Alumni Volleyball Tourney Set For March 20-22 -- If There's Interest

Attention former Lady Longhorn volleyball players: A group of DHS alumnae are scrambling to assemble an alumni volleyball tournament on short notice and your help is needed.

We are told that the volleyball tourney would coincide with the DHS Alumni Basketball Tournament, slated for March 20, 21 and 22. The volleyball tourney would be held in the new practice gymnasium.

According to Michelle Eret, the volleyball tournament will be held only if there is sufficient interest.

Players interested in participating in the volleyball tournament next month should e-mail Michelle at mleret@yahoo.com as soon as possible. E-mails indicating interest will be accepted until next Friday, March 6. (As a reminder, DHS Activities Director Scott Pohl is requesting that alumni basketball team captains submit team information by March 6. For more information, call Pohl at 402-946-2781.)

Entrepreneurial Communities Grant Deadline Is May 1

Imagine if the Village of Dorchester and City of Friend teamed up to implement a program to retain their young people and attract young families to the area. Or if Dorchester and Wilber worked together to devise an incentive program to bring businesses to their Main Streets. Or if our village leaders worked with the Milford and Crete city councils to create a new program to groom the next generation of area leaders.

All of the above ideas could be eligible for state funding through the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act (BECA). Under the BECA program, grants are aimed to help rural areas build and sustain programs that generate and retain income in communities. Eligible applicants are those with at least two local units of government collaborating on a project with a maximum two-year completion deadline.

Eligible projects must address one or more of the following activities:

• provide education and technical help that energizes small business development and entrepreneurship;
• provide technical assistance that facilitates small business transfer;
• build community business capacity and leadership programs;
• generate opportunities that attract and retain youth and/or families;
• provide education about philanthropy and transfer of inter-generational wealth;
• provide education about building community endowments to support all activities;
• establish community initiatives that attract new residents;
• provide marketing assistance (for Web sites, printed or electronic materials, etc.) to recruit new residents from outside the state.

Applications must be received at either the Nebraska Department of Economic Development in Lincoln, or the Nebraska Rural Development Commission office in North Platte by Noon, May 1. Complete guidelines and the application form can be found at: http://www.neded.org/content/view/374/555/.

For more information, call Linda Fettig at (308) 380-4966 or linda.fettig@nebraska.gov.

DHS Boys Season Ends In Geneva

The Dorchester boys basketball season came to an abrupt end Tuesday night in Geneva as McCool Junction managed to narrowly defeat DHS for the second time this season. When the buzzer sounded at the first-round subdistrict game, the final tally was 58-54. McCool is listed as a contender in this week's Lincoln Journal Star Class D1 rankings.

The heartbreaker marked the last contest for Longhorn seniors Brandon Bruha and Logan Morris. DHS will feature a strong returning lineup next season with 6'8" Alex Walton, Brandon Zoubek, Spencer Kotas, Kyle Palky and Michael Lee leading the way.

Dorchester played one of the toughest schedules in Class D1 this season. Despite their seven losses, the team is still No. 29 in the Nebraska School Activities Association's Class D1 point standings, which is comprised of more than 6o teams from across the state.

The Longhorns (12-7) finish the 2008-09 campaign with the school's most successful boys basketball season in at 20 years. The 1988-89 DHS team, which played in Class C2, finished 14-5, according to an e-mail from a reader. No DHS boys team has bettered that winning percentage since.

The 1986-87 Longhorn boys team is the winningest team is school history at 19-2, according to the reader, and was regarded by some sports writers as the best team in Class C2 that year.

