Jobs, Jobs, Jobs Available In Our Area

Need a job? Know someone looking for a job?  

The Dorchester Times is the place to look.  

We want to help current and potential future residents find a career that allows them to help Dorchester grow and prosper.

The Times has scoured all our sources to ensure that Dorchester area residents who want to work can work. 

Here is what we've found in the current job market:

• Dorchester School:  Dorchester Public School is looking for dynamic, energetic, hard-working individuals to fill the following positions for the upcoming school year: Food Service Supervisor (head cook) and Preschool Para (assists students under the direction of a teacher).  If you or someone you know is interested, contact Daryl Schrunk, DPS Superintendent, at (402) 946-2781.  Applications can be picked up at the school office or at DorchesterSchool.org.

• Indeed.com:  Check out this site for current, full-time openings within 15 miles from the Dorchester area paying at least $25,000 a year in salary or wages.

• NE Works:  This website, run by the Nebraska Labor Department, shows more than 100 job opportunities within 10 minutes of Dorchester, including many in Crete and Milford.

• Farmers Cooperative:  Farmers Cooperative, headquartered in Dorchester, currently has multiple job openings, including the position of elevator operator in Dorchester. Nearby openings include Hallam, Daykin, Cordova and Exeter.  Click here to see the openings.

Not Too Late To Give To Dorchester Alumni Association

The Dorchester Alumni Banquet was held this past Saturday, drawing more than 100 people from all across the country.

Of special note, two $500 scholarships were awarded to recent Longhorn graduates as they prepare for their future.

The Times was sent a list of individuals making recent donations to the DHS Alumni Association and/or the Alumni Scholarship Fund.  We are reprinting those names here on the Times today:

* Lois Nichols Jergens (Class of 1949, in memory of Alice Nichols);

* Gerald Boden (Class of 1955, in memory of Albert & Dorothy Boden);

* Marcia Boden (Class of 1956, in memory of Albert & Dorothy Boden);

* Jane Sehnert Hopper (Class of 1959, in memory of Al Krivohlavek);

* Sheila Krivohlavek (Class of 1960);

* Shelly & Rose Bruha (Class of 1961);

* Clarice Pisar Sabata (Class of 1961);

* Judy Bruha Daniels (Class of 1964);

* Marla Jean Novak Ritter (Class of 1965, in memory of Adolph & Evelyn Novak);

* Loren Vyhnalek (Class of 1967);

* Gerald Zajicek (Class of 1967);

* Kirk Beekley (Class of 1972); 

* Bob Sandburn (Class of 1972);

* Steve & Vicky Parks (Class of 1973 & 1974); 

* Roger Wolfe, Jr. (Class of 1974);

* Roger & Mary Slepicka (Class of 1976 & 1983);

* Jean Kasl Essman (Class of 1979, in memory of Bobby & Brad Kasl);

* Sheldon Bruha (Class of 1986);

* Matt Bergmeyer (Class of 1987);

* Jamie Karl (Class of 1992);

* Dan Rezac (Class of 1997); and

* Chris Williams (Class of 1997).

We are told there were some late registrations who donated who were not on this list.  We are also told that the donations from the Bodens were especially generous.

It's not too late to donate to the Dorchester Alumni Association.  Just send your check -- big or small -- to: 

Dorchester Alumni Association
P.O. Box 7
Dorchester, NE  68343

News Roundup: Memorial Day Services At 10 A.M. Monday At Dorchester Cemetery

Memorial Day Services at Dorchester Cemetery 10 A.M., Pleasant Hill 11 A.M.:  On Memorial Day, do not forget the reason behind the holiday. The Dorchester American Legion's Veterans Memorial Day program is a tradition in our area we are proud to honor.  It is a heartfelt tribute to our fallen military heroes -- past and present -- who sacrificed their lives for freedom and to protect our country.  The Dorchester Legion's ceremonies will be held Monday, May 29 -- 10 a.m. at the Dorchester Cemetery, followed by an 11 a.m. service at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  Ceremonies will be conducted by Dorchester Legion Post 264.  Lunch follows services at Dorchester Legion Hall.

DHS Alumni Association Scholarships Go To Velder, Ruiz:  The Times has learned that Bailey Velder and Maru Ruiz, both members of the DHS Class of 2017, were the winners of $500 scholarships provided by the Dorchester Alumni Association at Saturday's banquet held at the DHS gymnasium. The scholarship money was made available through the generous donations of DHS alumni.  To see the DHS Alumni Association's Facebook page, click here.

