Sources: Ben's Iron Grill Building For Sale

The building that most recently housed Ben's Iron Grill II restaurant is up for sale, according to reports.

Sources say the building that was home to Ben's Iron Grill is being offered through a local real estate firm.  

In recent years, the building on the east side of Dorchester's main street also housed Rough Reins, R Lounge, The Longhorn Saloon, Pit Stop, and Last Call Bar and Grill.

Developing...

20 Keys To Community Survival

Community survival -- it's on the minds of many small town residents nowadays.

A few years ago in an editorial, we mentioned that Dorchester has been able to escape school consolidation and loss of population, both of which are crippling many small Plains' communities. But one look at our main street reminds us that our community is not immune to the struggles facing Small Town America.

We editorialized in 2009 that Dorchester leaders (e.g., the community foundation, the planning committee, the town board) should establish a "Vision 2015" plan that establishes some goals for Dorchester, to improve the already-good quality of life we enjoy.

Guess what? 2015 is here.  

Whether a nation, or a community, or an individual, you cannot attain greatness without first laying out your goals.

For Dorchester's list of goals, our residents should check out an old issue of VISIONS magazine, published some time ago by the non-profit Heartland Center for Leadership Development. 

The magazine lists 20 "clues to community survival" that were compiled following a case study of small towns in Missouri, Kansas and Texas that were thriving against all odds in the midst of the 1980s farm crisis.

The study of these successful small towns "offers positive examples and proof that the knowledge, skills and attitudes for community building are at work in many places," according to the VISIONS article.

The list isn't a recipe, nor does it represent the checklist for a perfect small town, say the authors of the study. However, we think the list serves as a useful tool for starting the conversation about community improvement and goal setting in Dorchester. 

CLUES TO COMMUNITY SURVIVAL

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

2.) Emphasis on Quality in Business & Community Life

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

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

5.) Cooperative Community Spirit

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

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

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

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

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

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

12.) Strong Belief in and Support for Education

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

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

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

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

17.) Careful Use of Fiscal Resources

18.) Sophisticated Use of Technology Resources

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

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

Dale Danekas Passes At 82; Funeral Is Saturday, 10:30 A.M.

Dale E. Danekas of rural Dorchester passed away Wednesday, Dec. 24, at the age 82.

Dale was born July 14, 1932 in Milford to Clarence & Mary (Morefield) Danekas.

Dale is survived by his wife, Pat of Crete; daughter, Susan Danekas of Lincoln; son Wayne Danekas of Lincoln; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Sally Danekas of Milford; daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Scott Pohl of Crete; brother, Dean Danekas of Omaha; 10 grandchildren & 17 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents and great granddaughter, Gracie Faith Kaelin.

Pallbearers are Trenton Brown, Ryan Danekas, Derek Pohl, Cody Timmerman, Logan Timmerman & Dan Timmerman.

Funeral service will be Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014 at 10:30 a.m., Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete.  Burial will be at West Blue Cemetery. 

Memorials may directed to the family. Condolences may be left at www.kunclfh.com.

Snowy Friday Follows Balmy Christmas

A balmy, sunny Christmas Day gives way to a snowy, cold Dec. 26.

According to the Dorchester Times official weather forecasters, Accuweather.com, snowfall in the Dorchester area from Friday morning into late Friday night will total 1-3 inches.

Friday's high is expected to be right around the freezing mark, compared to a Christmas Day high that saw near 50 degrees.

On Saturday, while the sun will be out, the temperature won't crack 30 degrees.

See the latest forecast for our area by clicking here.

Harold Krivohlavek Surprises Virginia On 80th Birthday

Harold Krivohlavek of Dorchester surprised his wife Virginia yesterday by announcing in the Sunday Lincoln Journal Star a planned Dec. 28 birthday party to celebrate Virginia's 80th birthday.

In the Journal Star's "Celebrate" insert, Harold wrote:

"Happy 80th birthday, Honey!

"Help us honor Virginia at a birthday open house Sunday, Dec. 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Dorchester United Methodist Church.

