NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Grad Zoe McKnight Spotlighted By Lincoln Newspaper

Dorchester's Zoe McKnight Spotlighted by Lincoln Newspaper:  2018 Dorchester High School graduate Zoe McKnight has been named a "class act" by the Lincoln Journal Star.  The Longhorn alum was honored for placing at state journalism for three years in a row, as well as for making the honor roll for her entire high school career. McKnight graduated second in her class and was a member of the National Honor Society.  The daughter of Dawn McKnight and Mark Jernigan, Zoe will be attending the University of Nebraska-Lincoln this fall.  Our congrats to Zoe!

Only 85 Days Before New Era of DHS Football Kicks Off: A countdown clock on Dorchester Public School's website shows that only 85 days remain before the DHS Longhorns kick off a new era of football for the school. Dorchester has been without a football team of its own since 2013, as fewer enrolled boys in grades 9-12 and decreased participation rates raised questions whether a viable eight-man team could be fielded.  From 2014-2016, DHS co-oped with next-door neighbor Milford, a Class C-1 school.  But starting in late August, the Dorchester Longhorns will be back in the six-man form, as will games at Nerud Field.  For the 2018 season schedule, click here.

Crete Woman Found Dead; Apparently Fell Asleep While Smoking:  The Lincoln Journal Star says that an 80-year-old Crete woman was found dead Monday morning in her mobile home, according to Crete's fire and police departments.  Crete Volunteer Fire Department and Crete Police Department responded to a 3 a.m. report of smoke coming from the woman's home on 2200 Hawthorne St. Fire crews searched the house and found Jana Johnson dead inside. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal's Office believes Johnson fell asleep with smoking materials, resulting in her death. 

Memorial Day Services at Dorchester, Pleasant Hill

Memorial Day weekend is fast approaching.  But do not forget the reason behind the holiday.

We should all take a significant amount of time this Memorial Day -- Monday, May 28 -- to  pay homage to the true meaning of this special day of remembrance.

Dorchester's Memorial Day program is a tradition in our area that we are proud to honor.  It is a heartfelt tribute to our fallen military heroes -- past and present -- who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and its freedoms.  

The Dorchester American Legion's Memorial Day ceremonies will be held at 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.

Why not attend and show your appreciation for the sacrifices that have secured your freedoms and quality of life as an American?

FLASHBACK: Three Years Ago, Gov. Ricketts Honored Dorchester's Pvt. Charley Havlat

(NOTE: This story was originally published three years ago in May 2015.)

On Thursday, May 7, 2015 -- exactly 70 years to the day that a Nazi bullet ended the life of Dorchester's Charley Havlat -- Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts stopped by our village and the Saline County Museum to honor Havlat, his sacrifice, his values and his hometown.

More than 125 attended the ceremony, including the Dorchester American Legion honor guard and Charley Havlat's surviving sibblings.

We're told Governor Ricketts gave a moving speech recognizing the ultimate sacrifice made by more than 400,000 Americans in World War II on VE Day.  

The governor also had strong praise for Dorchester and its sense of community, according to reports, calling the village "such a special place" that never forgot Havlat because its people care for one another, one witness said.  

The Omaha World-Herald was there to cover it, and here's how the World-Herald story captured yesterday's event:

In a sun-splashed ceremony after a night of thunder, lightning and torrential rainfall, Havlat’s hometown commemorated the 70th anniversary of the day he became the last American soldier killed in action in Europe during World War II.

Havlat’s reconnaissance platoon was ambushed by German soldiers on a dirt road in his parents’ native Czechoslovakia. The firefight erupted nine minutes after a cease-fire order and an armistice had gone into effect on the day — May 7, 1945 — of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender.

Havlat suffered a mortal head wound. Neither the American nor German soldiers were aware of the cease-fire until minutes later, according to accounts of the encounter.

Standing in front of the Pfc. Charley Havlat state historical marker at the Saline County Museum, Governor Pete Ricketts said Havlat’s sacrifice is a reminder that freedom is not free. “We’re here today to honor Charley Havlat,’’ Ricketts said, “but he wasn’t alone.’’

Ricketts said Havlat was one of 33 sons of Saline County — and nearly 3,000 Nebraskans — killed during the war.  Havlat’s sacrifice and the continued sacrifices of men and women who serve in the military have secured the freedoms Americans enjoy today, Ricketts said.

