'Burgers And Beer' At Dorchester Legion, Dec. 30

The Times has been e-mailed information about a holiday gathering at the Dorchester

Legion just before New Year's Eve.

It's called "Burgers and Beer Night at the Legion."

It will be Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Dorchester Legion Hall

According to a flyer received by the Times, the evening will feature burgers and chips, beverage of choice, and a raffle drawing for a big cash prize (need not be present to win).

We are told that this event is a fundraiser for the Dorchester Legion, which has been "representing veterans and patriots since 1920."

The Times was also told in an e-mail that volunteers are needed to help make this event possible. If you would like to volunteer to help our Dorchester Legion members, contact Larry Kaspar (402-946-6711 or lckaspar@yahoo.com) or Tom Cerny (402-381-8049 or thomas.cerny00@gmail.com).

We commend the Legion for hosting this event for the community.

Bring the family. Catch up with old friends at the Dorchester Legion. 

DHS Basketball Squads Will Play In Weeping Water Holiday Tourney

Weeping Water will host a holiday basketball tournament this week -- and the Dorchester boys and girls basketball teams plan on making their presence known.

Holiday tournaments tend to be good measuring sticks to gauge how for a team has come since the opening game.

In the girls' A division of the holiday tourney, DHS will play Weeping Water at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29.  Sterling and East Butler are the other teams in the A division.  

On Wednesday, the consolation game will tip off at 1 p.m.; championship at 5 p.m.

The DHS boys will play in the B division of the tournament, taking on Weeping Water at 7 p.m. Tuesday. McCool Junction and East Butler will also compete in the division.  

On Wednesday, the consolation game will start at 3 p.m.; championship at 7 p.m.

DOWNGRADED: Forecasters Say No Blizzard After All

Dorchester and the surrounding area are once again in a winter weather advisory until Tuesday 3:00 a.m. CST.  (Did we mention we're not even a week into winter?)

But the blizzard that had been predicted won't hit our area -- and for that we are grateful.  Instead of up to 10 inches, forecasters now say 2-4 inches.

Here are the nasty details and radar images for the Dorchester/Lincoln area from the National Weather Service:

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CST TUESDAY...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN OMAHA/VALLEY HAS ISSUED A WINTER
WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW...WHICH IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 3 AM CST
TUESDAY. THE WINTER STORM WARNING HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

* TIMING...LIGHT SNOW WILL SPREAD INTO THE AREA EARLY THIS
MORNING. THE LIGHT SNOW WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THE DAY BEFORE
TAPERING TO FLURRIES AFTER MIDNIGHT AFTER MIDNIGHT.

* ACCUMULATIONS...SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED TO BE IN THE 2 TO 4 INCH
RANGE.

* IMPACTS...TRAVEL WILL BE IMPACTED WITH ROADS BECOMING SNOW
COVER. VISIBILITY WILL ALSO BE REDUCED IN FALLING SNOW.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR SNOW MEANS THAT PERIODS OF SNOW
WILL CAUSE PRIMARILY TRAVEL DIFFICULTIES. BE PREPARED FOR SNOW
COVERED ROADS AND LIMITED VISIBILITY...AND USE CAUTION WHILE DRIVING.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Bob And Marva Kasl Celebrate 60th Anniversary This Saturday

Here is some of the latest Dorchester news:

Kasl Celebration: Dorchester's Bob and Marva Kasl will be honored for their 60th wedding anniversary with an open house reception on Saturday, Dec. 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Dorchester Community and Legion Hall located on Main Street of Dorchester.  All friends and family are warmly invited to join in the celebration, which will be hosted by their children, Sandy and Chuck Rains, Jean and Paul Essman, Judy and Mark Bors, Sheri Kasl, 8 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. They were united in marriage on December 30, 1955 in Wilber. Congratulation cards can be sent to their home: 110 Whitmar Ave., Dorchester, NE 68343

Dorchester's Cerny Gets Degree: During commencement ceremonies this past weekend, more than 1,300 degrees were awarded at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Among those receiving their Bachelor of Arts degree was Dorchester's Cody Vernon Cerny.  Congratulations to Cody.