Jacee Weber, Brittney Zoubek Named 'Class Acts' by Lincoln Newspaper: 2017 graduates Jacee Weber and Brittney Jean Zoubek have been named 'Class Acts' by the Lincoln Journal Star.  The newspaper noted that among Weber's honors were National Honor Society; NCPA Academic All-State, 2015-17; KLKN Runza Student Athlete of the Month; 2016 State Track Triple Jump; and Student Council president  Weber is headed to Wayne State College to study biology (pre-med).  Zoubek's honors include DHS honor roll, all semesters; State Journalism medalist, five times; 4.0 GPA; Youth sports coach; and Academic All-State Basketball.  She is going to Southeast Community College for business administration.

Friend Newspaper Runs Story on Dorchester's June 3 Concert:  Dorchester will hold a major street dance this coming Saturday, June 3 -- and the Friend Sentinel has published a story on it.  As the paper writes, "Platinum-selling country artist Jerrod Niemann is bringing his live show to City Slickers Country Nights Street Party in Dorchester at City Slicker’s Bar and Grill, 703 Washington Ave., Saturday, June 3, at 7 p.m." Click here to read the story.

Forecaster: Wet Spring May Get Wetter

Sure, it has been a wet spring. 

Sure, the Dorchester area received more than five inches of rain in the past week.

It could be worse -- and it may get worse, according to at least one weather forecaster.

Nebraska Radio Network reports that meteorologist Dennis Todey, director of the USDA’s Midwest Climate Hub, says the long-range forecasts are pointing to wetter conditions for the entire region in the months ahead.

“If you look at the trends in precipitation, most everywhere throughout the Midwest and Plains, you’re seeing increases in spring precipitation,” he says.  And that would mean more flooding.

While the forecast through the end of May calls for rains to gradually decrease across the region, the wet weather may return in June.  

Our review of AccuWeather's 90-day forecast calls for a chance of rain throughout the end of May and first half of June.  The wettest week could be June 4-10.

To see Dorchester's 90-day forecast, click here.

News Roundup: Reading For Kids Camp, Volleyball Camp, Blood Drive

Dorchester Student Reading Program Begins May 31: If you can't read well -- or fail to comprehend what you read -- you're going to struggle in life.  That's why Dorchester area kids are encouraged to take part in the "FlaminGO to Summer Reading Program" at the Dorchester School Library.  The reading program will run May 31 - June 21.  For students who've finished grades 3, 4, 5 and 6, there will be an afternoon reading program Mondays through Fridays, noon to 3 p.m.  For students K-2, there will be story time Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.  All students can take part in book checkouts Wednesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to noon.  For more, call the school at 402-946-2781.

Longhorn Volleyball Camp Set For June 5-6: There will be a Longhorn Legacy Volleyball Camp at Dorchester Public Schools on June 5 and 6.  Girls who are in 3rd, 4th and 5th grades will go from 9:30-11:30 a.m., while girls in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades will go from 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.  Cost is $30, which includes a t-shirt.  For more information, contact DHS Volleyball Coach Ty Peteranetz at 402-946-2781.

Dorchester Volunteer Fire Dept. Blood Drive Is June 19:  The Dorchester Fire Dept. is partnering with the Nebraska Community Blood Bank for its Hometown Heroes Blood Drive. If the fire department reaches its goal, the fire department will be awarded monetary funds to help modernize DVFD equipment.  If you are interested in donating blood at the Dorchester blood drive on June 19, call Tim Stehlik at 402-641-8544 as soon as possible.  He will call back later for exact times closer to the donation date.

Longtime DPS Educator Larry Burrows Retires After 32 School Years

Courtesy Photo

Dorchester Public School is losing one of its finest.

After more than three decades as a fixture of Dorchester education, Larry Burrows is retiring.

Burrows announced his retirement this past school year and celebrated with a retirement party held last Friday, May 19, the last day of school.

Burrows came to Dorchester Public Schools in 1985 and has been there for 32 school years, teaching multiple generations of junior high students. 

Over the years, Burrows not only taught in the classroom, he was involved in the community as a junior high and high school coach and community volunteer, touching and influencing hundreds of young lives.

He also lived in Dorchester throughout his time as a DPS teacher, setting a strong example.  (The Times has long advocated that long-tenured educators and administrators employed by the school district should reside within the district because -- well, it's the right thing to do, if at all possible.)