NEWS BRIEFS: Dorchester Journalists Take Top Honors

• DHS Takes Top Honors In State Journalism Contest: Dorchester this month further solidified the reputation of its journalism program, regardless of school size. DHS had multiple top finishers at the 2008-09 Nebraska Journalism Education Association contest for high school newspaper and yearbook students. Out of more than 515 entries in Classes A through D, DHS' Valerie Cochnar received an "excellent" rating in the yearbook layout competition. In yearbook sports writing, DHS' Malinda Havlat also received an "excellent." Dorchester's Jessica Hansen was awarded an "excellent" in yearbook theme copy, while DHS' Charity Springer, Ashton Kotas and Cochnar were awarded a "superior" for yearbook theme development. We at the Times tip our hats to the budding journalists at DHS.

• Assistance Available for Saline County Ancestral Research: Saline County residents Tom and Lyn Harrison tell the Times that they offer "the only online library specializing in Saline County genealogy." The Harrison's assist others researching their families in Saline and surrounding counties. Their Web site, http://rootsweb.ancestry.com/~netpl, offers a "virtual library that provides free online lookups." The Harrisons have a database that includes a "death and burial index" with more than 30,000 entries from Saline and surrounding counties, as well as more than 10,000 obituaries. Those interested in learning more about their family roots can e-mail Tom and Lyn at pastfinder.library@gmail.com.

• Pictures From The Girls Subdistrict Tourney: So the ball did not bounce the Lady Longhorns' way in last week's subdistrict play in Geneva. At least the fans had a good time. To prove it, we have photos from a loyal reader who wanted to share the sights of some of Dorchester's most loyal fans who rooted hard for their favorite team. We thank the reader for sending us these great shots. (Click on photos for a closer look.)

SPORTS ROUNDUP: Bruha Selected For 8-Man All-Star Team

• Bruha Selected For 8-Man All-Star Game: The Omaha World-Herald reports that Dorchester's Brandon Bruha has been picked to play in the Seratoma's all-star 8-man high school football game this summer. Bruha will be one of 24 players on the roster for the Nebraska East team. The all-star game will be held at Hastings College on June 20.
  


• DHS Falls To Giltner, Prepares For Subdistricts Tuesday: The Longhorn boys basketball team fell short in its final regular season contest Friday night, losing 56-42 to Giltner, Class D1's No. 5 team (Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star). DHS (12-6) now prepares for a difficult subdistrict challenge at Fillmore Central in Geneva. The Longhorns will play Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m., taking on 13-5 McCool Junction, who narrowly beat DHS just a few weeks ago. If the Longhorns win, they would likely play top-seeded Bruning-Davenport (19-2), rated No. 1 in both major polls, at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

• DHS Wrestlers Finish Season At State: Dorchester's four state-qualifying wrestlers combined for a team total of 8 points at this weekend's state tournament at Omaha, probably far short of the squad's goals. Still, despite disappointing first-round defeats, DHS' grapplers found some success in the consolation rounds. In the consolation first round, DHS' Brandon Schwisow defeated Mitch Milanuk of Garden County, 9-5, in the 125 lb. class. In the 145 lb. bracket, DHS' Adam Kahle pinned Kade Lehmkuhler of Arnold in less than a minute. And in the 189 lb. class, DHS' Russel Barak pinned Jake Hagan of Sumner-Eddyville-Miller in just 35 seconds. Barak went on to defeat Dillon Mortensen of Medicine Valley, 5-3, in the second round of the consolations. Congratulations to all four of DHS' state qualifiers!

Feb. 16 School Board Minutes: Bell Monument To Be Ready By Alumni Banquet

(The following minutes from the Feb. 16 Dorchester Board of Education meeting appear as submitted to the Times by school administration staff.)

President Brad Havlat called the regular monthly meeting of the Board of Education of Saline County School District 76-0044, a.k.a. as Dorchester Public Schools, to order at 7:06 pm on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009. All members were present along with Superintendent Brian Redinger, Principal Mitch Kubicek, Joyce Karl and Scott Pohl, AD. Motion by Bors, second by Hansen to approve minutes of the January regular meeting. Members voting yes to the motion were Bors, Hansen, Zoubek, Boller, Kahle and Havlat. Motion passed by a vote of 6-0. There were no visitors present at this time.