"Love, Harold"

See the announcement by clicking here.

Regional News: Wilber Grad To Lead UNK Football As Head Coach

The Associated Press reported this week that University of Central Missouri offensive coordinator Josh Lamberson has been named head football coach at Nebraska-Kearney.

The 32-year-old Lamberson is a native of Wilber, and a 2001 graduate of Wilber-Clatonia High School.  

Coaching a Division II school at the age of 32 is quite an accomplishment.

His annual salary will be $100,000.

Prior to UNK, Lamberson has been an assistant coach at Central Missouri, Southeastern Oklahoma State and Northwest Missouri State. 

Regional News: Exeter Couple Gets Prison Term For Tax Evasion

Down the road on Highway 6, Rob and Hope Androyna are well known in the Exeter area.  And at one time, they were well respected.

Rob, age 46, is the former president of the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce and served on the school board.  Hope, 43, was the secretary of the Exeter Chamber, a successful campaigner for Exeter's updated swimming pool and an EMT instructor in Omaha and Crete.

But they were mostly known as the owners of Exeter Arms, a large firearms retailer -- one of the largest gun dealers in Nebraska.

Now both are headed to prison.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports the couple withheld nearly $200,000 in state and local sales tax, and today was convicted and sentenced for sales tax evasion and income tax evasion. Robert Androyna was sentenced to two consecutive 18- to 36-month prison terms and his ex-wife to two one-year terms, to be served simultaneously.

"It was just a matter of greed," the judge said.

About three years ago, the couple was making headlines for their booming gun business.  

But by March 2013, the Journal Star reports, state investigators from the Department of Revenue started taking a closer look at Exeter Arms, which had been operating in some form since 2006.

"Exeter Arms' owners weren't turning over the sales taxes they collected on the guns and ammunition they sold at the business, state investigators found. Bank records showed the couple took in $3.78 million at Exeter Arms from 2009 to 2012, including $194,208 in local and state sales taxes."

"The couple also didn't report any wages on their income tax returns between 2009 and 2011, which would have amounted to $31,395 more, state prosecutors said at a plea hearing."

The moral of the story is we can all complain about taxes, but we had all best pay them, even if we're urging our representatives at the local, state and federal levels to lessen the tax burden weighing us down.

The ultimate irony is this: When the Androynas get out of jail in a few years, they won't be shooting or selling guns.  Convicted felons, under federal law, are prohibited from owning firearms.

Crete Fire That Killed DHS Alum Caused by Smoking Materials

Last week, a devastating apartment fire in Crete took the life of a 56-year-old man, who was found dead by the time fire crews had arrived on the scene.  That man was Thomas J. Luzum, a 1976 Dorchester High School graduate.

Luzum's passing was the second death this year of a member from the DHS Class of '76, as Brad June was taken in July following a fight with cancer.

According to news reports, Saline County Attorney Tad Eickman ordered an autopsy to determine Luzum's cause of death, but results are not in yet.

Investigators with the Nebraska State Fire Marshal’s Office arrived at the scene and determined the fire to originate in a ground level apartment. 

The fire originated in the living room, in an area where smoking materials and an electrical entertainment center were located. 

Last week, the United Church of Christ in Crete and its members served dinner to all families who had lost their apartments and needed a hot meal. The church also found housing for displaced families.

Classic 1920s Home Available Now In Dorchester

Dorchester is a great town and it's getting noticed for all the right reasons. 

Just consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• A new K-12 school.
• A peaceful and safe community.
• A new water tower and upgraded sewer system.
• The lowest school tax levy in the county.
• Affordable cost of living.
• One of the largest agri-business employers (Farmers Cooperative) in the state.
• Good people for neighbors.
• A 10-minute drive from Crete and Seward. And only 30 minutes to Lincoln. Located next to two highways and minutes from Interstate 80.

However, one challenge facing Dorchester is housing.  

We've heard from many readers who've said they would like to move to Dorchester, if only homes were available.

