Awards Keep Coming For DHS; Business Students Take Third Place At Wayne State

Dorchester High School, a Class D-2 institution, is proving itself to be one of Nebraska's top public schools based on the performance of its students.  

The school is truly producing some of Nebraska's best and brightest minds.

More proof of that came last week when DHS beat numerous larger schools and was a top three finisher at Wayne State College's annual Business Competition Day on April 21. 

More than 200 students from Nebraska and South Dakota high schools competed in multiple areas of business competitive events, including: Accounting I and II; Advertising; Business Communications; Business Comprehensive Knowledge; Business Plan; College Quiz Bowl; Computer Literacy; Datamania; Digital Citizenship; Global Business; Marketing; Keyboarding I and II Speed Timings; Personal and Financial Literacy; Sales Presentation; and Web Wizardry.

DHS finished in third place, just behind Vermillion, S.D., and Columbus Lakeview.

This news coincides with DHS' notable performances by several students at the state journalism competition earlier this week.  (See our story below.)

Our congratulations to DHS' business students.

DHS Students Take Home Honors After State Journalism Competition

Dorchester continues to grow its reputation for strong journalism and composition education. 

Five Dorchester students competed at the Nebraska School Activities Association's State Journalism Competition in Norfolk this week. 

DHS came home with many awards, led by:

• Zoe McKnight, who placed fourth in Sports/Action Photography; 
• Makenna Bird, who placed sixth in Yearbook Feature Writing and eighty in Yearbook Sports Feature Writing; 
• Brittany Knorr, who took third place in Yearbook Theme Copy Writing and ninth in Yearbook Sports Feature Writing; 
• Brittney Zoubek, who received second place in Yearbook Sports Feature Writing and sixth  in Yearbook Theme Copy Writing; and 
• Marvelle Magana, who placed seventh in Yearbook Theme Copy Writing.  

The DHS journalism team of Knorr, Magana and  Zoubek placed ninth in Yearbook Theme Development.  Overall, DHS placed 11th out of 28 schools, accumulating 68 points competing at state in Class B, with schools as large as Gering, Waverly, Crete and Fairbury).  

The DHS journalists are advised by Sandy Severance.

Tuesday Brings Threats Of Tornadoes, Baseball-Sized Hail

(UPDATE: THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A TORNADO WATCH IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES: GAGE, JEFFERSON, JOHNSON, PAWNEE, SALINE. Stay abreast of the latest weather forecast, developments and warnings by clicking here.)

Today, the Dorchester area and the rest of southeaster Nebraska could be facing the season's first truly severe weather of the spring.

According to AccuWeather.com, Tuesday will bring a 96% chance of a severe, "damaging" t-storm late in the afternoon, along with a significant threat for tornadoes. 

Weatherbug.com reports: "Powerful thunderstorms will explode Tuesday mid-afternoon, especially from central and eastern Oklahoma through southeastern and south-central Nebraska. 

"Here, the threat for destructive thunderstorms is significant enough that the national Storm Prediction Center has issued a Moderate Risk for a severe storm outbreak on Tuesday and Tuesday night. Places like Oklahoma City, Norman, Okla., Wichita, Kan., and Hastings and Grand Island, Neb., could see damaging wind gusts topping 70 mph, hail larger than baseballs, and even a few strong and long-track tornadoes."

Tuesday evening will bring a 99% chance of thunderstorms, with some being severe, along with another significant threat for tornadic activity.

On Sunday, storms in southern Nebraska produced hail and at least one tornado. This video shows a confirmed tornado near Superior.

Stay up to date for the late weather forecast by checking the Times' forecast via AccuWeather, or by clicking here.

NEWS ROUNDUP: DHS Golf Fundraiser; Longhorns Weber, Velder Earn Gold Medals

May 21 Golf Outing Will Raise Funds For DHS Girls Basketball: The Times has received word of the first annual Dorchester Girls Basketball Fundraiser Golf Tournament, set for May 21 at the Friend Country Club.  This golf tourney will be a two-person, 18-hole scramble with a 9 a.m. shotgun start.  Organized by the DHS girls basketball coaching staff, the proceeds of this event will go towards purchasing a Dr. Dish Shooting Machine, team camps, and team apparel. Sign up in the school office or call Friend Country Club, 402-947-6501. If you cannot make it or would like to make a donation instead to the girls basketball program. You can send your donation to: Dorchester Public School, Attention Brandon Bruha, P.O. Box 7, Dorchester, NE 68343.  Come out and support the Lady Longhorns!

