Friday, October 30, 2015

Tonight's Scary Show -- Twilight Zone: 'The Masks'


It's Halloween week. For those of you who are still up, we once again have a special treat.

All this week, the Dorchester Times is airing the scariest episodes of the classic TV show, "The Twilight Zone." 

We've selected these episodes of "The Twilight Zone" because we've found these 30-minute programs to be wildly creative and powerful.  Imagination and solid story lines carry these shows, whose quality far surpass any of the "scary shows" produced today.

Tonight's episode is called "The Masks."

Mr. Jason Foster, a tired old man who on this particular Mardi Gras evening will leave the Earth.  But before departing, he has some things to do, some services to perform, some debts to pay -- and some justice to distribute.  This is New Orleans, Mardi Gras time. It is also the Twilight Zone.

Enjoy tonight's scary show -- but be sure to leave the lights on for this one.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/440875

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Tonight's Scary Show -- Twilight Zone: 'It's A Good Life'


It's Halloween week. 

All this week, the Dorchester Times is airing the scariest episodes of the classic TV show, "The Twilight Zone." 

We've selected these episodes of "The Twilight Zone" because we've found these 30-minute programs to be wildly creative and powerful.  Imagination and solid story lines carry these shows, whose quality far surpass any of the "scary shows" produced today.

Tonight's episode is called "It's a Good Life."

It is based on the 1953 short story "It's a Good Life" by Jerome Bixby and is considered by many, such as Time Magazine and TV Guide, to be one of the best episodes of the series. It originally aired on November 3, 1961.

On an isolated family farm, a young boy with vast mental powers, but lacking emotional development, holds his terrified family in thrall to his every juvenile wish. No one ever thought the world would end this way.

Enjoy tonight's scary show -- but be sure to leave the lights on for this one.

Click on: http://www.hulu.com/watch/440799

Random Thoughts: Vacant Homes, Prisons, Potato Dinner


Here are some random thoughts on this blustery October day:

Prisons In Nebraska:  Earlier this year, the Nebraska Legislature got soft on crime, watering down several provisions of the state's criminal code.  We were disappointed that state Senator Laura Ebke joined the majority in passing a bad bill.  The far left in the Unicameral, along with some libertarians, say we just have too many people in jail nowadays, and that 30 years ago, the state would have simply slapped such people on the wrist and utilized probation.  The picture above is that of a 22-year-old arrested this morning in Shelby for a shooting.  Thirty years ago, how many individuals like this did you see walking among us (at least outside of a carnival freak show)? How common are such lost souls today? The truth is, we don’t have enough jails and prisons.  Protect innocent, law-abiding Nebraskans at all costs, we say.


Vacant Properties:  We've noticed the increase of vacant homes in Dorchester, including a couple on main street.  Small towns like Dorchester are hard hit by vacant homes and commercial properties, and often lack the resources and expertise that some larger cities can bring to bear on the problem. For our money, no one is better situated than the members of the village board to to articulate a long-term vision for the community and lay out a strategy to get those houses filled or on the market.  In the past, we've called for a blight tax.  Whether or not that is the right solution, we hope our elected town leaders and the village employees will communicate with property owners to formulate an abandoned property strategy. While vacant properties are a problem, they also represent an opportunity for revitalization and community redevelopment.  By reusing abandoned properties, towns of any size can improve neighborhoods, build new markets, and enhance their quality of life.  Why wouldn't we get on the ball and do so right away?


FBLA's Baked Potato Feed Is Thursday: Dorchester Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is holding a baked potato dinner Thursday, beginning at 5 p.m. at the school prior to the Longhorns' regular season finale.  Be sure to show your support for the FBLA, as well as the ladies in Orange and Black.


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Tonight's Scary Show -- Twilight Zone: 'Nightmare At 20,000 Feet'


All this week, the Dorchester Times will air the scariest episodes of the classic TV show
"The Twilight Zone."  

We've selected these episodes of "The Twilight Zone" because we find that these 30-minute programs are wildly creative, spine-tingling tense and yet family friendly.  The imagination and quality of these old TV shows far surpass any of the "scary shows" produced today, in our humble opinion.

Tonight's episode is called "Nightmare at 20,000 Feet" -- perhaps the most recognized in the series.  