After verification of publication of the meeting notice in the Crete News, local postings of the meeting notice (Dorchester Schools, Farmers Coop, First State Bank and the Village Office) and the advanced receipt of the meeting agenda and other meeting materials by individual board members, the President stipulated that meeting minutes should reflect that this meeting was held in compliance with the Neb. Open Meetings Law. It was also noted the Open Meeting Act Poster is posted in the boardroom. There was a request for a change of agenda. An executive session was added to discuss legal issues.

The January Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Motion by Kahle, second by Bors to approve the January Report. Voting yes were Kahle, Bors, Boller, Zoubek, Hansen and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0. Motion to approve January 2009 end of the month and February general fund expenditures, along with year to date expenditures from the Special Building, Depreciation, Bond, Employees Benefit, Student Fees, Lunch and Activities Funds was made by Boller, second by Hansen. Voting yes were Boller, Hansen, Bors, Kahle, Zoubek and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0.

Committee Reports:

• Building/Grounds Committee – A time capsule will be made for the bell monument out of stainless steel. A 10 X 22 tube is being donated so the only cost will be with sealing the ends. The bell monument is scheduled to be done by the Alumni Banquet. The Wellness Committee will be meeting after basketball has concluded.
  

7:45 pm Cindy Havlat arrived. Cindy presented information on a scholarship trust. The Board asked her to obtain some more information concerning start up costs and etc. Cindy will be in contact with Mr. Redinger. The Board supported the formation of the scholarship trust.

Principal’s Report: Mr. Kubicek discussed proposed changes to the student handbook. Changes will be tabled until the July meeting.

Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Redinger discussed current legislation including LB240, LB61, LB228, LB102 and LB225. A new Pepsi contract was discussed and Mr. Pohl will contact Coke. There are new Federal Wellness guidelines going into effect regarding types and size of drinks allowed to be sold in schools. Running an option student ad was also discussed.

New Business:
a) The scholarship trust information was presented at 7:45 pm.

b) Motion by Kahle, second by Bors to approve the 2009-2010 School Calendar. Voting yes were Kahle, Bors, Hansen, Boller, Zoubek and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0.

c) Motion Boller, second by Zoubek to approve the FBLA request to attend the State Leadership Conference, April 2-4, in Omaha. Voting yes were Boller, Zoubek, Bors, Kahle, Hansen and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0.

d) Motion by Boller, second by Zoubek to approve the resignation of Mr. David Kampmann, Secondary Social Studies teacher. Voting yes were Boller, Zoubek, Bors, Hansen, Kahle and Havlat. Motion passed 6-0.

e) The Board of Education recognized the Dorchester Education Association as the 2009-2010 bargaining agent for certified staff.

Motion by Zoubek, second by Hansen to adjourn to executive session at 9:10 pm. All members voted aye. Motion by Bors, second by Hansen to return to regular session at 9:38 pm. All members voted aye. The next regular monthly meeting of the Dorchester Board of Education will be Monday, March 9, 2009 at 7:00 pm. Motion by Kahle, second by Hansen to adjourn at 9:40 pm. All members voted aye.

Ron Kahle
(s) Ron Kahle, Secretary of the Board of Education

SPORTS ROUNDUP: Girls End Season; Four Wrestlers See State Tourney Action

• DHS Wrestlers At State: The four DHS wrestlers who worked hard all season to qualify for the state tournament today discovered that the Qwest Center in Omaha presents a whole new level of competition. In the first round of the 2009 state wrestling tournament at the Qwest Center in Omaha, Dorchester wrestlers came away with tough-fought but disappointing lossses. In the 125 lb. class, Devyn Schake, Amherst, pinned DHS' Brandon Schwisow in 3:09. In the 145 lb. category, David Holland, Aquinas Catholic, defeated DHS' Adam Kahle, 9-6. In the 152 lb. class, Randon McKain, Sutherland, pinned the Longhorns' Jordan Inderlied in 3:48. And in the 189 lb. division, Dylan Heitoff, Pope John, pinned DHS' Russel Barak in 1:39. Class D wresting action continues Friday at 8:30 a.m. with first-round consolations.
  