The 34-year-old Havlat represented the best of Nebraska, said the governor, who made a point to aim his remarks at approximately 30 Dorchester fourth- and fifth-graders and several high school students in the crowd.

“He was more than just a soldier,’’ he said. “He was a son. He was a brother.’’ 

The eldest of six children born to a Czech couple who immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s, Charley was one of three brothers to serve in the European Theater during the war.

Ricketts said Havlat was committed to his family and community. He said Havlat would roll a wagon wheel through snow outside the family’s house in the 1930s to try to convince his younger brothers and sisters that Santa Claus had actually been there.

Havlat’s surviving sister and brother — 95-year-old Lillian Mares of Seward, Nebraska, and 89-year-old Adolph Havlat of Lincoln — attended the ceremony.  Mares later prodded Ricketts about designating the eight-mile stretch of Nebraska Highway 33 from Dorchester to Crete as the Charles Havlat Memorial Highway. The State Highway Commission rejected a similar request in 2006. Ricketts said he was aware of the issue, and his administration is working on it.

Adolph Havlat was a soldier working in Supreme Allied Headquarters in Frankfurt when he received a letter from his parents in June telling him of his brother’s death. “That wasn’t good,’’ he said. “It was worse on my mom. Her first born. It was tough for her.’’

Adolph was granted leave to hitchhike from Frankfurt to join his brother, Rudy, a soldier with a tank unit, near Wallern (now Volary), Czechoslovakia, and visit Charley’s temporary grave. Adolph said the family didn’t know until about 20 years ago that Charley was the last GI to die in combat in Europe, which was reported in a Veterans of Foreign Wars magazine.

Never married, Charley worked as a farm hand and started a trucking company with his cousin, Lumir Havlat. They were hauling grain, rocks and salt up and down Highway 33 and throughout the region when Charley was drafted in 1942.

Charley is buried at Lorraine American Cemetery near St. Avold, France. A Czech military club has placed a memorial plaque at the spot he was killed. Ricketts proclaimed Thursday as “Charles Havlat Day’’ in Nebraska.

Adolph said he and Rudy paid for a bouquet to be placed on Charley’s grave every Memorial Day for years.“It seemed like it happened yesterday,’’ Adolph said. “But it’s been 70 years. That’s a long time. Where did that 70 years go?”

New Study: Happiest People Live In Small, Rural Towns

If you're happy and you know it -- you're probably living in a small rural community.

A new study by the Vancouver School of Economics and McGill University in Canada analyzed 400,000 responses to surveys regarding people's well-being in more than 1,200 communities representing Canada's entire geography.

The researchers asked: Are happier communities richer, for instance? Are the people there more educated? Do they spend more time in church?

Their chief finding is a striking association between population density -- the concentration of people in a given area -- and happiness.  

When the researchers ranked all 1,215 communities by average happiness, they found that average population density in the 20% most miserable communities was more than eight times greater than in the happiest 20% of communities.

"Life is significantly less happy in urban areas," the paper concluded.

So what makes the happiest communities different from all the rest? 

Aside from fewer people, the authors found that the happiest communities had shorter commute times and less expensive housing, and that a smaller share of the population was foreign-born.  They also found that people in the happiest communities are less transient than in the least happy communities, that they are more likely to attend church and that they are significantly more likely to feel a "sense of belonging" in their communities.

It may seem contradictory that greater happiness is correlated with both lower population density (implying fewer interpersonal interactions) and a greater sense of "belonging" in one's community (implying stronger social connections). But a significant body of research shows that having a strong social network is key to well-being. Some studies indicate that small towns and rural areas are more conducive than cities to forming strong social bonds.

Perhaps even more surprising are the factors that don't appear to play a major role in community-level differences in happiness: average income levels and rates of unemployment and education. People may move to cities for good-paying jobs, but the study strongly suggests it's not making them any happier.

These findings comport with similar studies done in the United States, which have revealed a "rural-urban happiness gradient:" The farther away from cities people live, the happier they tend to be.

American Pickers Set To Film In Nebraska

Do you have a massive antique (or junk) collection you'd like to show off? You might be in luck.

The TV show "American Pickers" is set to film in Nebraska. 

And Saline County could be one of the stops, if the right treasure trove awaits.

A press release says Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz will be coming to Nebraska during early summer.

“As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way,” the release says.

If you have a large collection of antiques, the two could spend the better part of a day looking through, they ask you to send them your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-old-rust.

