Editorial: Legislative Candidate's Cash Haul Raises Red Flags

It's an election year. Campaign mailers are flooding mailboxes, including flyers from the candidates seeking the District 32 seat in the Nebraska Legislature.

Fortunately, Senator Tom Brandt is term limited. A big land owner, Brandt has for years intentionally muddied the waters between state and local taxes. Even during serious state budget crunches, he brags about state government spending $1.6 billion annually to subsidize local property tax bills. Yet property taxes are imposed by K-12 schools, counties, cities, and NRDs — not the state. Brandt is comfortable using Nebraskans' sales and income tax dollars to let the Unicameral play "sugar daddy," allowing big spenders at the local level to avoid accountability.

Vying to replace Brandt this November are two candidates who will appear on the May primary ballot:

• Mark Schoenrock, a "conservative Republican," Army veteran, and career officer who has served as a Jefferson County Commissioner.
  
  
• Shay Smith, a Crete-based lawyer and tax professional who presents herself as an "independent problem-solver." However, the Crete News previously published photos of Smith attending an anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) vigil, leading many to suspect she supports liberal causes. Because the Nebraska Legislature is non-partisan, voters are at a distinct disadvantage; there is no "R" or "D" after names on the ballot to provide clarity.

This week, The Plains-Sentinel, an online Nebraska publication, wrote: "In a potential surprise from a usually right-leaning rural district, Shaylene Smith, an independent progressive candidate for District 32, out-raised the Republican candidate Mark Schoenrock $57,000 to $30,000 and had nearly $85,000 cash on hand compared to Schoenrock’s $36,000."

No wonder Smith is sending us so many glossy campaign flyers.

The Times investigated Shoenrock's and Smith's campaign statements filed with the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission (NADC). Three red flags stood out regarding Smith’s funding:

1. State Senator Danielle Conrad, a liberal activist attorney and a leader of the Unicameral’s far-left wing, is a donor to Smith’s campaign.
   
   
2. Smith's campaign received $25,000 from Democracy Nebraska. This group is a well-oiled progressive activist group that Google's Gemini says is comprised of "Lincoln/Omaha elites" and is "funded by out-of-state interests who want to 'California-ize' our election laws." The AI tool also called Democracy Nebraska "the primary recruitment and training ground for the next generation of liberal organizers" and "a 'who’s who' of Democratic and progressive operatives in Nebraska."
   
   
3. Wyoming-based Way Back PAC, another "dark money" group, gave Smith's campaign $10,000. Gemini said this about Way Back: "They are systematically funding the infrastructure ... designed to crack the 'red wall' in the West. Their funding of liberal stalwarts in North Dakota and Kansas proves that 'Way Back' isn't about going back to old-school civility; it's about providing a back-door for liberal policy wins in states where the Democratic brand is underwater." Gemini notes that the most significant move by Way Back PAC in recent cycles was their heavy backing of Dan Osborn in the 2024 Nebraska U.S. Senate race. "While Osborn ran as an independent, the PAC’s involvement — alongside traditional Democratic donors — signals their role as a bridge for liberal interests to support non-traditional candidates in deep-red states where a 'Democrat' label is a death sentence."

Only about $12,850 of Smith's reported campaign contributions since Jan. 1 were from individuals from Lincoln, Crete or other nearby communities. That compares to about $10,500 for Schoenrock.

The Times will not endorse a candidate for the Primary Election. However, we will take a stand against "dark money" and suspicious donations fueling candidates who are allowed to hide behind non-partisan labels to avoid public scrutiny.

Nebraskans deserve transparency. It shouldn't require hours of investigative research to discover who is actually bankrolling the people who want to write our laws.

Dorchester Times Turns 19

 

Nineteen years ago this month, the Dorchester Times made its debut. 

 

Back in April 2007, we wrote: "Welcome to the Dorchester Times. This site is dedicated to our town, Dorchester, Nebraska. While we relish our proud past, we also enjoy the blessings of today and eagerly look forward to the future."