  
• Girls Season Ends In Geneva: Despite one of the best campaigns on record for the DHS girls basketball program, the season came to an end Thursday night in the D1-2 subdistrict finals, as Exeter-Milligan beat the Lady 'Horns, 49-34. This was the season's third meeting between DHS and Exeter-Milligan, with the Timberwolves winning the last two contests. DHS ends up 18-4 on the season. The Lady Longhorns were ranked much of the season by both major state newspapers. Our congratulations to all the members of this year's DHS girls basketball team on an impressive season.

• DHS Girls Basketball In The State Record Books: According to the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA), Dorchester appears more than once when it comes to the girls basketball record books. Former Lady Longhorn Shannon Karl is No. 48 on Nebraska's honor roll for "most points for career" among all classes, with 1541 points at the end of her DHS career in 1995. Karl is also tied at No. 16 on the state's all-class list for "most Points in a single game" with 45 points in a 1994 contest. Dorchester girls basketball is also in the record books for another, less distinguished mark -- holding the state's ninth-longest losing streak with 42 losses in a row. DHS' streak ended in 1989. The state's longest losing streak belongs to Keya Paha with 89.

DHS Girls Advance To Subdistrict Finals

The Lady Longhorns' basketball team cruised to an easy victory in their first game of the subdistricts Tuesday night, taking their first step towards a state tourney appearance.

By a score of 69-43, DHS whipped the Meridian Mustangs at the D1-2 subdistrict tourney at Fillmore Central. The Lady 'Horns now advance to the subdistrict finals set for 7 p.m. tomorrow in Geneva.

From the early moments of the game, DHS (18-3) left little doubt which team would control the contest. Meridian, which had easily handled McCool Junction the previous evening, could not contain the Orange and Black Attack of the DHS offense.

DHS held an 18-11 lead after one period and a 38-22 lead at halftime. Charity Springer led all scorers with 24. Other DHS scorers were: Lawver 15, Pracheil 11, Havlat 7, Boller 6, Spanyers 4, Wells 2.

A contender in this week's Lincoln Journal Star Class D1 rankings, the DHS girls are carrying a win streak of seven games.

Updated: Dorchester's Data

Every now and again, it is worthwhile to look at our community by the numbers.

We at the Times went to the latest U.S. Census data and found that our town is not only making some positive strides, but is also unique compared to some of its area peers.

As of 2007, the latest year of information available, Dorchester's population was 630 people, according to the census' unofficial numbers. Since 2000, the village has had a population growth of 2.44 percent.

Other items of interest we found include:

• The median home cost in Dorchester was $104,700. Home appreciation from 2006 to 2007 was been -0.66 percent.

• Compared to the rest of the country, Dorchester's cost of living was 23 percent lower than the U.S. average.

• Dorchester public schools spent $5,669 per student in 2007. The average school expenditure in the U.S. that year was $6,058. There are about 10 students per teacher in Dorchester.

• The unemployment rate in Dorchester was 2.70 percent 18 months ago. Recent job growth is positive.

• About half of Dorchester's residents regularly attend religious services, with about 14 percent Catholic; 27.42 percent Protestant; and 8.32 percent of another Christian faith.

• About 43 percent of the people in Dorchester are registered as Democrats, while 55 percent are registered Republican. Remaining are independent: 1.35 percent.

• The median age in Dorchester is 38, compared to the national median of 37.6. About 66 percent of people in Dorchester are married, while 6.5 percent are divorced. Just over 9 percent have children, but are single.

• The average one-way commute to and from work for Dorchester residents is 23 minutes. About 79 percent of commuters drive their own car alone, while 16 percent carpool with others. About 1 percent work of residents from home.

• Dorchester's median household income in 2007 was $42,717.

