DHS Volleyball Begins Tomorrow As Seniors Eye Big Season

Two years ago, Dorchester's Lady Longhorns finished their 2014 volleyball season at 8-21.  It was a "building year," according to insiders.

Last year, DHS improved to 16-14 and was tough in Class D-2.

This year, there are higher expectations, with six seniors and many returning sophomores and juniors, along with talented freshmen, donning the orange and black -- representing their school.  

Bottom line: It appears the mighty DHS will field a very competitive volleyball team in 2016.

Dorchester's new season will get underway this week, with a triangular at Palmyra on Thursday, Sept. 1, as the Lady Longhorns take on Class C-2 Palmyra and Class D-1 Weeping Water.

The Lady Longhorns are looking to forge a culture of winning traditions under fourth-year head coach Ty Peteranetz and very capable assistant coaches.  

Coach Peteranetz is a self-described "transplanted, Colorado-born Husker fan" who moved to Nebraska in 2011 after 30 years in Colorado to be a volleyball coach.  He teaches Dorchester's fourth grade.

Insiders with local media ties say to look for DHS to be a real threat this season.

Here's a look at this year's DHS volleyball schedule:

DORCHESTER VOLLEYBALL 2016

09/01/16 Palmyra -- Triangular (host: Palmyra)
09/01/16 Weeping Water -- Triangular (host: Palmyra)
09/06/16 Parkview Christian -- Triangular (host: Dorchester)
09/06/16 College View Academy -- Triangular (host: Dorchester)
09/08/16 Giltner -- Triangular (host: Dorchester)
09/08/16 Hampton -- Triangular (host: Dorchester)
09/15/16 @ Friend D1
09/17-09/17 (To Be Determined) -- BDS Tournament (w/ 4 Teams) Shickley
09/20/16 Osceola
09/22/16 Shelby/Rising City -- Triangular (host: Dorchester)
09/22/16 High Plains Community -- Triangular (host: Dorchester)
09/24-09/24 (To Be Determined) -- Nebraska Lutheran Tournament (w/ 4 Teams) Waco
09/27/16 @ Sterling
09/29/16 Meridian -- Triangular (host: Meridian)
09/29/16 Diller-Odell -- Triangular (host: Meridian)
10/06/16 Cross County -- Triangular (host: Exeter-Milligan)
10/06/16 Exeter-Milligan -- Triangular (host: Exeter-Milligan)
10/11/16 McCool Junction -- Triangular (host: BDS)
10/11/16 BDS  -- Triangular (host: BDS)
10/15-10/18 (To Be Determined) -- Crossroads Conference Tournament (2/3-Day) York
10/20/16 East Butler
10/25/16 Tri County
10/28/16 @ Nebraska Lutheran

NEWS ROUNDUP: Dorchester Library Is Open Wednesdays And Saturdays

Visit Dorchester's Library:  Do your kids know there is more to life than their hand-held gadgets? Maybe they should spend a couple hours at the Dorchester Library.  Hours are Wednesdays after school from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.  A couple hours reading a classic like Tom Sawyer or a new release would do any child -- or adult -- some good and improve his/her perspective on modern life. 

Need Transportation? Call SCAT: Are you in need of transportation to Crete or somewhere else. We suggest you call Saline County Area Transit, which is supported by taxpayer dollars.  The hours are Monday-Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Call 402-418-2743 or 402-433-4511.  For just $2, SCAT will pick you up and take you where you need to go.  Also, if you are elderly and need assistance, call Saline ElderCare at 402-821-3330.

Scrap Tires Cleanup is Sept. 9-11 at Saline Center: Saline Center on Hwy. 15 will host the Saline County scrap tire cleanup on Friday, Sept. 9, and Saturday, Sept. 10, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., or Sunday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

A Vital Renovation: The Well At The Old Thompson Mansion In Dorchester

The Dorchester Times hereby declares the renovation at 1002 Lincoln Ave. the village's most important renovation of the early 21st century.