Dorchester's Makenna Bird Gets Spotlight In Lincoln Newspaper

Photo by Lincoln Journal Star

The Lincoln Journal Star this past weekend shined a bright spotlight on new Dorchester graduate Makenna Bird.

The story points out that Bird was a standout volleyball and basketball player at Dorchester with a 4.0 GPA.

The following are excerpts from the Journal Star's article:

Graduation was this weekend, and it was (Makenna) Bird, the valedictorian, delivering the class' farewell speech. It was a fitting finish for Bird, who accomplished so much in four years.

"I think when I was younger I always looked up to girls that I just saw with a lot success in high school, and I said, 'Oh, I want to be that person,'" said Bird, who graduated with a 4.0 grade-point average and ranked No. 1 in her class. "I wanted to be in the yearbook on more than one page, and I wanted to make a difference in my school and realize when I leave, to actually make a mark."

Bird left her mark by getting involved. Very involved.

Bird was a standout on the volleyball and basketball courts, but her hand prints could be seen all over school. Bird said she was involved in 12 clubs or groups at school, including Future Business Leaders of America, student council, quiz bowl, One Act, among others. She was student council president, FBLA president and homecoming queen.

Why so many clubs? For Bird, it's important to keep an open mind.

"I like to expand my horizons," said Bird, who will attend Doane next fall. "When I started my freshman year, I kind of wanted to try everything and I ended up liking a lot of it, so I just stayed in it."

Bird's expanded interest levels and curiosities also spilled into the classroom. Just this year, she took government, English, journalism, band, art, sociology, pre-calculus, anatomy and physiology.

For Bird, academic success breeds success in sports.

"Keeping my mind working, especially practicing that growing up, working my mind in different ways in academics, and then I get on the basketball court, and I can think about all the different ways to do something or where to be at (on the court)," Bird said.

Bird credits her academic and athletic success to her family, teachers, coaches and teammates.

"They have encouraged me in everything I do and have been right by my side through it all, and I can't thank them enough for it," she said.

Dorchester's Lots For New Homes Could Be Helped By TIF

UPDATE:  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 in existing available lots.  One particular area is just north of Dorchester's village limits in what is currently a corn/soybean field surrounding the home of the W.J. Plouzek family. 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.  Of course, there would have to be sufficient interest in building at least a handful of new homes and a commitment to build at least a handful.  But according to an e-mail we received, that interest may be sparked more easily now that Gov. Ricketts has signed into law LB496 allowing TIF to support the construction of workforce housing. The new law will lower the cost of building new, making new construction more feasible in small towns.  The bill authorizes rural communities -- in counties 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 costing 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.  Below is a 2017 Times story that may tie into this TIF development.  Stay tuned.

A reader recently e-mailed the Times, thanking us for reporting when homes were listed for sale in Dorchester.

But he also took us to task, writing, "Since Dorchester's real estate market is so hot, why don't you tell folks about available places in town that are ready for new homes to be built?"

We challenged the reader to tell us of any available lots in town -- and he responded by giving us three locations.

For those who are considering building in Dorchester, here are the options according to our reader:

• EAST, NORTHEAST DORCHESTER:  We are told that Jack Bruha has housing lots available for new construction east of Fulton Street and Jackson Ave., as well as north of 10th Street.  This is a pretty part of the community and one of most peaceful.

• NORTH DORCHESTER: We were also informed that Ron Zoubek has a handful of lots in north Dorchester just off of 11th Street and north of the football field.  This is a very nice neighborhood and allows for quick access to the school and Highway 6.

• FAR SOUTH DORCHESTER:  If you don't want cars driving past your home often, there are at least four lots available for new construction on Whitmar Street in south Dorchester, south of the museum grounds.  Bob Kasl has them for sale on this dead-end street in a well-kept and quiet neighborhood buffered from the highway by the county museum grounds.

The Times did not investigate any of this information.  We are simply passing it on since it comes from a well-informed and trustworthy resident.  Those interested in these lots should contact the owners directly, not the Times.  Of course, not only would the land need to be purchased, but the village government would need to approve the construction and provide the water, sewer and electricity to the new home.

As we've reported recently, with demand for small town life growing fast, Dorchester cannot keep quality homes on the market for 24 hours.  This comes as no big surprise since Dorchester has a lot going for it -- if you prefer living in a safe, friendly and affordable community that has much potential for the future. 

