NEWS BRIEFS: DHS Takes State's Top Journalism Award

• DHS Takes Top Honors In Yearbook Contest: The Nebraska High School Press Association has announced that Dorchester High School is the Class D winner of the 2009 Cornhusker Awards, the association's highest honor for high school yearbooks and newspapers. DHS and Bertrand shared the Class D honor, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

• Zemunski Gets Degree: Kaplan University's Lincoln campus held a graduation ceremony recently for 120 students. Receiving her bachelor of science degree was Tonya Zemunski of Dorchester.

• Are Nebraska High School Athletes Losing A Step?: A link sent to us by read "CJ" asserts that Nebraska high school football players aren't what they used to be. According to a story posted on MyHitNews.com, Nebraka's high school class of 2009 had nine players that received Division 1A offers, but only seven signed on the dotted line. Only two Nebraskans in the 2009 class found their way to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln on a scholarship -- and the Nebraska ‘09 walk-on class was pretty small too. The blog asks: "What does this all say about the state of Nebraska high school football; its relationship with the current Husker staff; and the future ramifications of it all?"

Joe's Place Announces New Kitchen Hours

Joe's Place Bar & Grill in Dorchester has announced its kitchen winter hours.

Joe's Place kitchen will now be open Sundays through Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, Joe's kitchen will be open 5:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., according to an e-mail sent by Joe's co-owner Sherri Jones-Parks.

Jones-Parks also reports that "Hot Wing Thursdays" begin tonight (Nov. 5) with buckets and a half-dozen beers for $11.

Also, Joe's will be featuring specials every weekend in the near future. "We are also going to try to have Karaoke once a month if we get enough interest," Jones-Parks wrote. For more information, call Joe's Place at (402) 946-2171.

A Glimpse At Future Health Care In Saline County?

A local Saline County doctor has sent the Dorchester Times this link on federal health care reform initiatives.

In the physician's e-mail to the Times, he said this story, conducted by ABC News, provides "a glimpse at what future health care may look like in our area should Congress pass health care legislation now being debated on Capitol Hill."

The Times typically reserves its space for local issues. However, due to the impact that Washington, D.C. has on the lives of our fellow citizens, and the fact this was sent to us by a local health care provider, we decided to post this important story. Click here.

OPEN FORUM: November 2009

New month, new open forum for Times readers.

Here is your chance to say something, report breaking news or ask a question -- on any issue. Any topic is fair game, although the Times' comment policy still applies. (Please see the bottom of the left-hand column.)

The Times' Web site averages more than 300 page views a day, according to an independent tracking service. That means the Times is the perfect forum to air your thoughts, news tips, announcements, complaints and concerns.

So go ahead and sound off. We are listening.

Property Cleanup Successful In Small Nebraska Town

Reader "90s Grad" reports on a successful cleanup program down the road on Highway 6 in southwest Nebraska. "Perhaps we in Dorchester can take a page from Wauneta (pop. 625) and model a program after their property improvement program," writes "90s Grad."

According to a report in The Wauneta Breeze, "significant strides have been made in cleaning up neglected and aging properties around Wauneta, and more improvements are in the works." Village Superintendent Bill Bischoff and board members "expressed their appreciation for property owners taking steps to help improve the community."

The Breeze also reports, "While a formal announcement is still pending from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, village board members received word that the request for $315,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds has been OK'd for owner-occupied housing upgrades and improvements in Wauneta."

Reader "90s Grad" wrote: "Why can't we in Dorchester be more pro-active in seeking grants for simple, realistic ideas like clean-up of neglected or abandoned properties? Would any board members pledge to insure that we do a better job of seeking such opportunities? I still think a town hall meeting at the community hall on this issue would be worthwhile."

Water Issue Generates Commentary, Questions

Our Oct. 26 post regarding drinking water issues has generated much conversation.

Reader Kelly Brummett reported that "all Dorchester residents need to vigorously boil all drinking and cooking water until further notice or use an alternate source." She also noted "there are contaminants in the water."