Farmers Co-op Fails In Attempt To Get Larger: Beattie, Kansas, Farmers Union Co-op Association members decided against a proposed merger of the co-op with Farmers Cooperative of Dorchester, at a meeting late last month. More than 300 people attended.  A total 267 ballots were cast by stockholders, with 156 in favor of the merger and 111 against. The proposal failed because passage required a two-thirds vote in favor.  Discussion of the possible merger had been in the works since March.

MAIN STREET REVIVAL BEGINS: City Slickers Set To Re-Open Dec. 21

At last -- the long wait is nearly over.

Back in mid-November, Dorchester area residents were biting their nails in anticipation, awaiting the completion of the renovation at Dorchester's City Slickers Bar and Grill.

Then on Nov. 21, a fire broke out at the establishment formerly known for generation as Joe's Place.  Thanks to Dorchester's volunteer fire department, damage was limited. But ever since, the establishment has been closed until further notice to allow for cleanup and completion of the renovation.

Now the Times has learned from City Slickers' social media account Dorchester's favorite establishment will reopen this Monday, Dec. 21.

According to City Slickers' owners, the new kitchen is not quite ready, so a smaller menu will be available for food -- including deli sandwiches, burritos, pizza, and other assorted munchies.  These items will be in a cold case with a microwave available for customer use. The pizzas will be prepared in a toaster oven. There will also be candy, breakfast goodies, chips, pop, etc.  The establishment will have a full bar with off-sale available.  Keno will be up and running. 

City Slickers' renovation project, which has been in the works for the past year and a half, will feature:

• A new kitchen.
• A much larger dining area, with many tables separate from the bar area for a quieter dining experience.
• A dance floor.
• Band/DJ area.

The owners plan a "grand re-opening" party soon.  Many dollars have been poured into City Slickers for its new interior and structural reinforcements.  We hope all Dorchester area residents will patronize City Slickers for the commitment its owners have shown to our community and main street.

Here are City Slickers' hours for next week:

• Monday 21 --- 7am-11pm
• Tuesday 22 --- 7am-11pm
• Wednesday 23 --- 7am-11pm
• Christmas Eve --- 3pm-11pm
• Christmas Day --- 3pm-11pm
• Saturday 26 --- 7am-11pm
• Sunday 27 --- Closed

Soda Machine Theft Suspect Is Nabbed

During the overnight hours of Nov. 15 into Nov. 16, unknown persons broke into the Pepsi Machine at the Dorchester Farmers Cooperative filling station on Washington Ave. 

Similar incidents occurred the same evening in Wilber, Raymond, Hickman, Nebraska City and other communities. 

The Dorchester Times ran a photo of the suspect in our Dec. 8 story when that suspect broke into a soda machine in Raymond. Saline County law enforcement has reason to believe this individual may have been involved in the Dorchester incident, since the break-ins are very similar.  

Today, we learn that Lancaster County law enforcement has cited a 35-year-old Omaha man they suspect broke in and stole change from pop machines four times last month.

The Lincoln Journal Star is reporting that investigators identified Matthew W. Snyder as the man captured on surveillance video breaking into a vending machine at Tony's Corner near Raymond on Nov. 21, Sheriff Terry Wagner said Thursday.

Deputies believe he broke into vending machines at the Firth Co-op twice and Jack and Jill Grocery in Hickman. Wagner said he learned how to break into them via a YouTube video, Wagner said.

Snyder was cited earlier this week with four counts of misdemeanor theft by unlawful taking.

No word yet if this is the lowlife who stole from the Dorchester Co-op's soda machine, but residents we spoke to in our community say they will still be on the lookout for would-be thieves.  

Youth Christmas Program Is Dec. 20 At Dorchester UMC

One of the longest running Christmas traditions in Dorchester is the kids' Christmas program at the Methodist Church.