If you're ready to call Dorchester home, we encourage you to take a look at these lots and consider building in our community.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Zahourek Siblings Are State-Bound

Here's what's new in our area:

DHS' Zahoureks Headed To State For Track: Congrats are in order to both Lena Zahourek and Carson Zahourek.  The Dorchester Longhorn brother-sister duo qualified this week for Nebraska's State Track Meet at Burke Stadium in Omaha. Lena qualified in the 100 meter hurdles, while Carson ruled the triple jump event.  You'll represent the Orange and Black well at State, Zahoureks.

Last Day Of School Is Friday: The last day of school at Dorchester is Friday, May 18.  School will end at 11:30 a.m. that day and buses will run accordingly.  For those parents who are already counting down the days until the 2018-19 school year starts, classes resume Aug. 15.  In the meantime, should your child need transportation next school year, call 402.946.2781 or e-mail dschrunk@dorchesterschool.org and get on the list.

Dorchester Fun Run And Walk Will Be July 4: Come out to Dorchester for a relaxing and fun 1 mile or 5K run the morning of July 4 at 8 a.m. Proceeds go toward the Splash Pad and the 4th of July Celebration in Dorchester. T-shirts for all runners/walkers, along with prizes for age divisions. Timing will be provided by Black Squirrel timing. For those 21 and over, cool down with $1 Busch Light beers and $10 Busch Light towers at City Slickers Bar & Grill for all runners and walkers. Bring your friends. See more information at https://www.facebook.com/events/266863057187062/

Got a Property for Rent In Dorchester? Tell Us About It: Recently, the Times received and e-mail of a former Dorchester resident looking to move back.  She asked us if our staff knew of any rental homes available in Dorchester.  If you have a home in or near Dorchester for rent, tell us about it. (Send an e-mail to dorchester.times@gmail.com.) We will publish it on this blog so others are aware.  Be sure to send us contact information, the location of the property, and a picture, if possible.

Dorchester Seniors Will Receive Diplomas This Saturday, 3:30 P.M.

Break out the caps, tassles, gowns and Kleenex.

This Saturday, May 12, Dorchester High School will hold graduation ceremonies for ten 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 2018 and their post-graduation plans:

Diego Avellan: Still in the process of deciding his future plans.

Shelby Ann Bartlett: Plans to attend college and major in education.

Makenna Darlene Bird: Plans to attend Doane University and work part time.

Kaytee Jane Eberhardt: Central Community College, work and possibly the military.

Jason Donald Jensen: Will to attend Concordia University, where he will play baseball.

Zoe Rae McKnight: Plans to attend UNL and work.

Jeremy Dean Pliva: Plans to attend carpentry at Central Community College in Hastings.

Ashley Marie Schwisow: Plans to attend Northwest Missouri State University.

Ryan Jacob Weber: Will attend Central Community College in Hastings, where he will participate in the welding and heavy equipment technician programs.

Cody Lane Youngblood: Plans to enter the workforce at Tenneco in Seward.

Our heartiest of congratulations to these fine Longhorns in the Class of 2018!

Dorchester Times Turns 11

Eleven years ago last month, the Dorchester Times made its debut. 

Back in April 2007, we wrote: "Welcome to the Dorchester Times. This site is dedicated to our town, Dorchester, Nebraska. While we relish our proud past, we also enjoy the blessings of today and eagerly look forward to the future." 

The same holds true today.

Now, a decade and 12 months later, the Dorchester blog has gathered an estimated 1.9 million page views.  

We are averaging 21,532 hits a month.

Despite being the most widely read website based in Saline County, and one of the most popular blogs in Nebraska, we have rejected multiple (and generous) offers to advertise on our site.  

Why? 

We've always wanted this site to be your site and to keep our focus on the people of Dorchester, celebrating its past and helping plan for its future.

We want to thank our readers as we look forward to the next eleven years.

Read on.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Jensen, Bird Are DHS' 2018 Athletic Royalty

Courtesy Photo

Here is what is trending in and around the village:

Jensen, Bird Named DHS Athletic King and Queen: Dorchester seniors Jason Jensen and Makenna Bird were named DHS' 2018 athletic king and queen earlier this week.  The honors were bestowed during this week's DHS Athletic Banquet held at the school.  Congrats to these two standout student athletes for representing their school and community very well.