The same holds true today.

Now, 19 years later, the Dorchester blog has gathered an estimated 4 million page views. Pretty incredible.

 

As of April 2024, we are still averaging tens of thousands of visits each month, even in the era of social media.

 

Not bad for a community of approximately 600 residents. Not bad at all.

Despite being the most widely read website in Saline County, and one of the most popular blogs in Nebraska, we have rejected offers to advertise on our site. We've always wanted this site to be your site -- and to focus on the people of Dorchester, celebrating its past, and helping to be a part of its future.

To help us keep up on the latest developments in and around town, be sure to email your stories and photos or other relevant material at dorchester.times@gmail.com. Do not, however, send notices to our Facebook instant messenger account. They likely will never be read.

Thanks to our readers, contributors, and even our critics (like good ol' Cynical Richard) as we look forward to the next 19 years.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Bruha Snags 'Coach Of The Year' Honor, Again

Brandon Bruha Is Once Again Nebraska Girls Basketball 'Coach of the Year': The 2025-26 NebPreps Girls basketball "Coach of the Year" is Brandon Bruha of Dorchester, as voted by the public. This marks the second consecutive year that Bruha was awarded the honor. See NebPreps social media post.

Dump Site Open for the Season: The Village of Dorchester's Dump Site is now open again for the season. Dump hours are Monday and Wednesday, 3 to 7 p.m., as well as Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The dump accepts branches, leaves, grass clippings, and garden waste. Recycling bins are also available at the site.

Next Village Board Meeting, April 13: The next Dorchester Village Board meeting is set for Monday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmers Cooperative headquarters building. Attendees should use Door No. 2.  The meeting is open to the public.

Daylight Donut Trailer Here This Thursday, April 16: Daylight Donuts Trailer will be visiting Dorchester, Thursday, April 16. The trailer will be parked by the Post Office from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. or until sold out.

Dorchester's Spring Clean-Up Coming Soon: Dorchester's village spring clean-up will be Saturday, April 18 through Saturday, April 25. Roll-offs will be available at the dump site free of charge -- and some of those yards need them! This is for Dorchester residents only. Attendant on duty has authority to accept or reject items. The dump will be open Monday through Friday that week, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Village Hall at 402-946-3201 for details or questions. Accepted Items: furniture, televisions, carpet, mattresses, metal, appliances, batteries, wood without nails. (No pallets. And certainly no wet paint, hazardous waste items, tires, lead-acid batteries, or garbage.) Be watching for Dorchester Times staff members taking photos of blighted properties.

FLASHBACK: Salute To Miles Nerud, Father Of SFS Baseball

Several years ago, Dorchester High School alum Jack Guggenmos -- a former athletic and coaching standout -- wrote on Facebook: "It’s so great to see the legacy of Mike Nerud continue and grow! He is the true father of SFS League baseball. Believe me, he would be so proud. Congrats to the coaches and players on their championship! The tradition continues in Dorchester!"

In October 2007, the Dorchester Times reported the passing of Miles J. Nerud, one of Dorchester's favorite sons and a local baseball hero. Here's what we wrote at the time: "Miles Nerud, 91, passed away at 12:10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007 in Friend. Born April 2, 1916 to John and Anna Nerud, survivors include nieces, nephews and friends, including special friends and neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sehnert.

"Nerud brought organized little league baseball to Dorchester in the 1950s. He served as one of the founding fathers of the Seward-Fillmore-Saline (SFS) League in 1957. Despite some changes from the original town teams, the SFS League remains strong today, half a century later.

"Prior to Nerud's work with Little League ball, he organized the first Dorchester Legion baseball team in the late 1940s.

"According to the Dorchester Centennial history book, Dorchester was known as a baseball town as early as 1905. Miles Nerud played a vital role in securing that reputation. He helped to grow the town's love for the game and produced some of the finest ball players in the region. 