DHS Girls Capture 4th At Friend Invite:  The DHS girls track and field team continues to show progress.  The Lady Longhorns took the fourth place trophy at this week's Friend Invite.  Winning the long jump was DHS' Jacee Weber, with an effort of 15-9 ½; winning the triple jump was Weber, again, with a showing of 34-5 ½; and taking gold in the shot put was Bailey J. Velder.   

NSAA Honors DHS' Top-Notch Student Athletes:  The Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) has recognized five Dorchester students for their athletic and academic achievements.  The following Longhorns were honored by the NSAA for having a cumulative GPA of 93% or higher, while also playing a significant role in their sport: Chris Nelson, wrestling; Avery Behrens and Jacee Weber, girls basketball; and Tim Havlat and Dustin Nelson, boys basketball.  Nice job to these 'Horns.

Are You Donating To Help Build Dorchester's Cemetery Directory?: The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund is still working on its next project -- a directory for the Dorchester Cemetery. This structure will help loved ones and friends find the burial site of those who have been laid to rest in our community's cemetery just east of the village.  To help raise the necessary funds for this important project, the Foundation is offering an engraved brick sponsorship.  Here's a link for readers to download or print if interested in contributing to the construction of Dorchester's new cemetery directory.  

Adolph Kohout Passes At 84; Services Tuesday

Adolph Joseph Kohout Jr., 84, of Dorchester passed away April 21, 2016. He was born June 18, 1931 in Monroe Precinct, Saline County, Dorchester, NE. Adolph attended Country Schools, District #94 and then #55. In 1945 he helped his dad farming.

He was a member of ZCBJ – WFLA Number 389 Saline Center and received his 75 year membership pin in 2013. At a young age, Adolph was interested in playing the accordion, maybe because his father played as well. He did get one and learned to play, Adolph was still playing but just at home for the family and other gatherings.

Adolph and Doris Hronik were married November 21, 1950 at Grace United Methodist Church in Crete and lived on the same farm where he was born. They had two children, Marilyn and Marvin. During winter months he worked away from home at Crete Mills, Alpo, Petersen Manufacturing, Biba Construction, REA near Geneva, Yankee Hill Brick Company and Wanek’s Furniture. One year Adolph and John Korinek went to put up Christmas lights in Council Bluffs for C.P. Ames Construction.

Adolph continued farming and raising cattle and pigs even after moving into Dorchester in 1977. He would go out every day until 2003 when he rented the land out and gave up his livestock. Even in his 80s, he was still going out to help at harvest time to move machinery from one place to the next.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters and brothers-in-law, Adeline (Lambert) Karpisek, Erma (Elmer) Burda and John Pavlish. Survivors include his loving wife of 65 years, Doris of Dorchester; daughter, Marilyn (Owen) Jensen of Mead; son, Marvin (Lorraine) Kohout of Dorchester; grandchildren, Renee (Luis) Jaime, Shaun Jensen, Jeremy (Lindsay) Kohout, Patrick Kohout; great grandchildren, Emalyn, Belanie & Mallory Jaime, Conner, Jonny & Gracie Kohout; sister, Mary Ann Pavlish of Wilber.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM on Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete with Rev. Roger Wolfe officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 5-8 PM with family greeting friends 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Wilber Czech Cemetery. Memorials care of the family for future designation. Condolences may be left online at kunclfh.com.

July 4th Planning Committee Meets This Wednesday

It's no secret that Dorchester has one of the very best July Fourth celebrations in southeast Nebraska. 

It's an annual tradition that draws folks from near and far, including alumni, former residents, friends and family from across the country.

Now you can be a part of the planning process and help make this year's Independence Day celebration the best one yet. 

At 7 p.m. this Wednesday, April 20, at the Community Hall, the Dorchester Fourth of July Planning Committee will hold a public meeting to begin planning this year's July Fourth celebration.