We send our heartiest congratulations to Larry Burrows for his successful teaching career, and we profoundly thank him for his dedication to Dorchester and its young people.

Enjoy a well-deserved retirement!

STATE TRACK: DHS' Weber Takes 2nd, 6th; Velder 10th

Three athletes represented Dorchester High School this weekend at Nebraska's State High School Track and Field Championship Meet in Omaha.

Braving chilly temperatures and rain, the following DHS seniors wore the orange and black at state:

Jacee Weber (Girls Triple Jump and Girls Long Jump); Maru Ruiz (Girls 100 Meter Dash); and Bailey Velder (Girls Shot Put).

When the dust settled, these were the results:

• Jacee Weber took 6th place in the Class D long jump with a top jump of 16-06.75.  Weber took 2nd place in the triple jump with a top jump of 35-05.25.

• Bailey Velder took 10th place in the Class D shot put with a toss of 34-10.00.

• Maru Ruiz did not advance to the finals in the 100 meter dash, but still finished with a speedy 13.52 time in the preliminaries. 

All three DHS track and field standouts are seniors, and all three girls qualified for state last year, as well.

Dorchester finished No. 18 overall in the Class D scoring out of 54 schools represented at the state track meet.

Giltner finished with the No. 1 team score.  No. 29 McCool Junction was the only other conference school in the top 30.

Our congratulations to Dorchester's state athletes. You represented your school and community very well.

Meals On Wheels Delivers In Dorchester, Mondays Through Saturdays

If you are a Dorchester-area senior citizen and would like nutritious, delicious meals delivered to your door, you're in luck.

The Friend Community Healthcare System and its Meals on Wheels program delivers noon meals to Dorchester -- Monday through Saturday -- for just $5.50 a meal.  

If you are in need of a meal delivered to your front door every day, or even just once a week, contact Ashley Ziegler at 402-947-2541.

According to information sent to the Times, the FCHS staff serves the needs of many different folks, not just those who are elderly or unable to cook for themselves.  

Meals consist of an entree, one or two side dishes, dessert, bread and milk.

If you are in need, take advantage of this tremendous service.

Rainfall Totals For Our Area: Dorchester Gets 5"

This week has been a soaker in Saline County and most of southeast Nebraska.

The Dorchester Times' official rain gauge collected around 4.90" for the week as of late Saturday morning.

Here's a look at rainfall totals across our immediate region according to the NE RAIN reporting program:

• Swanton area: 5.93"
• Wilber area: 5.55"
• DeWitt area: 5.20"
• Dorchester area: 5.00"
• Friend area: 4.55"
• Milford area: 4.48"
• Tobias area: 4.46"

A flood warning continues for the Big Blue River near Crete, as well as Turkey Creek near Wilber.

At 8:45 a.m. Saturday, the Big Blue River's stage near Crete was 21.5 feet, or 0.5 feet above flood stage. The river will continue rising to near 24.0 feet by this evening. 

The river will fall below flood stage Monday morning.

News Roundup: Mary Ann Sehnert Passes

Dorchester's Mary Ann Sehnert Passes at 80: The Lincoln Journal Star reports that longtime Dorchester resident Mary Ann Sehnert, 80, passed away May 17, 2017, in Seward. Born May 26, 1936, she is survived by husband, Ronald. No services were conducted. The burial was held in Dorchester Cemetery. Memorials to Dorchester Volunteer Fire Dept. Arrangements were through Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Milford.

Polka Party This Saturday at Dorchester Legion:  The Dorchester American Legion Hall will host one of its famous meals and polka dances again this Saturday night, May 20.  The polka will be provided by the Leo Lonnie Duo from 6-10 p.m.  The public is welcome, of course -- the more the merrier. These events are well attended and draw polka lovers from miles around.

Friday is Deadline to Sign Up for DHS Alumni Golf Tourney: Proud Dorchester High School alumni will soon gather for the fourth annual DHS Alumni Golf Tournament. The tourney is set for Saturday, June 3, 2017 at the Friend Country Club.  Four-person teams are asked to register by today, May 19. Captains of each four-man team should contact Activities Director Brent Zoubek at: bzoubek@dorchesterschool.org or (402) 946-2781.  Cost is $40 per player (includes cart).

Reader Urges Dorchester Residents To Report Health Hazards From Neglected Homes

Courtesy photo sent by reader.