Today, we showcase the latest Dorchester home available right now.  

If you're ready to call Dorchester home, we encourage you to take a look. 

1105 Washington Ave.:  $69,750. If you like small town living and classic homes of the 1920s, this is the house for you.  A lot of house for the money! Seated at the north end of Dorchester's storied main street boulevard, this amazing home has three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, with wood floors, open stairway and beautiful woodwork with crown molding in the huge living room and formal dining room. It is located on large corner lot with fenced yard. Improvements include new furnace, siding and roof.  Click here for more information.

Business Spotlight: Tyser Auto Sales

Occasionally, during slow news cycles, we try to shine a spotlight on Dorchester's area businesses.  

Today, we shine the light on a local business that brought back auto sales to Dorchester after a hiatus of nearly 35 years.

Tyser Auto Sales of Dorchester has been in our area for several years now.  According to the business' website, they are committed to delivering exceptional service.  

With locations on main street here in Dorchester, and along Hwy. 6 in Friend, Tyser Auto Sales serves much of the surrounding area.

The business also relies on a heavy Internet presence, offering weekly specials on used cars and trucks.  Once you find the vehicle that interests you, you can even schedule a test drive through the Web.

Located at 702 Washington Ave. in Dorchester, Tyser Auto Sales can be contacted by phone at (402) 946-4321 or via e-mail at info@tyserautosales.com.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Or Saturday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Village's Cash Reserve Cut In Half Over Two Years

According to public documents, the Village of Dorchester has seen its cash reserves drop nearly half over the past two years.

At the end of fiscal year 2012-2013, the village's official cash reserve showed $1.085 million in the bank.  

But an estimate for the current fiscal year shows the Village of Dorchester's cash reserve dropping to $562,710 at the end of the current fiscal year.  

Other interesting facts found in the village's official budget for the current fiscal year:

• Nearly $226,000 was budgeted for the village's operating expenses, while nearly $300,000 was budgeted for capital improvements.  

• More than $213,000 was budgeted on the village streets.

• $54,176 was budgeted on "Culture and Recreation."

Operating a village's essential services is no inexpensive task.  The FY2014-15 budget for the village shows that it will cost roughly $542,000 for electrical utilities, $482,000 for wastewater services, and $517,000 for the delivery of water to Dorchester homes.

See the village's budget for yourself by clicking here.

Dorchester Elementary Jumps Rope For Heart

In the almost 35 year history of Jump Rope For Heart, the American Heart Association has been able to impact many lives thanks to fundraising of students all across America.  

Over the years, those funds have helped scientists and health care providers to reduce the number of people dying from heart disease and stroke by 25 percent.  Impressive stuff.

This month, Dorchester students in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade participated in the Jump Rope for Heart program.  

The Dorchester Student Council and the DPS physical education department worked together to host this fundraiser.  

Jump rope curriculum was taught in elementary PE classes for two weeks and then a "Jump Off" competition was held Dec. 5.  

All donations raised by the DPS elementary students were sent to the American Heart Association.  

DPS educators and students wish to say thank you to all who donated or helped in any way.

Dorchester EPAC Will Meet Monday Evening

The Times has learned that the Dorchester School's Elementary Parents Advisory Committee (EPAC) will hold a meeting Monday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. in the conference room at the school.

According to EPAC officials, the group will be making decisions regarding the use of funds for future activities -- and all interested parents or other district patrons are strongly encouraged to attend and take part in this important group.  

The meeting will also cover upcoming projects for the school, as well as the soup supper. 

EPAC is overseen by parents and the school to help DPS teachers and students with classroom supplies, while also advancing the academic pursuits of Dorchester's elementary students. EPAC hosts functions such as the Academic Extravaganza, Reading Carnival, and fundraisers. 

For questions, contact Kylie Kubicek or the school at (402) 946-2781.

Where Are We Now? Ideas To Improve Dorchester Submitted Six Years Ago

Six years ago this month, the former editor of the Dorchester Times sent requests to several area readers, asking for their ideas and input on how local residents could most effectively help grow the area economy and improve Dorchester over the long-term. 