Many readers have been disappointed in the Village and this publication for not doing a better job in alerting residents. Others suggest new water policy. See the latest commentary on the water subject by clicking here.

Joe's Place Plans Halloween Party

Need something to do this Halloween? If you're too old for trick-or-treating, Dorchester's main street is the place to be tomorrow night.

Joe's Place in Dorchester is planning a "spooktacular" Halloween Party on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The party will be complete with a costume party and drink specials.

For more information, call Joe's Place at (402) 946-2171.

So find the perfect constume and plan on spending All Hallows Eve in Dorchester!

And as you're preparing for the party, find out what others are saying about Dorchester's supposedly haunted sites.

See you at Joe's Place this All Hallows' Eve.

Dorchester Cemetery Is Part Of Gravestone Project Archives

An anonymous reader has sent us the following report:

Dorchester Times readers should all know about the Nebraska Gravestone Photo Project. The mission of this project is to capture digital images of gravestones of our ancestors.

As decades pass, many stones are becoming harder, if not impossible, to read the inscriptions they originally contained. By archiving the images, we can help save these important records and also assist researchers using this valuable resource.

Nebraska Gravestone Photo Project has surpassed the 103,000 gravestone photographs. We are currently seeking volunteers to help take and upload photos for many counties across Nebraska. If you have an interest in volunteering for this rewarding part-time activity please contact the project's state administrator.

To see the Dorchester Cemetery archive at the Nebraska Gravestone Photo Project, click here.

NEWS BRIEFS: Residents Warned To Boil Water For Consumption

• Report: Boil Your Water: Kelly Brummett reports that "all Dorchester residents need to vigorously boil all drinking and cooking water until further notice, or use an alternate source." She notes "there are contaminants in the water." This warning "is posted on the marque and there is a notice posted in the post office." Call the Village Office for more information at (402) 946-3201.

• Ducks Unlimited Banquet Next Week: On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Saline County Ducks Unlimited will hold its annual banquet at 6 p.m., at the Saline County Fairgrounds, Ag Hall, in Crete. Contact: Robert, (402) 826-9052 or kf51110@alltel.net.

• Importance Of Small Town Grocery Stores: DHS alumnus Mike Feeken sent us an story from the Boomtown Institute on the importance of hometown grocery stores. "Rural grocery stores are small businesses, providing jobs and generating tax revenue that support the community. Without a local store, the payroll and tax revenue that our food purchases generate go elsewhere. ... Similar to a school, post office, restaurant and churches, a grocery store makes a community a more attractive place to live. Grocery stores can also be social places where you run into neighbors in the produce aisle, introduce yourself to someone new in town, or catch up on local news with the cashier. Without a local grocery store, residents miss out on these benefits." The story notes several models used by communities around the nation to keep their local grocery store. See the story by clicking here.

Saline County Farms See Drop In Ave. Size, Subsidies

The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) has just launched the results of its 2007 census of agriculture. Some of its findings may surprise you.

According to a USDA release, Saline County lost 26 farms from 2002 to 2007, a loss of 4%. The county's average farm size actually fell from 474 acres to 425 acres, a notable shift from recent trends.

About 200 Saline County farms are in the "50-179 acre" category. The second largest category is the "180-499 acre" group. Around 100 Saline County farms claim more than 1,000 acres, while another 100 hold 10-49 acres.

The average Saline County farm has a net farm income of $69,722, according to the census.

The average Saline County farm has seen a decrease in federal farm bill crop subsidies -- from $10,207 in 2002 to $9,293 in 2007. However, county farmers received about $5.6 million in 2007, an 8% increase from 2002.

Saline County ranks 34th of 93 Nebraska counties in corn production; 23rd in soybean production; and 6th in sorghum production. In livestock production, Saline County is 33rd of 93 in hogs and pigs; 83rd in cattle and calves; and 4th in broilers and other meat-type chickens.

To see the USDA agriculture census summary, click here.