From an early age, Coach Nerud recognized that baseball was more than a game for our area community, but a social network that brought families together regardless of age, ethnicity or social standing. 

 

"Around these parts, he will always be remembered as Mr. Baseball -- by players past and present. And we will be reminded of his contributions whenever we see a game played on Dorchester's Nerud Field, named in his honor."

Happy Easter From The Times

The staff of the Dorchester Times wishes all our readers and area residents a happy Easter. 

May you and your families enjoy together the blessings and forgiveness bestowed upon each of us and our community.

Take time today to remember the reason for this special day. 

“He is not here; he has risen!” - Luke 24:6

Dorchester Easter Egg Hunt Is April 4

Hey, kids! The Easter Bunny will soon be dropping by Dorchester. It is definitely time to practice your egg hunting skills.

The Dorchester Easter Egg Hunt will take place 2 p.m. Saturday, April 4. And it's going to be a hopping good time.

Here's where to report (we suggest getting there by at least 1:45 p.m.):

• Football Field: Ages 3 and under, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, and first- and second-graders meet at the football field, northwest of the school.
  
  
• Practice Field: Third and fourth graders meet at the practice football field two blocks north of the school.

Make sure your children take part in this special holiday tradition. The hunt is sponsored by the Dorchester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

All children are invited to help color the eggs on Good Friday evening, April 3, at 7 p.m. at the Dorchester Fire Hall. Prepared to get messy (that means don't wear nice clothes).

 

BREAKING: Village to Pivot on Blighted Properties; Two New Municipal Pools Announced

After decades of residents requesting a municipal swimming pool, it appears the Village of Dorchester is ready to dive in. 

According to a "highly classified" memo and architectural renderings leaked this week, village officials have fast-tracked a plan to convert two prominent empty basements on blighted properties into state-of-the-art swimming facilities by early summer.

The "dual-campus" aquatic plan addresses the town's geographic divide, with one pool designated for the north side and another for the south side.

The vacant basements —  left behind by a house relocation and a controlled burn — have long been considered "unattended hazards." 

However, the village memo suggests that with a few garden hoses and a liberal application of industrial chlorine, these "holes in the ground" are actually "turn-key recreational assets."

"Why spend millions on concrete when the digging is already done?" the memo stated. "It’s a win-win for the budget and the youth."

One neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed cautious optimism.

"I’m just glad they’re doing something with it," he said. "I did suggest they bolt a high-dive to that free-standing chimney at the north pool. I've always been smart like that."

Early public reaction has been mixed, particularly regarding a controversial "clothing-optional" hour proposed for the south side location.

"At this stage of the planning process, nothing is off the table," one official reportedly said. 

Developing...

(Happy April Fools' Day!) 

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Journalism Students Take Big Honors

DHS Journalism Student Take Home Awards: Dorchester High School students recently competed in the Journalism Education Association Winter High School Journalism Competition. Approximately 850 entries were received from 34 schools statewide, with most being Class A schools. Dorchester was the smallest school represented. Emilia Perez received a superior score in Newspaper Sports Feature Writing and excellent in Yearbook Layout; Briana Tellez received an excellent in Advertising and an excellent in Feature Photography. Rosie Lopez received an excellent in Yearbook Feature Writing, while Lyberty Bartlett received an excellent in Newswriting. Sierra Sherwood received excellent in Infographics, while Max Novak received a Superior in Newspaper Sports Feature Writing. The team of Emilia Perez, Briana Tellez, and Lyberty Bartlett received a superior in Yearbook Theme Development, one of only two schools to get this honor. They are advised by Mrs. Sandy Severance.

Dorchester's Spring Clean-Up Coming Soon: Dorchester's village spring clean-up will be Saturday, April 18 through Saturday, April 25. Roll-offs will be available at the dump site free of charge -- and some of those yards need them! The dump will be open Monday through Friday that week, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact Village Hall at 402-946-3201 for details or questions. 

