Looking Back: Dorchester's Racing Pioneers

Several years ago, a loyal Times' reader e-mail us with the following: "A recent visitor at the Saline County Museum, seeking information on memories of childhood visits with his Dorchester relatives, asked about the famous Dorchester race car from the 1930s."

The car, as he remembered it, was built and raced by Henry "Heinie" Sehnert, Dorchester's longtime Ford dealer, garage owner, and mechanic. 

We're told the retired car "hung from the rafters of Sehnert's Garage at 8th and Washington for many years." This particular Times reader, "History Buff," as well as the visitor at the Saline County Museum wanted to know the rest of the story.

Where was the car raced? 

Was it a winner? 

Does anyone have a photo? 

What became of the car?  

Pictured in this story is Heinie Sehnert and his race car. Today, in 2022, the car is showcased in the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, sponsored by Speedway Motors. 

Sehnert's S7 Race Car was built in 1927 in Sehnert's South Side Garage -- which today is known as the yellow building on main street just north of the car wash. The S-7 had Ford Model T frame rails with a Frontenac overhead valve conversion on a Ford Model T engine, all re-engineered and built by Heinie.

Pictured above is Heinie at his South Side Garage, which operated from 1925 until late 1930, when Sehnert purchased the building at the corner of 8th and Washington Avenue to expand his Ford dealership. (The South Side Garage building would later house Floyd Beck's John Deere dealership, a roller skate rink, and Wanek's furniture warehouse.) Sehnert's dealership and garage were in operation until 1974, when Sehnert retired, according to the Dorchester Centennial history book.

The car itself was actually raced by a young man named Chris Petersen. Petersen would eventually go on to make a sizable fortune at his father's Petersen Manufacturing facility in Dewitt, where the Vise-Grip was produced and patented. Petersen drove the S7 car in a successful racing career at several area tracks. 

Both the engine and the body of the car are reunited at the museum of American Speed. This was a true barn find, according to the museum's social media accounts.  

The curators of the Speed Museum decided to not restore the S7, but to leave it in its natural state. 

For the record, the Saline County Museum visitor who inquired about the car was Wayne Panter of Lubbock, Texas. His Dorchester relatives were John Panter (Dorchester's first real estate agent in 1884-1885); Dr. S. G. Panter (Dorchester's medical doctor from 1909-1933); and Dr. R.G. Panter (Dorchester's pharmacist from 1888-1911).

Dorchester Foundation's Windsor Loin, Hamburger Feed, Nov. 15

It's a highlight of Dorchester's end-of-harvest season.

The Dorchester Community Foundation will host its Windsor loin and hamburger feed Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Dorchester American Legion Hall and Community Building. 

The feed will take place from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

Most will choose to dine in, but take-out will be available by calling (402) 641-7050 or (402) 641-0564.

Those who have been to the Foundation dinners know these are some of the best small-town foodie events anywhere in the Midwest. Best of all, the goodies are served in a friendly, welcoming environment.

Diners can choose a healthy-sized Windsor loin or an Angus burger/cheeseburger. Sides include scalloped potatoes, pork and beans, coleslaw, roll and drink.

This is a free-will offering, so give what you can. Proceeds will go to improvement projects in Dorchester.

Come out, get a great meal, meet up with friends, and support Dorchester.

Dorchester American Legion's Busy November

November is a busy month for Dorchester's American Legion Post 264. Here's a rundown of everything taking place. If we have forgotten something, let us know in the comments section of this article.

Veterans Day: This Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m., the Dorchester Legion and Dorchester Public School will host the community's Veterans Day program in the school gym. There will be breakfast and coffee available in the cafeteria. All veterans are welcome to stay for a free school lunch after the program. If you plan on staying for lunch, contact the school office (402-946-2781) so staff can ensure there is enough food. Then, beginning at 5 p.m., the Legion building will open. At 6 p.m., hamburgers and fries or chips will be served as part of a free-will donation dinner. Vets and active-duty service members eat for free. Those who wish to bring a side dish or dessert should know it would be appreciated, according to the Legion's social media account. 