William Shatner plays Bob Wilson, a man recently discharged from a sanitarium after having a nervous breakdown on a passenger plane. Convinced he's cured, he boards a flight home with his wife. But then he sees it, a maniacal creature tampering with the wing of the jet, to bring it down. Is it for real? Is he relapsing into insanity? It's that tension that makes this such a wonderful watch.

Enjoy tonight's episode, but be sure to leave on an extra light.  

http://www.hulu.com/watch/440824


Dorchester's Bill Moser Passes At 82; Funeral Is Friday


UPDATE: City Slickers Bar and Grill reports that the business was contacted by the family of Bill Moser will be making their way back to Dorchester for Friday's funeral and would like to have a "toast" to honor Bill at City Slicker's at 6 p.m. this Friday. Come down and share your memories and have an Old Milwaukee Light in honor of Bill. 

Dorchester native and longtime resident William (Bill) Earl Moser, age 82, died on October 23, 2015 in Wheaton, Minn., surrounded by his loving children. Bill was born on October 11, 1933, in Dorchester to Earl and Louise (Dainton) Moser. Bill grew up with two younger brothers, helping on his parent’s farm. He graduated from DHS in 1952. Shortly after high school he joined the US Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg NC. Bill was married to Melva Harling in 1953 and together they had five children. 

Bill married Mabel McMahon in 1987. Their large combined family was a source of great pride and pleasure for both of them; and the reason for their many, many road trips across the country. They traveled to meet new grandchildren; and attend weddings, graduations, birthdays and family reunions. Bill and Mabel followed Nebraska Cornhusker sports and especially looked forward each fall to the women’s volleyball season. They also loved the state parks in Nebraska and in their retirement made a point of visiting every one.

Bill was active in his community and church. He was a former Dorchester mayor. He was a 60-year member of the American Legion in Dorchester and served in several local, district and area officer positions. He was a lifetime member and lay leader in the United Methodist Church of Dorchester. Bill was an avid baseball fan and a successful coach for the Dorchester American Legion baseball team for many years. Bill was a small business owner and worked in a variety of sales and service positions over the years. He retired from the Dorchester Co-op. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, wife Mabel, and brother Richard Moser. He is survived by his brother Robert (Kaye) Moser, Mount Holly Springs, PA; sister-in-law Karen Moser, Bellevue, NE; children, Christeen (Gene) Borsheim, Wheaton, MN; Carmen Moser, Fergus Falls, MN; Chere (Ed) Rikimoto, Wheaton, MN; Clay (Angela) Moser, Los Angeles, CA; Candice (Tony) Hasbargen, Wheaton, MN; thirteen grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and, by Mabel’s seven children, Frances McMahon, Green River, WY; Mike (David Sepulveda) McMahon, San Diego, CA; Coleen (Jim) McMahon-Seitz, Greeley, CO; Maureen (Larry) Hop-Hergenreder, Greeley, CO; Kelly (Mike) Gerken, York, NE; Shannon (Mal Elkins) Monson, Greeley, CO; Erin Hall, Rock Springs, WY; seventeen grandchildren, and twenty-two great grandchildren

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday October 29 at the Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, NE. The funeral service will be held at the United Methodist Church in Dorchester, NE on Friday, October 30 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Dorchester Cemetery. 

Click here to see Bill's obituary and memorial video.

Free Items Up For Grabs Now


Maybe you need a kitchen sink.

Perhaps some wood? Or boots to cut some wood?

An outdoor grill? An electric stove? 

A TV? A TV stand?

Maybe a piano?

All of these items and more are up for grabs -- and they are all free.

The Times has scanned the "free" section of Craigslist for our readers.  Have a look by clicking here.

Just a legal disclaimer: The Dorchester Times is in no way affiliated with Craigslist or its users and assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the quality or lack thereof when it comes to the items listed or the people listing them.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Tonight's Scary Show -- Twilight Zone: 'Mr. Garrity and the Graves'


It's Halloween week. 

All this week, the Dorchester Times will air the scariest episodes of the classic TV show "The Twilight Zone."  

We've selected these episodes of "The Twilight Zone" because we find that these 30-minute programs are wildly creative, spine-tingling tense and yet family friendly.  The imagination and quality of these old TV shows far surpass any of the "scary shows" produced today, in our humble opinion.


