Dwayne Nelsen Passes At 90

The Times learned recently of the passing of longtime Dorchester-area resident Dwayne E. Nelsen, who passed away Nov. 17, 2018, at Tabitha Care Center in Crete. Born July 17, 1928, in rural Friend to Riis and Meta (Hansen) Nelsen.

Dwayne attended country school and was a 1946 graduate of Friend Public School. During his youth, he worked at Frankforter's Grocery, Moore's Funeral Home and Klippenstein Implement. United in marriage to “Jerri” Geraldene Parks on March 26, 1949, the Nelsons enjoyed dancing and spending time with friends. Dwayne worked for Standard Oil in Paxton and in 1959 returned to Dorchester to farm.

He and Jerri lived several years in Seward while employed by Agri-Alliance and the Nebraska Department of Roads. He was a member of Dorchester United Methodist Church, Friend Congregational Church and Friend Country Club.   He's survived by daughter, Sandi Witkowicz, Lincoln, son (daughter-in-law), Doug (Shari Beckler) Nelsen, Dorchester, nine grandchildren (spouses), Paul Dwayne Muff & Melissa McCoy, Lincoln, William Douglas (Stacey) Muff, Springfield, Scott James (Kristin) Muff, Sunrise Beach, MO, Christopher Michael (Melinda) Witkowicz, Fremont, CA, Shawny (Tommy) Hicks, Burwell, Dusty (Laura) Nelsen, Ringling, OK, Lacey (Matthew) Rinlee, Mansfield, TX, Caley Nelsen, Kearney, Tana (Bart) Miller, Pleasanton, 13 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Tate, Jackson, Scotty & Paul Muff, Gracyn & Cort Hicks, Emmersen & Dempsy Nelsen, Cutter, Lucchese & Thayer Rinlee, & Trigg Miller. 

Dwayne was preceded in death by parents, “Jerri”, son-in-law, Gene Witkowicz, siblings (spouses), Melvin Nelsen, Fern (R.D.) Flanigan, Louelma (Earl) Ferguson, Ardis (Lloyd) Noeller, Virgil (Bonnie) Nelsen, Jim (Marion) Nelsen, sister-in-law (brother-in-law), Donna (Robert) Schweitzer.

His funeral service was held Nov. 23 at the Friend Congregational Church with the interment at the Dorchester Cemetery.  Memorials to Alzheimer's Association or in care of the family for future designation. Condolences can be left at http://www.laubermoore.com/obituary/dwayne-nelsen.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Athletes Honored For Fall Performance

DHS Athletes Honored For Fall Sports: Several Dorchester athletes were recently honored for their effort this fall.  In volleyball, DHS junior Abby Plouzek was named first team all-conference. In football, several Longhorns earned all-district recognition.  They are:

• First team defense/defensive back - Cole Johnson
• Second team defense/defensive line- Kohl Tyser
• Second team defense/defensive back - Collyn Brummett
• Second team offense/end - Carson Zahourek
• Second team offense/center - Ridge Hoffman
• Honorable mention offense/kicker - Jonathan Vielma

Renew Dorchester Student Essay Deadline Is This Saturday.  We are reminded that Renew Dorchester – a new, non-profit charity – invites Dorchester Public School students (grades 3-12) to take part in the first-ever “Dorchester: Vision 2030” essay contest.  The organization wants to hear from Dorchester students regarding how they hope to see Dorchester improve and grow during the next dozen years, by the year 2030.  There are big cash prizes are available for the first-, second- and third-place finishers, with $650 being given away.  More details available at Renew Dorchester's Facebook page.  Essays are due no later than December 1, and may be submitted to any Renew Dorchester board member.

