In Search of Funding for Community Improvement Projects

Since the very first days this publication, our readers have suggested many ideas for community improvement projects. Regardless of the need or feasibility of these proposals, however, critics often counter by mentioning the challenge of funding these projects.

Whether it is paving the streets or addressing the water infrastructure, the common question asked is: where is the money going to come from? We thought we would work to uncover a few sources.

According to NEBRASKA DEVELOPMENT NEWS, a monthly newsletter published by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), communities can find funding for community development activities through the Community Development Assistance Act (CDAA). The CDAA provides a 40 percent state tax credit to individuals, businesses, financial institutions and other entities that make eligible contributions of cash, services, or materials to approved community betterment projects.

A 40 percent tax credit is nothing to sneeze at. Applicants must be a village or other local government, or a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization. The area to be served by the project must be designated by DED as an area of economic distress.

Another source of funding is the Nebraska Lied Main Street program, which provides smaller Nebraska communities with resources to help revitalize their main street districts through economic development and historic preservation. New communities are selected on a competitive application process. Nearby towns that have benefited from the program include Geneva.

While the CDAA and Main Street programs are neither silver bullet solutions nor are they easy to obtain, we think Dorchester leaders should consider both as potential pieces of the puzzle when it comes to funding sources.

Group Supporting New School Project Meets Tonight

The Times has learned that a group of District No. 44 patrons supporting the proposed new school construction project will meet tonight, July 30, in the school library at 7:30 p.m. The meeting is open to all district patrons interested in helping with the promotion of the proposed project and educating fellow voters.

According to information provided to the Times, the group met for the first time last Thursday night to discuss ways disseminating information to other district voters. Alan Eveland of Ameritas Investment Corp., which was selected by the school board to be the bonding agent, gave a presentation to the group. Afterwards, the formation of committees within the organization was initiated.

Ameritas will help direct the effort in bringing information to the voters, according to information provided to the Times. Also present for questioning at the Thursday meeting were representatives from Ayars and Ayars Construction and Architecture.

Those interested in joining the group or assisting with its educational efforts are asked to call co-chairs Kelly Feeken (946-4501) or Donna Havlat (826-5449).

Still-Standing Stone Houses Were Part Of Area's Settlement

Take a drive in the countryside south of Dorchester and it is likely you will spot an old stone house or two, still standing as proudly today as they did a century ago. These structures played a role in the permanent settlement of the Dorchester and Pleasant Hill area.

When the first European settlers came to Saline County in the 1850s and 1860s, lumber had to be brought from Nebraska City -- a trip that could take several weeks. So to build a home, early residents had two alternatives: dugouts or stone houses.

Fortunately for our pioneer ancestors, a vein of limestone ran near Pleasant Hill and Turkey Creek. Quarries and lime kilns could be found throughout the Pleasant Hill precinct, according to the Dorchester Centennial history publication. Some of these quarries, including the one at the present-day Joe Kubicek farm, operated until the mid-twentieth century, when they ceased to be financially viable.

The Sukraw house, Brown house, Pisar house and barn, Freude house and See house were prime examples of this early architecture, which was as practical as it was sturdy.

A map of the stone home locations can be found on page 198 of the Dorchester Centennial history book. We encourage Times readers to explore the living history and heritage of their home area. (Editors Note: Please respect the rights of private property owners and do not trespass. Get permission if you wish to see one of these structures up close.)

Dorchester 12 & Under Baseball Team Takes Third

We are pleased to learn that the Dorchester American League baseball team (ages 12 and under) recently took third place in the season-concluding tournament held in Geneva.

Dorchester claimed one of the league's most explosive lineups. Under the guidance of coaches Brian Prybl and Joe Kaspar, the team scored more than 40 runs in three games.

Our congratulations go to Dorchester's American Leaguers and their coaches on their strong finish this season.

Fire Dept. Collecting Old Cell Phones, Offering EMT Classes

The Times has learned that the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department is collecting older cell phones that are currently not receiving service. The cell phone collection is serving as a "mini fundraiser" for the department.

If you have one or more older cell phones that aren't being used, please donate them to the DVFD. Drop boxes are located at the Saline State Bank, the village office, and R-Lounge. Other drop boxes can be found at the Crete Medical Clinic and Grace United Methodist Church in Crete. Cords and chargers are not wanted.

Also, those interested in taking emergency medical technician (EMT) classes should sign up now at the village office. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, but are not required to be associated with a fire department.

The course will consist of two evenings and some Saturdays, over a three to four month period. No specific dates have been set; however, the EMT course will likely begin in late August or early September. The class requires at least nine to be enrolled.

Scenes From Vacation Bible School 2007

Last week, the Dorchester Methodist Church held its annual Vacation Bible School (VBS), a longstanding tradition and a key part of the Methodist Church's 125-year history in Dorchester. We appreciate that the church and its congregation have always afforded all Dorchester area children, regardless of their family's church membership, the chance to participate in this week of worship and fun.

We also want to take a moment to reflect that the church must continue to play an integral role in the future of our town.

According to “The Centennial History of Dorchester,” religion played a vital role in the lives of the people who settled the Dorchester area -- which at one time also had churches of the Baptist, United Brethren, Christian, and Congregational denominations. In the earliest days of Dorchester, religion “not only offered some comfort and hope against the hardships of pioneer life, but it also served the purpose of uniting the people."

We believe this is still true in 2007. That is why we especially appreciate the efforts of Lori Vyhnalek, who sent us these pictures of last week's VBS. We hope Dorchester Times readers enjoy them as much as we did. (Editors' note: Readers may click on each picture to get a better view.)

Crime Stoppers Seeking Thief Who Stole Dorchester ATV

The Saline County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into a stolen Honda ATV four-wheeler stolen in Dorchester during the early morning hours of July 8.

Unknown suspects took the ATV from the 700 block of Washington Street. Anyone with information about this or has information about any other criminal activity is urged to call Saline County Crime Stoppers. The toll-free number is 1-800-345-3361. Any information that leads to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward and you can remain anonymous.

Let's send a clear message that Dorchester will not tolerate crime or criminals in our community.