Nov. 22 Fundraiser Breakfast: On Saturday, Nov. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Legion will host a fundraiser breakfast with pancakes, eggs, bacon, and much more. Hosted by the Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Auxiliary and Junior Auxiliary -- with bacon and sausage donated by Smithfield -- this is sure to be a popular event. Funds will go towards a $2,500 sound system for Legion events, such as the Memorial Day services at the cemeteries.

Fundraising Campaign for New Sound System: As noted in this social media post, the Dorchester Legion is raising money for a better sound system -- and "instead of borrowing Troy Novak’s all the time." The new sound system will be used during Memorial Day ceremonies, activities at the Legion building, flag ceremonies, and other activities. Donations can be dropped off at the Legion. Staff says: Any help is appreciated. If you would like to donate, email Greg or Lori at legion264ne@yahoo.com.

OUR VIEW: Is Crete's LB 840 Money Being Misused?

Are Crete's economic development funds — which come directly from taxpayers — being misused for political purposes?

That's the question after The Crete News this week published a photo of political candidate Dan Osborn’s recent visit to Crete’s The 1206 banquet hall.

In case you’re not familiar, Osborn is the so-called “blue-collar guy” who gave U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) a run for her money in 2024. 

Critics say Osborn, a former labor union leader who is running for U.S. Senate again, is a “Democrat in disguise.” Osborn has received huge amounts of money from national Democrat-aligned groups, including $3.8 million from Senate Democrats last year.

But forget partisan politics. Instead, focus on politics and the use of public funds.

Normally, Osborn’s Oct. 19 visit to The 1206, which has proclaimed its LGBTQ+ pride, would hardly be noteworthy. After all, the building and business are privately owned — and owners of private businesses and private property are free to conduct any legal event or activity they wish.

But what happens when a private business has been given a large sum of taxpayer funding?

Our research shows The 1206 LLC received significant LB 840 funding from the City of Crete in recent years.

• In March 2021, the city issued a $24,500 non-interest bearing, forgivable loan to The 1206.

• In April 2023, city leaders voted to grant the owners of The 1206 $24,876 for the marquee on the front of the building. Yes, that is the same marquee that touted Osborn's visit earlier this month.

Remember, Nebraska's LB 840 program allows municipalities to collect and appropriate local tax dollars — including sales and/or property tax revenues — and redistribute those dollars for economic development purposes.

While it’s unlikely any rules were broken by the owners of The 1206, our question is more about the ethics of using a building renovated with nearly $50,000 in taxpayer help — including from conservative taxpayers — to further Osborn's political ambitions.

LB 840 funding can probably be justified in communities the size of Crete, even if it looks bad when city leaders pick winners and losers among small businesses. But sending taxpayer money to private enterprises becomes harder to justify when projects are used to politically snub so many taxpayers.

Pulled Pork BBQ Set For This Sunday, Nov. 2

It's autumn. That means it's time for a tasty annual tradition in Dorchester.

Everyone is invited to the Dorchester United Methodist Church’s annual pulled pork BBQ set for this Sunday, Nov. 2.

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. 

Lunch will feature pulled pork sandwiches along with homemade coleslaw, scalloped potatoes, pork and beans, and desserts. 

This is a free-will offering.

You can eat inside the church and catch up with friends and family. Or drive up for to-go orders.

All Times' readers are encouraged to enjoy this community activity.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Block by Block, Dorchester Is Adding More Paved Streets

More Street Paving Underway: For anyone who hasn't driving through Main Street Dorchester in recent weeks, the signs of street paving are everywhere -- or at least on 6th, 8th, 10th, and 11th Streets east of Washington Ave. The paving is part of the village's long-term street improvement plan and follows last year's resurfacing of main street -- marking the first resurfacing in three decades -- and paving of the streets surrounding the city park and water park. Stay tuned for more paving in the near future.