The Times received a variety of answers. Today, half-a-dozen years later, we revisit some of those ideas -- to see which have been acted upon, and which have been ignored or forgotten.

Some of the ideas sent to us included:

• Buying "gift certificates from Dorchester Grocery Store, Donna's Hair Creations, Tysers Repair, West Side Saloon," and other Dorchester area businesses and giving them as Christmas presents to family and friends. One reader wrote: "I find just telling friends that I buy my groceries in town is effective (to get more people to shop locally), although sometimes shocking to them!"

• Giving "Christmas gifts made locally."

• Visiting "Hedgehog and Hubbies Antique Shop on the west edge of town, and the Saline County Historical society." Another reader noted the antique shop has "a number of Dorchester and DHS vintage items, and considers consignments from local residents, on a limited basis." And although the Museum is not open during the winter, they will open by appointment. "This is a real plum for Dorchester, and would benefit the local economy as visitors eat and shop in town."

• "Help a local farmer. Buy a corn burning stove!"

Some geared their comments toward the importance of contributing to area philanthropies and charitable groups, or volunteering to help with local projects and organizations. "Think about sending monthly donation to the Dorchester Methodist Church whether or not you're a member," wrote a reader.

Other comments focused on the long-term direction of the community. Several readers directed their comments to the appearance of Main Street and the downtown business area. We received several ideas for new business that might do well in our community. New business ideas included:

• A laundromat -- to "provide a service, create several jobs, and fill one of the vacant buildings that are currently a part of the downtown area."

• A convenience store along Highway 33 or Highway 6. One reader suggested such a business be run jointly by the Farmers Cooperative and Dorchester Grocery. (The writer suggested that the convenience store be staffed "by DHS business students, who could earn credit for management of personnel and inventory.")

• A year-round "indoor farmers market" that would "sell locally-grown food, locally-produced items" as well as serve items unique to the Dorchester area -- "things you can't buy in Wal-Mart or the big box stores."

There were also several suggestions on how Dorchester residents could contribute toward improving the quality of life of their community. Some of the ideas included:

• Encouraging citizens and school organizations "such as FBLA or the Student Council" to help beautify the downtown area "by putting up some flower boxes" with "some low maintenance plants in them," as well as maintaining trash containers and "doing some light painting on some of the downtown buildings." The writer noted that "students may take more pride and ownership of the community."

• Urging the Dorchester Village Board to "hold a town hall meeting on issues of concern" and to "participate in the Nebraska Community Improvement Program." (We remember that in the 1970s, Dorchester participated in the NCIP. Our town was a runner-up in 1977 for the state's NCIP award and won top honors in 1978 and 1981, as well as an honorable mention in 1979. Back then, several streets were paved, and other community projects improved the town's appearance.)

• Conducting a "thorough review of Dorchester's infrastructure" to check the condition of "downtown buildings, water and sewer system, sidewalks and streets."

• Working with NPPD's economic development team to "create a Web site for our town."

Finally, there were some "big picture" ideas thrown our way -- ideas to address Dorchester's long-term viability and community spirit.

One of the readers, a teacher at Dorchester School, suggested that more former Dorchester students might consider coming back and settling in their hometown if the community gathered resources and offered "some type of a low interest loan ... to help pay off college debts or starting a new business." 

Another reader wrote that Dorchester "needs to get more young people, under 40," to get involved and hold key leadership positions.

Which Saline County School Collects The Most State Taxpayer Dollars?

The Dorchester Public School District commands the fewest property tax dollars of any Saline County School District.  

But it's also receiving the least amount of school state aid in the county.

According to official numbers sent to the Dorchester Times, property taxpayers in the Dorchester School district paid roughly $2.65 million last fiscal year.  

These were property taxes paid by farmland owners, businesses, and homeowners.  

The $2.65 million paid by Dorchester School District patrons is $2.40 million more than Dorchester Public School received in state aid, which was $246,957 in fiscal year 2013-14.