Not only did this impressive restoration a few years ago save of one of Dorchester's most historic homes -- the former estate of Dorchester pioneer W.J. Thompson -- it also brought a new business to town.

The 3,000 sq. ft. home, built in 1901, sits on the corner of 10th and Lincoln Avenue and is an intriguing piece of our past as the site of Dorchester's famous Elmwood Pony Farm.

Now the mansion is known as The Well, which will soon complete its third year in business.  Co-owner Julie Holly says the businesses name is short for "wellness" -- and because her husband Joe drills water wells. 

Holly's goal for the area community is wellness -- wellness through massage, eating healthy and exercise.  Over the past three years, the Well has been visited by many in our county.  In fact, this unique business draws people from all over southeast Nebraska.

The Well's customers know that it is there for those who are serious about living a healthier lifestyle.  The Well offers alternative and holistic health, including massages, aromatherapy health, essential oils, soaps and lotions, crafts -- even yoga class.  It also offers healthy snack items, fresh herbs grown at the Holly farm and herb plants started in the Holly green house. 

"One day we  hope to have a bed and breakfast in the upper portion of the house," Holly said a couple years ago, noting that the renovation is ongoing so visitors are able to experience the house as it changes.  

Back in 2014, Holly was quoted as saying, "Joe and I are trying to bring the house back to its early 1900's roots. ... Our hope is to share this house with the community. People are welcome to stop by whenever they see we are there. I post a sign at the door during massages so my clients are not disturbed."

At last check, Julie was in the process of getting the house on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Hours of operation are currently 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and by appointment.  The hours are subject to change.  Click here for The Well's website.

The Well's phone number is 402-418-1838 or e-mail her at thewell2@hotmail.com.

The Well has a Facebook page, too, where specials are posted.  

Dorchester Sees 375% Gain In Weekend Traffic Since July

While Dorchester village officials probably won't hear the public grumbling about traffic jams anytime too soon, they may want to take notice of the dramatic spike of weekend traffic on Main Street from just a few weeks ago. 

It's also worth recognizing the sizable increase in economic activity produced by the individuals who arrive in those additional vehicles.

According to a study by the Times, weekend traffic on Dorchester's three-block business district has surged 375% on Friday and Saturday nights compared to just six years ago.

The Times compared two random traffic counts taken in late June and late July of this year, and two counts on the weekends since Big T's BBQ Pit Stop opened earlier this month. The tallies were taken between the hours of 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Friday or Saturday evenings, when Dorchester's Main Street (Washington Ave.) tends to be its busiest.

The traffic count has increased by 1100% on Sunday evenings, although that is not significant as it sounds since there were no businesses open on Sunday evenings until the opening of Big T's BBQ Pit Stop.

The increase in traffic can obviously be attributed to the success of the new BBQ restaurant and the continued success of City Slickers.

The extra vehicles mean big dollars for Dorchester, even using conservative estimates. 

We estimate that each vehicle on Dorchester's Main Street on a Friday or Saturday evening equals at least $30 spent in town on food, drinks, KENO, donations, gasoline or something else. 

Using that figure, just additional 20 vehicles appearing in the business district on weekend nights would translate into an extra $62,400 spent in Dorchester throughout the course of a year.

Have you supported Dorchester's restaurants lately? Have you encouraged your family and friends to do so, as well?

Noticable Results Since Property Code Enforcement Started This Month

Earlier this summer, the Times reported that a new enforcer had been selected to ensure that Dorchester residents and other property owners are keeping their property up to community standards and village ordinances.  

The Dorchester Village Board officially hired and gave the green light to Penny Keller, the village's new nuisance abatement and code compliance officer.

Keller, who is working as a contract employee, started her duties in early August, according to official documents.  Her job is to help ensure that property clean-up notices and enforcement originally initiated by SENDD a few years ago continues.  

We have noticed results just weeks since Keller started the job.  

One of the more welcomed clean-ups has been the commercial property south of the city park.