This year, the Dorchester UMC Christmas Program is set for Sunday, December 20, at 5:30 p.m.

The Sunday School youth will perform "Christmas Hope."

There will be a soup/sandwich supper following. 

The entire community along with the church families are invited.

Make this special event part of your own Christmas journey.  We hope your Christmas journey is filled with unexpected gifts, be they presents, relationships or moments of grace.  And may they remind you of the original unexpected gift of Christmas (Jesus) and of God’s great love for you. 

That's a gift that brings real hope in our turbulent world.

Services For Dorchester's Eileen Nerud Are Tuesday

Eileen E. (Kahle) Nerud, 85, of Crete formerly of Dorchester, went to be with the Lord her Savior on  Dec. 9, 2015. 

Born on Aug. 4, 1930, to Adam and Elvia (Friendt) Kahle. She was the oldest of her seven siblings. Eileen was a member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid of Crete.

Eileen married James (Jim) Nerud on October 23, 1956, and to this marriage was blessed with six children. Eileen was a full time homemaker and stay at home mother. She was an outstanding cook, baker, and gardener. 

Eileen enjoyed reading and collecting cookbooks and swapping recipes with her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son, brother, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews and niece. Survived by sons, Dan (Joan) and Darin (Brenda) Dorchester, Doug (Michelle) Seward. Daughters, Sharon (Roger) Braden Crete and Mary Nerud Lincoln. Grandchildren, Travis Nerud (Kelsey), Tyler Nerud (Faith), Dorchester, Brad Braden, Texas, Kirk (Kami) Braden, Wilber, Brooke Nerud (Campbell), Lincoln, Dillon Nerud, Crete, Myranda, Makenna, & Kailynn Nerud, Seward. Also four great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to family for later designation. 

Services: 2 p.m. Tuesday, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Crete. Visitation with family receiving friends, 5 - 8 p.m. Monday at Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete.

You're Invited: Christmas Party At Tabor Hall This Sunday

Santa Claus is coming to ... Tabor Hall?

Tabor Hall, just four miles south of Dorchester, will be hosting its "Holiday at the Hall" Christmas party this Sunday, Dec. 13, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.  

Everyone is invited! It's a celebration the kids will love.

Each family is asked to bring an appetizer or dessert to share.

The moving "Elf" will be playing for the kids, followed by a sled raffle and a visit from Santa, himself.

Popcorn and hot cocoa will be served throughout the party. 

There will be Tom and Jerry's for the adults, as well as other adult beverages.  

Be sure to make it out to this amazing Christmas event this Sunday. 

Parenting Classes In Dorchester, Jan. 7 Through Feb. 25

The Nebraska Children and Families Foundation will sponsor a series of parenting classes next year in five counties.

The 8-week classes titled "Circle of Security Parenting" is a chance for parents to discuss what their children need, what their behaviors mean and if they're doing the right things.

Class dates are Jan. 7-Feb. 25 in Dorchester.

For more information, including specific dates and times or to register, contact Stephanni Renn at 402-239-5920 or srenn@nebraskachildren.org.

A Rallying Cry For Downtown Dorchester

Today, we share with our readers an exchange from our social media account.

There's no doubt, Dorchester's downtown needs a shot in the arm.

That's why we posted on our Facebook account the following: "Dorchester must support Tyser Auto Sales and Tyser Repair.  Let's take back our downtown, building by building. We start by promoting our existing businesses."

Tyser Auto Sales replied a thoughtful remark.  

They wrote: "Thank you Vil Dweller. After spending two-plus weeks without City Slickers Bar and Grill being open, I hope everyone in town understands how important every business in Dorchester is. 

"First State Bank, Donna Hair Creations, Barley Specialties, Farmers Cooperative -- sorry if I left anyone out. Just looking at main street.  If anyone wants to see this town grow, it is especially true now. As a business owner, I can feel the pain Jason and Kathy (City Slickers' owners) are going through, as they rebuild with the hope that everyone supports them in the end.  Without them, we would be losing a business and a part of history of Dorchester; we can not afford to lose another business.  So keep your heads high and show these people that you will support them, in good times and bad.  