Looking Back: Dorchester's Fast Past

In 2008, the Times ran this post about the "famous Dorchester race car" from the 1930s built and raced by Henry Sehnert, Dorchester's longtime Ford auto dealer.

We're told the retired car hung from the rafters of Sehnert's Garage at 8th and Washington for many years.

In addition to the latest model of Ford vehicles, Sehnert's Garage provided a number of services, including auto repairs and a towing service. Sehnert owned and operated his South Side Garage on Dorchester's Washington Ave. from 1925 to 1930. In late 1930, Sehnert switched over to a Ford dealership that continued until 1974, according to the Dorchester Centenial history book.

The post generated much discussion regarding the race car, as well as the current condition of the building that once housed the Sehnert Garage.

Illegal Immigration, School Athletics Are Subjects Of The Month

Illegal immigration and athletic participation at DHS are the main topics this month at the Times' open forum.

See the comments and leave your own by clicking here.

Also, we thought Times' readers would appreciate this story of a former Crete business owner who was granted a last wish: to watch one more Husker football game.

NEWS BRIEFS: Larry Hromek Wins Husker Tickets

• Larry Hromek Wins Husker Football Tickets: State Senator Russ Karpisek, who represents Dorchester and District 32 in the Unicameral, recently donated two Nebraska-Texas Tech football tickets to the community of Dorchester to help pay for the improvements being made to Nerud Field's athletic facilities, according to a letter we received from Joyce Karl. To raise the needed funds, the Husker tickets were the top prize in a raffle held last Friday at the DHS football game versus Freeman. One of our readers reports that Dorchester resident Larry Hromak was the winner of the Husker tickets. The raffle raised more than $500 in improvement funds, we are told.

• Housing Funds Available For Small Neb. Communities: DHS graduate Mike Feeken, now an economic development specialist in St. Paul, Neb., reports to us that the Neb. Dept. of Econ. Development has extended the deadline for its community affordable housing development grant. Applications will be due no later than November 13, 2009 – via fax or email. The Nebraska Affordable Housing Program (NAHP) is intended to 1.) provide funds to eligible recipients for acquisition, rehabilitation, construction, and production of affordable housing to increase the supply of decent, safe, and sanitary housing for low-to-moderate income Nebraskans; 2.) promote and advance the goals of the 2010-2014 Nebraska Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development; and 3.) provide a mechanism to leverage private investment in the development of affordable housing. For more information, call (402) 471-6587 or email: lindsay.schmuecker@nebraska.gov

• $92,000 Business Grant Available For Saline County: Have a business idea but don't know how to raise the capital to fund it? Reader "Newshound" reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced it has awarded nearly $399,000 to four Nebraska nonprofits to support business development and entrepreneurship. One of those is grant for $92,000 for Nebraska Venture Capital Forum to conduct new venture competitions in York, Red Willow, Nemaha and Saline counties. In these competitions, entrepreneurs submit business plans to a panel of judges. The winner receives a $25,000 cash investment and $10,000 worth of professional services, if the business locates in the respective economic regions. See more by clicking here.

Web Site Touts Dorchester's Ghost Sightings

(This article was originally published on Aug. 5, 2009.) Halloween is near and another Dorchester ghost-related Web site has been brought to our attention. According to GhostsOfAmerica.com, "Not everyone who inhabits Dorchester is alive." To prove it, the site allows visitors to post stories and photos of their personal encounters with the dearly departed.

Visit the Web site by clicking here. Some of the accounts of Dorchester-area ghost sightings are:

• "A young relative died in our house years ago. We have heard a young girl singing during the day. Guests have felt someone staring at them in the night."

• "Gilbert's Graveyard, located about 5 miles SW of Dorchester, is a graveyard where lies the Gilbert family who lived as pioneers in the 1890’s. ... A number of strange events have been reported here. Among them, strange noises and the movement of tombstones."

• "Reports of figures or shapes moving around in the 2nd floor of the city hall building."