Vacant and abandoned houses are a concern for all communities, regardless of size.  But in a village, neglected properties can become a health hazard.

It appears one such home in Dorchester poses a real threat to human health due to its condition and the critters that now call it home.  That's the charge of one reader who e-mailed us this week.

The e-mail sent to the Times reports that "feral cats, mice, and snakes" have recently been seen emerging from the longtime vacant property at 813 Jefferson Ave.  

"This is a disease risk," the writer says.

This particular house has been the target of scorn for some time due to its prominent location on Dorchester's so-called "school street," also known as 9th Street.  According to sources, the village government tried to demolish the structure a few years ago, but a judge intervened saying that "improvements were being made."

Now, years later, the house's chimney has collapsed and the roof is caving in.  

"In recent months, cats and other animals have been seen emerging from the holes in the roof and snakes and mice have been seen in the tall grass," he wrote.  "This is unfair to those who work hard to keep nice, maintained properties in Dorchester and it gives our awesome community a big black eye.  Private property rights don't give you the right to ruin your neighbors' property values."

The Times can verify that the grass and weeds on this property is often as tall as one foot or higher, and that the structure is rapidly deteriorating, posing a threat to any children who might wander onto the property.

So what can be done?  

The e-mailer says those who have health concerns about this house (or any other neglected properties) should call Public Health Solutions in Crete at (402) 826-3880 or e-mail phsfront@phsneb.org.

The reader tell us: "Public Health Solutions is the public health district that oversees Saline County and the surrounding area. Callers can remain anonymous if they wish."

Dorchester Library In Danger Of Closing Without Volunteers

Will you help save the Dorchester Public Library on our main street?

The Times has learned that the library is struggling to stay open due to lack of volunteers and lack of patrons.

A sign on the library's front door reads that without volunteers for Saturdays, the library is currently open on Wednesdays only (4 p.m. to 6 p.m.).

The sign also states that "there doesn't appear to be much interest in keeping the library open at all."

Could this be the start of a plan to close the library, which as been in operation more than 100 years?

If you would like to help keep the library open and can volunteer for a couple hours on Saturday mornings (9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.), contact City Hall (402-946-3201 or dorchester@diodecom.net).

Dorchester needs to use its library more -- and Dorchester parents need to encourage and challenge their children to read more often. (At least reading more than whatever is on the screen of their smart phone.)

Despite Nebraska taxpayers spending more than $3 billion on K-12 education in 2016, nearly 30% of all Nebraska 11th graders failed to read at levels on statewide standardized tests.  Those who came from English-as-a-second language home performed even worse.  (No wonder so many Asian countries outperform the United States in producing doctors, engineers and scientists.  Many of our kids can't even read at appropriate grade levels.)

Perhaps some new volunteers can think of ways to attract more visitors to the library and encourage more reading.  For example, in Oxford, Neb., the town library has become a social hub for the kids.  The AP reports, "The kids come in their PJ's. They curl up with stuffed toys and munch on popcorn. And, while their parents are watching a grown-ups' movie at the Granada Theater next door, youngsters at the Oxford Public Library are enjoying a G-rated, kid-friendly movie on their own big screen, helping the library fulfill its mission to be a vital, vibrant educational, entertainment and social hub of the community."  The community's Oxford Foundation provided funds for an XBox game system and television. The library also has a variety of DVDs available for check-out. 

Are you willing to help the town and its library?

These 13 Longhorns Graduate Today

Today, May 13, Dorchester High School will hold graduation ceremonies for 13 Longhorn seniors.

This Saturday's graduation ceremonies begin at 3:30 p.m. at the DHS gym.

Here are the members of DHS' Class of 2017 and their post-graduation plans:

• Cesar Cervantes: Enter the workforce.
• Ripley Logan Creamer: SCC in Lincoln and later transfer to a four-year school for healthcare.
• Timothy Dean Havlat:  UNL for civil engineering.
• Michelle Lynn Kotas: Wayne State College for early childhood education.
• Moises Aron Martinez: Enter the workforce and take classes online.
• Dustin Alan Nelson: Doane or SCC.
• David Ortiz Ibarra: SCC in Lincoln for physical therapy.
• Maru Ruiz: SCC for medical field.
• Keegan Todd Sholty: Undecided.
• Daisy Tellez: SCC.
• Bailey Jane Velder: Doane for special education.
• Jacee Kay Weber: Wayne State College for pre-med and biology.
• Brittney Jean Zoubek: SCC in Milford for business administration, then four-year school.