Big T's Hiring: We see that downtown Dorchester's famous Big T's BBQ Pit Stop is hiring right now.  Those interested should contact Kathy Vossler at kmvossler@gmail.com or 402.826.0048.

Billing Specialist Job Open in Dorchester: Speaking of job openings, we have learned that the Farmers Cooperative's headquarters in Dorchester is looking for an agronomy billing specialist.  This link will provide more information on the job.

Get Your Kids Better Reading and Math Skills: In the Dorchester School's May newsletter, it was reported that Dorchester Public School is offering summer reading and math camps to provide extra learning opportunities for elementary students.  You don't want your kids living at home when they're 30, so sign up now because space is limited.  Call 402.946.2781 for availability and more information.

Computer Coding Camp Offered in Dorchester:  So much of our world is computerized. But computers and the software that runs them will only do what they're programmed to do.  Dorchester Public School is offering a summer coding camp this year, and it will be open to students entering the 5th through 8th grades -- and it's free for DPS students.  You don't want your child to spend thousands of borrowed dollars on a degree in German Polka History or Maya Civilization Survival Philosophy.  Instead, make certain your kids have an employable skill! Contact Kyleigh Lewis at klewis@dorchesterschool.org for dates and more information.

Poppy Posters Now On Display At Dorchester Post Office

With Memorial Day on the near horizon, we want to draw attention to the patriotic display that has popped up in the Dorchester Post Office building on main street.

Thanks to the leaders of the Dorchester American Legion Auxiliary and Dorchester's art instructor, Stacy Lutjemeyer, Dorchester Public School students recently used their creative talents to produce poppy posters, all of which are now on display at the post office.

The following Dorchester students had their posters sent to the Nebraska American Legion to compete statewide:

Class I: Hadley Brandt
Class II: Andrea Pavlish
Class III: Hailey Schweitzer
Class IV: Wayne Fritsche
Class V: Maricela Magana

National Poppy Day will be May 25 this year.  For those who don't know, the red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars.  It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. 

Wear a poppy to honor those who have worn our nation's uniform.  

And donate generously when asked to buy a poppy.  All donations received will be used by the American Legion Family for their programs that support veterans, the military community and their families.

After 26 Years, Dorchester's FBLA Keeps Producing Leaders

Dorchester's FBLA never stops looking toward the future.

For those who are unfamiliar, the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a nationwide career and technical student organization.  Established in 1940, FBLA is non-profit organization of mostly high school students who are working to transition to the business world. 

FBLA is the largest student-run organization in the United States.  It is also one of the top 10 organizations listed by the U.S. Department of Education.

According to research by the Dorchester Times, DHS did not have an FBLA charter until the 1991-92 school year -- 26 years ago.

More than a quarter century later, while numbers in some other DHS activities have declined, Dorchester's FBLA membership is strong. 

Over the years, Dorchester has become a force to be reckoned within the FBLA universe and its statewide competitions.  Click here to see all the headlines announcing the honors bestowed on DHS FBLA students.

This week, Dorchester FBLA members held elections for their 2018-19 officer team.  The team will be as follows:

President - Abigail Plouzek

Vice-President - Kyra Creamer

Secretary - Josh Thompson

Treasurer - Ridge Hoffman

Historian - Jaquelin Acosta

Reporter - Haley Weber

Parliamentarian - Alli Novak

The Dorchester community should be proud of its FBLA chapter and the strong interest in business demonstrated by its many students.

Tuesday Looks To Be First Day Of Severe Weather Season

(UPDATE: It appears the Dorchester area missed the worst of Tuesday's thunderstorms. At least two tornadoes, including one in southern Gage County, touched down in Nebraska tonight as a potent storm system rolled through the state. See the Lincoln paper's story by clicking here.)

Something wicked this way may come.

We're going from winter conditions to severe weather season -- just like that!

At last check, Tuesday will bring a high in our area of around 79° and a 70% chance of a severe afternoon thunderstorm.

These storms will be the kind that can bring downpours, large hail, damaging winds and a tornado.

Chances for storms -- including the hail and conditions favorable to producing a tornado -- will continue through the evening hours.

Wednesday will bring another warm day, but it will be dry.  Watch for a strong thunderstorm Wednesday evening.

Stay tuned and stay alert by checking our forecast regularly.  

Click here for the latest forecast, courtesy of our friends at AccuWeather.

By the way, now is a good time to brush up on your severe weather basics.  

Click here to review the National Weather Service's "Severe Weather 101" briefing.