Husker Legend Eric Crouch Working With Dorchester On Water Park

The Times has learned from several well-placed sources that Nebraska Football legend and Heisman Trophy winner Eric Crouch is working with the Dorchester Community Foundation on the town's forthcoming water park.

Crouch played quarterback for the University of Nebraska from 1998-2001, winning the Heisman his senior year.  Crouch still holds the career rushing touchdowns record for NU at 59 and accumulated 7,915 yards in total offense during his career, third highest at Nebraska. 

In addition to the Heisman, he also won the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, given annually to the best collegiate quarterback in the U.S.

A Nebraska native of Millard, Crouch today owns his own business, Crouch Recreation, which sells playground and recreation equipment, including splash pad features.

Our staff members have been told that Crouch has been to Dorchester several times to consult with Foundation volunteers on designs and features for the town's new splash pad, which will be located in the city park.  Crouch reviewed splash pad options with Foundation members at the Dorchester Co-op earlier this month, according to one source we met for dinner this week.

At last report, the Times was told that groundbreaking for the project could occur this spring, but we have not received any recent updates. (UPDATE: We are learning that groundbreaking could occur this summer, but site preparation may begin sooner.)

NEWS ROUND-UP: New Housing Development Being Considered For Dorchester?

Here's the latest news taking place in and around Dorchester:

New Housing Development Coming to Dorchester?:  We have heard from several reliable sources that Dorchester town leaders and landowners are looking at options to attract new housing, especially on the outskirts of town.  And that effort may have just gotten a boost, according to a reader who has inside knowledge of state government.  According to conversations our staff has had with at least four town residents, the Dorchester Village Board is looking at options to use something called "tax increment financing" (TIF) to provide an incentive to build new homes.  Options would be the farm ground just north of town, as well as empty lots in the northeast section of the village.  Of course, there would have to be sufficient interest in building at least a handful of new homes.  But according to an e-mail we received, that interest may be sparked more easily now that Gov. Pete Ricketts has signed into law LB496 allowing TIF to support the construction of workforce housing, thereby lowering the cost of building new.  The bill authorizes rural communities -- which the bill defines as any municipality in a county with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants -- to include the construction of single-family or multi-family housing as part of a redevelopment project eligible for TIF.  Workforce housing under the new law is defined as "owner-occupied housing units that cost no more than $275,000 to build or rental housing units that cost no more than $200,000 to build," according to the e-mail we received.  Stay tuned.

Kyra Creamer Honored for Tech:  Dorchester High School continues to solidify its well-earned reputation of providing a superior education in technology and computing.  The latest example is the news that DHS sophomore Kyra Creamer was one of 12 members who received honorable mention from the National Center for Women and Information Technology.  She was recognized earlier this month in Omaha at an awards ceremony attended by her family and DHS teacher Kyleigh Lewis.  Creamer is accustomed to getting statewide honors: She received second place at Nebraska's FBLA State Leadership Conference along with her DHS group in the category of "Public Service Announcement."  She also represented Dorchester at the State Fair with her presentations using Power Point and computer graphics.

Saline County Getting Worse in Obesity, STDs, Physical Inactivity: The 2018 report by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation shows Saline County is going the wrong way in key measurements of health.  The report shows we are getting fatter, with 34% of Saline County residents categorized as obese. That's up from 25% in 2004 and is higher than the Nebraska average of 31%.  Meanwhile, 32% of Saline County residents are "physically inactive," compared to just 23% of Nebraska statewide.  Saline County had 365 confirmed reports of sexually transmitted diseases in 2015, up from 70 in 2010.

DHS Alumni Banquet Is May 26

It's that special time of year when Dorchester alumni -- young and old and in-between -- gather to recall the good times and celebrate the school that gave them their start in life.

The 2018 Dorchester Alumni Banquet is set for Saturday, May 26, at the DHS gym. 

Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the banquet will start at 6 p.m.

To register or for more information, call Linda at the school at 402-946-2781 or e-mail lwoolsey@dorchesterschool.org.  Or call Amanda (Johnson) Nohavec at 402-480-0314.

Reservations are due by May 11.

Classes ending in "8" will be honored.  Guest speaker will be former DHS business teacher Kay Knapp (also known as Miss Schropfer to former students).  Also, there will be a special fundraising auction of the Longhorn Bucket.