It's good to see property owners willingly and promptly complying with the village requests for clean-up.  They, too, should be applauded for their efforts.

Those who ignore the warnings and requests should face consequences.  After all, a run-down, neglected, unsafe and trashy piece of property tramples the rights of neighbors and hurts Dorchester's public image.

If you suspect a property in Dorchester is non-compliant with village standards, you are urged to call 402-418-8670 or to i.comply@outlook.com.

Attention Dorchester Kids: Flag Football In Crete Wants You

Feel that autumn in the air?

It means football season is almost here.  And Dorchester kids are encouraged to sign up for the flag football league in Crete.  It's an easy, fun and non-intimidating way to learn the game.

The league is open to both boys and girls in first, second, third and fourth grades.

Deadline to register is this Friday, Aug. 26.  (No registrations after the deadline.)  Cost is $45 per player.

The games will be held Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 2 at the old armory in Crete at 515 E. 1st St.

Register online by clicking here, or submit the registration and payment in person at the Crete Recreations Office at 243 E. 13th St. in Crete.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Newspaper Spotlights New DPS Superintendent

New DPS Superintendent Featured In Friend Newspaper: The Friend Sentinel has done quite a write-up on Daryl Schrunk, Dorchester Public School's new superintendent.  According to the story, Mr. Schrunk said he was very selective when it came to applying for a superintendent’s position.  The former Columbus Lakeview Elementary administrator told the newspaper that Dorchester School is "a diamond in the rough," as described by a former Wayne State College instructor.  "Schrunk said he has a solid vision for Dorchester and is committed to education. The key is a strategic plan that will allow the community to participate," according to the story. "His plan includes five areas: perseverance, respect, integrity, decision-making and excellence (PRIDE). One of his goals is to find people in the district with whom the students can connect."  He adds: "Dorchester needs to be Dorchester no matter what."  

Bors Wins National FBLA Award:  More than 336 Nebraska students and advisers recently attended the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in Atlanta.  Nebraska FBLA members competed June 29-July 2 in 70 events. More than 12,000 FBLA members from 46 states, as well as U.S. territories and international chapters attended the conference.  Dorchester's Clarissa Bors was one of a handful of participants who were recognized with the FBLA's National Community Service Award.  Congratulations to Clarissa.

Dorchester Area Residents Win Czech Day Awards:  We are guessing that a high percentage of Dorchester residents, from both town and country, attended the annual Czech Days celebration in Wilber a couple weekends ago.  We note that some of those folks came home with awards.  Betty Buhr with Horse “Sparky” won first place in the "Horses" division at the Czech Days parade.  At the two-mile Duck and Dumplings race, Judy (Kasl) Bors ran it in 18:14, capturing 1st place in her age category, beating her closet competitor by over a minute.  Former DHS track standout Janet (Uher) Schrick ran the 2-miler in 15:36 and was 1st in her age group.  Dorchester student Carly Rains, 11, took 6th in the 14-and-under division.  Clarissa Bors took 8th in the 15-20 group.  On the men's side, Jamie Karl ran the two-miler in 13:19, good enough for 2nd place in his category.

MHS-DHS Football Prepares For 2016 Campaign; Dustin Nelson Gets Spotlight

Football season is nearly upon us.

The Dorchester-Milford football team will kick off a new season with a road contest next Friday, Aug. 26, at Columbus Lakeview. The MHS-DHS team is entering its fourth season as a combined unit in football at the Class C-1 level, which offers a more competitive brand of football.

And to prove that Longhorns can compete, DHS's Dustin Nelson is getting much attention in the pre-season media.

The team is coming off a 6-win season in 2015, and it boasts half a dozen Dorchester players according our count.

The DHS-MHS squad will again be led by 37-year veteran head coach Marty Hingst, who is one win away from his 250th career win.  With one more victory, Hingst will become the 16th coach in Nebraska history to reach 250 career wins.