DHS Volleyball Concludes Regular Season: The Dorchester Lady Longhorns have wrapped up the regular season, finishing 12-16 as post-season play begins. The Orange and Black Attack faced stiff competition in the home stretch of their season, taking on teams like Osceola (21-8), BDS (19-10), and Cross County (23-8). DHS lost nine of their last 12 contests, including three of four at the CRC Tournament in York. The Lady Longhorns now prepare for sub-districts at Shickley where they take on Nebraska Lutheran (10-18) on Monday, Oct. 27, at 4:30 p.m. Winner goes on, while the season ends for the loser.

DHS Football Ends Season At 2-6: The Dorchester High School football team has wrapped up another year on the gridiron. The Longhorns fell to Meridian 21-47 on a cool, raining Friday evening, Oct. 24, at Nerud Field. With a 2-6 record, DHS can look to the future with a talent crop of young players coming up through the ranks. This year's Dorchester Junior High football team went undefeated.

Dorchester's World Series Connection: Dorchester has strong family ties to this year's World Series. One of the star pitchers for the Toronto Bluejays, Kevin Gausman, traces his family roots back to Dorchester. His grandfather, Clarence, and father, Clair, were both athletes at Dorchester. Kevin Gausman has previously played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round (fourth overall) in 2012 after playing for Louisiana State University. He has pitched in the majors for more than a dozen years. See our 2014 story on Kevin's Dorchester connection.

Dorchester's John Potter Passes At Age 90

John Paul Potter was born on June 23, 1935, at the Warren Memorial Hospital in
Friend, Nebraska to J. Owen and Eleanor (Asmus) Potter. The oldest of three siblings, he and his brother David spent many days adventuring around Turkey Creek and the Potter farm, south of Dorchester.

John graduated from Dorchester High School and attended Doane College for a short time.  He married Betty Ann Bosak in the Dorchester Methodist Church on September 7, 1957. He was drafted to the Army and stationed in Germany, where Betty joined him during his service. He was drafted November 25, 1958, and was honorably discharged February 17, 1961.

John and Betty made their home in Dorchester, Nebraska. John worked at the Dorchester Co-Op Elevator.  In September 1965, they welcomed a daughter, Cara to their home. In August 1967, a son, John David was born. The family moved to David City, where they made their home for more than 20 years. 

John spent his professional life owning or working for agricultural chemical and equipment companies. This brought travel to many local coffee shops and elevators across Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.  In 2000, he and Betty moved from Missouri to the family farm south of Dorchester.  There, he enjoyed gardening – garlic specifically, and he was the host of many popular “garlic festivals” held at the farm.  John was a gifted woodworker, making many items for the Church auction, and in the years after Betty passed, he became a vineyard manager, growing cold-hearty grapes on the farm.  He hired numerous local youth organizations and school groups to help harvest, and the grapes were made to wine and sold under the Pour House label in Friend.  

John renewed his friendship with Chere Williams and together they spent eighteen years as companions, taking various trips, visiting family, making trips to Costco and embarking on joint projects at their home in Friend. He maintained his love of making wine and baking bread until the last years of his life.  Sharing wine and bread with those he loved brought him great joy.

Family helped celebrate John’s 90th birthday with a wine toast. He was able to make his final “toddy time” toast with his daughter to celebrate her 60th. John passed away a month later October 17, 2025, in hospice care at Tabitha Elizabeth House in Lincoln, Nebraska. He had been fighting metastatic lung cancer like the determined man he’d always been.  

John was a man of strong opinions and faith. He had some who loved him, many friends and a few that tolerated him on occasion. That mix was just fine for him, and he lived 90 years happily and with a zest for life. In his later years, that opinion softened and spirited discussion and political debate melted to stories of happy times, things he was grateful for and expression of love to those close to him. He found joy in watching the neighbor’s kids, love in all pets, even a squirrel he named Peanut, and deep appreciation for his family and friends.

John was cremated and will be laid to rest next to his wife Betty, in Dorchester. He is survived by his “Lady” Chere Williams, daughter Carey and partner Dan VonMoos, son Jack, grandchildren, Joe, Kait and Jake, his “Seester” Ann Phipps, in-laws Larry and Jean Bosak and his favorite cousin Pat Rhoads; many nieces, a nephew, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother and father and mother in-law Frank and Clara Bosak. There will be no public services.