Our heartiest of congratulations to these fine Longhorns in the Class of 2017!

Three Lady Longhorns Returning To State Track & Field Meet

When the dust settled at this week's Class D-4 District Track Meet at Sandy Creek, Dorchester High School found itself with three athletes qualifying for Nebraska's State High School Track and Field Championship Meet in Omaha later this month.

The following DHS seniors are headed to state:

• Jacee Weber (Girls Triple Jump and Girls Long Jump);
• Maru Ruiz (Girls 100 Meter Dash); and
• Bailey Velder (Girls Shot Put).

All three DHS track and field standouts are seniors.  

All three girls qualified for state last year, as well.

Weber is the Class D leader in the triple jump with a best jump of 35-1.  Velder has the second best toss in Class D for the season.

The Nebraska State Track and Field Championships will be held Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20, at Omaha Burke Stadium.  See the line-up of events here.

Our congratulations to the DHS state qualifiers.  Keep representing your school and community proudly.

Free Family Fishing Day & Fishing Derby, May 20 At Swan Lake

TURN OFF THE ELECTRONIC GADGETS! PUT DOWN THE PHONE! There's more to life.

The Lower Big Blue NRD is hosting the 16th Annual Free Family Fishing Day and Youth Fishing and Casting Derby on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area near Tobias. 

Also referred to as Swan Lake, Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area is located three miles east and two miles north of Tobias. Or, from the Highway 74/Highway 15 intersection, the recreation area is five miles west and two miles north. (Click here for a map.) 

The day also coincides with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission’s statewide free fishing day, so no state park entry permits or fishing permits are required.

New events for this year include the Homestead 4-H Shooting Club BB Gun Shoot and J&J Outdoors hands-on trapping demonstration. Other events include a Youth Fishing Derby, Optimist Club Casting Contest, Hands-On Archery Demonstration by Big Indian Archers, Tri-County Burn Association Demo, Boat Rides with Boat Safety Presentations and Nebraska Game & Parks Fishery Display. 

The Fishing Derby will be held from 9:30 – 11 a.m. with check-in from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Limited bait, rods and reels are available by pre-registration only.  Medals and prizes will be awarded in four age groups (5 and under, 6-9, 10-12, 13-18) for largest, smallest and most fish caught. Pre-registration is required and the deadline is Thursday, May 18, 2017.

For more information or to pre-register, contact the Lower Big Blue NRD at 228-3402 ext. 6, or email sobotka@lbbnrd.net.

NEWS ROUNDUP: DHS Crowns Athletic Banquet King And Queen

Havlat, Velder Named DHS Athletic Banquet King and Queen:  Monday evening was the annual DHS Athletic Banquet.  Seniors Tim Havlat was selected as the year's athletic king, while Bailey Velder was chosen as athletic queen.

4-H Encourages Donations To Local School Backpack Programs:  Recently, the 4-H organization celebrated its "Make a Difference Day."  Saline County 4-H encourages everyone to “Make a Difference” by donating to the backpack program in their community school.  Each of the schools in Saline County has a Backpack Program that sends home backpacks with students who need help getting nutritious meals throughout the weekend or over holidays.  If you would like to  donate to Dorchester's school backpack program, checks can be made to: Dorchester Public School (note Backpack Program in memo) and sent to Dorchester Public School, P.O. Box 7, Dorchester, NE 68343.

Model of Famous Friend Home Now On Display at Saline Co. Museum:  Have you ever seen the old Victorian home by the Friend golf course? The Wilber newspaper reports that a model of that home -- known as the Kiddle House -- is on display at the Saline County Museum in Dorchester.  The Kiddle House was built by Richard Kiddle, an immigrant from England, in 1886 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.  The home is currently owned by Lori Martin of Ohio, whose parents bought it in the mid-1960s.  The house is built in the Victorian French Second Empire style, Martin said.  One the house’s early occupants were the Sherdemans, who bought the Kiddle House in 1907.  Their grandson, Dr. W.F. Loomis of Ogden, Utah, built a model of the house in the 1980s. The model was donated to the state historical society by Loomis’s wife after his passing and is currently on loan to the Saline County Historical Society. It can be seen at the county museum in Dorchester on Sundays from 2-5 p.m.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Motorcycles, Mortarboards & Track Meet Masters

Here's what is trending right now in the village:

More than 250 motorcycles rolled into town Saturday:  We have received reports than somewhere between 260 to nearly 300 motorcycles were in Dorchester this weekend. City Slickers was a stop on the First Frontier H.O.G Poker Run.  With friendly locals and two top-tier restaurants and bars booming on main street -- City Slickers and Big T's BBQ -- Dorchester has become a top spot for bikers in southeast Nebraska.  We do know there was a rescue call yesterday afternoon to Big T's, but our staff has not heard any details.