Dorchester Community Foundation Fund Fish Fry, April 3: We have learned that the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund is planning to hold its first-ever fish fry. The event is set for Friday, April 3, starting at 5 p.m. at the Dorchester American Legion Hall and Community Building. Details emerging.

April 11 is Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department Brisket Meal: On Saturday, April 11, the Dorchester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will host its brisket mean and silent auction fundraiser. Dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the fire hall. Orders to go will also be available by calling 402-826-7346.

Next Village Board Meeting, April 13: The next Dorchester Village Board meeting is set for Monday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmers Cooperative headquarters building. Attendees should use Door No. 2.  

Rural Dorchester's Karen Sysel Passes At 76

Karen Kay (Hagelstein) Sysel, age 76, of rural Dorchester, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln. She was born on Jan. 13, 1950, at Bryan Hospital in Lincoln. Karen was baptized March 26,1950 and confirmed May 23, 1965, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wahoo. Karen married Deryl Sysel on November 16, 1974, at First Lutheran Church in Lincoln. To this union they had one daughter, Debra Kay.

Karen attended Wahoo elementary and high school through the first semester of her junior year when her family moved to Rock Falls, IL. She graduated from Rock Falls in 1968. Upon graduation, she worked at the Cerebral Foundation. In 1969, her family moved back to Lincoln where she worked for Central Service Company for 5 years. Growing up, Karen swore that she would never marry a farmer, but that soon changed when she met Deryl Sysel. They made their home SW of Dorchester where they farmed for nearly 50 years. Soon after moving to the farm, Karen wanted to learn how to drive the truck and tractors to help Deryl in the field. She enjoyed spending time in the field with Deryl and Deb and looked forward to their annual family vacations. Karen also enjoyed attending Young Farmers Conventions with the Lorenz and Hayek families, where many memories were made over the years.

Karen was a Gold Star member of the American Legion Auxiliary #82 Wahoo and VFW Post 4502 Wahoo. She was a former member of Crete Young Farmers, Girl Scout leader and member. She also held several positions in Farmers Union, both at the county and district levels, holding many different officer positions. She was also a school board member of District #57.

Karen enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Her greatest joy was attending her grandsons' events and helping on the farm. She enjoyed hosting family and friends where she was able to cook and bake for them. She was a dedicated caregiver for Deryl.

Karen is preceded death by her husband, Deryl in February 2022, parents: Ken and Delores Hagelstein, parents-in law: George and Elsie Sysel, brother-in-law, Joe Mares and nephew, Brad Kasl.

She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Deb (Nate) Shaw, grandsons: Landon and Connor, sister-in-law, Cheryl Mares, niece, Sheri (Kevin) Schuetze and their children: Carter and Atley, aunt, Ruth Heiser, family friend, Dale Lawver and many cousins.

Services were March 26 at the Dorchester United Methodist Church. Click here to leave condolences for the family.

Looking Back: The Mills Of The Dorchester Area

Nowadays, the rivers and creeks of Saline County are used mostly for irrigation and fishing. But in days gone by, mills located on Turkey Creek (pictured above) and the west fork of the Big Blue River (pictured below) played an even more substantial role. In fact, Dorchester's first electricity was generated by a dam on Turkey Creek.

In Dorchester's early days, the milling industry was a staple of the area's economy. The 1880s saw rapid growth of the milling business on Turkey Creek, just south of town.Turkey Creek became recognized as "the Old Mill Stream," according to the Nebraska State Historical Society. 

Of the five mills on Turkey Creek in Saline County, two predominately served the Dorchester area. 

One was Amity Mill at Pleasant Hill. Constructed in 1870, the Amity Mill produced flour and meal, and later provided the first electricity for Dorchester. 

The other Dorchester-area mill, Lawrence Mill, was located near the current Gilbert Cemetery.

A trip to the nearest mill, with a team and wagon loaded with grain, occupied most of a farmer's day back in those early years -- and when the weather was pleasant, such a trip often provided a holiday for Saline County settlers. This allowed farm families to picnic, as well as take in the sights and sounds of water pouring over the log dam. 