"Thank you all for what you do for beautiful downtown Dorchester. It's all we have."

CRIME WATCH: Dorchester Co-op Soda Machine Robbed

Do you recognize the individual in the photo at the right?

During the overnight hours of Nov. 15 into Nov. 16, unknown persons broke into the Pepsi Machine at the Dorchester Farmers Cooperative filling station on Washington Ave. 

Similar incidents occurred the same evening in Wilber, Hickman and Nebraska City.  

The photo that accompanies this story is a suspect that broke into a soda machine in Raymond, and he may have been involved in the Dorchester incident, since the break-ins are very similar.  

Any information contact the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at 402-821-2111 or Lincoln / Lancaster County Crime Stoppers.

Let's keep the thieves out of Dorchester.

2016 Dorchester Resolution: Sustain, Grow Our Town

2016 means it's time for new resolutions.

For Dorchester, one of our community's new year resolutions is to grow our population.  We will do this by working to bring back more of our Dorchester alumni, while stressing the importance of keeping our young people.  

We will also send the message to employees at the Dorchester Public Schools, the Farmers Cooperative and other Dorchester employers that they are wanted -- in fact, needed -- here.

Why this resolution? It's pretty simple.

1.) No one cares about Dorchester as much as those who've grown up here or are working here.  While it's important to be accepting of all people who want to reside in our community, our priority should be those who care about our town most.

2.) Dorchester has experienced a drop in population. At last count, Dorchester has 586 residents.  This is the first time since the 1980s Dorchester has dropped below 600.  (We do realize some residents aren't necessarily legally present in the U.S. and did not complete Census forms.)  While we can all think of ways to improve town, we need more bodies here to have skin in the game.  We need leadership, resources, and people who care.  A first step is to address the handful of abandoned homes that are adding to all of our property tax burdens by being run down and unoccupied; these homes need to be sold, renovated and filled or a stiff "abandonment tax" should be levied by the town board -- which needs to step up its game.  

3.) Dorchester's school is currently spending around $17,000 per student a year for K-12 education.  That's nearly a quarter of a million dollars -- $221,000 -- per student over his/her primary school years. Why would we make that investment only to tell a Dorchester child to move away and never come back? Parents, community leaders and school employees -- let's work with Dorchester's young people to help them shape the town of their future and tell them we want them to make Dorchester their home.  This is vital to our future. (Dorchester administrators and school board members, please make sure this happens.)

We've said it before: In a crazy, nutty world today, Dorchester has a lot going for it; and it has potential to become even better. A new K-12 school. A clean, peaceful and safe community.  A new water tower and 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.  A 10-minute drive from employers in Crete and Seward.  And just 30 minutes to Lincoln thanks to being next to two highways and minutes from I-80.

Why wouldn't we take advantage of our situation by making Dorchester all it can be -- right now?

Our Favorite Dorchester Homes

In April 2007, when the Dorchester Times was just getting its legs, we unveiled a list of our favorite Dorchester homes as selected by our staff. 

These homes have been the pride of Dorchester for decades. 

Since this post was written more than 8 years ago, we want to know if our readers think it still holds.  

Do you agree with our selections?


1.) West 11th Street. A classic beauty, with an eye-pleasing yard to match.

2.) South Stephens Street. One of the best maintained homes in town, with a wonderful annual Christmas display.

3.) West 10th Street. This is how a classic home should be restored!

4.) North Colfax Avenue. We particularly like the intricate woodwork of this home.

5. ) West 10th Street. A diamond in the rough. With some work, this could be a crown jewel for the entire region.

Looking Back: Dorchester's Christmas Activities In 1946

There's nothing to do in a small town during the holidays.

That's a common complaint we hear nowadays, especially among younger people.  
But you never heard that complaint from your parents or grandparents or great-grandparents, did you?  