The team this year will have five returning starters on both sides of the ball.

The Lincoln newspaper reports:  Priority No. 1 for Milford-Dorchester will be rebuilding the offensive line. Outside of Parker Moore, the Eagles will have four new starters up front, but coach Marty Hingst likes the upside and size of his big men. Jaidon Policky, a four-year starter, aims for a healthy season at running back and safety after missing three games last year. Dustin Nelson, Austin Martin, Drake Burton and Elliott Carraher could be splitting the carries with Policky, and Jacob Bitterman will battle for the starting quarterback spot.

Regarding Dorchester's Dustin Nelson, the Journal Star names him as the team's "spotlight player," adding that Nelson returns after leading the team in tackles (70) from his linebacker position in 2015. He also averaged 7 yards per carry.

***

HISTORY AND OUTLOOK FOR DHS

The 2013 season marked the first time since 1948 that Dorchester had not had a high school team. (In 1949, DHS' football program was rejuvenated after years of not playing the game due to a student's death on the gridiron in the early 1930s.)

Four years ago, Milford school administrators and board members agreed to allow DHS to join in what is now officially deemed an "athletic cooperative" between the two schools, until DHS has sufficient numbers to resume playing at the Class D level.  The impacted athletics include football and wrestling.

Milford-Dorchester 2016 Schedule

Aug. 26 | Columbus Lakeview | A

Sept. 2 | Adams Central | H

Sept. 9 | David City | A

Sept. 16 | Bishop Neumann | A

Sept. 23 | Ashland-Greenwood | H

Sept. 30 | Southern | H

Oct. 7 | Raymond Central | A

Oct. 15 | Lincoln Christian | A

Oct. 21 | Fairbury | H

OUR OPINION: Should Schools, Parents Bring Back Spanking?

One complaint you'll hear often from public school teachers today is they're expected to raise other people's children -- and discipline them -- when they're supposed to be teaching in the classroom.

Hey, we know there are still plenty of great kids out there, from good families.  But there's no doubt times have changed over the past few decades.  More single moms and deadbeat dads, and less respect for once revered institutions, have meant big time consequences in small and big schools alike.

One reason more youth misbehave today is because they can.  Fewer modern-day parents discipline their children in meaningful, memorable ways that would deter kids from being repeat offenders.

In 1954, the Gallup organization asked Americans to reflect on their teenage years and name the most effective form of punishment for "children your age who refused to behave." The top answer, given by 40%, was what the original Gallup news release reported as "whipping" -- encapsulating a variety of responses that included "beating," "shellacking," "spanking," use of the "strap" or "stick," and other forms of punishment. "Taking away privileges" was a distant second (25%), followed by being kept at home -- or, in today's parlance, being grounded (11%).

Problems with youth did not show up as a major public concern in Gallup's data on the most important problem facing the country in the 1950s. Today they do.

Example: The breaking story of the South Carolina teens who shot and killed a good Samaritan who stopped to help the kids get their car out of a ditch.  Or the new story about two teens in nearby Beatrice who broke into the public library urinated and defecated on the floor and on a statue, and then deployed the fire extinguishers.

Wanna bet these kids were rarely, if ever, disciplined growing up?

Back to the 1954 Gallup poll: 55% of adults said they thought school officials should have the right to give pupils a "licking."  And when asked to name the oldest age at which a child should be spanked, 32% thought this was appropriate through the ages of 12 to 14, and 17% said 15 or older. 

Many among us have been brainwashed to believe all corporal punishment is wrong, whether carried out by parents, other relatives or school teachers/administrators.

But the social order, in many corners of our country -- including in our own state -- is no longer in order.  And some of today's kids are mirroring this fact; they will eventually pay an awful price for their parents' unwillingness to do their job.

Better for a child to get a spanking for his misbehavior and disrespect today than to get a life behind bars -- or worse -- tomorrow.