Tonight's episode is called "Mr. Garrity and the Graves."  

It's 1890 and the tiny desert town of Happiness, Arizona, has seen more than its share of murder and death.  Townsfolk are joyous and hopeful to see their dearly departed loved ones again after a stranger named Jared Garrity resurrects a dead dog and promises the same for the town cemetery -- for a small payment, of course.  Long before zombies were cool, in 1962 "The Twilight Zone" used the living dead to provide a glimpse into the hearts of the living.


Enjoy tonight's episode.  But be sure to leave an extra light on.

See the episode by clicking http://www.hulu.com/watch/440850


Crete, Dorchester Schools Have High Rates Of Free/Reduced Lunches



The National School Lunch Program is controversial. 

On one hand, this federally assisted meal program provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to qualified students through subsidies to schools. 

On the other hand, someone has to pay for this expensive redistribution program, which is funded by those of you who pay federal income taxes.  

In fiscal year 2013, federal school nutrition programs underwrote more than five billion lunches served to nearly 31 million students. Total funding for all nutrition programs sums to $16.3 billion in both cash and commodity payments in fiscal year 2014.

How many Saline County residents are using federal taxpayer dollars for free and reduced lunches in our schools? 

The Dorchester Times has accessed public reports to examine the free and reduced lunch utilization at Saline County high schools last school year.  Here is the data:

SCHOOL               ENROLLED              FREE LUNCH              REDUCED LUNCH          % OF STUDENTS

CRETE                     1852                   826                          173                      53.94%
DORCHESTER         182                     55                            15                       38.46%
FRIEND                     277                     43                            42                       30.69%
WILBER                    580                     116                          37                       26.38%

If you don't live in Saline County and want to see what percentage of students in your district are receiving free or reduced lunches, click here.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Tonight's Scary Show -- Twilight Zone: 'The Grave'


It's Halloween week. Once again, we have a special treat.

All this week, the Dorchester Times is airing the scariest episodes of the classic TV show "The Twilight Zone." 

We've selected these episodes of "The Twilight Zone" because we've found these 30-minute programs to be wildly creative and powerful.  Imagination and solid story lines carry these shows, whose quality far surpass any of the "scary shows" produced today.

Tonight's episode is called "The Grave."  Lee Marvin plays Conny Miller -- a hired gun who misses killing his target, the evil Pinto Sykes, who is instead gun downed by the local townsfolk.  

At a bar, several of the townspeople tell him that Sykes vowed to reach up and grab Conny if he ever dared to visit his grave.  

After a drunken wager, Conny decides to prove his courage by doing just that, leading to one of the creepiest moments in the history of the Twilight Zone. 

Enjoy tonight's episode.  But be sure to leave an extra light on... 

Click on: http://www.hulu.com/watch/440808

Saline Co. Ducks Unlimited Banquet Set For Nov. 3


Ducks Unlimited bills itself as the world's leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation.

The organization got its start in 1937 during the Dust Bowl days, when North America’s drought-plagued waterfowl populations had plunged to unprecedented lows. 

Determined not to sit idly by as the continent’s waterfowl dwindled beyond recovery, a small group of sportsmen joined together to form an organization that became known as Ducks Unlimited. 

Some of the same issues impacting America's heartland in the 1930s are impacting us today, as our ares loses more of its wetlands, grasslands and wooded areas.

That's why we are letting our readers, hunters and non-hunters alike, know that on Tuesday, Nov. 3, the Saline County Ducks Unlimited will hold its annual banquet from 5:30 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Tuxedo Park Exhibition Building in Crete. 

For questions, call Rob at (402) 890-1476.

Sunday, October 25, 2015

Tonight's Scary Show -- Twilight Zone: 'You Drive'


It's Halloween week. 

All this week, the Dorchester Times will air the scariest episodes of the classic TV show "The Twilight Zone."  

We've selected these episodes of "The Twilight Zone" because we find that these 30-minute programs are wildly creative, spine-tingling tense and yet family friendly.  The imagination and quality of these old TV shows far surpass any of the "scary shows" produced today, in our humble opinion.

Tonight's episode is called "You Drive."  Driving home from work, distracted businessman Oliver Pope (Edward Andrews) accidentally hits a bicycle-riding boy. Panicked, he flees the scene.  