Bring your ideas. Offer to lend a hand.  

Whether you're a Dorchester student, young adult, a parent or a senior citizen, your input and help is needed for our town's Independence Day extravaganza. 

NEWS ROUNDUP: Mollie B Coming To Saline County; Duane Pavlish Passes

Mollie B From RFD TV Coming To Wilber: The Times has been informed that this May, the Wilber Fire and Rescue Department will be hosting Mollie B from the "Mollie B Polka Party" on RFD-TV in May. For those who don't know, Mollie Busta is a popular performer from the Jim Busta Band and Squeezebox; she's also host of her own weekly one-hour TV program, which features the nation's top polka bands and a wide-variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country. Mollie B will be in Wilber on May 7 (7 p.m. to 11 p.m.) and May 8 (1 p.m. to 5 p.m.) at Sokol Hall.  Tickets are $20 a piece.  Call Frank's Smokehouse (402.821.2647) or Tonja (402.821.3519) for more information.  Tickets are at Farmers and Merchants Bank, and First State Bank, both in Wilber.

Dorchester's Beautiful Main Street Median Draws Compliments:  Julie Holly, owner of The Well in Dorchester, reports that her out-of-town customers who attend The Well's recent yoga classes have commented on the beauty of our main street and the flowering trees on Dorchester's median.  Holly writes: "Thanks to those who planted the trees how ever many years ago."  We echo her sentiments and hope Dorchester will continue to preserve and enhance its special main street median.

Local Police And Fire Scanner Online:  Remember the days when many used to listen to the analog police and fire scanner to hear the emergency calls in their community? It's still possible today, even in the age of digital radio.  Click here to hear the broadcast fire and EMS calls dispatch to the Dorchester Fire/Rescue, as well as Crete Fire and Rescue Dept; Friend Fire/Rescue; Tobias Fire; Western Fire/Rescue; Swanton Fire; Dewitt Fire/Rescue and Wilber Fire/Rescue.  Also hear Saline County Sheriff and Fire, Crete Police, as well as the Friend and Wilber Police.  Listen for an hour or two each night and you'll be even more appreciative of our first responders.

DHS Graduate Duane Pavlish Passes At 62:  Duane E. Pavlish, 62, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on March 20, 2016. He was born on July 29, 1953, in Crete to Edward and Mildred (Koll) Pavlish. Duane was the oldest of six children. He was baptized and confirmed at the Dorchester Methodist Church. He attended Evergreen Country School District 25 through the 8th grade near the farm home southeast of Dorchester. Duane graduated from Dorchester High School in May 1971.  Duane spent several years farming, was a Cargill Seed Salesman, and spent his time building many small farm buildings as well as remodeling the farm home. He is survived by his children, Chris Pavlish and his fiancee, Deanne of Lincoln, Ryan and Erin Pavlish of Waco, Rene and Casey Taft of Lincoln; grandchildren, Jacob Pavlish, Henry Pavlish, Audrey and Zoey Taft; Special Friend, Marlene McWilliams; brother, Neal and Carolyn Pavlish of Crete; sister, Marlene and Scott Lentfer of Kearney; mother of Duane's children, Carol Pavlish; many nieces and nephews. The funeral was held March 24, 2016 at Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete with the Rev. Roger Wolfe officiating. Condolences may be left here.

Zika-Infected Mosquitos May Be A Huge Threat To Our Health:  We hope the boys at the village shop have the mosquito fogger ready to go.  It could be a long spring, summer and fall if (perhaps when) the mosquito-borne Zika virus comes to Nebraska.  Reports are that scientists in Brazil have uncovered a new brain disorder associated with Zika infections in adults: an autoimmune syndrome called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, or ADEM, that attacks the brain and spinal cord. Zika has already been linked with the autoimmune disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome, which attacks peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, causing temporary paralysis that can in some cases require patients to rely on respirators for breathing. The new discovery now shows Zika may provoke an immune attack on the central nervous system, as well. This is in addition to the birth defects Zika causes, including the unusually small heads of babies seen on news reports. See the CDC's website on Zika and tips to prevent getting it.