The dams also provided excellent havens for large catfish.

The Amity Mill at Pleasant Hill was destroyed by a fire started by lightning and was not rebuilt. In 1934, the dam was removed by dynamite. Millstones from the Amity Mill can be seen at the Saline County Museum located in Dorchester.

No specific details are known about the demise of the Lawrence Mill.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Drought Returns To Saline County

Drought Returns To Saline County: Deadly wildfires are plaguing western and parts of central Nebraska, fueled by worsening drought. The Morrill Fire alone has burned a record amount of land in our state. Now drought is returning to Saline County and eastern Nebraska, as illustrated by UNL's updated drought monitor. As for precipitation, none is expected for the foreseeable future. In fact, very warm temperatures and extremely low humidity levels have our area in a fire warning for the weekend. The next chance at rain comes Monday, March 30, according to weather models. The Times staff's work with several AI models shows that early April will likely bring a wet early part of that month.

Dorchester Community Foundation Fund Fish Fry, April 3: We have learned that the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund is planning to hold its first-ever fish fry. The event is set for Friday, April 3, starting at 5 p.m. at the Dorchester American Legion Hall and Community Building. Details emerging.

April 11 is Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department Brisket Meal: On Saturday, April 11, the Dorchester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will host its brisket mean and silent auction fundraiser. Dinner will be served from 4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the fire hall. Orders to go will also be available by calling 402-826-7346.

Museum Hosting Session on Storm-Damaged Trees: Just in time for the start of spring. This Saturday morning, March 21, starting at 9 a.m., Nicole Stoner with the Nebraska Extension Office will be at the Saline County Museum. Her topic of discussion will be tree care, including dealing with the damage your trees had in the storms last year, what to do with damaged trees, and how to plant new trees.

Dorchester School Play, March 26 and 29: The spring play at Dorchester High School this year is "Murders in the Heir." The play is an interactive comedy you won't want to miss. The audience has the opportunity to choose the murderer, which can make things very interesting. The performance dates are Thursday, March 26, and Sunday, March 29.

Looking Back: 79 Seasons Ago, Alumni Were On DHS' Regular Season Schedule

The Dorchester High School's 2026 alumni basketball tourney will be held this week, March 20 and 21. 

 

According an email sent to the Times, five teams will participate in the 2026 tourney, which marks more than 30 years of this event that helps the school's athletics program raise extra funds.

 

The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund's annual steak feed will also take place that same weekend on Saturday evening. It should be a swinging weekend in Dorchester, as usual.

Today, we're taking the time machine back to December 1946.That's when the Dorchester alumni challenged the DHS boys varsity basketball team in a Friday night match-up on the tiles of DHS' gymnasium (the "old gym," which was torn down in 2008). 

The picture to the right is from Dorchester's 1946-47 season.

That first contest of the '46-'47 campaign was the opening game for the high school boys. Back then, most smaller communities had "town teams" of adult males -- and Dorchester claimed one of the better town teams for basketball and baseball, according to old timers and history books.

The Dorchester Star reported the DHS boys lost to the DHS alumni by a tally of 16-27, unable to recover from a 7-12 halftime deficit.  

The Star reported, "Earl Parks, Tom Parks, Harold Fette and Leonard Bures (the DHS captain) looked good for the high school team," as Don Pisar, W. Plouzek, Dale Arnold and Harry Axline also saw plenty of action for the Longhorns.  

"Doc" Tobiska was the star for the "old grads." 

 

Interestingly enough, the alumni team went on to play other games that season against opponents like the Crete VFW.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Village of Dorchester Spending Sees 216% Jump

 

 

Village Spending Sees 216% Jump: The Village of Dorchester budget for the current 2025-26 fiscal year, approved last fall by the village board, increased total disbursements and transfers of funds by 216%. That is $7.74 million for the current fiscal year compared to $2.45 million the previous year. Key line items were water ($2.5 million), electrical utilities ($1.1 million), and streets ($1.7 million). The village budget is available for public viewing since it is filed with the Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts. See it here. If you're interested in the spending of school districts, counties, and other communities in Nebraska, see this page.