At home, he pretends that everything is OK, though his wife Lillian (Helen Westcott) can see that he is upset. Then they hear their car, parked in the attached garage, sounding its horn, as though it had something to say.  Long before smart cars, long before Stephen King wrote "Christine," this Ford Fairlane displayed an attitude all its own.

Enjoy tonight's episode.  But be sure to leave an extra light on.

See the episode by clicking http://www.hulu.com/watch/440770


Saturday, October 24, 2015

Take A Look At The Dorchester Homes Available Right Now


The village of Dorchester has a lot going for it, if you prefer living in a safe, clean, friendly and affordable community.

Just consider what Dorchester has to offer:
  • A new K-12 school with some of the state's best educators.
  • A clean, safe community.
  • A new water system and new sewer system.
  • The lowest school tax levy in the county -- and one of the lower property rates in southeast Nebraska.
  • Affordable cost of living.
  • Headquarters for one of the state's largest agri-businesses (Farmers' Cooperative).
  • Friendly, helpful neighbors.
A quick drive from many employers in Crete and Seward, and only 30 minutes to Lincoln, Dorchester is located next to two highways and just 10 minutes from Interstate 80.

However, one challenge facing Dorchester is available housing.  Since the Dorchester Times has been in operation, we've heard from many readers who've said they would like to move to Dorchester, if only homes were available.

Today, we are showcasing the latest Dorchester homes available right now.  If you're ready to call Dorchester home, or it's time for you to move back to your hometown, we encourage you to take a look and make an offer.  Make Dorchester your home and help our community reach its full potential.

Click here to see the current homes for sale in Dorchester and the surrounding area.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

No. 5 Wilber-Clatonia Awaits MHS-DHS Football Team This Friday


The combined Milford-Dorchester football team has set its sights on a 7-win regular season.

Down the road, Wilber-Clatonia (8-0) -- the No. 5 football team in Class C-1 -- stands in the way.

Wilber is one of only three undefeated teams in Class C1.  The Wolverines are thinking championship at Memorial Stadium come November.

But the MHS-DHS has evolved into a force.  In the Eagles last four games, they have beat their opponents (Fairbury, Lincoln Christian, Raymond Central and Lincoln Lutheran) by a combined total of 180-24.  Raymond Central was a contender at the time of their 33-12 loss to MHS-DHS.

Friday's game will be played at Milford, so MHS-DHS will have the home field advantage.  This year's Eagles squad boasts seven Dorchester players.

The last four contests have demonstrated that MHS-DHS can play with most of Class C-1's top 10 teams, although the Lincoln news media and area pundits are predicting Wilber-Clatonia will get an easy win.

MHS-DHS Head Coach Marty Hingst, with a lifetime record of 244-148-2, has his team finely tuned as he enters the final contest of the regular season.  

The MHS-DHS team is in its third season as a cooperative in football in Class C-1, which offers a more competitive brand of football.  

Regardless of Friday's outcome, DHS-MHS will make the state playoffs for the third straight year in the program's young history.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Longhorn Volleyball Team Prepares To Finish Strong


The Dorchester High School volleyball team is preparing for the final two contests of the regular 2015 campaign.  

DHS will play on the road at East Butler on this Thursday, Oct. 22.

The Lady Longhorns will conclude the regular season at Dorchester's newly renovated gym in a contest against Nebraska Lutheran Oct. 29.

DHS is still playing well above the .500 mark, although the team has struggled to win consistently.

At one point in late September, DHS sported a 12-5 record.  Now with a 15-11 record, the Longhorns will try to finish the regular season strong.

With six starters back, the Longhorns are already much improved from last season's 8-21 record. 

Stay up-to-date on the latest volleyball scores by checking out the NSAA website.

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Small-Town Life Can Help Cure America’s Unhappiness


Often lost among the masses, Americans are increasingly unhappy.

According to a new Fox News poll, only about half (53%) of Americans said they were either “very happy” or “happy.”  In 2001, that number of happy Americans was closer to 70%.  Over the last decade, the U.S. rate of anti-depressant use has soared to 400%.

Has our country just gone soft? Or is there something to this trend?