Property taxpayers in the Friend School District paid nearly $3.1 million this past fiscal year.  They received about $407,000 in state aid.

Wilber property taxpayers paid just over $5 million and received $787,358 in state aid funding.

In Crete, the story is different, as property taxpayers in that school district paid $8.78 million, but took in $9.15 million state aid from the Unicameral and the state Department of Education.

DPS Student Body Is Growing, But Still Smallest In Saline Co.

The student population at Dorchester Public School appears to be on the rebound.  

And in a big way.

According to information obtained by the Times, the K-12 student body at Dorchester has grown by more than 10 percent in one year, thanks to big gains in enrollment of elementary students.

This year, there are nearly 190 students in K-12, compared to fewer than 170 last school year. 

More than a hundred Longhorns are in Kindergarten through sixth grade this school year.

So how does Dorchester stack up, population-wise, compared to other school districts in Saline County? Dorchester is certainly the smallest.

Friend Public School has 277 students, while Wilber-Clatonia claims 580, and Crete has 1,852.

New Christmas Decorations, Street Light Banners Welcome Visitors

This post isn't so much for those who reside in Dorchester as it is for those who might be coming home for the holidays.

The first thing you'll notice when you drive down main street this Christmas season is Dorchester's new Christmas lights.  These are some of the classiest holiday decorations of any town in Nebraska -- plain, pretty and festive.  

We are told the town board used revenue derived from KENO to help pay for these new ornaments that have really spruced up the community this December.

Next, you'll notice the new town "banners" or miniature welcome signs attached to the light poles on main street.  These signs are the latest project of the Dorchester Foundation, which works hard to raise money for such efforts.  If you would like to make a Christmas donation to the Foundation, just donate online by clicking here.

Finally, you will notice that gas prices in Dorchester, like everywhere else, continue to plunge.  This is a welcome Christmas gift, even if those low prices are due largely to a big slowdown in the global economy.  Dorchester's Farmers Cooperative service station is offering some of the lowest prices in southeast Nebraska.

We think Dorchester leaders deserve a big "thanks" for their efforts to make this Christmas in Dorchester a very happy one.

DHS Boys Basketball Team Prepared For Season

Those who say Dorchester's male student-athletes aren't hungry to compete have not met this season's Longhorn boys basketball team.

So can the Longhorns hang tough this year? 

Our sources say yes, thanks to leaders like senior Corey Bird and emerging talent like Tim Havlat.

Seniors on the team include Bird, Nixon Nerud, Leo Conte and Stephan Heiermeier. They will need to provide key leadership roles if the DHS squad is to improve on its 6-16 mark from last season.

The new season tips off Friday night at DHS against Meridian.

Representing the Dorchester School and community this year will be 12 boys, as pictured above, (seated) Stephan Heiermeier, Leo Conte, Corey Bird, Nixon Nerud, (kneeling) student manager Ridge Hoffman, Ryan Weber, Anthony Cardona, Tim Havlat, Dustin Nelson, Augustine Perez, (standing) Anthony Bonilla, assistant coach Miles Ray, head coach Adrian Allen, assistant coach Grant Cole, Cody Youngblood and student Colyn Brummett. (Photo is courtesy of BJ Fictum.)

Here's the schedule for the 2014-15 DHS boys basketball team:

12/05/14 Meridian  
12/09/14 Diller-Odell
12/12/14 @ BDS  
12/16/14 @ Harvard
12/18/14 Osceola
01/03/15 St. Edward
01/06/15 College View Academy
01/08/15 Sterling
01/13/15 @ Friend
01/15/15 @ East Butler
01/16/15 @ High Plains Community
01/20/15 @ Cross County
01/23/15 @ Shelby-Rising City
01/24-01/30   (To Be Determined)  Crossroads Conference Tournament at York
02/03/15 Parkview Christian
02/05/15 Nebraska Lutheran
02/06/15 Giltner
02/10/15 @ Hampton
02/13/15 @ McCool Junction
02/20/15 Exeter-Milligan

Lady Longhorns Tip Off New Season Friday

The Dorchester High School girls basketball team is ready to inflict some damage on the court this year, as bigger things are expected from the Orange and Black Attack than in recent seasons.