Dorchester Foundation Looks To Raise $15K For Matching Grant: The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund has been challenged with a 2-to-1 matching grant of $7,500. For the organization to maximize the value of this grant, Foundation leaders seek to raise $15,000 by Dec. 31 in order to generate a total of $22,500.  Currently, the Foundation is in the midst of a campaign to fund a new mini-water park, or what some call a large splash pad, in the Dorchester City Park. If you'd like to help the Foundation reach this goal, donations can be sent to Peg Bergmeyer, 101 Washington Ave., Dorchester, NE 68343. See the Foundation's Facebook page for more information.

Dorchester Basketball Tips Off This Friday Night: Dorchester girls and boys basketball seasons tip off this Friday, Nov. 30, in Dorchester.  The girls varsity squad will begin its 2018-19 campaign at 6 p.m. against rival Meridian, while the boys will play Meridian right after at 7:30 p.m.  The varsity wrestlers will start their season at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in Friend at the Friend Tourney.

Pleasant Hill's Bob Mariska Passes At 99

Robert L. Mariska, (99 years old), of Crete, passed away on Nov. 20.  He was born on June 24, 1919 to William and Millie Mariska.

Bob proudly served in the army for 4.5 years during World War II as a staff sergeant. He was a member of the American Legion for over 75 years and Tabor Lodge 74, ZCBJ.  He lived in Pleasant Hill for 91 years. 

Bob married Leonore Fritz on May 24, 1942 and they were blessed with three sons: Neil, Brian and Jack.

Bob was the second-generation owner and operator of one of Pleasant Hill's most significant businesses.  He ran the garage started by his father, Bill Mariska, in 1923. It stood just south of the old schoolhouse facing Franklin street. The Mariska garage sold used cars, were the first to sell tractor tires in the area, and had working gas pumps from 1923 to 1976. The shop also sold radios, refrigerators and some of the first gas powered mowers starting in 1950. 

Bob in 2008 said the Mariska garage had the largest stock of Case parts for a hundred miles. Customers from Grand Island and Kearney were frequent, and one flew in to Pleasant Hill by landing his small plane in a field not far from the garage. 

See our 2008 story for more on Bob. 

Preceded in death by his parents, wife, and sons. Robert will be missed by daughters-in-law: Sharon Mariska of Lincoln and Shirley Mariska of Crete, grandsons: Chad Mariska (Amy) of Oklahoma and Darrin Mariska (Shauna) of Colorado, granddaughters: Denee Wehrs (Brian) of Lincoln and Tara Zuspan (Ryan) of Lincoln; as well as cousins and great-grandchildren.

Bob's funeral service was held at Kuncl Funeral Home on Saturday, November 24.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to the Legion Post 264 in Dorchester. Please visit www.kunclfh.com to leave your condolences.

Here Comes The Blizzard Of November 2018

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning from 2 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday for Dorchester and the southeastern Nebraska.  Up to 4 to 7 inches of snow are expected with wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

A blizzard warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. This will lead to whiteout conditions, making travel extremely dangerous. Do not travel. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle.

The storm system is expected to move into our area early Sunday, but conditions will become worse when rain turns to snow. Temperatures are forecast to fall to around 27 degrees, and Sunday's high will be near 30.

The snow will initially be wet and heavy and could potentially stick to surfaces like roads, power lines or trees.  Due to the strong winds that will accompany this storm, power outages could be widespread.

According to experts, the worst of the weather will likely come before 1 p.m. Sunday.

Keep up to date with the latest forecast by clicking here.  See the Dorchester area radar here.

Developing...

Business Spotlight: Tyser Auto Sales

Occasionally, during slow news cycles, we try to shine a spotlight on Dorchester's area businesses.  

Today, we shine that light on a local business that brought back car and truck sales to Dorchester after a hiatus of many decades.

Tyser Auto Sales of Dorchester has been in our area for several years now.  According to the business' website, they are committed to delivering exceptional service.  

Located on main street in Dorchester, Tyser Auto Sales serves much of the surrounding area.

The business also relies on a heavy Internet presence, offering weekly specials on used cars and trucks.  

Once you find the vehicle that interests you, you can even schedule a test drive online.