A story we found says there are five key reasons to account for America’s growing unhappiness.  The good news is that small-town life -- like our's here in Dorchester -- can counteract America’s expanding frown.

According to social scientists, here are the reasons behind America’s modern malaise:


We are zoning out with gadgets and electronics

The overuse of computers, TVs and hand-held devices help us escape our emotions, experts say.  They also hinder our ability to grow intellectually, develop real-life relationships, and reconcile our emotions.  But in a small town, we are more likely to interact with our neighbors, take part in community events, and get outside and work in the physical world.  We’re more likely to get in touch with ourselves, making us much more content that the average big city bear.

We are inundated by the lifestyles of the rich and famous

Thanks to 24/7 celebrity news, reality TV, and social network sites like Facebook, Americans are constantly exposed to the unrealistic life of excess – including the insane lifestyles of billionaires.  Moreover, many Americans see the consumption habits of their friends and neighbors who feel the need to upload pictures of their latest purchases.  Fortunately, many people in small towns are less likely to see it necessary to keep up with the Jones'.  Small town folks tend to be a more content lot; as a result, we're generally happier than those whose lives are centered around consumption.

We aren’t taking much time off

Not only are we working hard at our jobs, but our kids’ activities are literally driving us batty.  We know one particular couple in Lincoln who has had kid activities every night since July.  In a small town, life is a little less hectic and a little more predictable.  Sure, that downtime can drive some people crazy -- but it beats the lack of leisure time, which is driving many more to depression. 

Many Americans are very unhealthy

One in three Americans is now overweight or obese.  For U.S. women, the news is worse: one in two are overweight or obese. In small towns, the obesity rate is too high, just as it is across the rest of the country.  But small town residents tend to be more physically active, thanks to gardens, yard work and home care, as well as more walking on average. We also eat out less, which is a positive.  Even more important, rural Americans tend to have a spiritual life.

Half of Americans are really stressed

A study by NPR finds nearly half of Americans said they suffered a “major stressful event” in the past year.  While divorce, death, job loss and similar events occur everywhere, a major part of this stress equation is personal financial debt.  The fact is, in small town America, we tend to live within our means, unlike many of our city cousins.  In small towns, we also tend to get more sleep and more exercise in a quieter, cleaner and calmer environment, which also helps reduce our stress levels.  And most important, things aren't overly complicated in a small town (unless you make them that way).


We have it pretty good in Dorchester when it comes to the factors that make us happy.  As time goes on, we’re guessing more people will take notice – especially when they’re finally sick and tired of the things making them so darn unhappy.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Dorchester Fire Dept. Hog Roast Set For Sunday, Oct. 18


Get ready Dorchester area residents!

It's time for the annual hog roast hosted by the Dorchester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.  

This event is a fall favorite in our community.

The roast will be held Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Dorchester Fire Hall.

The event will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude around 2 p.m.

Help our volunteer first responders raise funds to ensure the DVFD has modern equipment.  All donations will go toward the purchase of an equipment.

Please join our brave men and women with the DVFD for a fun gathering and a great cause.  (Think what our small towns would be without volunteers willing to respond to emergencies.)

For those readers who can't make it, please consider sending your donation to: Dorchester Volunteer Fire Dept., P.O. Box 36, Dorchester, NE  68343.

Friday, October 16, 2015

Washboards On 75% Of Dorchester's Gravel Streets


Remember back in August when we reported on the washboards covering most of Dorchester's gravel streets?

Two months later, the problem is even worse.  Were aren't so sure Village Hall is even listening. 

In particular, we've heard several residents upset by the washboards -- or the "thousands of little speed bumps," as one of our neighbors called them -- that have afflicted gravel streets in town.

In August, the Times staff has surveyed Dorchester's gravel streets and we found that nearly 60 percent have washboards.

As of today, our count shows that more than 75% of the gravel streets have them.  To our knowledge, the village employees have not yet tried to address the situation.

Washboards make driving on your street uncomfortable, on top of causing damage to your vehicle. It can torture your suspension system, increase your maintenance costs, and make carrying tools or other materials in the bed of your truck nearly impossible. And if you're towing anything behind your vehicle, you better hope it can handle the extra strain.

When it comes down to it, a city government's top priorities are streets, water and sewer, and electricity.  Everything else is way down the priority list.