For those who'd like to carry on their conversations beyond the banquet, the Dorchester American Legion will be open after the banquet with a cash bar.

Again, reservations should be sent by May 11.  Those who wish to attend should send their reservations to: 

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

Two Violent Brown Dogs Roaming Town, Attacking Smaller Animals: Reports

(UPDATE: The following reader comment was left after this story on Wednesday: "The Saturday dog attack ( 11 am ) was witnessed by 5 people. Three of those 5 people saw what house the dog came from and what house it returned to and saw the dog go into the house. So there is no dispute as to who that dog belongs to and the owners apparently heard what was happening. As did most people in the area as the boys screams were heard by his parents 2 blocks away and dad came to the rescue. An apology and having the vet bill paid would be nice. Oh and keep your dog contained. He was loose all day Friday as well.")

Reports are rolling into our inbox about two brown dogs roaming Dorchester and attacking smaller animals.

If the reports are true, those with cats, smaller dogs and children should be on the look-out and prepared to call law enforcement.

According to one e-mail received we received two weeks ago, two larger brown dogs were spotted on the south end of town.  

The e-mail said that one of the dogs instantly killed a cat belonging to Bob and Marva Kasl. (We did not verify if this was true, but have no reason to doubt the writer's statement.)

Now we've received two reports from town residents that an "aggressive, prowling brown dog" was spotted near the school on Friday, approaching children and other animals.  

The writer told us that the dog appeared to be in "hunting mode" as it drew near, but was ultimately chased away by an adult male.

Another communication sent to the Times reported a brown dog attacking a smaller dog in town Saturday (today).  

The small dog appeared to be badly wounded, witnesses said, and it is unknown if it survived.

Please call the Saline County Sheriff's Department immediately if you see one or both of these dogs at 402-821-2111.

Dorchester Shows Off New Ball Field Lights

Courtesy Photo

No, that was not a UFO landing in Dorchester last night.

The village was simply testing the new lighting system at Nerud Field.

Just in time for the 2018 baseball, softball and football seasons, Dorchester's new ball field lights were installed back in December. 

In addition, there is also a new orange scoreboard on the premises.

The new, cutting-edge lighting technology replaced the half-century old lights and poles that surrounded the baseball diamond, dugouts, football field (which serves as the outfield during the spring and summer months) and snack shack.

One resident who saw the illumination last night said, "The place doesn't even seem like the same ball park."  He said he remembered playing baseball and football in the 1980s and 1990s, and having to "just guess" where the ball was due to the poor lighting.

Another witness to last night's lights said: "Amazing! Dorchester has gone from having the worst to the best lit ball field around."

The Village of Dorchester in 2017 applied for grants to help fund the new lighting.

The new lights are the first major improvements made to the town's shared football/baseball/softball facilities since 2009, when the new snack shack and restrooms were installed.

For those who may not know, Nerud Field is named after Coach Miles Nerud, who brought organized little league baseball to Dorchester in the 1950s.  

Nerud served as one of the founding fathers of the Seward-Fillmore-Saline (SFS) League in 1957, which is approximately when Nerud Field's original lighting was installed.

NEWS UPDATE: Bird, Zoubek Get State Spotlight For Basketball Performances

Lady Longhorns Get Statewide Recognition for Production Numbers:  The Omaha newspaper recently reported school records and other top performances from the 2017-18 basketball season, as supplied by coaches on their All-Nebraska nomination forms.  Dorchester senior Makenna Bird and freshman Abbey Zoubek were spotlighted for their work on the court in several areas.  Bird's 157 career three-pointers was fifth highest on the statewide list this season.  Bird's .850 average for made free-throws this season was second highest in Nebraska, and her 169 career assists was seventh highest.  Meanwhile, Zoubek was fourth highest in the state this year for three-pointers made in a single contest, as she hit seven from behind the arch in one game.  Zoubek's 80 assists this season was the sixth highest total in Nebraska.  Congrats, Abbey and Makenna.

DHS Track Captures Two Gold Medals at Friend:  We noticed that two Longhorns placed this week at the Friend Track and Field Invitational.  The following is the report from the Lincoln newspaper:

BOYS EVENT WINNERS: Long jump - Zahourek, Dorchester, 19-4½.

GIRLS EVENT WINNERS: 200 - Zoubek, Dorchester.