There's a reason for that: Our relatives of two or three generations ago took matters into their own hands and made sure there was something to do in their community, especially around the holidays.

The Dorchester Times staff examined Christmastime issues of The Dorchester Star newspaper from the post-WWII era of 1946. (Note: The accompanying photo is of a 1946 Saturday Evening Post cover by Nebraska artist John Falter of his hometown of Falls City.) 

Here are some of the activities on the Dorchester calendar the week before Christmas:

• Dorchester Activities Club:  The Dorchester Activities Club met once a month. In December 1946, 68 residents attended the meeting to share a turkey dinner prepared by "the ladies" and then to hear from a guest speaker lecture about the future of "atomic energy."

• American Legion: On Dec. 15, 1946, the Dorchester American Legion held a trap shoot for the public at the J. Owen Potter farm.  Pheasants were at "such a high premium" that year that it was decided shooting at clay pigeons made more sense than a hunt.  On Dec. 19, the Legion and Auxiliary held a  Christmas covered dish supper for the community.

• Dorchester Quilting Club:  The Quilting Club enjoyed a Christmas party at the home of Mrs. Lillie Arnold.

• Friendly Nabor Club:  The 20 members of the Friendly Nabor Project Club met at the home of Mrs. Sabina Potter on Dec. 11 for lunch and had a exchange of homemade gifts.  They announced the January meeting would be hosted by Mrs. Hans Weber and Mrs. Jay Younkin.

• Triple A Club:  Mrs. John Freeouf was hostess of the Triple A Club.  It was reported that "Miss Myrtle Briker was high at bridge."

• Dorchester Bridge Club:  The Bridge Club met Dec. 17, 1946, at the home of C.C. Whitcomb.

• Dorchester School:  Dorchester's 5th and 6th graders decorated their classrooms for Christmas with posters of Christmas scenes, as well as poinsettias and candles and a Christmas tree.  Jack Bruha brought a new 1947 calendar for his classroom. In high school, the DHS Pep Club girls decorated the hallways and student assembly, and "dressed a tree placed in the upper hall."

• Dorchester Library:  The Dorchester Public Library was open on Saturdays in December 1946 from 7-9 p.m. on Saturdays and from 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. on Tuesdays.

• Methodist Church  The Dorchester Methodist Church's young people went caroling around town on Dec. 21, 1946.  The "Junior Department" of the UMC Sunday School held a pageant "A Little Child" on Christmas Eve.  The adult choir practiced on Dec. 19.

• L.M. Club:  The weekly L.M. Club (we don't know what L.M. stood for) met at the home of Mrs. William Sehnert, as "Madames" Earl Moser and Henry Andelt received traveling prizes.

• Women's Club:  The Dorchester Women's Club held their weekly meeting on the afternoon of Dec. 18 at the Community Hall.

Dorchester 'Display Of Lights' Is Dec. 4-6

The Christmas spirit is contagious in Dorchester.  

Our village has a good reputation for its many Christmas lights and other decorations on homes during the holiday season.

Every December, from one end of the village to the other, Christmas displays always greet residents and out-of-towners alike. 

This year, Dorchester will have a "Display of Lights" weekend this Friday through Sunday (Dec. 4, 5 and 6). 

Residents and visitors are invited to drive throughout town to see all the displays.

To honor the Dorchester homes that best reflect the Christmas and holiday spirit, send your nominations for "Best Decorated Dorchester home."  E-mail your nominations to Dorchester.Times@gmail.com. 

Thanks to all those who are taking time to decorate their homes for the Christmas season, and to those who take time to send us their nominations.

In the meantime, here are the Dorchester homes that have received the most votes so far, starting with No. 1 first.  (Click on each picture for a better view.)

Young Friend Boy Dies In Saline County Wreck

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that a 6-year-old boy from Friend died and several people were injured Thursday after a car and an SUV collided in rural Friend, the Saline County Sheriff's Office said Friday.

This marks the second deadly accident in Saline County in the past week.