A crew of more seasoned Lady Longhorns begins their new season this Friday at DHS, taking on fellow Class D-2 opponent Meridian.

The DHS girls will be lead by first-year head coach Brandon Bruha, a former DHS basketball standout himself.  Bruha is a second-year instructor at DHS and helped coach last season.

This year's team, as pictured above, includes (seated) student manager Jacee Zoubek, Makenna Bird, Bailey Velder, Clarissa Bors, Maru Ruiz, (kneeling) Zoe McKnight, Kaytee Eberhardt, Michelle Kotas, Audra Bulin, Maite Barandica, student manager Daisha Hoffman, (standing) assistant coach Kyleigh Lewis, Avery Behrens, Lydia Wells, Jessica Kalkwarf, Savannah Plonkey, Brittney Zoubek, Jacee Weber, head coach Brandon Bruha and (not pictured) Ashley Schwisow.  (Photo is courtesy of BJ Fictum.)

While the Lady Longhorns are young, the team is comprised of some experienced players, including Bailey Velder, Avery Behrens and Jacee Weber.

Here is the 2014-15 DHS girls basketball schedule:

12/05/14 Meridian
12/09/14 Diller-Odell  
12/11/14 Exeter-Milligan
12/12/14 @ BDS
12/16/14 @ Harvard
12/18/14 Osceola
01/03/15 St. Edward
01/06/15 College View Academy
01/08/15 Sterling
01/13/15 @ Friend
01/15/15 @ East Butler
01/16/15 @ High Plains Community
01/20/15 @ Cross County
01/23/15 @ Shelby-Rising City
01/24-01/30 (To Be Determined)  Crossroads Conference Tournament at York
02/03/15 Parkview Christian
02/05/15 Nebraska Lutheran
02/06/15 Giltner
02/10/15 @ Hampton
02/13/15 @ McCool Junction

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Saturday

Hey, kids.  Saturday is the big day.

Santa Claus is coming to town! And all Dorchester-area kids -- if they have been nice -- are invited to see Saint Nick.

Santa will be arriving at the Dorchester Community Building at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and he will be staying until 11 a.m.

As in previous years, there will be crafts and activities and goodies for the kids.

Parents, mark your calendar for this special community event and bring the kids to the Dorchester Community Building this Saturday for a morning of Christmas cheer.

And kids, be sure you're behaving!

Nice, Affordable Home Available In Dorchester Now

Dorchester is a great town and it's getting noticed for all the right reasons. Just consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• A new K-12 school.
• A peaceful and safe community.
• A new water tower and upgraded sewer system.
• The lowest school tax levy in the county.
• Affordable cost of living.
• One of the largest agri-businesses (Farmers Cooperative) in the state.
• Good neighbors.
• A 10-minute drive from many employers in Crete and Seward. And only 30 minutes to Lincoln. Located next to two highways and minutes from Interstate 80.

However, one challenge facing Dorchester is housing.  We've heard from many readers who've said they would like to move to Dorchester, if only homes were available.

Today, we showcase the latest Dorchester home available right now.  If you're ready to call Dorchester home, we encourage you to take a look. 

912 Franklin Ave.:  If you like small town living at a reasonable price, this is the house for you.  Much larger than it looks! Very nice two bedroom home with partial basement and wood floors. This home is very clean and move in ready. Windows have all been replaced with energy efficient windows and the roof was new in 2009, the furnace in 1999, the central air in 2007 and the water heater in 2005. $44,900. Click here for more information.

Dorchester Gas Prices Some Of Nebraska's Lowest

Dorchester's Farmers Cooperative fueling station is leaving competitors in the dust when it comes to gasoline prices.

As of Monday, Nebraska's average for regular gas was $2.809 a gallon, while Lincoln's was $2.823.