Another ghost-related Web site called Omahaunt.com has a Dorchester listing and features photos from town and surrounding sites.

OPEN FORUM: October 2009

New month, new open forum for Times readers.

Here is your chance to say something, report breaking news or ask a question -- on any issue.

Any topic is fair game, although the Times' comment policy still applies. (Please see the bottom of the left-hand column.)

The Times' Web site averages more than 250 page views a day, according to an independent tracking service. That means the Times is the perfect forum to air your thoughts, news tips, announcements, complaints and concerns.

So go ahead and sound off. We are listening.

Museum Open House Next Sunday, Oct. 11

Plan a step back in time next weekend!

Judy Rada with the Saline County Historical Society reports the Saline County Historical Society will host an open house next Sunday, Oct. 11, from 1-5 p.m. at the Saline County Museum in south Dorchester.

The program will begin at 2 p.m. with Jerry Penry on fatal air crashes in Nebraska during WWII.

Everyone is welcome. For information, call (402) 243-2356.

The Times: They Are A-Changin'

Two-and-a-half years after publishing our first post, the Dorchester Times is making a change. Beginning immediately, the Web site will no longer feature stories or editorials written by our staff.

When the Dorchester Times first went online in April 2007, we envisioned a Web site that would serve as a community bulletin board and discussion forum, with content composed and submitted by town residents. We have enjoyed writing stories and keeping residents abreast on the issues affecting our town. But now the Times is turning over the reporting duties to you -- the residents of the Dorchester area. The Times is a communications tool that is there for you to use, if you wish.

As a service to our community, we will still maintain the site and update its contents daily. However, beginning today, the only stories and commentary on the Times will be those submitted to us by Dorchester area residents and natives of the community -- or those based on news releases sent to our publication.

Readers are invited to send us notices of future events; summaries of gatherings or meetings; reviews of school activities or sporting events; and anything else related to Dorchester or its residents. Content will be reviewed and edited, for content and clarity, by our staff.

We ask that all material submitted to us (Dorchester.Times@gmail.com) include basic information answering: Who? What? Where? And when?

We will continue feature Web links to Dorchester-related stories appearing in the news media. Also, we will still post the "Open Forum" feature that allows residents to comment on topics of their choosing. Letters-to-the-editors, births, obituaries and other items for the left-hand column are also still welcome to keep readers informed.

We thank our readers for their continued loyalty to our site and, more importantly, our community. We also welcome your ideas on how to improve the Dorchester Times and the service it provides area residents and natives.

The 20 Keys To Community Survival

This article originally appeared in the Times on Jan. 9, 2009.

In a recent editorial, we mentioned Dorchester has been able to escape school consolidation and loss of population -- both of which are crippling many small communities, including a few in our immediate area. But one look at Main Street reminds us that our community is not immune to the struggles facing Small Town America.

As we editorialized last year, now is the time for a "Vision 2015" plan that establishes some goals for Dorchester to improve the already-good quality of life we enjoy.

The most recent issue of VISIONS magazine, published by the non-profit Heartland Center for Leadership Development, lists 20 "clues to community survival" that were compiled following a case study of small towns that thrived even in the midst of the 1980s farm crisis.

We encourage of area resident to read the follow and recall them often:

CLUES TO COMMUNITY SURVIVAL

1.) Evidence of Community Pride. ("Successful communities are often showplaces of care, attention, history and heritage," the study says.)

2.) Emphasis on Quality in Business & Community Life.

3.) Willingness to Invest in the Future. ("In addition to the brick-and-mortar investments, all decisions are made with an outlook on the future.")

4.) Participatory Approach to Community Decision Making. ("Even the most powerful opinion leaders seem to work toward building consensus.")

5.) Cooperative Community Spirit.

6.) Realistic Appraisal of Future Opportunities. ("Successful communities have learned how to build on strengths and minimize weaknesses.")

7.) Awareness of Competitive Positioning. ("Local loyalty is emphasized in successful small towns, but thriving communities know who their local competitors are and position themselves accordingly.")