Longtime DPS Teacher Margaret Rasmussen Passes; Funeral Is Saturday

For 32 years -- almost a third of a century -- Margaret Rasmussen was a fixture at Dorchester Public Schools, where she taught two generations of fourth graders.

The Times has received word that Rasmussen, who celebrated her 100th birthday at an open house in Dorchester exactly one year ago last Tuesday, has passed.

Rasmussen started her teaching career after her high school graduation in 1932.  Taking night classes, attending summer school and doing extension work, she earned her bachelor's degree from Doane College.  

For many years, she taught at country schools in Saline and Fillmore counties.  She even served on the advisory board for the Nebraska history textbook.

Rasmussen's first year with Dorchester Schools was 1961.  She retired in May 1993.  Her retirement closed the books on a 52-year teaching career.

An obituary will be posted when it is made available to the public.

UPDATE: Here is Margaret's obituary, as posted by Lauber Moore Funeral Home:

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the United Church of Christ in Friend with Pastor Dave Coleman officiating. Interment will be in Andrew Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, 1-9 pm at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Friend. Memorials are directed in care of the family for future designation. Pallbearers will be Justin Hesser, Mark Zieg, Todd Hilifiker, Gerald Zieg, Tanner Rasmussen and Douglas Rasmussen. Honorary Pallbearers will be John Stewart, Sonny Hanson and Loki Rasmussen. Shirley Milton, organist, will accompany Gloria Riley, vocalist, for the songs, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” and “How Great Thou Art”. The congregational hymn will be “In The Garden”. 

Margaret Geraldine Rasmussen was born August 16, 1915 on a farm near Cordova to George and Anna A. (Ahl) Zieg, Sr. the oldest of three children and passed away on Monday, August 15, 2016 at Bryan Medical Center East in Lincoln at the age of 100 years, 11 months 30 days. As a young girl she attended country school and graduated from Friend High School with the Class of 1934. Following her graduation, Margaret received her Normal Teaching Certificate and taught in Saline County School Districts #23, #33 and #101. She then taught in Fillmore County Districts #23 and #33 before returning to Saline County #23. Margaret took night classes, attended summer school and did extension work so that she could complete her Bachelor’s degree, which she received from Doane College. Margaret taught at Dorchester Public School from 1961 to 1993. She was united in marriage to Harold Axel Rasmussen on May 28, 1946 at St. John’s Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cordova and to this union two sons, Dean and Dale were born. 

Together they made their home in the Friend and Dorchester area where Margaret was a busy mother raising her sons and teaching school. During the summer months she often was found tutoring students. Margaret taught 32 years at Dorchester for a total of 52 years when she retired. 

Margaret served on the Advisory Committee for the Nebraska History text “Changing Nebraska.” She was a member of Nebraska State Teachers Association. 

In her spare time, Margaret raised a large garden, canning the bounty. She did embroidery and was an avid reader. One of her favorite holidays was Thanksgiving for the gathering of the family.

Margaret is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Dean and Rose Anne Rasmussen, Lincoln, Dale and Pam Rasmussen, Ceresco, three grandchildren, Douglas Rasmussen, Challis, ID, Loki Rasmussen, Charlottesville, VA, Tanner Rasmussen, Lincoln, sister-in-law, Marie McCormich, Lincoln, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother, George “Bud” Zieg, Jr., sister, Gertrude “Gertie” Steffensen.

Farmers Almanac: Expect Teeth-Shattering, 'Ice Cold' Winter

If you're tired of the heat and humidity, the 2017 Old Farmer’s Almanac long-range forecast is for you.  The Almanac predicts a harsh winter for our neck of the woods.

The long-term weather forecast calls for a teeth-chattering winter for the eastern two-thirds of the nation. 

"We're calling it the return of the old-fashioned winter. The ice cold winter is back," said Sandi Duncan, managing editor.

While August and September will remain hot and bring tropical storm threats and scattered thunderstorms, especially in late August and Sept. 16-19.

Although winter temperatures will then be above normal, the periods of coldest weather will arrive in late December, mid- and late January and early and mid-February.