Dorchester Kindergarten Roundup, April 1 and 2: A DPS social media post reports that registration for Dorchester's kindergarten class for next school year will be held April 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Then the annual DPS Kindergarten Roundup will be the following day, April 2, starting at 12:15 p.m., giving the students a chance to meet their fellow little Longhorns. Call Mrs. Schindler for questions at bailey.schindler@dorchester.org.

Village Office Closed Third Week of March: According to the village government website, the village office will be closed the week of March 16. No other details are provided. It simply reads: "The Village office will be closed the week of March 16 - March 20. Please plan accordingly. If you have an emergency, please call the Utility cell (402-381-8442) or the Clerk cell (402-381-8644)."

Saline Center Consignment Sale, March 15: As a reminder, Saline Center will host its 42nd annual consignment sale Sunday, March 15, starting at 9:30 a.m. If you missed our original story, read it here.

Anti-Teen-Drinking Event Set for April 8 in Milford: The Todd Becker Foundation will host a community outreach event in Milford on April 8 at the Milford High School. The foundation is working with area churches to conduct this free program, which is open to the public. The Todd Becker Foundation is a non-profit that started in Kearney in the spring of 2005 following the death of 18-year-old high school student Todd Becker in an alcohol-related car accident. Visit toddbecker.org for more information.

Dorchester's Steak And Hamburger Feed, March 21

Ring in spring with a tasty steak or burger at the Dorchester Community Hall and Legion Hall on Saturday, March 21.  

In the process, you'll be helping Dorchester improve itself.

The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund's Annual Steak and Hamburger Feed will be held in conjunction with the Dorchester High School Alumni Basketball Tourney.

The feed will take place from 5 p.m. until approximately 9 p.m.

For those who don't want to dine in, to-go orders will be available by calling 402-461-7050 or 402-525-5705.

Those who have been to this event in the past know it's some of the best beef available anywhere -- and served in a small-town, friendly environment. 

Funds raised will help support the Foundation Fund's projects. 

This event has been one of the most popular in Dorchester for the past decade. And the food always gets top-notch reviews.

 

In previous years, the event has raised as much as $2,500 after expenses -- helping support many worthwhile initiatives, including the bleacher shade at Nerud Field, the "Welcome to Dorchester" signs, the directory at the Dorchester Cemetery, and the water park.

Come out and support Dorchester March 21.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Pickleball Comes To Dorchester

Pickleball Comes to Dorchester: Pickleball is sweeping the nation. It's a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, played on a compact court, making it easy for all ages to learn. Now pickleball is coming to Dorchester. Starting March 7 at the school gym, Dorchester Community Pickleball will kick off its casual, open-court Saturday mornings, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. This non-competitive gathering will prioritize connection over scores, inviting players of all ages and skill levels — regardless of whether they live in Dorchester or are just passing through — to drop in for a game. No teams to join or sign-up sheets to navigate, the focus remains entirely on friendly play. See the group's Facebook page.

Earthquake Rattles Southeast and Southern Nebraska: If you felt your house shake and rumble early this afternoon (Sunday, March 1), yes -- that was an earthquake. Early reports indicate that a 4.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Cowles, Nebraska, which is near Red Cloud. More information available at the USGS website. Developing...

New Business Coming to Dorchester's Main Street: According to a social media announcement, "Country Cheesecake Co. will be transitioning into Lola Sue's LLC. Same delicious cheesecake and more! We will be moving into a storefront, where Tiffy's Cafe was formerly located in downtown Dorchester ... Stay tuned for hours we will be available." According to the announcement, the store on the northeast corner of Washington Ave. and 8th Street is expected to be open in June. The owners say that coffee and other drinks will be available, along with limited breakfast and lunch menus, as well as baked goods/desserts. 