Future of Friend Pool Still Uncertain: As we reported recently, the municipal swimming pool in Friend has an uncertain future due to needed repairs and low attendance numbers.  The pool was discussed at length at the Friend City Council’s April 3 meeting, according to a story in the Friend newspaper.  The paper says that "town residents came out in support of keeping the pool despite its constant maintenance and upkeep."  Friend residents complained that low attendance numbers "were because of the pool’s operating hours and unstable temperatures."  The Sentinel says that "a possible bond issue was discussed to help keep the pool open" on top of the "one percent tax that is increase is already in use for the city."

Deadline Nearing To Register For DHS Alumni Golf

Proud Dorchester High School alumni will soon gather for the fifth annual DHS Alumni Golf Tournament. 

Some will be great golfers.  Some will be OK duffers.  Others will be just trying to survive.

The tourney is set for Saturday, June 2, 2017 at the Friend Country Club.

Four-person teams are asked to register by Friday, May 18.

Captains of each four-man team should contact Dorchester Schools Athletic Director Brent Zoubek at: bzoubek@dorchesterschool.org or (402) 946-2781.  

This year, Zoubek is asking alumni if they prefer to play nine holes or 18.

Cost is $40 per player (includes cart) for nine holes and $55 for 18 holes.  

Zoubek says that if you choose nine holes, you'll most likely play in the morning, whereas 18-hole players will be teeing off in the afternoon.  Contact him for more details.

DHS alumni golf tournament t-shirts are an extra $15 for all players.

Check-ins will start at 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.  

Shotgun starts at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  There will be pin prizes.

Players must be DHS alumni. (Sorry, Tiger.)  

Home For Sale: Fixer-Upper At 713 Jefferson Ave.

Dorchester is one of Nebraska's best little communities under 1,000 -- and it is getting noticed for the right reasons. 

Consider what our community has to offer:

• A newer K-12 school, built in 2008, with small class sizes and a big school budget surplus (meaning property taxes won't spike).
• A clean, peaceful, safe community, with a new water park coming to the city park soon.
• A new water tower and sewer infrastructure.
• The lowest school property tax levy in Saline County.
• Affordable living.
• One of the largest agri-businesses headquarters (Farmers Cooperative) in the state.
• Friendly, helpful neighbors in a closely knit community.
• A 10-minute drive from employers in Crete, Milford and Seward. And just 25 minutes to Lincoln. Located next to two major highways and near I-80.

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

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

713 Jefferson Ave.: This home is a fixer-upper, plain and simple.  This bungalow was built in 1908 and needs work.  It has three bedrooms and one bathroom.  It has been used as a rental property for the last several years.  Click here for details.

Endless Winter: Winter Storm Watch Posted, Blizzard Conditions Likely

(UPDATE: Parts of north-central Nebraska are expected to receive more than a foot of snow, with our area receiving about 1 to 2 inches.  While exact snowfall amounts are uncertain, there is a high confidence in the prediction for heavy snowfall up north and that the storm's impact on motorists will be widespread across the state.)

Let us first clarify this is not a joke.

Despite today's balmy weather here in Dorchester, the National Weather Service has announced that a winter storm watch is in effect for Friday night into Saturday.  

That is April 13-14, for those who aren't calendar aware.

The winter storm watch does not currently cover Saline County, but does include Seward County, whose boarder is just a few minutes north of Dorchester's village limits.

Rain will change to snow, with strong northwest winds gusting 40 to 50 mph. 

Several inches of snow are forecast, and whiteout near-blizzard conditions are expected. 

Travel will be impacted.

For more, stay tuned to the Dorchester area forecast by clicking here.

Three Vacant Dorchester Homes We Hope To See Filled By Mid-Year

As the Times has reported previously, about 10% to 15% of houses in Dorchester are currently unoccupied.  

Nothing is harder on a small community than vacant homes -- whether they are deteriorating vacant homes or desirable houses than haven't been listed for sale, for whatever reason.  

In the past, this blog has conducted an online poll in which nearly two-thirds of Times readers said they want the Dorchester Village Board to consider imposing a fee on neglected or vacant properties in town.  Such an option is now possible thanks to new state law.

But it would be more appropriate if property owners simply took the initiative to place a "for sale" or "for rent" sign in the front yards of their empty Dorchester homes.