Beckett Arp was a passenger in a 2004 Pontiac Bonneville that was onto U.S. 6 from a county road just before 3:45 p.m. The car was hit by an eastbound 2003 Dodge Durango, Sheriff Alan Moore said in a news release.

The Bonneville had two passengers, and the driver was the only one in the Durango.

Everyone was taken to the hospital in Friend, and Beckett then was flown to Bryan West Campus in Lincoln.

The crash remains under investigation.

DHS Girls Return Five Starters For 2015-16 Hoops Season

Last season, the Dorchester girls basketball team, under coach and DHS alum Brandon Bruha, sported one of the youngest teams in the state.  As a result, the Lady Longhorns could only muster three wins all season.

The outlook for the 2015-16 campaign is much improved with five starters back.  

Returning key players include: 5-8 seniors Avery Behrens and Lydia Wells, 5-8 junior Jacee Weber, 5-6 junior Bailey Velder, and 5-5 sophomore Makenna Bird.

The Lady Longhorns will travel west tonight to take on a solid Meridian team that went 11-14 last year.

Stay tuned all season long to get the latest Dorchester sports news.  And be sure to support then DHS Longhorns!

2015-16 DHS GIRLS BASKETBALL

12/04/15 @ Meridian
12/08/15 @ Diller-Odell
12/10/15 @ Exeter-Milligan
12/11/15 BDS  
12/15/15 Harvard
12/17/15 @ Osceola  

12/29-12/30 (To Be Determined) Weeping Water

01/05/16 @ College View Academy

01/07/16 @ Sterling

01/12/16 Friend

01/14/16 East Butler  

01/15/16 High Plains Community  

01/19/16 Cross County

01/22/16 Shelby-Rising City

01/23-01/29 (To Be Determined) Crossroads Conference Tournament in York

02/02/16 @ Parkview Christian 

02/04/16 @ Nebraska Lutheran

02/05/16 @ Giltner

02/09/16 Hampton

02/12/16 McCool Junction

DHS Boys Basketball Tips Off Tonight

It's tip-off time as the high school basketball season gets underway tonight.

The DHS boys basketball team concluded its 2014-15 campaign with a 10-12 record.

The Longhorns will try to improve on that mark beginning tonight as Dorchester travels west to take on a Meridian team that only won three contests last year.

Stay tuned all season long to get the latest Dorchester sports news.  And be sure to support then DHS Longhorns!

DORCHESTER BOYS 2015-16 BASKETBALL

12/04/15 @ Meridian

12/08/15 @ Diller-Odell

12/11/15 BDS  

12/15/15 Harvard 

12/17/15 @ Osceola 

12/29-12/30 (To Be Determined) Weeping Water

01/05/16 @ College View Academy

01/07/16 @ Sterling 

01/12/16 Friend  

01/14/16 East Butler

01/15/16 High Plains Community  

01/19/16 Cross County 

01/22/16 Shelby-Rising City

01/23-01/29 (To Be Determined) Crossroads Conference Tournament York

02/02/16 @ Parkview Christian

02/04/16 @ Nebraska Lutheran 

02/05/16 @ Giltner 

02/09/16 Hampton  

02/12/16 McCool Junction
02/19/16 @ Exeter-Milligan  

Elementary Christmas Concert, Ice Cream Social Is Thursday

Only 24 more days until Christmas is here.

But the waiting time is much less for parents, grandparents and community residents who are ready for the Christmas concerts to begin.

Dorchester School's EPAC volunteer Kylie Kubicek has sent a reminder that the DPS Elementary Christmas concert is this Thursday evening. 

EPAC will be serving ice cream following the concert to everyone, so elementary parents should remember to bring your toppings to the school no later than the end of the school day on Thursday.

A small Christmas tree with gift ideas for Dorchester's teachers will be set up in the cafeteria area the night of the concert and following, until all ornaments are gone.  

If you take an ornament, please have the gift to the school by Tuesday, Dec. 17, by the end of the school day.