To accompany these colder temperatures, snowfall will be higher than normal in our region. The snowiest periods will be in mid- to late January and early to mid-February.

The Farmer’s Almanac is based on a “secret formula” that uses both historical methods and scientific calculations.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Dorchester School Hosts Open House Tuesday Night

School Open House Is Tuesday:  As the kids (and parents) mentally prepare to begin another school year, Dorchester Public Schools will hold an open house the evening before the first day of school.  The open house will take place Tuesday, Aug. 16, 6:30 p.m. in the gym.  Students will meet their new teachers and see their classrooms.  Students can bring their school supplies so they're ready when the bell rings on Wednesday.  DPS' new superintendent, Mr. Schrunk, will also greet students and parents.  Be there as the 2016-2017 school year gets underway!

Dorchester Preschool Taking Applications Now:  The Dorchester Preschool is now taking applications for enrollment for the 2016-17 school year.  The preschool specializes in preparing young minds with the thinking skills and concepts needed for school readiness in the 21st century.  Dorchester Preschool is available for kids who will be 3 years old by September 1, and for 4-year-olds who plan to attend Kindergarten the next fall.  For more information, call Doris at 946-2066 during school hours, or at her home at 402-821-2547.

Husker Fantasy Camp Design Carved In Local Corn Field: Did you happen to see U.S. Cellular's design carved in a corn field just west of town? Probably not, unless you were operating your drone or flying yourself up and around the Dorchester skies.  The image to the right is from the social media account of Joel Weber, the DHS alum who is owner and operator of Weber Feed Yards.  We are told by inside sources that the U.S. Cellular Husker Fantasy Camp Sweepstakes offers an exciting opportunity that includes a Memorial Stadium tour, chalk talk with former Nebraska football players,on-field activities, game jersey and playbook.  Whatever it is, that's quite a billboard.

Old-Fashioned Replica Signs Available For Your Business:  Some of our readers recall days when every business on most main streets across America had their own cool-looking neon or bulb-lit sign.  Now businesses in Dorchester and elsewhere can replicate that look to draw attention to their operations.  A company based in San Diego will personalize this sign for you and your needs.  Click here to see the company's Craigslist ad.  (The Times is neither receiving compensation for this mention, nor are we affiliated with this business.  We just wanted to share this interesting ad with our readers.)

Hey, Nebraskans! You're Richer Than You Think

Recently, we received an e-mail alerting us to a new study that should make all of us Nebraskans feel a little better -- at least financially. 

A think tank in Washington, DC, called the Tax Foundation recently released a map showing the real value of $100 in each state. The Foundation considered purchasing power using data from the Consumer Price Index, which serves as a measure of inflation.  

As reported by The New York Times, North Dakota emerged as the state where per-capita incomes have the most purchasing power, but Nebraska wasn't far behind.  

North Dakota's "real per-capita personal income" is roughly $56,000.  Nebraska came in at No. 6 out of 51, with a real per-capita personal income of $48,000.  

The states where incomes fell shortest were Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho and Hawaii, all of them home to real per-capita personal incomes of $36,000.  

In its blog, the Tax Foundation noted, "Adjusting incomes for price level can substantially change our perceptions of which states are truly poor or rich.  For example, Nebraskans and Californians earn approximately the same amount in dollars per capita, but after adjusting for regional price parity, Nebraskan incomes can buy more."  

What's more is the Foundation analyzed purchasing power within the states, themselves.  It concluded that "cities are almost uniformly more expensive than rural areas due to the higher price of land."

Here in Saline County and other parts of rural Nebraska, your $100 bill is essentially worth $116.30, according to the Foundation.  While in Denver, that $100 is only worth $95.  In Miami or Chicago, it's only worth $94.  And in New York City, it's only worth about $80.  

While these may not seem like huge differences, they are when you consider the effect on $50,000 or $100,000.

National Website Brags Up Dorchester

A nationally known website is touting Dorchester's positive qualities.