In downtown Dorchester, the price for regular as is $2.72.  If you prefer you gasoline unadulterated with no corn-based alcohol, it will run you $2.90.  (For those of you who use diesel, prices are still high at $3.75 or better, due primarily to the fact diesel competes with heating oil for supply, according to a local expert.)

We have always bragged about Dorchester's lower-than-average cost of living, and here's more proof.

So what's going on with gasoline prices falling well below the $3 mark?

“Oil prices have been demolished in the last 72 hours as OPEC decided against a production cut, which will open the flood gates to even more gas price declines,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy.com. “In my decade of watching oil and gasoline prices, I don't think I've seen as steep a decline in a 48 hour time frame as what we saw on Thanksgiving Day and into last Friday as OPEC put off any decrease in production.

"This is perhaps one of the most astonishing weeks in watching crude prices I've ever witnessed, and motorists will likely be giddy at what I see in our gas price crystal ball: a 15-25 cent drop over the next several weeks, bringing the national average down to the $2.50s by Christmas,” he said.

"We'll see at least one station in the nation at $2 by Christmas. And that's not really a prediction at all. That's more like a certainty."

Stock up now, kids.

Unique Dorchester Items Found Online

The calendar shows 24 days to finish your Christmas shopping. Let the scramble begin. 

Or just stay at home and do your shopping from the Internet.

The staffers at the Times are often amazed by the wide array of Dorchester-related items for sale on the Internet, including sites such as eBay.

One of the novel items that caught our attention is a Tyser Weld and Repair toothpick holder from our centennial year of 1981, congratulating the community on "100 years of progress."  The item is offered by a collector in Waco.  For the current bid of $3.50 (plus $2.50 shipping), you can get this unique piece of hometown history.

Or maybe you'd rather give the gift of written history, such as this book on Saline County's old rural school districts and one-room schoolhouses.

Or share a piece of history when Dorchester had a service station right off Highway 6.  Or a time when horses took Dorchester-area residents through the winter weather.

Maybe a map of Dorchester as the town appeared in 1900?

Or for those who aren't into history, there's always plenty of modern-day Dorchester apparel, such as t-shirts, bags, shorts and caps.

If you know of other unique or rare Dorchester-related items for sale on the Internet or elsewhere, let us know in the comments section or e-mail us at Dorchester.Times@gmail.com.

Nebraska Main Street Network Taking Applications Now

Dorchester leaders, take note.  Many Dorchester residents want to see some type of plan in place for our community's main street.  Here would be a good first step.

The Nebraska Main Street Network is taking applications for the Associate Member and Rural Associate Member program now through Monday, Dec. 15.   

Information and applications are available here.

All Nebraska communities and urban commercial business districts are eligible to apply for membership.  (Yes, even Dorchester!)

Annual membership runs on a 12-month cycle.  The next membership cycle application deadline is June 15, 2015.  Associate Membership is required for any community interested in applying to become a fully designated Main Street Community recognized by the Nebraska Main Street Network and National Main Street Center.

Communities and organizations interested in learning more about the Nebraska Main Street program are encouraged to contact Elizabeth Chase, Executive Director of the Nebraska Main Street Network at 402-499-3703 or echase@windstream.net.

Crete Cares Serving Our Area Since 1973

Crete Cares begins its 41st consecutive year of helping area residents in need with food that can be used for a Christmas dinner.  The initiative is also hoping to provide short-term financial assistance during this holiday season for families in extreme circumstances.

If you or a relative or friend were on the list last year, those names will not be on the list this year unless they are called in, mailed, or e-mailed in this year. 

The contact information for names is: Bethlehem Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 249, Crete 68333, or 402-826-4359 or blutherancrete.ne@gmail.com. 

You may also call the above number to ask that your name not be put on the list in spite of well-intentioned friends and family.  

Deadline to receive names this year is Friday, Dec. 5 at 3:30 p.m.  

Donations of money may be sent to: Crete Cares, P.O. Box 343, Crete 68333, or food donations may be delivered to: Grace United Methodist Church, 13th and Juniper in Crete.