USDA Grants Available For New Rural Businesses

Dorchester area groups that want help energizing their community can apply for grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The Associated Press reports that the USDA is seeking applications for the Rural Business Enterprise Grant program, which is open to public bodies and nonprofits that want to finance small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. Grants may be used for technical assistance, acquisition of land, buildings and other things.

Grants are only eligible for projects that assist rural communities. Rural is defined as communities and cities with a population of 50,000 or less. The deadline to apply is March 31. For more information, go to www.rurdev.usda.gov/rbs/busp/rbeg.htm.

SPORTS ROUNDUP: DHS Sending Four Wrestlers To State

• Four DHS Grapplers Headed To State: Four DHS wrestlers earned the right to go to the state tourney following their performances this weekend at the D1 District competition in Sutton. Dorchester's state qualifiers were: Brandon Schwisow (placed third place at districts in the 125 lb. class); Adam Kahle (placed second in 145 lb. class); Jordan Inderlied (placed third in 152 lb. class); and Russel Barak (placed third in 189 class). DHS finished the district meet in seventh place in team scoring out of 18 squads. DHS was second only to High Plains among Crossroads Conference teams. Our hats off to all the DHS wrestlers on an outstanding regular season.

• Lady Longhorns Get Bye In First Night Of Subdistricts: The girls basketball subdistrict pairings have been announced and, due to their 17-3 regular season record, DHS will get a bye in the first round of the D1-2 subdistrict tourney at Fillmore Central in Geneva. The Lady 'Horns will play Tuesday at 6 p.m., taking on the winner of Monday's Meridian-McCool Junction contest. The subdistrict final will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday.

• DHS' Past State Wresting Champs: Dorchester has had its share of state wrestling champions, although all came in a single decade. In 1981, the Longhorns' Mike Williams became the first DHS wrestler to win a state championship, capturing the gold medal in the 185 lb. class in Class C. Five years later, in 1986, DHS' Don Bruha took the 185 lb. gold in Class D. In 1988, Dorchester's Brad Andelt took top honors in the 112 lb. class for Class D. A couple of Times readers tell us DHS has a real chance this year to see a fourth name added to the list.

What's On Your Mind, Dorchester?

As promised, this post is for all of you who have something to say about everything.

Earlier this year, the Times posted its formal comment policy, in part to keep comments more germane to the original story. We discourage comments that have absolutely no relevance to the Times' post.

However, because this blog was designed to facilitate lively discussion and the free flow of ideas, it is only fair that we occasionally publish a "general comments" post -- in which any topic is fair game.

From the beginning, we said we value the feedback from our readers. This is the community's blog.

So let us know your thoughts, your complaints, your concerns -- on any issue. We're listening.

DHS Girls Get Win No. 17; Boys Give No. 3 Hampton Big Scare

The Dorchester boys basketball team proved they can play with the best of them.

Taking on Hampton, the No. 3 team in Class D2 (Lincoln Journal Star) and this year's Crossroads Conference Tourney champs, DHS was undoubtedly the better team in the first half of Thursday's road contest.

According to the York News-Times' story, "Dorchester came out of the gates firing, Brandon Bruha in particular. Before Hampton was able to get on the board the Longhorns had built a 8-0 lead." After the first period, DHS led the 17-1 Hawks by a score of 20-8. The Longhorns went on to take a 28-19 lead into halftime.

But then came the third period, when the 'Horns managed to score only four points while giving up 22. DHS was not able to recover in the fourth period, despite Bruha's game-leading 20 points. Final score: DHS 48, Hampton 60.

Other Longhorn scorers were: Zoubek 6, Bruha 20, Morris 9, Walton 4, Palky 2, Kotas 7. The DHS boys are now 12-5 on the season. Next Friday, Feb. 20, the Longhorns will conclude their regular season at Giltner (12-2), ranked No. 5 in Class D1 by the Journal Star.