With that in mind, here are three of the more desirable vacant Dorchester homes in town -- as selected by our staff -- that we hope are on the market by June of this year.  With Dorchester's school superintendent leading the charge to get more families to Dorchester (to make better use of the taxpayers' money), let's get these houses filled.

This vacant home at the corner of 9th and Colfax Ave. has been empty for several years, but has also been partially renovated and is well kept.  Adjacent to a paved street and catty-corner from the Dorchester School, this would make excellent family housing.

This home at the corner of 9th and Franklin is a true gem.  It's adjacent to the paved school street and about 90 steps away from the Dorchester City Park, which will soon be home to its own water park.  

Auctioned last fall, this home at 8th and Fulton Ave. is a perfect example of the quality family housing that is in high demand right now.  With a large, well-groomed yard and a farm field for a backyard neighbor, this home deserves to be lived in and enjoyed.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Longhorns Shine At FBLA Competition, Jr. High Quiz Bowl

Dorchester Middle Schoolers Shine At ESU Quiz Bowl: Congratulations are in order for Dorchester's junior high quiz bowl team, which captured second place out of 13 teams at the ESU No. 6 Middle School Quiz Bowl held last week in Seward.  Dorchester's team members were Blake Hansen (captain), Ashton Rasplicka, Karter Tyser, and Rony Lopez.  The team was coached by Mrs. Sandy Severance. 

DHS' Creamer and Thompson Going to National FBLA Conference: It can now be safely said that Dorchester has one of the state's leading Future Business Leaders of America chapters in the state, regardless of class size.  Several Dorchester FBLA members attended the State Leadership Conference in Omaha over the past weekend.  Their hard work paid off with the many chapter awards, top-eight finishes, and honorable mentions. You can see the list off DHS' top finishers here.  Longhorns Kyra Creamer and Josh Thompson did so well that they are headed to the national FBLA competition in Baltimore this summer.

Dorchester Special Ed Students Open Coffee Shop: Dorchester's Special Education department has started the Longhorn Bistro -- an in-school coffee shop.  To date they have sold 99 cups in just over three weeks. The goal is provide a work environment for the students. Teachers are able to purchase coffee/hot drinks each day. Parents may purchase a cup before school if they are in the building.

Potheads Lead a Loser's Life:  We read that the 24-year-old son of Hollywood actor and notorious marijuana user Sean Penn was arrested in Nebraska for drug possession. It's just another case in point as to why today's parents must lead the crackdown against illegal and prescription drugs in this country, including the fight against pot -- a true "gateway" drug (and in many cases, more accessible than legal alcohol and cigarettes).  The State Patrol trooper who stopped Penn's son on Interstate 80 found 14 grams of marijuana -- along with four amphetamine pills and three grams of psilocybin, a psychedelic drug commonly known as mushrooms.  It's a sure bet that pot was the first illegal drug that Penn's son tried.  So while pot may not kill you, it will surely make you a loser for life. Do whatever it takes -- don't let your kids use drugs (unless you really want them living at home forever).

Dorchester's Harry Axline Passes At 86

Harry A. Axline, 86, of Dorchester, passed on April 7, 2018. 

Axline, the son of Arthur and Mary (Britton) Axline, was born in Dorchester, Nebraska on August 28, 1931. His father worked for Steele Bros Construction, so Harry attended school in several different towns, graduating from Dorchester District #44 in 1949. He served in the Marine Corp for two years, was sent to Korea in October 1952, serving on the front lines as a tank driver for seven months. 

Harry was a heavy equipment operator for Steele Bros Construction, a mechanic at Sehnert’s Garage, a gas station attendant at Spacek’s Standard Station, and the Dorchester Co-op. He served as manager of refined fuels until his retirement after 30 years with the Co-op. 

Harry served on the Village Board for many years, was a volunteer fireman for 30 years, and served as Fire Chief for 20 years. He was a member of the VFW and served as Commander of the American Legion Post 264. He married Marlene Sehnert on July 29, 1952. 

Joining their family were Catherine in 1965 and James in 1968. 

Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Marlene; daughter, Catherine Nitzel of Lincoln; son, James, and his wife, Tina, of Dorchester; three grandchildren, Reba (Hadley) Cooksley, Josh Nitzel, and Jonathan Axline, and a great grandchild, Caden Axline. Also surviving are his brother, Harold (Sharon) Axline of Dorchester; brother-in-law, Jerry (Gerry) Sehnert of Dorchester; sister-in-law, Jane Hopper of Omaha. Preceding him in death were sisters and their spouses, Mary Ellen (Bill) Klopp, Ardis Jean (John) Mortensen, and Alta Mae (Ivan) Weber. Also preceding him were sister-in-law, Frances (Harry) Spacek; brother-in-law, Ron (Mary Ann) Sehnert; and brother-in-law, Ken Hopper. 

Services are scheduled for Wednesday, April 11, at 10:30 a.m. at the Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, Nebraska. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5 – 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Dorchester Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Harold Axline, James Axline, Todd Axline, Marvin Kasl, Brent Kasl and Josh Nitzel. Honorary pallbearers will be Caden Axline, Greg Tyser, Ron Zoubek and Tim Axline. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials shall be given to the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department.  

Kuncl Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

See the obituary online by clicking here.

OUR VIEW: Let's Do What We Can To Help Friend Keep Its Hospital

Photo by Lincoln Journal Star

(UPDATE: See the Friend newspaper's report on the public meeting to discuss the bond issue by clicking here.)

The Friend hospital needs the support of the surrounding community in Saline, Seward and Fillmore counties.

The Lincoln Journal Star is running a story about the 85-year-old hospital, saying that the Friend Community Healthcare System needs around $800,000 to update its hospital's electrical system by the end of the year, or it will lose its Medicare funding and be forced to close.

How does this affect Dorchester residents?

Access to nearby health care is important for a high quality of life, especially for senior citizens.  In that aspect, Dorchester is better off if we can help Friend keep its hospital, as well as the 50-plus jobs it sustains.

Even more importantly, to be strong and grow stronger, Dorchester needs a strong and growing Saline County.  We already have challenges -- losing a Saline County hospital should not be added to the mix.

Friend hospital promoters are pursuing a bond issue on that town's May 15 ballot, hoping to raise enough money to update the wiring and sustain the hospital.  

While Dorchester residents can't vote on the question of bonding, we can support the Friend hospital by utilizing its services.

The Journal Star wrote, "The hospital’s financial health has improved slightly, and its daily patient count is rising — from an average of 2.5 two years ago to four this year. The number of patients visiting its clinic also increased, from a daily average of two last year to six."

But those numbers need to keep growing for the hospital to survive, hospital officials say.

One Friend hospital official said: “We want the people of Friend to know that every time you go to Lincoln to see a physician that could be seen in Friend, that’s hurting us.”

Let's be good neighbors and do what we can to help Friend keep its hospital.

DHS Graduate, Popular Polka Musician Russ Skalak Passes At 60

Dorchester native and DHS graduate Russel D. Skalak, 60, of Crete, died March 31, 2018. 

Skalak was well-known in the Saline County area for playing popular polka music at area events and parades.

Funeral Service: Thursday, 3:00 p.m., Tuxedo Park 4-H Building, Crete. 

Visitation: Wednesday, 5 – 8 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete. 

Memorials are in care of the family for future designation. 

Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete is in charge of arrangements.

For online obituary, click here.

No April Fools: Easter Drops 5" Of Snow On Dorchester

Photo Credit: Becky Tyser

We wish it had just been an April Fools joke.  But Easter brought around five inches of snow to Dorchester on April 1.

As snow intensified Sunday morning in Dorchester and much of southeast Nebraska, road conditions quickly deteriorated, as well.  

The highways surrounding Dorchester resembled 7-11 Slurpees much of the day.

Saline County was among the counties that caught the heaviest of the Easter snowfall.  Crete had around seven inches, according to reports, as did Wilber.  One report says Tobias had over nine inches.

Thayer County received around a foot of snow in areas, according to local news media.  

Meanwhile, Shickley had over eight inches of snow, and similar totals were found throughout Gage, southern Lancaster, Saline and Fillmore counties.

By 2 p.m., the snow had ended as temperatures rose and melting started.  However, temperatures stayed under the 32-degree mark most of the day, so plenty of the white stuff remains on the ground.

Despite a cold night tonight, melting will resume Monday with temperatures expected to climb to almost 50.  

But flurries and sleet may return by Friday and Saturday, April 6 and 7, according to AccuWeather.