Saline County Coalition Targets Teen Drug, Alcohol Use

Studies show that underage drinking costs the citizens of Nebraska nearly half a billion dollars a year -- including medical care, work loss, and pain and suffering associated with the problems resulting from the use of alcohol by youth.  And roughly 28% of Nebraska students in grades 9-12 say they've had five or more drinks of alcohol in a row (binge drinking) in the past 30 days.

Now Hollywood elitists and others are pushing the acceptance of marijuana, despite the drug's effects on brain development and it being a catalyst for lung cancer.

That's why the Saline County Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition will again meet on Monday, December 1, 2014, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Saline County Extension office, 306 W. 3rd ST in Wilber. 

The Coalition is a grassroots organization geared toward the prevention of illegal drugs and alcohol use, aimed primarily toward area youth. Whether you’re a teenager or a great-grandmother, the group welcomes you all County residents to join in on the discussion, planning and active engagement with its prevention activities.

It is important for all those interested to know the Coalition respects the responsible consumption of alcohol to be an adult privilege, yet equally values and recognizes the right of all individuals who choose not to drink.

If you have questions, would like additional information or simply wish to be added to our mailing list, please contact Tim at (402) 821-3581. The Prevention Coalition wants all those interested in joining with a collective response to underage drinking, drug abuse, and those related to its contribution, to join us each month.

DHS Takes First Place In UNL Math Bowl Tournament

Calculus, addition, division, multiplication, subtraction -- if it's math and you're a Longhorn, you look it squarely in the eye and say: "Bring it on!"

Dorchester High School continues its long and outstanding tradition of excellence in the area of mathematics with a first place finish at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Math Bowl Tournament.

More than 1,500 high school students from 105 Nebraska high schools participated in Thursday's Math Bowl.  

This year marked the 25th anniversary of the event.

In the Math Bowl Tournament team competition, DHS finished first in Class VI. 

Team members for the Longhorns were Tim Havlat, Nixon Nerud, and Cassidy Olson, according to UNL's news release.

Derek Chew of Omaha North High School was the top individual winner. For his efforts, Chew won an $8,000 scholarship to UNL.

Other top 10 finishers also were awarded scholarships: Ingrid Zhang of Lincoln East, Jae Hyun Lim of Lincoln Southwest, Zach Warneke of Millard South and Alex Heitzman of Emerson-Hubbard each earned $4,000 scholarships for finishing second through fifth.

Rounding out the top 10 and winning $2,000 scholarships were Isaac Zhang of Lincoln East, Caravaggio Caniglia and Ivy Wang of Omaha Brownell-Talbot, Jae Jun Park of Mount Michael Benedictine and Crystal Xu of Lincoln East.

UPDATE: Sunday's Benefit For Kody Moved To Community Building

(UPDATED 11/20, 11 a.m.) -- One thing special about Dorchester is the community always comes together to help its families -- especially when they're facing a tragic loss.

Recently, six-year-old Kody Krapp, son of Chad and DHS graduate Kelly (Krivohlavek) Krapp of Gretna, had and extended stay of 26 days in intensive care following complications from open-heart surgery. Many of our readers know the Krivohlaveks and how stressful this was on the family.

Last week, on Nov. 6, things took a very sad turn as Kody passed away.  The family is now facing incredible medical bills. 

To help the family out at this difficult time, a benefit will be held in Dorchester next Sunday, Nov. 23, to honor the life of this wonderful six-year-old and his family. 

The benefit has been moved to the Dorchester Community Building and Legion Hall due to overwhelming support.  The event will still take place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.  (See the Lincoln Journal Star's coverage here. And see 10/11 News' coverage here.)

There will also be a silent auction.  Please contact Pam Fuller at 402-946-4051 if you have silent auction things or leave items at Donna's Hair Creations in Dorchester. 

For more, see the Facebook page set up for this event.

Please come and support Kody's family.  If you can not attend, donations can be made at any Pinnacle Bank under "The Kody Krapp Benefit."