Meanwhile, in a rematch of the CRC Tourney consolation game, the Lady Longhorns claimed their 17th win of the season, as they breezed past the Lady Hawks 54-40. However, it wasn't until the second half when DHS took control of the contest.

The game was tied at 22-22 at halftime. By the end of the third period, DHS held a 38-33. That's when DHS turned on its afterburners with back-to-back baskets from Meredith Behrens and Charity Springer to start the fourth, giving Dorchester a 42-33 lead just 45 seconds into the period. To see more on the game, go to the York News-Times by clicking here.

Dorchester was led by Springer, who scored a game-high 21. Karmen Lawver added 12.

DHS, now 17-3 on the season, has concluded its regular season. A contender in this week's Lincoln Journal Star rankings, the DHS girls are carrying a win streak of six games and are No. 11 in the Nebraska School Activities Association's Class D1 point standings. The girls Subdistrict D1-2 tournament will be Feb 16, 17, and 19 at Fillmore Central High School in Geneva.

DHS Basketball Games Moved To Thursday

With rough winter weather set to visit central and eastern Nebraska, the DHS basketball road games will be played a day earlier, the Times has learned.

According to Dorchester Schools Athletic Director Scott Pohl, in an effort to beat the predicted snowstorm, the Dorchester-Hampton girls and boys basketball games at Hampton have been moved from Friday evening, Feb. 13, to Thursday evening, Feb. 12.

The start times of 6:15 p.m. and 8 p.m. remain unchanged.

Offensive Barrage Lifts Both Longhorn Teams

On Tuesday night, both Dorchester basketball teams produced big numbers and displayed impressive offensive prowess in their last home game of the season. The wins ensured the most successful combined seasons for both DHS teams in the modern era.

The Lady Longhorns breezed by Lincoln Parkview, 55-23. DHS, now 16-3 on the season, is listed as a contender in this week's Lincoln Journal Star girls rankings for Class D1.

With the win, the DHS girls extended their win streak to five games, while moving up to No. 11 in the Nebraska School Activities Association's Class D1 point standings. The Lady Longhorns will wrap up their regular season Friday at Class D2 Hampton, where the Lady Hawks have a 9-10 record.

The girls Subdistrict D1-2 tournament will be Feb 16, 17, and 19 at Fillmore Central High School in Geneva. Along with DHS, other subdistrict member schools include Bruning-Davenport, Exeter-Milligan, McCool Junction and Meridian. Only DHS and Exeter-Milligan (11-8) have winning records of the subdistrict teams. DHS and E-M have split their two contests of the season.

Also on Tuesday night, the DHS boys improved to 12-4 this season, beating Parkview Christian 91-32. The Longhorns led by 20 points at the end of the first, and by 35 points at halftime. Dorchester’s Brandon Bruha led all scorers with 27 points. Other DHS scorers were: Morris 15, Zoubek 11, Kotas 11, Walton 10, Palky 8, Lee 4, Klament 3, Kalkwarf 2.

The DHS boys remain at No. 26 in the NSAA's Class D1 point standings. The Longhorns have two road games remaining on the regular season schedule. This Friday, DHS will take on Class D2 Hampton (17-1), ranked No. 3 by the Journal Star. On Feb. 20, the Longhorns will conclude their regular season at Giltner (12-2), ranked No. 5 in Class D1 by the Journal Star.

The boys Subdistrict D1-2 will be held Feb 23, 24 and 26 at Fillmore Central High School. DHS will need to contend with the likes of Bruning-Davenport (19-2) and McCool Junction (13-5) if the team is to advance.

Nerud Field Project Underway

The Nerud Field Project is now underway.

The old concession stand has been moved east of the baseball diamond, to be used as a storage facility, we are told. And last week, the old restrooms that for years stood in near the corner of Colfax Ave. and 10th Streets came tumbling down.

Late last year, the Nerud Field Project Committee announced that a new ball field concession stand and restroom facility were coming soon. Dorchester volunteers plan to construct the 24’ by 40’ building, which will include a covered dining area with picnic tables. The project will help modernize both the football and baseball/softball venues.

