America was then exacerbated in the 1970s as big box stores moved in, often leading to the shuttering of once-thriving local retail businesses," the article notes. Making matters worse was China being granted entrance into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the 1990s by then-President Bill Clinton -- a move that eventually killed manufacturing jobs in many in small towns and rural areas.

That was then. This is now.

After more than 70 years of being shunned, rural America is now cherished once again as people are moving to rural areas in ever-increasing numbers. While this trend was emerging even before the pandemic, the urban riots, government-imposed lockdowns, and violent crime that exploded in 2020 (and has continued in most cities) has accelerated the rural movement.

Large corporations seem, for now, bent on continued investment in urban America. But we question how much longer that can last.

According to Paulsen, a Sioux Falls-based marketing agency, more Americans want the sense of community, affordability, and the values found in rural areas. A survey conducted by Paulsen shows that when telecommuting is an option, two-thirds of Americans say that they would consider moving to a rural home or a subdivision.

The Paulsen survey also interviewed those who had already recently moved to a rural area. The top reasons those folks gave for leaving large cities included the desire for: more land or space; fewer people; more home for less money; a safe environment with clean air and water; lower cost of living; no traffic; a different culture; and living in a place with different political affiliation. 

This moment brings a tremendous opportunity for Dorchester and other rural towns. But to capitalize on the current trends, our community must ensure the following for residents (and future residents):

• A reliable internet connection. (This is one of the biggest issues that some folks have with the rural migration.) 
  
  
• Welcoming community organizations and activities. (Groups need to actively reach out and invite new/existing residents to join and participate, not just expect them to show up.)
  
  
• Employment opportunities. (These need to be publicized.)
  
  
• Access to retail and shopping locations. (Dorchester has a geographical advantage.)

More than any other time, Americans feel they have mobility -- the freedom to live where they want. When the history books discuss the COVID-19 era, we predict the major theme will be the rapid decline of major cities and the simultaneous revitalization of rural areas.

To make the most of this moment, Dorchester must be ready.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Volleyball Ready for Sub-Districts

DHS Volleyball Prepares for Sub-Districts: The young DHS volleyball team, now 6-19 on the season, is ready to compete in Class D1 sub-district play. The Lady Longhorns, who have won their last three of five contests, will travel to Heartland Community School on Monday and Tuesday, Oct 25 and 26, to face McCool Junction (4-22) and the winner of the Harvard vs. Heartland match. Root for the Orange and Black Attack!

Longhorns Conclude 2021 Football Season: The DHS football team concluded its season on Friday, Oct. 22 with a 54-15 loss to McCool Junction (also known as the "York annex"). Dorchester, hampered by the loss of three standout starters before the season even began, went 1-7. DHS is expected to bounce back next year, which will mark the fifth campaign of the modern era in DHS six-man football.

DHS One-Act Play Set for Nov. 20: "Ten Ways to Survive the End of the World." Sounds like a chapter from the COVID-19 era. Actually, it's the name of the production to be presented next month by the Dorchester one-act team. Stay tuned for details regarding this "dessert and drama" event, set for Saturday, Nov. 20. Meanwhile, the junior high play will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Here's Why Every Employer Should Have a Firearm: Tragedy struck Superior, Neb. yesterday when an evil nutcase killed two at the Agrex grain elevator with a handgun, and injured a third person. The killer -- who had been fired from the elevator earlier in the day -- was shot dead by a fellow employee who retrieved a shotgun from an office, thereby avoiding an even bigger nightmare. There's no way to keep guns (or knives or axes or swords or bombs) from evil or insane individuals; the only sensible solution is to ensure the innocent have means to defend themselves. This should be an obligation for employers across America.

OUR VIEW: Inflation Is Soaring! Thank Joe Biden and Jane Kleeb

Inflation is running hotter that it has in 30 years. While this is happening for many reasons -- federal money printing, government giveaways, lack of American workers, unprecedented supply shortages -- the most obvious factor is the price of energy.

Of course, this all started on Day 1 of the Biden administration, when the president declared war on U.S.-produced fossil fuels and rural economies that depend on energy production and transportation, like Dorchester's.

In the nine months since Old Joe first sat in his Oval Office recliner, gasoline prices here have spiked from $2.29 a gallon to around $3.10 today. And you haven't seen anything yet.

Never mind that Biden has had bigger issues to worry about -- problems like fighting COVID-19, fixing a broken southern border, not letting the Taliban regaining Afghanistan, curtailing China and North Korea and Iran, stopping cyberattacks on the nation's infrastructure. 

Forget that, he said. Let's screw up the one thing we have going for us right now: American energy independence.

The sad thing is, Joe Biden had help right here in Nebraska.

East Coast-transplant, far-left activist and lobbyist Jane Kleeb helped lead this charge to destroy American energy independence and U.S. jobs. (Yes, that's her full-time job -- and she's proud of it.) Despite the disaster she has helped create for Americans who need affordable energy, Kleeb is worshipped by the news media, even as she wears and uses fossil fuels every day and every hour. She's the essence of "American hypocrite."

Next time you're filling up -- trying to get to work or shuttle your family -- think about Joe Biden and Jane Kleeb. And be sure to mutter a few kind thoughts under your breath.