We aren't sure how washboards form -- and why they get worse.  (It appears speeds over 20 miles per hour play a large role in their formation.) But it's clear there has been some neglect in working to remove these public nuisances in Dorchester.  

While the village applied a boatload of new gravel to the streets in early spring, the foundation was untouched -- now drivers are paying the price.  On some streets, we've seen drivers opt to drive on the grass instead of taking the gravel washboards.  

That's just not right.

It appears there is absolutely no push to pave more Dorchester streets.  At the very least, driving on our gravel streets should not be a completely miserable experience for residents or their vehicles.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Got A Business Idea? UNK Wants To Hear It


Calling all Dorchester-area entrepreneuers: The Center for Rural Research and Development at the University of Nebraska at Kearney wants to hear from people in central Nebraska with new business ideas.  

As part of its annual Central Nebraska Business Idea Contest, the center is accepting entries through Oct. 26. 

To enter, submit a two-minute video pitching a new business idea onto YouTube, then email the URL to hoffmanal2@unk.edu.

The business idea does not have to be a fully-thought-out business model, just a description of the product or service, what need it serves, who the customers might be and how it would be made available to those customers.

The top 10 participants will be invited to present their ideas at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 in downtown Kearney in an event similar to the “Shark Tank” television program. The winner receives $1,000.

More information on where and how to submit the video is available by clicking here.

Monday, October 12, 2015

Rezabek Pleads Innocent To Stealing Thousands


Nebraska Watchdog reports that former Saline County assistant clerk of court Jodi Rezabek has pleaded innocent to stealing thousands of dollars from the court in May, even though she confessed to stealing $15,500, according to a state audit.

State Auditor Charlie Janssen’s office found thousands of dollars missing during a Saline County audit. The missing money was noticed during a routine audit by State Auditor Charlie Janssen’s office. 

Two auditors and an investigator from the attorney general’s office questioned Assistant County Court Clerk Jodi Rezabek in August about a suspected fraudulent check written for $15,500. She confessed to taking the money to pay off a contractor who did work at her home, according to the audit.

Rezabek admitted to altering bank statements and using the signature stamp of Clerk Magistrate Joshua McDougall to sign the check.  Auditors also discovered Rezabek drew a $62,529 cashier’s check from a court investment account in May, and then deposited it back into the account in June.

“The court could not explain — as well as lacked any supporting documentation — why such a transaction had occurred,” the audit said.

Auditors also found the court was short $1,119 in cash as of Aug. 30, for a total of $16,634 missing.

Rezabek has entered a plea of not guilty.

The felony theft charge alone is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

See the full story here.

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Descriptions Of Dorchester During Its Early Years


Most area historians agree that "Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska" -- written in the late 1800s -- is an authority on Saline County's earliest days. No other collection of information is as detailed or thorough.

Through the online edition of "Andreas' History," the Times today is sharing Andreas' description of early Dorchester.

Here is a look back at how the experts described our community, whose roots begin in the year 1870 when Dorchester's location was selected by the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad: 

DORCHESTER

This town is pleasantly located in the northern part of Saline County, on the line of the Burlington & Missouri River Railroad, in Nebraska, and about eight miles west of Crete. 

This situation is an attractive one, being on the level prairie land about midway between the West Blue River and Turkey Creek. The first named stream is three miles north, and the latter about the same distance south from the town.

It is in the center of a rich agricultural region, and supported by a thriving and industrious class of farmers, who are settled on all sides of the village. 

The population now numbers about 300, and is made up of a substantial and progressive class of citizens, who are moral and industrious.

The business and professional interests of the town are represented by three general merchandise stores, two drug, one grocery, one furniture, two hardware, and two millinery stores, one bank, two restaurants, two hotels, three livery stables, a post office, one newspaper office, two elevators, two lumber yards, two coal yards, two blacksmith shops, two lawyers and four physicians. 

There are three substantial churches. 

The residence portion of the village is made up of neat houses of different styles of architecture, but none of them very large. The schoolhouse is a good one.

What Are Your Ideas For Ben's Iron Grill Building?


The building that once housed Ben's Iron Grill restaurant has been for sale for nearly 11 months.  

While we've heard reports of some interested parties, the "for sale" sign remains.

According to an online listing with Woods Bros. Realty, the asking price has been reduced all the way down to $169,900.