No timeline was provided as to when construction on the facility might begin. However, we assume that plans are being made to have the project completed for the first baseball and softball games in mid-May.

We are still urging Times' readers to donate time or money to the project as a way to honor the late Miles Nerud, who passed away in 2007. Nerud brought organized little league baseball to Dorchester in the 1950s and served as one of the founding fathers of the Seward-Fillmore-Saline (SFS) League.

Contributions may be sent to:

NERUD FIELD PROJECT
P.O. Box 67
Dorchester NE 68343

Village Taking Applications For Clerk Position

The Times has learned that the Village of Dorchester is now accepting applications for a key full-time position.

According to an advertisement placed in The Crete News classifieds, the Village of Dorchester is seeking applications for the full-time position of village clerk/treasurer.

Applications can be retrieved at the city office at 701 Washington Avenue during regular business hours.

For more information, call (402) 946-3201.

DHS Boys Look To Post Best Season Performance In 20 Years; Girls Get Win No. 15

The Dorchester boys basketball team is in position to finish the 2008-09 campaign with the school's most successful boys basketball season in at least 20 years.

On Friday, the Longhorn boys earned their tenth win of the year, beating Clay Center 55-49. DHS led at halftime 29-21 and never looked back, scoring 17 in the final period. Dorchester's scorers were: Zoubek 11, Bruha 14, Lee 1, Morris 10, Walton 10, Palky 4, Kotas 5.

The 1988-89 DHS team, which played in Class C2, finished 14-5, according to an e-mail from a reader who notified us of this noteworthy event. No DHS boys team has bettered that winning percentage since. The 1986-87 Longhorn boys team is the winningest team is school history at 19-2, according to the reader, and was regarded by some sports writers as the best team in Class C2 that year.

Friday's win puts this year's DHS boys at 10-4. With three games remaining in the regular season, the Longhorns are currently No. 26 in the Nebraska School Activities Association's Class D1 point standings, which is comprised of more than 6o teams from across the state.

Meanwhile, the DHS girls extended their win streak to four games, beating Clay Center 55-41. The Lady Longhorns trailed 29-19 at the half, but an inspired team performance and coaches' game plan led DHS to 24 points in the third period. Dorchester's defense held Clay Center to only three points in the third period and twelve total points in the second half.

Karmen Lawver lead the way for DHS with 16 points. Other scorers for Dorchester were: Boller 15, A. Havlat 6, Spanyers 2, Pracheil 12, Springer 4.

With Friday's win, the Lady Longhorns improve to an astounding 15-3 on the season. They move up to No. 12 on the NSAA's Class D1 point standings.

Both Longhorn teams will take to the hardwood this Tuesday, Feb. 10, to do battle with Parkview Christian in the last home game of the season.

SPORTS ROUND-UP: DHS Wresters Take Top Spot Again

• Wrestlers Win Another Invite: The DHS wrestling team took top honors again Thursday night, this time at the Turkey Creek Invitational in Friend. Dorchester's grapplers combined for a team score of 169, easily running away with the gold. Second-place Friend managed to score 110, followed by Hastings St. Cecilia with 95, Freeman 92, Meridian 74, McCool Junction 34, Bruning-Davenport 0. Taking first in their respective weight class were DHS' Jeremy Inderlied at 119 lbs., Adam Kahle at 145 lbs., Josh Inderlied at 152 lbs., and Russel Barak at 189 lbs. Thursday's invitational concluded DHS' regular season action.
  