Sperling's Best Places analyzes data regarding demographics and the selection of "Best Places" to live, work or retire.

Here are some of the key findings from Sperling's analysis of Dorchester:

• According to Sperling's, Dorchester's cost of living is 20.30% lower than the U.S. average.

• In addition, the median home cost in Dorchester is $81,700, the website says.

•  Dorchester's average home price appreciation over the last year has been 5.40%.

• It looks like the Dorchester School Board and administrators are looking out for local property taxpayers.  According to Sperling's, Dorchester public schools spend $11,921 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $12,435. 

• There are about 10.8 students per teacher in Dorchester -- and studies show that small class sizes typically produce superior students and prepared adults for the nation's workforce.

• Sperling's predicts that future job growth in Dorchester over the next ten years is predicted to be 35.30%.  (Do they know something we don't regarding the Co-op's expansion?))

Dorchester's Corrine Tyser Passes At 83

Corrine C. Tyser, 83, of Dorchester passed away yesterday, August 9, 2016.  She was born December 19, 1932 in Saline County near Swanton to Joseph and Libbie (Wanek) Stirba.

Survivors include her sons, Sheldon Tyser of Hallam; Gregory Tyser of Dorchester; grandchildren, Kodee Tyser, Taylor Tyser of Wilber; Kohl Tyser, Karter Tyser of Dorchester; sister, Marilyn Wolfe, Dorchester; sisters-in-law, Gladys Tyser of DeWitt; Verla Tyser of Wilber; and many nieces and nephews.

Corrine is preceded in death by her husband, Dwain E. Tyser; parents, Libbie and Joe Stirba; brothers-in-law, Kenneth Tyser, Joe Tyser.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, August 12, at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. 

Visitation with family greeting friends will be on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment at Wilber Czech Cemetery. 

Memorials care of the family for future designation. 

Condolences may be left online at kunclfh.com. A full obituary will appear later.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Pleasant Hill Man Arrested In Kidnapping Of Toddler

Pleasant Hill Man Arrested For Attempted Kidnapping:  The Lincoln newspaper reports that Fairbury police arrested 66-year-old George R. Buhr of Pleasant Hill last week on suspicion of trying to kidnap a 4-year-old.  Our records indicate that Buhr lives at 856 County Road 1625, Dorchester --  in the former Pleasant Hill country schoolhouse.  Police got a call early Wednesday afternoon that a man took the little girl out of a shopping cart at the Fairbury Wal-Mart and told her he was a kidnapper. The girl's father grabbed her back, and Buhr ran from the store and drove off in a white Dodge pickup with Saline County plates, police said.  About an hour later, a deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department saw the truck at the Rock Creek Campground southeast of Fairbury and confirmed with Buhr that he was the suspect.  Deputies and Fairbury police officers arrested Buhr, who said he was kidding when he told the little girl he was a babynapper.  He is out of jail on $50,000 bond.

Local Farm Families Honored:  Back in June, the AKSARBEN Foundation, along with the Nebraska Farm Bureau and the Nebraska Association of Fair Managers, announced honorees for the 2016 Nebraska Pioneer Farm and Nebraska Heritage Farm Awards. The awards recognize Nebraska farm families who have consecutively held ownership of land in the same family for at least a 100 years (Pioneer) or 150 years (Heritage), respectively. Local recipients included Dan and Joan Nerud, Dorchester, as well as Diana Pomajzl, Crete; John and Francis Siedhoff, Crete; Edward and Darlene Slama, Crete; and LaVern and Dorothy Novak, Milligan.

Ex-Saline County Court Clerk Gets Jail, Probation:  The news wire is reporting that a former Saline County Court assistant clerk has been given probation and some jail time for stealing thousands of dollars from the office.  Court records say 42-year-old Jodi Rezabek was sentenced Monday to three years of probation and 90 days in jail. Rezabek had pleaded guilty to felony theft and attempted forgery.  The Nebraska State Auditor's office says that when confronted with a $15,500 discrepancy in the county court's financial books, Rezabek admitted that she had taken the money to pay a contractor who did work at her home. An audit also said Rezabek had drawn a cashier's check for more than $62,000 from the account in May 2015 and then deposited it a month later.  Court records say Rezabek already has paid restitution.