8.) Active Economic Development Program. ("There is an organized, public/private approach to economic development.")

9.) Knowledge of the Physical Environment. ("Relative location and available natural resources underscore decision-making.")

10.) Deliberate Transition of Power to a Younger Generation of Leaders. ("People under 40 regularly hold key positions in civic and business affairs in strong communities.")

11.) Celebration of Diversity in Leadership. ("Women, young people, and newcomers are elected officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurial developers.")

12.) Strong Belief in and Support for Education.

13.) Problem-Solving Approach to Providing Health Care and Housing Older Residents.

14.) Strong Multi-Generational Family Orientation. ("The definition of family is broad, and activities include younger as well as older generations.")

15.) Strong Presence of Traditional Institutions that are Integral to Community Life. ("Churches, schools and service clubs are strong influences on community development and the social network.")

16.) Sound and Well-Maintained Infrastructure. ("Leaders work to maintain streets, Main Street buildings, water systems and sewage facilities.")

17.) Careful Use of Fiscal Resources.

18.) Sophisticated Use of Technology Resources.

19.) Willingness to Seek Help from the Outside. ("People seek outside help for community needs, and many compete for government grants and contracts for projects and services.")

20.) Conviction That, in the Long Run, You Must Do It Yourself. ("Thriving rural communities believe their destiny is in their own hands. Making their communities good places is a pro-active assignment, and they are willing to accept it.")

Volleyball Team Takes 4th At Shickley

The DHS volleyball team is finishing a long string of road contests as they eye their first home game since the Sept. 3 season opener.

Dorchester fell at Osceola last night (Sept. 22) in three matches, 25-11, 25-15, 25-21.

The Lady Longhorns did, however, take fourth-place at last weekend's Shickley Invitational. In the day's first pairing, DHS was knocked off by the host team, 18-25, 25-19, 25-9. DHS then bounced back with a win over Heartland Lutheran (25-15, 25-14) before losing to Hampton in the consolation match by tallies of 25-20 and 25-22. In the consolation game, Karmen Lawver had 14 kills and Charity Springer boasted 26 set assists and two ace serves for Dorchester.

Last Thursday, DHS fell to next-door rival Friend in a well-played match. The Bulldogs won with match counts of 25-19, 25-21, 25-17.

Tomorrow night (Sept. 24), DHS will travel to Polk to meet High Plains and Shelby in a triangular before returning home next Tuesday to host Sterling. The Longhorns will host another triangular at the DHS gymnasium on Oct. 1.

See the Crete News' coverage of the action at Friend and Shickley as written by veteran reporter B.J. Fictum.

Football Team Gets First Win; Two DHS Players Named Area Leaders

After snagging its first victory of the season, the Dorchester football team is taking advantage of the early fall weather and preparing for another tough game this week on the road at Pawnee City.

The Longhorns (1-2) cruised to a victory last Friday in their first home game. DHS stampeded McCool Junction, 47-8, in a contest that feature the Longhorns' talent at running the ball. The Pawnee City game will present a tougher challenge, but Times sports reporter, "CJ", notes that the game should be a DHS win if all the Longhorns play up to their potential. Pawnee City is also 1-2 on the season and tied with DHS in the Class D1, District 2 standings.

Meanwhile, the Lincoln Journal Star reports that two DHS football players are among the area leaders in tackles and fumble recoveries, regardless of school size. Junior Russ Barak in No. 10 in tackles with 30 total on the young season. Senior Spencer Kotas is the area's top player in fumble recoveries with three so far this year.

DHS' homecoming game will take place the first Friday of October, Oct. 2, at Nerud Field as the Longhorns do battle with a confident Meridian team. (*UPDATE*: See the Crete News' coverage of the DHS-McCool game as reported by B.J. Fictum.)

Annual Church Auction This Sunday, Sept. 20

One of Dorchester's most noted events takes place this weekend as the Dorchester United Methodist Church’s 22nd Annual Community Auction will be held Sunday, Sept. 20.