Farmers Cooperative Continues Its Growth

It's hard to believe that Dorchester's Farmers Cooperative was once just another small grain elevator on a line of the Burlington Rail Road.

The Times has learned that Farmers Cooperative -- which has blossomed into a full service organization with products and services offered in energy, grain, feed, and agronomy -- is about to get a little bigger.

Beattie Farmers Union Cooperative of Beattie, Kansas, saw its stockholders vote last week to merge with Farmers' Cooperative.  While headquartered in Dorchester, Farmers Cooperative now owns more than 50 other facilities in eastern and central Nebraska, as well as northern Kansas.

At last check, Farmers Cooperative was one of nine Nebraska cooperatives that were ranked among the 100 largest in the country, according to a report by National Cooperative Bank.  Last fall, the NCB list ranked Dorchester-based Farmers Cooperative at No. 75 based on revenue in 2014.  It is the fourth largest ag-based co-op in Nebraska, just behind Aurora Co-op.

A story in the Marysville (Kansas) Advocate reports on the latest merger.

“I think it’s a pretty positive thing,” said Ron Velder, Farmers Cooperative CEO. Velder said the turnout likely reflected concern among stockholders about the farm economy, currently mired in low commodity prices.

A total 464 votes were cast, with 78 percent in favor, said Luin Berger, chairman of the Beattie Co-op board of directors.  

Moving Beattie Co-op into the Farmers Co-op fold will give area farmers access to better services and improved facilities, Berger said.

“Hopefully we’ll improve services and get an agronomist out here to help farmers on crop input costs, chemicals, seed and variable planting rates,” Berger said. “Those are people we desperately need.”

OUR OPINION: On Remittance Issue, Trump Is Right

Last week, presidential candidate Donald Trump proposed a plan to stop all remittances to Mexico from illegal immigrants.  That would mean that those residing in this country who are not legal citizens would be prohibited from wiring money to Mexico unless Mexico agrees to help fund a wall at America's southern border.

Trump is on the correct track.

A 2008 study found remittances from the U.S. to Latin America were costing the U.S. nearly $70 billion. That's right: $70 billion funneled out of the U.S. economy every year.  

Newer data show that Mexico collects around $25 billion in remittances annually from the U.S. -- a bigger contributor to the Mexican economy than either oil or tourism.  So it would make financial sense for Mexican leaders to pony up  a one-time expense of $10 billion for a wall versus forfeiting $25 billion each year in remittances from immigrants working in the U.S.

Over the past decade, Crete and other nearby communities with a sizable immigrant communities have been significantly harmed by money being sent out country.  

In generations past, that money was recycled many times over at area businesses.  It was spent locally to improve homes and neighborhoods, which meant higher home values, which led to more property tax collections for better schools, streets and infrastructure.

Not only are we now losing those dollars to money transfers going south of the border, U.S. taxpayers are left with higher bills to pay for:

• Free K-12 education for the children of immigrants (including government funded breakfasts and lunches);

• Law enforcement and prisons needed to address higher crime rates and gang activity;

• Health care costs, including emergency room visits;

• Expanded social welfare programs; and

• Identity theft that comes with stolen social security numbers and other information needed to circumvent background check systems.

The mere mention of these facts will surely infuriate some readers.  This is proof that many Americans have been conditioned -- through schools or mass media -- to disrespect or disregard their own culture, traditions and history.  

We are thankful at least one candidate has the guts to "go there" and address the issues contributing to the deterioration of America's quality of life.  It beats turning a blind eye to our problems while continuing to promise rainbows, unicorns and utopia by stealing more from American taxpayers.

Eventually, reality will force lawmakers to take action, whether prompted by another major terrorist attack or a revolt at the ballot box.  While we wait for the politicians to figure it out, let's keep pressuring those who are being paid with tax dollars to protect us.

If you know of illegal aliens residing in the United States, call the detention and removal offices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The number is 952-853-2550 and press “0.”

Former DPS Superintendent Brian Redinger Charged With Felonies

We are saddened to report that former Dorchester Superintendent and current Shelton Superintendent Brian Redinger has been charged with three felonies and a misdemeanor as a result of a domestic assault that law enforcement officials say occurred on Sunday.