Here's how Woods Bros. describes the property:

"Excellent opportunity to own a well established business with over $250,000 in upgrades and renovations. Includes fully equipped chef-size kitchen with tons of space and storage. 40 feet of counter space to belly up to the bar and ample seating for quests. Two apartments upstairs, would make a great extra income! Call for details."

While we are sad to see the "for sale" sign on the building that was home to Ben's Iron Grill, the property presents a sound opportunity for someone with the right business idea for main street Dorchester and the northern Saline County and southern Seward County area.

We would like to know what your ideas would be for this building, if you owned it?

No one know the Dorchester and Saline County market like our readers.  

Leave your ideas in the comments section of this post by clicking "comments" below.

Click here to see the property listing and numerous pictures.


This property on the east side of Dorchester's main street is fully equipped and ready to go and would be a steal at the current price. 

Here are the details regarding the building as we know them:  


  • All restaurant and bar equipment is included. 
  • There are 5720 square feet with this property.  
  • Taxes in 2014 were $1,831.
  • There are two walk-in coolers, a walking freezer, television sets, under bar cooler, beer keg cooler for up to 4 kegs, taps, grills, 18-foot fire suppressant hood, grills, cookers, deep fat fryers, refrigerated salad bar table, pots, pans, dishes tables, chairs and more. 
  • Everything an investor or group of investors would need to operate an efficient restaurant or any business that needs such equipment.

The atmosphere of this restaurant and bar gives it the capability of becoming a regional attraction. 

We hope a creative individual or group with the right idea can make this property an attribute to the community.  

Friday, October 9, 2015

Many Dorchester Homes Sporting Classy Halloween Displays


Perhaps you've read about the attention-seeking Ohio family (with very bad judgement) that has displayed in their yard several gruesome decorations -- which include a cocooned corpse hanging from a tree, a body impaled on a stake and a cadaver upside down on a cross.  

That display happens to be a few blocks from an elementary school in Parma, Ohio.

In Dorchester, we have much classier October displays.  In fact, there are some very nice ones that have caught our attention.

Take a stroll through our town of Dorchester and you will find some very creative autumn decorations and Halloween arrangements.

We want to know which Dorchester area homes you think best display the festive fall spirit so readers can check out the decorations for themselves. 

What Dorchester residence gets your vote for best Halloween/autumn home?

Let us know your nomination in the comments section of this post. 

Or e-mail your favorites at Dorchester.Times@gmail.com.

Dorchester's Tax Delinquencies List


Who in the Dorchester area is delinquent on their property taxes?

Well, the good news is there aren't many.  In fact, Dorchester in 2015 has the best record of any community in Saline County for on-time property taxpayers.  (That's right, Saline County -- Dorchester taxpayers are best when it comes to timely payments.)

However, there are five properties in town and one in the nearby countryside that are late on their property taxes.  Here they are:
  • DORCHESTER VILLAGE LOT 477 -- AMOUNT: $133.56
  • DORCHESTER VILLAGE LOT 682 -- AMOUNT: $444.18
  • DORCHESTER VILLAGE ALL OF LT 802 and N 1/2 LT 803 -- AMOUNT: $672.60
  • DORCHESTER VILLAGE LOT 1057 and S 36' OF LT 1058 -- AMOUNT: $552.68
  • DORCHESTER VILLAGE 2ND ADD. W 10' OF S 80' LT 4 BLK 11 -- AMOUNT: $184.20
  • DORCHESTER PRCT N 1/2 NE 1/4 (EX. PARCEL 34, 37, 38) SEC 12-8-3 72.01 ACRES -- AMOUNT: $2,684.44
Why should you care? Pay these taxes on these delinquent properties, and you could eventually become the owner at a bargain price.

For more information, see the County Treasurer's website here.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Former DPS Educators Brown, Rasmussen, Kohout Still Going Strong


A reader recently shared this picture of three long-time Dorchester Public School educators, all of who have been retired for some time now.  Today, we're sharing it with our readers.

All three former DPS teachers -- Berniece Brown, Margaret Rasmussen, and Doris Kohout -- retired from Dorchester and education in 1993.  Together, the trio had compiled almost 130 years as teachers.