• Lady 'Horns Roll Up Two More Wins: Dorchester's Lady Longhorns basketball team, now 14-3 on the year, breezed past Nebraska Lutheran Thursday evening at home, 50-12. Leading the way for DHS in scoring was Wendy Boller with 17. Other DHS scorers included: Pracheil 9, Springer 6, A. Havlet 5, Lawver 4, M. Havlet 4, Behrens 3, Carroll 2. On Tuesday night, the Lady 'Horns had no problem handling Shickley, outscoring SHS 50-30. Scoring for DHS in the victory over Shickley were: Boller 14, Lawver 9, Springer 7, A. Havlat 5, M. Havlat 5, Wells 2, Carroll 2, Pracheil 2. The girls will battle Clay Center tonight in a home contest.
  

• Boys Snag Ninth Win: The boys basketball team got their revenge Tuesday night by beating Shickley, 57-43. Shickley was responsible for knocking DHS out of the CRC Tourney earlier than expected last week with a one-point upset. In Tuesday's game, DHS scored 21 in the final period to ensure a solid victory, which was produced by the following scorers: Bruha 19, Walton 12, Kotas 8, Zoubek 8, Morris 8, Palky 2. The boys (9-4 on the season) will take on Clay Center tonight at home.

DHS Alumni Basketball Tourney Set For March 20-22

As announced in the Dorchester Public School's newsletter, the annual DHS Alumni Basketball Tournament will be held this year on March 20, 21 and 22.

DHS Activities Director Scott Pohl is requesting that team captains submit team information by March 6.

Information that should be submitted includes: player's name; shirt number; shirt size; and year of graduation. Cost is $25 per player.

As in past years, there will be a D-Club sponsored concession stand available serving snacks and drinks, we are told. For more information, call AD Pohl at (402) 946-2781.

Account Set Up To Help Mason June

Mason June, son of Dorchester natives Josh and Becky June, was recently born premature weighing in at 3.5 pounds, according to the Farmers' Cooperative newsletter.

Mason is currently in Children’s Hospital in Omaha where he has undergone a surgery to repair his colon and small intestine. Mason is working very hard to grow big and strong. The medical bills continue to pile up, and the June family could use our help.

An account on behalf of Mason has been set up at the Jones National Bank, P.O. Box 707, Milford, Neb. 68405.

Prayers and emotional support would also be appreciated.

Village Board Discusses Sewer; Recycling Trailer On Its Way Out

The Dorchester Village Board discussed the community's sewer system at the board's monthly meeting held last month.

According to minutes published in the Jan. 28 issue of The Crete News, after hearing from lawyer Scott Gropp, village board members voted to go into closed session at their Jan. 5 meeting to discuss the sewer project. All five board members were present. No other details on the sewer project were made available.

When the board came out of the closed session 15 minutes later, members heard a report from the fire department, but the sheriff's department was absent.

The board minutes note that "the recycling trailer from Ron's Refuse was discussed and will no longer be of service in Dorchester upon pick-up."

The board members went into closed session again after approving claims and payroll, this time to discuss employee evaluation procedure

The Village Board will meet again Monday, Feb. 2, at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. As always, the meeting is open to the public.

Make That West Side Saloon, Incorporated

We were somewhat surprised to see a public notice regarding the incorporation of Dorchester's West Side Saloon.

Make that West Side Saloon, Inc.

According to a public notice dated Jan. 28, Sheryll Mead has formed a corporation of her West Side Saloon through the law firm of Hanson, Hroch & Kuntz in Crete. The general nature of the business will remain a "restaurant and liquor establishment."

The notice also mentions the business officially incorporated Jan. 8.

According to several legal sites, the single most important reason people use the corporate form of doing business is to safeguard the personal assets of the owners -- the shareholders (or stockholders) of the corporation. However, there are other benefits to incorporating, including protection of corporate identity; raising capital; and ensuring continuous life -- so that a business can survive its founders. On top of the federal corporate tax rate, Nebraska corporations must pay an additional 5.58 percent on their first $100,000 of taxable income and 7.81 percent on income over $100,000.

We have no additional details regarding the incorporation. But we realize the challenges that face small community business owners in current conditions, and we are are glad to see the West Side Saloon -- Incorporated -- has taken steps to remain a part of Dorchester's Main Street.