A story sent to us by a reader discloses the accusations that have been made by Redinger's wife, Kelleene Redinger.

The story from the Grand Island Independent was updated this morning and may be read here.

Redinger served as Dorchester's superintendent from 2008 through 2011.  Prior to that, he served as principal of DPS.

Due to the sensitive nature of this story, and out of respect for the Redinger children who attended DPS, comments on this story will not be published by the Times.

Developing...

Pork Feed, Elementary Concert Is Saturday At DPS

On Saturday. April 16, the Dorchester Public School elementary music program will be hosting its first ever Longhorn elementary music festival. 

The event will feature students from East Butler and McCool Junction joining Dorchester student to assemble an elementary honor choir.  The group will spend the day learning music together and end the day with a concert. 

There will be a pork feed -- made possible by donations from music parents and Farmers Co-op -- beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The concert itself will start at 5:00 p.m. 

In addition, there will be raffles and other prizes. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for students; children under 5 are free. 

The pork feed will be a free-will donation. All proceeds will go to the 2017 junior high/ high school Kansas City trip.

NEWS ROUNDUP: HR Job Opening, Keller Places At State FBLA Conference

Photo courtesy of Penny Nichols Keller

HR Job Opening In Dorchester:  Our Google alert caught this -- an opening for a human relations generalist.  We don't know the name of the entity with the opening since it is being conducted through a search firm.  The job requirements are a bachelor's degree in HR management or similar field or five years experience as HR generalist. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel also required.  Click here for the job ad.

DHS' Keller Takes 8th At Statewide FBLA Contest:  Congratulations to DHS Senior Jordan Keller for receiving 8th place in the most prestigious event at the Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference on Saturday in Omaha.  Keller captured her award in the Future Business Leader competition. This continues to add to the prestige of Dorchester's FBLA program.

Dorchester Foundation Still Raising Funds For Cemetery Directory: The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund is still working on its next project -- a directory for the Dorchester Cemetery. This structure will help loved ones and friends find the burial site of those who have been laid to rest in our community's cemetery just east of the village.  To help raise the necessary funds for this important project, the Foundation is offering an engraved brick sponsorship.  Here's a link for readers to download or print if interested in contributing to the construction of Dorchester's new cemetery directory.  

An Idea For Village Leaders:  We see the Village of Dorchester is still looking for someone to sit at the dump to observe folks to make sure they're only dumping grass clippings, branches and leaves.  (Call 402.946.3201 if you're interested.)  We aren't the sharpest tools in the shed -- we just run a blog, after all.  But $9 an hour at 10 hours a week over roughly 24 weeks equals around $1,300 (not including employer payroll taxes, etc.).  That money could buy a surveillance camera or two to do the same job for the next several mowing seasons.  There would even be money left over to place cameras in the park and at key intersections with stop signs that are often ignored, especially at night.  Cameras make a lot of sense in a community with no full-time law enforcement.  Just our thoughts. 

Dorchester's Olga Bruha Passes At 98; Services Wednesday

Olga Bruha, age 98, of Dorchester passed away peacefully with family by her side on April 6, 2016. She was born August 5, 1917 to Louis and Mary (Kotil) Nejdl, the second of six children, on a farm near Western, Neb. in Saline County. She attended rural school, District #52, and attended Friend High School through the 9th grade.

At the age of 11, she lost her mother to scarlet fever. Her grandparents moved to the farm for two years to take care of the family. At this time, she was taught how to cook, clean, and take over the family duties at the young age of 13.

On April 20, 1937, she married Emil R. Bruha, Jr., from Dorchester. They met at a polka dance at Tabor Hall. After marriage, they farmed for 18 years southwest of Dorchester and later moved into town with their three daughters, Jeanette, Joan and Judy.

She loved flowers, especially red tulips and roses, and over the years in the spring and summer many bloomed in her back yard. While living on the farm, she worked very hard, milking cows, raising chickens and geese to put food on the table. She always had fruit trees and a huge garden which included lots of canning. Cooking and baking kolaches was a specialty of hers. She was a 4-H leader for several years teaching girls the charm of homemaking. Losing her mother early in life made her the best mother ever to her three daughters.