All area residents are invited to join the fun, which will be held on the church grounds at the corner of Lincoln Ave. and 6th St.

Sunday's activities begin with a beef and pork barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Salads and desserts will also be available. Meals tickets are $7 per individual, $14 per couple, and $20 per family.

The auction begins at 1 p.m. There will be numerous auction items that will be of special interest. A full list of auction items can be found at any of Dorchester's local businesses. Those who would like to place a bid but are unable to attend may still take part in this important fundraiser by calling Vicky Parks (402-946-4691) or Carol Olson (402-946-3531).

Some more highlights planned for this Sunday:

• Chain saw artist Nick Jensen from Garland will again be demonstrating his carving skills, with the items he carves then made available for auction. Come watch "Papa Bear" Jensen create his unique wood sculptures, which make great rustic yard art or home decor.

• Kids' Cake Auction: Community youth will be bringing cakes and other sweet treats that to be auctioned off.

• Farmers Market: Fresh produce from local gardens will be offered at a free will offering.

• Book Exchange: Bring a book to exchange for a new read or purchase any available.

For those who would like to make cash donations to the church, please contact Parks or Olson at the phone numbers above. We hope all Times' readers will enjoy the first weekend of fall by supporting the church and the good work of its members.

Readers Share More Images

Our readers continue to send us their photos. A couple of months ago, the Times offered space on our Web site to those who want to share pictures or videos with fellow Times readers. Below are the latest entries.

Three of the images are of the Saline County sky as captured by Nicole Martin. (Click on the photos for a better view.) Nicole says two of the photos were taken immediately following a storm, while the other shows yet another spectacular Nebraska sunset. The photo at the lower right was sent by Terry Gautreaux and is entitled "Enter Longhorn." Terry writes: "If Bert or Ben want to really attract customers, they need to create a store front like this one south of Tucson, Arizona."

Keep those great shots coming. Send your images to dorchester.times@gmail.com and include a brief description.

Longhorns Prepare For Weekend Contests

Both Dorchester football and volleyball teams are busy preparing for the upcoming weekend contests.

After suffering a pair of defeats last week, the Lady Longhorns (1-3) are looking to bounce back tomorrow, Sept. 17, in their battle with next door neighbor and rival Friend. The Lady Bulldogs, a Class C2 team, are 4-7 so far on the season. Tomorrow's game will be at Friend.

The Lady Longhorns will then travel to Shickley on Saturday, Sept. 19, where DHS will be one of five teams participating in the Shickley Invitational. DHS will join Silver Lake, Hampton, Bruning-Davenport, Heartland Lutheran and Shickley at the annual Shickley Invitational. Dorchester faces Shickley at 10 a.m., then plays Heartland Lutheran. The consolation matches are set for approximately 1:30 p.m. The championship match will follow the third-place match.

Meanwhile, the Longhorn football team (0-2) is coming off their loss at Sterling last week -- a contest that was called early due to lightning. DHS is ready for its first home game of the season, which will pit DHS against McCool this Friday, Sept. 18. The Mustangs suffered a 55-0 loss to Meridian last week and are 0-2 on the year.

Longhorn fans are strongly encouraged to attend Friday's game at the newly renovated Nerud Field. Improvements include the new concession stand and restrooms -- which are the result of volunteer labor and community donations -- along a new entry gate and fence surrounding "The Corral." We think it is one of the best entrances in Nebraska high school football.

DVFD Plans Sept. 26 Hog Roast, Open House

Members of the Dorchester Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department plan an upcoming hog roast and open house for area residents. The general public is invited and encouraged to attend.

The event will be held 5 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 26. at the Dorchester Fire Hall. The event will continue into the evening as long as there are visitors present.

We hope all Dorchester-area residents will support the DVFD and take time to say thank you to those who volunteer their time and resources to keep us safe.