Big T's BBQ Pit Stop Is Now Open On Main Street Dorchester

Dorchester's new main street restaurant is up and operating.

(UPDATE: Big T's BBQ Pit Stop is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.  Open Wednesdays thru Fridays, beginning at 11 a.m.  Open for breakfast Saturdays and Sundays beginning at 7 a.m. and open until late evenings on both days.)  

This past weekend was the first for Big T's BBQ Pit Stop.

The new eatery is located in the same building that most recently housed Ben's Iron Grill II.  

Big T's BBQ was approved last month for a liquor licence and OK'd for KENO operation by the Dorchester Village Board.

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.

Big T's BBQ Pit Stop's owner is Timothy J. Vejraska.

Developing...

NEWS ROUNDUP: Former DHS Teacher, Coach Blain Condreay Passes At 62

Former DHS Teacher, Coach Passes:  Sad news as former DHS educator and basketball coach Blain Condreay, 62, of Platte Center, passed away unexpectedly last Sunday, July 31, 2016, at his residence.  Funeral services were held yesterday, Aug. 6, at St. Edward Catholic Church in St. Edward. Interment followed at Evergreen Cemetery in St. Edward.  Condreay is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Platte Center; children, Marcus Condreay and wife Kiley Mackie of Kenai, Arkansas; Joel Condreay and fiancée Christie DeVries of Lincoln; Sheri Tremain and husband Matt of Dayton, Wyoming; and Christina Condreay and husband Aaron Tharp of Baumholder, Germany; and three grandchildren.  Memorials can be directed to the family’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com.

Dorchester Community Foundation Plans Aug. 21 Golf Fundraiser:  The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund is planning a Golf Tournament fundraiser for Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, at the College Heights Country Club in Crete. There will be a lunch at 11:30 a.m., followed by a shotgun start a 1 p.m.  For $50 per golfer or $100 per 2-person team, you'll get 9 holes of golf, a cart, lunch and pin prizes.  If you are interested participating in this fun event, please contact Linda Easley at (402) 641-0564.  

DHS Booster Club Seeks Members:  Dorchester Times readers -- from all across the nation -- are asked to join the DHS Longhorn Booster Club.  The club aims to make participation in all high school activities an enjoyable experience for students.  Examples of this include purchase of new athletic equipment; sponsorship of the homecoming pep rally; paying DHS coaches' fees to belong to the Nebraska Coaches Association.  If you have any questions regarding the DHS Booster Club -- or how you can contribute -- call DHS Athletic Director Brent Zoubek at (402) 946-2781.

Dorchester's Andelts Celebrate 50 Years Of Marriage

A lot was happening in 1966.

The federal Medicare program started.

The federal debt was $328.5 billion compared to today's $19.4 trillion.

The number of U.S. deaths in the war in Vietnam more than tripled in 1966.  

A more innocent era slipped away as young people in San Francisco conducted "acid tests" and the hippie and anti-Vietnam movements ramped up.

America experienced its first modern mass shooting in 1966, as sniper Charles Whitman shot and killed 16 people from atop a tower at the University of Texas. In another infamous mass killing, Robert Speck murdered eight nursing students in a Chicago dorm.

On a happier note, actor Ronald Reagan was elected governor of California.

And Larry and Gloria Andelt of Dorchester were getting married.

The Andelts recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in late July.

Their children are Brian Andelt and Healther Davey, Brad and Angela Andelt and Angie and Steve Conner. They also have nine grandchildren.

To celebrate, their family is throwing them a card shower. Cards may be sent to the couple at P.O. Box 118, Dorchester, NE 68343.