Olga was employed by Formfit Rogers in Crete as a machine operator for 25 and 1/2 years. She received her gold watch from the company, of which she was very proud of. She also was a member of WFLA Lodge #74 (Tabor Hall) and held an office and helped with activities for 20 years. She received her 75 year pin in 2012 and received her certificate of Honorary Member at the age of 96.

After she retired from Formfit, she loved to travel and visit relation. She visited many states including several states on the west coast and one highlight of her life was taking a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon and seeing the great Hoover Dam. Another fun trip was visiting New York state where her oldest daughter lived at the time, touring the Niagara Falls and Letchworth Park that the WPA built. 

Preceded in death by her parents, husband; Emil, parents-in-law; Joe and Blanche Bruha, brothers; Louis, Milo and Emil Nejdl, sister; Irene Wagner, sisters-in-law; Libby Beelar and Evelyn Jirsa.

Olga will be greatly missed by her daughters and families. Surviors include: Daughters; Jeanette Roat and Ron Labenze of Shickley, Joan and Dale Frahm of Dorchester, and Judy and Jack Daniel of rural Denton. Grandchildren and spouses; Steve and Caryn Roat of Stanley, New York; Lynn and Jay Slover of Conesus, New York; Dave Frahm and Nancy Brandt of Seward; Lisa and Ed Moore of Milford; Doug and Kathy Frahm of Elmwood; Jason and Kristin Daniel of Gretna; and Justin Daniel of rural Pleasant Dale; 15 Great-Grandchildren will always remember and miss their dear great-grandmother; sister and brother-in-law; Bertha and Leonard Musilek of Prague, Neb., sisters-in-law; Olga Nejdl of Crete, and Lois Nejdl of Idaho; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. with family greeting friends 5-6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment at Dorchester Cemetery. Memorials care of the family for future designation. Condolences may be left here.

What's Up With Those Hazy Skies Over Dorchester?

The wind has whipped Dorchester and the rest of southeast Nebraska over the past week, with gusts of 35-50 mph.  

The only change has been the direction of those howling winds.  

Saturday's winds blew hard from the southeast, bringing with it smoke and haze from Kansas and Oklahoma wildfires.

Currently, more than 20 wildfires are active in Kansas and Oklahoma.  See the active fire map here.

Toward evening on Saturday, the haze over Dorchester was very apparent.  

In Oklahoma, Gov. Mary Fallin a few days ago declared a state of emergency in 10 new counties due wildfires.

Meanwhile, Kansas authorities say wildfires in several Kansas counties have been largely contained, but they continue to smolder.

County Needs More In-Home Care To Retain Senior Residents

We were saddened to learn last month of the decision to close the Friend Manor.  This loss is not only a blow to Friend Community Healthcare System; it is a blow to Saline County's elderly.

Dorchester and other Saline County communities need to explore all options to retain more of our older residents -- especially those elderly residents who physically and mentally able to live at home with just a little help.

Over the past few months, Dorchester has lost some of its valued, longtime residents who have been moved to long-term care facilities in other communities and other counties.

It would be ideal to see Dorchester attract senior housing, like the apartment-style senior apartments in Crete and Friend.

A short-term fix is to attract more in-home care services for our senior citizens.  This way, more of Dorchester's elderly residents can stay in their homes and in the community they love.

Home Instead senior care services -- a franchise business with its roots in Nebraska -- currently has a job opening for a caregiver serving clients in Saline County.

According to the job ad, this position will not only allow you to earn a good income, but will also provide a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of clients and their families.  No experience or medical skills necessary.  Flexible scheduling with overnight hours available Caregivers provide a variety of non-medical services that allow seniors to remain in their homes. These services generally fall under three categories: companionship; home helper; and personal care.

For job related questions, call the franchise office at (402) 423-8119 or click here.

Just Listed: Acreage And South Side Brick Home

(UPDATE: We are told by inside sources that the home at 107 Whitmar St. has been sold, just a couple days after it went up for sale.  This is strong evidence there's a good market for higher end homes in Dorchester.) 