NEWS BRIEFS: Median Cost Of Dorchester Home Sees Slight Bump

• Median Cost Of Dorchester Home Sees Slight Increase Over Decade: The cost of housing in Dorchester has risen very slightly according to an online query conducted by the Times. According to Realtor.com, the 2009 median listing price of a Dorchester home is $69,900. That compares to the 2000 Dorchester median price of about $63,000, as noted by other online reports. Realtor.com reports that the current average listing price for a Dorchester home is $83,266. (Average price can be skewed when the distribution has extreme values on either end.) A home for sale in Dorchester sits on the market for an average of 162 days.

• Crete Budget Shortfall Gets Local Media Attention: A Sept. 9 story in the Lincoln Journal Star highlights the city budget woes of our next door neighbor Crete. The City of Crete faces a $300,000 shortfall. The best two options seem to be raising property taxes by $165 per $100,000 or laying off two of Crete's 11 uniformed police officers. Crete has more reported crimes than 12 other cities its size in the state and the second-most crimes per 1,000 population in that same grouping. Crete Police Chief Steve Hensel said population growth has contributed to gang activity in Crete, but he does not attribute its crime rate to its proximity to the Farmland Foods plant or to the ethnic mix at the plant. "The fact that demographics have changed a bit doesn't necessarily coincide with an increase in crime," Hensel said. Several members of the Times staff chuckled at that politically correct statement by Chief Hensel, who otherwise tends to keep his head out of the sand. "I guess this means we should be on the look out for rampant Czech and German gang activity," said one Times staff member who works in Crete, with her tongue firmly in cheek.

• Region Named 'Primary Drug Market' By Government: According to a recent report released by the National Drug Intelligence Center and published by the U.S. Dept. of Justice, the Omaha area and nearby counties are considered a primary drug market and a regional distribution center for illicit drugs -- cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. According to the government report, Mexican criminal groups are the principal transporters and wholesale distributors of most illicit drugs to the Omaha metropolitan area. The report states, "In addition, Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) maintain connections throughout many smaller Nebraska towns (as far away as Lexington) ... where large numbers of Mexican nationals have sought employment in meatpacking and poultry processing plants. Mexican DTOs use their connections in these cities to smuggle illicit drugs into the Omaha metropolitan area." We believe area residents should be aware of this report, which has been ignored or gone unnoticed by local media.
  

DHS Preparing For Sterling After Loss To No. 4 Shelby

Following last Friday night's 36-12 loss to Class D1's No. 4 Shelby, the Longhorns are busy regrouping and preparing for another road game this week against one of Class D2's top teams.

Dorchester has the second-most difficult schedule in Class D1, according to the Lincoln Journal Star.

Dorchester, despite their youth, held up well against a larger and more experienced Shelby team. After last Friday's game, it became obvious there are several bright spots on this year's DHS team. Our sports reporter (reader "CJ") noted the need for continued solid performances, particularly by sophomores QB Brandon Schwisow and receiver Michael Lee, along with senior leaders Adam Kahle and Spencer Kotas and hard-working Longhorns Russ Barak, Jeremy Inderlied and Kyle Palky.

DHS will take on the Sterling Jets this Friday, Sept. 11. The Jets are 0-1 following their 38-6 loss to Johnson-Brock, a contender in Class D1.

Despite their rough start, the Jets are listed as contenders this week in Class D2 by the Journal Star.

We hope DHS' loyal fans will make the road trip to Johnson County to support the Longhorns in this important early-season contest.

Looking Back: Dorchester's Proud Political Past

Although it may come as a surprise to many modern-day Dorchester area residents, our community has played a significant role in Nebraska’s political history.

Research conducted by the Dorchester Times’ staff has uncovered no fewer than eight Dorchester residents or natives who have served in the Nebraska Legislature.

Of course, it should be noted that from 1866 until 1937, Nebraska had a bicameral legislature with both a state senate and state house of representatives. When Nebraska implemented its unique unicameral legislature in late 1937, the number of state lawmakers went from 133 in the bicameral to 43 in the new single house. Still, we are impressed by the lengthy list of Dorchester’s past political leadership.