Weber, Velder bring home more gold: This past week at the McCool Junction track meet, senior Longhorns Jacee Weber and Bailey Velder continued their dominance in their respective events.  In the long jump, Weber won the gold with a jump of 15-6¾.  She also took first in the triple jump with an impressive 34-10 jump. Velder took first in the shot put with a toss of 35-5.  Nice job, ladies.

Velder, Weber are leaders Class D field events: According to the Omaha newspaper, as of May 3, DHS senior Jacee Weber led Nebraska's Class D female long jumpers with a top jump of 35-1. Meanwhile, Bailey Velder leads Class D in the shot put with a best toss of 38-2½.  Two DHS athletes who lead by example!

UNL awards degrees to two Dorchester grads:  More than 3,100 degrees were awarded during commencement exercises this weekend at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  Among those receiving their degrees were two Dorchester natives and DHS graduates.  Jordan David Jensen received his B.S. as a certified athletic trainer in Education and Human Sciences, while Sarah Michele Shrestha (Wenz) received her Master of Science.  Congrats to these two Longhorns.

Dorchester Main Street Improvements Coincide With Traffic Boom

As Dorchester's reputation grows as top-notch venue for food, drink and music, its main street is seeing a lot more activity, including a face lift.  

This comes at a time when the village's main street traffic is at its highest volume in the past decade.

Last month, the historic building that houses Dorchester's Village Hall and Donna's Hair Creations saw significant repair, resurfacing and repainting -- improving the building's aesthetic appeal.  We commend the village board for making this much needed enhancement.

Shortly after that project, the owners of City Slickers Bar and Grill started work to resurface the face of the establishment, as well as the buildings they own to the north.  Times' staff has been told from reliable sources that the improvements are set to be completed by the June 3 concert with big-time country music star Jerrod Niemann.  (Some are calling Dorchester the "Little Nashville" of Nebraska.)

One reader on our Facebook site said: "It's awesome to see Jason and Kathy doing so much to improve our community," referring to City Slickers' exterior and interior renovations. "It will be exciting to show off our town at the street dance they are sponsoring in June," she added.

Some have expressed regret that metal will cover the 1880s brick facade -- and we agree that the original brick is best.  But brick repair can cost many tens-of-thousands of dollars, which is difficult to justify for empty buildings. Our staff continues to support a housing and business plan at the village level to find ways to fill and improve main street buildings.

We strongly support the efforts being made by the owners of City Slickers, who have added new life to the village along with the presence of Big T's BBQ Pit Stop last summer.

According to a study by the Times, weekend traffic on Dorchester's three-block business district has surged 440% on Friday and Saturday nights compared to just 10 years ago, when the Times started publishing.  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 -- and even more on Sundays when Dorchester's Legion Hall hosts polka concerts, which on average attracts around 40 vehicles.

The increase in traffic can obviously be attributed to the success of the continued success of City Slickers and new success of Big T's BBQ Pit Stop.

The extra vehicles mean big dollars for Dorchester, even when 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.

Dairy Queen In Crete To Donate Portion Of Profits To Dorchester Schools

Despite the lingering cool temperatures outside, spring is always a good time for ice cream.

That's why we wanted to pass the word that the Dairy Queen in Crete will soon be raising funds for a good Dorchester cause.

According to the DPS newsletter, the DQ in Crete will give Dorchester Schools 10% of all sales on May 9 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

As if you needed another reason to visit Dairy Queen, right?

Show DQ in Crete that you appreciate their gesture and grab dinner, a cone, or a shake at DQ on May 9 between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

By the way, the first DQ restaurant was located in Joliet, Illinois. It was operated by Sherb Noble and opened for business on June 22, 1940. It served a variety of frozen products, such as soft serve ice cream.

DQ was an early pioneer of food franchising, expanding its 10 stores in 1941 to 100 by 1947, 1,446 in 1950, and 2,600 in 1955.