Village Job Openings: The Village of Dorchester is still in search of a qualified individual to serve as a full-time assistant utility superintendent, according to the Village government's site. This long-term position will perform duties in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the sewer and water systems; streets; storm drainage; parks; city equipment; public buildings; heavy equipment operations; and other tasks as assigned for the Village of Dorchester. The village is also seeking a dependable Dump Site Attendant responsible for monitoring disposal of branches, leaves, and grass clippings. Call the Village Clerk at (402) 946-3201, if interested.

Basketball Seasons End For Both DHS Teams: On Feb. 19, the DHS girls basketball season concluded following a 65-33 loss to Falls City Sacred Heart in the sub-district final. Earlier that week, DHS beat Diller-Odell 38-31 in the first-round sub-district contest. The Lady Longhorns end the season at 15-9. Coach Brandon Bruha told The Crete News he was proud of his team, despite finishing short of their goals. The team loses three seniors. Meanwhile, the DHS boys lost to Nebraska Lutheran 21-38 in their sub-district game, finishing 1-21 on the season. It's been a tough decade for the DHS boys basketball program, but an influx of young talent starting next year promises to flip the script.

March 15 Soup Luncheon: The ladies at the Methodist Church are planning an event that's sure to tantalize the taste buds. The annual soup luncheon will be held Sunday, March 15, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Dorchester Methodist Church. Whether you fancy chili, clam chowder, chicken noodle, or liver dumpling, you'll savor every spoonful. This is a free-will offering event. 

Southeast Nebraska As Earthquake Country? You Bet

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, an earthquake hitting 4.1 on the Richter Scale struck around 1 p.m. today, March 1, in Webster County, located in south-central Nebraska near the Kansas border.

While this is considered “light” and not likely to cause damage, the quake was felt in Dorchester by several residents.  

Nebraska Public Media reports that earthquakes are relatively rare in Nebraska, but the state does usually record one or two minor quakes per year. The last time Nebraska recorded a quake of a magnitude 4 or above was in December 2023, also in Webster County.

Southeast Nebraska lives under a minor threat of earthquakes. The Humboldt Fault Zone is a normal fault or series of faults that extends from Nebraska southwestwardly through most of Kansas -- all the way to Oklahoma City.  The Humboldt line is close enough to the Saline County that we would certainly feel the impact of a major quake.

Most of the impact of a quake in southeastern Nebraska would likely do the most damage in southeast Nebraska up north to the Platte River area in Cass County, according to historical records.

Keep in mind that Nebraska (and Kansas, for that matter) is not particularly earthquake prone, ranking near the bottom of the 50 states by damage caused.

When it comes to potential for damage, northwest Nebraska claims the highest probability in our state.

But also remember this: The Humboldt Fault had the largest earthquake in Kansas history with the 1867 Manhattan, Kansas earthquake. It happened near the town of Wamego and was estimated at about 5.5 on the Richter scale. Reportedly it was felt as far away as Dubuque, Iowa. 

Had Dorchester been around then, we're quite certain residents then would have felt it, too.

During the 1800's, Nebraska experienced some rather strong quakes, with one in 1811 in New Madrid, which registered an 8.1 and produced thousands of aftershocks. The earthquake was felt as far away as Washington, D.C. In strength, this quake superseded an 1877 quake, considered the strongest quake on record since it did serious damage in Lincoln and Omaha.

An article in "Nebraska Life" magazine reports that the New Madrid Fault Zone "is at greater risk of earthquakes that any location east of the Rocky Mountains."

There is speculation among experts that there is a connection between the Nebraska plates and others in the U.S. -- even in Alaska.

In March, 1964, there was a 9.2 quake in Prince William Sound, Alaska. This was the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the U.S., measuring 9.2 on the Richter scale. Merriman, Neb., on the same day, had four quakes, each about four minutes apart, which registered at 5.1 and impacted a 90,000 square mile area. 

This same scenario has occurred several times.