Here is the list of the Dorchester residents and natives who have served in our state legislature, followed by the years they were in office:

· T.B. Parker (1877-79)
· John J. Edicott (1899-1901)
· William H. Beekly (1901-1903)
· John Chab (1909-11)
· Fred Johnson (1907-09; 1917-20)
· Charles H. Meacham, Jr. (1923-29)
· Allen J. Murphy (1921-23)
· Don Eret (1983-87)

Of the above politicos, Fred Gustus Johnson, who lived from 1876–1951, was the most prominent, since he went on to serve as lieutenant governor and a member of the U.S. House.

A Republican, Johnson was born on a farm near Dorchester. He graduated from DHS in 1893 and from UNL’s college of law in 1903; he was admitted to the bar the same year. He set up practice in Dorchester and did a little farming on the side. In 1911, he moved Hastings to continue his law practice.

Johnson was elected a member of the Nebraska state house of representatives from 1907 to 1909 and again from 1917 to 1919. He was elected to the state senate in 1919. In 1923, Johnson went on to become Nebraska’s lieutenant governor.

Johnson reached the apex of his political career in 1929, when he was elected to serve as a U.S. congressman from Nebraska's 5th district in 1929. He ran in 1930 and 1932, but failed to be re-elected. He was later elected as a county judge.

Johnson died April 30, 1951. He is buried in Parkview Cemetery in Hastings.

NEWS BRIEFS: DHS Volleyball Team Splits Season Opening Triangular

• DHS Splits Dorchester Triangular: The Lady Longhorns are off to a 1-1 start after splitting games at Thursday's triangular at DHS. Dorchester beat Weeping Water in two straight sets, with scores of 25-20 and 25-7, only to fall to Palmyra later in the evening. Both opponents are larger schools and in Class C2.

• Former DHS Athletes Playing For Area Colleges: Lucas Apfelbeck, a 2009 DHS graduate has made the roster for nearby Doane College as a defensive lineman. See Doane's football roster here. Also, 2007 DHS graduate Brandon Vyhnalek is again on Nebraska Wesleyan University's football squad. The 6'2", 240 lb. defensive lineman is a junior for the Prairie Wolves. To see the NWU roster, click here.

• Legion Buffalo Feed Set For Sept. 19: The Dorchester American Legion Buffalo Feed is set for Sat., Sept. 19. Tickets are required and must be purchased in advance. Tickets can be obtained by calling Richard Kasl at (402) 946-7651.

REMINDER: Joe's Place Plans Street Dance, Open House Tonight

Dorchester's street dances are back. And so is Joe's Place, in case you haven't noticed.

This year, start the Labor Day weekend right by celebrating at Joe's Place Bar & Grill on Friday Sept. 4. This special event will feature a beer garden, prizes, giveaways and much more.

Be sure to get there early for the best seats in the house and to catch all the action. Check out the menu and try an item or two from the grill for dinner.

Then from 8 p.m. until midnight, be sure to catch Dorchester's first street dance in more than 15 years as the band "Mother Dudes" plays your favorite tunes. Bring your lawn chairs. Admission is free!

See you at Joe's Place Sept. 4. Come out and support Dorchester's Main Street businesses -- and have a good time doing it! For more details, call Joe's at (402) 946-2171.

OPEN FORUM: September 2009

New month, new open forum for Times readers. Once again, we are providing an open forum for area residents who want to say something, report something, or ask a question -- on any issue. Any topic is fair game, although the Times' comment policy still applies (see the bottom of the left-hand column).

Earlier this year, Times readers voted overwhelmingly (75% to 25%) in opposition to our decision to limit remarks following stories.

The Dorchester Times' Web site averages about 235 hits a day, according to an independent tracking service. That means the Times is the perfect forum to air your thoughts, news tips, announcements, complaints and concerns -- on any issue.

So go ahead and sound off. We are listening. And so are hundreds of others.