Dorchester has a lot going for it -- especially if you prefer living in a safe, friendly and affordable community that has much potential for the future. Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with some of the state's best educators. The lowest school tax levy in the county -- and one of the lower property rates in southeast Nebraska.

• SAFE COMMUNITY:  With a new water system and sewer system.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable cost of living.

• KEY BUSINESS: Headquarters for one of the state's largest agri-businesses (Farmers' Cooperative) and is situated on the thriving Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive from many employers in Crete and Seward, and only 30 minutes to Lincoln, Dorchester is located next to two major highways and just 10 minutes from Interstate 80.  Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

However, one challenge facing Dorchester is available housing.  We often hear from many readers who say they would like to move to Dorchester, if only homes were available.

Today, we are showcasing the latest Dorchester homes available right now.

If you're ready to call Dorchester home, we encourage you to take a look and make an offer.  Make Dorchester your home and enjoy a great small-town way of life.

108 WHITMAR STREET:  Located on the south side of town in a nice neighborhood, this recently built brick home is for sale by owner. An e-mail we received said those interested should (402) 617-5089.

1631 COUNTY ROAD E: A slice of heaven on 8.75 acres. Nestled in a park like setting this 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home has been meticulously updated and maintained. Family owned for 38 yrs and they spared no expense on updating and the 2700 sq ft OUTBUILDING -- a must see, well-powered man cave including a bathroom! Large trees enclose this private family property perfect for family gatherings and entertaining. Home has a new 10' covered wrap around porch, new cedar siding and roof in 2012, updated appliances in 2011, updated bathrooms, Colorado style master bedroom, and laundry on first floor. Upstairs offers privacy with 4 large bedrooms, bathroom and a walk out to 370 sq ft deck. Basement also has ample storage. Five additional outbuildings are also included on the property. If you are looking for a lovely updated home, acreage and AMAZING outbuildings with a little bit of country, you will find it here.  Click here for more details.

Saline County Museum Opens For Season This Sunday

We have received notification on Facebook that the Saline County Museum will open for the season this Sunday, April 3.  All individuals and families are strongly encouraged to visit and get in touch with this area's unique and special history.  

For those who don't know, the museum's roots can be traced back to the 1950's, when Dorchester's own Rosa Dusanek had a dream of building a Saline County museum to house the history of our area's people. 

By 1957, the Saline County Historical Society was established.  In 1960, the Saline County commissioners gave the society a one-tenth mill levy.

The museum's first building -- the teal colored structure you see from Hwy. 33 -- was built in 1964. Today there are eleven buildings.

The Chapel contains “In Loving Memory” funeral displays, an altar and wedding dresses and suits. A nearby memorial pays tribute to Dorchester's Charlie Havat, the last American killed in WWII's European Theater.

The Memorial Building has an 1800’s bedroom, a parlor and a kitchen. There is a textile room, dentist office, doctor’s office and a beauty shop.

There is a section for all organizations of Saline County. The Museum will take organizational minutes and scrapbooks from disbanded organizations.

The Weidner Building which houses the fire truck, wagons, photography, and electrical displays.

The Machinery Building has implements from the past centuries.

The Voting Building is original. This building was only used for voting.

The Buckingham School is a one room country school from 1871. It is a building where present day children can go to school to see how their great grandparents were educated.

The Burden Home belonged to the first black homesteader in Saline County. Seven children were born and raised in this two room home, dated 1868.

The Cizek log cabin, which dates back to 1866, is in the yellow building, along with a large collection of barbed wire and other items.

The Dorchester Depot Building houses fascinating railroad memorabilia.

And the Plato Post Office building is a traveling post office -- a tiny building that moved from farm to farm.

The Saline County Museum is operated strictly by volunteers. The Saline County Historical Society Board consists of ten individuals who meet quarterly.

There is no admission fee, although donations are welcome.

The Saline County Museum is now open for the season -- Sunday afternoons from 2-5 p.m.  

Museum contacts are: 
Judy - (402) 243-2356 
Mary Anne - (402) 448-5265

The museum volunteers tell the Times that they are working on new displays.  If you haven't been to the museum in a few years, you really need to stop by and seen the many changes.