These dedicated educators were together again in August to celebrate Mrs. Rasmussen's 100th birthday.  An open house was held Aug. 9 at Dorchester's community building, where more than 225 well-wishers stopped by to say hello.

For a third of a century -- Margaret Rasmussen was a fixture at Dorchester Public Schools, where she taught two generations of fourth graders.  For those who don't know, Rasmussen started her teaching career after her high school graduation in 1932.  Taking night classes, attending summer school and doing extension work, she earned her bachelor's degree from Doane College.  For many years, she taught at country schools in Saline and Fillmore counties.  She even served on the advisory board for the Nebraska history textbook.  Rasmussen's first year with Dorchester Schools was 1961.  Her retirement in 1993 closed the books on a 52-year teaching career.

Mrs. Brown came to Dorchester in 1964, teaching at DPS for 30 years.  Mrs. Kohout came to Dorchester in 1970 and had taught for 23 years upon retirement.

We salute these three professionals not only for their years of service to Dorchester, but for maintaining their ties to our community long into retirement.

Thank you for your service to Dorchester and its young people, ladies.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Dorchester Shows Value Of Smaller Schools; Claims Area's Lowest Property Tax Rate


Over the years, this publication has spent plenty of electronic ink discussing property taxes and how those dollars are spent.  Today, we examine exactly how those property tax dollars are levied in Saline County.  

(Remember, property taxes are levied and collected by local government -- not the state or federal government.  The latter take your money in the form of income tax and sales tax.)

In 2014, the latest year of data available, Saline County's taxing entities collected more than $31.2 million dollars in property tax revenue.

Here's where your property tax dollars go if you live in Saline County, by percentage:

* Your school district:  64%
* County government:  21%
* Your city:  8%
* Your community college district:  4%
* Misc. (NRD's, ESU's, etc.): Remaining  3%

Who pays the property taxes to fund these entities? Here's the list of payers, by percentage:

* Ag land owners:  54%
* Home and other residential property owners:  28%
* Non-farm businesses and industry:  9%
* Ag machinery (personal property tax):  4%
* Misc. (commercial machinery, railroads, farm outbuildings, etc.):  5%

In Saline County, ag land comprises more than 60% of the county's privately held, taxable property in terms of value.  Residential property accounts for 22% of the county's taxable property in terms value.

Now that we know that 64% of our property tax dollars go to pay for our local school district, how do area schools compare when it come to tax rates?  

Here's a look at the rates of area schools. (The tax rates general tell us about the financial condition of each school district and their board's willingness to spend.)

School District                   2014 Tax Rate

LINCOLN (highest rate)         $1.09 levied for every $100 of valuation (doesn't include extra taxes for multiple bonds approved by voters)

MALCOLM                                $1.07 (doesn't include bonds)
CRETE                                        $1.04 (doesn't include bonds costing extra $0.07 and $0.18)
NORRIS                                     $1.04 (doesn't include several bonds)
FREEMAN                                 $0.96 (doesn't include bonds)
MILFORD                                  $0.96 (doesn't include bond of $0.04) 
FRIEND                                      $0.94 (doesn't include bond of $0.14)
WILBER-CLATONIA               $0.88 (doesn't include bonds of $0.01 and $0.08)
EXETER-MILLIGAN               $0.77 (doesn't include bond for voter-approved construction)
MERIDIAN                                 $0.76
DORCHESTER (lowest rate)  $0.70 (doesn't include bond of $0.09)

Monday, October 5, 2015

Oct. 21 Forum Will Focus On Downtown Revitalization


Thanks to an e-mail from a Dorchester Times reader, we have been made aware of an upcoming forum dedicated to the renovation of small town main streets across the state.

On Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at UNL's Nebraska Union Room, a forum will be held to discuss successful revitalization efforts of traditional downtown business districts in Nebraska communities.  

We are told that the Nebraska Main Street Program provides direction, education, information resources and hands-on technical assistance to communities statewide.  Attendees will learn about the Main Street Program and engage in conversations with other community leaders about the challenges and opportunities that exist in Nebraska's downtown business districts.  

This session is open to anyone -- regardless of whether you hold elected office.

Business and property owners, community leaders and volunteers who are interested in revitalizing their downtown business districts are encouraged to attend.  

For more information or to RSVP, e-mail echase@windstream.net.