Located at 702 Washington Ave. in Dorchester, Tyser Auto Sales can be contacted by phone at (402) 946-4321 or via e-mail at info@tyserautosales.com.

Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 6 p.m., or Saturday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Happy Thanksgiving From The Dorchester Times

Several years ago, the Times received an e-mail that we felt compelled to share with all of our readers.  

Today, it is reprinted here with the permission of the author. 

From all the staff of the Times, Happy Thanksgiving!

*****

Sweet home Dorchester! Oh sweet Nebraska! On this Thanksgiving we have so many things to be grateful for.

You never really know how amazing something or someplace or someone is until you no longer have it or them in your daily life.  I lived away from here for several years and during that time I reminded myself almost daily of the things and the people I missed.

On this Thanksgiving, I will once again take time to give thanks for those things that make life worth living. They are:

1.) The bountiful fall harvest.

2.) My small town and the feeling of community that we're all in this together.

3.) A peaceful main street I can walk with no fear of violence.

4.) Mom 'n pop businesses and no big box stores.

5.) Our Dorchester school and the wonderful students and teachers.

6.) Small town chatter, even the gossip.

7.) Farmers, hunters, people of commerce, and our community elders (the producers and providers).

8.) Not being honked at in your car or truck when you're at the one and only red light.

9.) The smells of "home," including a wood burning stove or fireplace, and the crisp Midwest air this time of year.

10.) Pumpkin pie, homemade jelly and all the great local baking.

This is a good start.  Oh yes, I am also thankful for my great-grandparents who came to Dorchester to start their families.  It is because of them that Dorchester is my home.

Sincerely,

Name Withheld

Mother, Wife and Farmer

Matt Hoffman Sentenced To Two Years In Jail

As we wrote earlier this year, when this story broke, this is one of those rare instances when the staff of the Dorchester Times were conflicted about publishing a news story.  Because of the high-profile nature of this story, which involves an elected official and Dorchester village board member, the Times, which is the primary news source for the community, feels obligated to publish excerpts of the following news wire story.

                               ***

10/11 News reports that Dorchester village board member and former Crete schoolteacher Matthew Hoffman has been sentenced for two counts of sexual assault.

Judge Linda Bauer sentenced 41-year-old Matthew Hoffman, of Dorchester, to two years in jail with credit for 13 days served. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $2,000.

Hoffman was convicted of two counts of misdemeanor degree sexual assault without consent after taking a plea deal in the case.

Hoffman was arrested by the Saline County Sheriff's Office on Jan. 17.

According to court records, the alleged assaults go as far back as June of 2017 and are as recent as January 8 of 2018.  Information surrounding the assaults is unknown.

Each charge carried a maximum sentence of one year in prison and/or a $1,000 fine. 

He initially pleaded not guilty in March to two felony counts of sexual abuse and one of sexual assault.  In exchange, Hoffman plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges of third-degree sexual assault, court records show.

Hoffman resigned his Crete High School position in February.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Basketball Season Starts Nov. 30; Maurine Johnson Passes

Dorchester Basketball Begins Nov. 30: Dorchester girls and boys basketball seasons tip off Friday, Nov. 30, at Dorchester.  The girls varsity squad will begin its 2018-19 campaign at 6 p.m. against rival Meridian, while the boys will play Meridian right after at 7:30 p.m.  The varsity wrestlers will start their season at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, in Friend at the Friend Tourney.

Maurine Johnson Passes At 85.  Former Dorchester resident Maurine Johnson passed away Friday in Lincoln, according to a Google alert.  Maurine was born on January 13, 1933.  She was the wife of longtime Dorchester Public School Superintendent Galen Johnson, who passed in 2014.  The Johnsons were active members of the community and lived near the school and football field from 1969 through 1995, when Galen retired from DPS.  Maurine's online memorial may be seen here.

Fire Department Blood Drive Is Monday: The Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department will hold its blood drive this Monday, Nov. 19, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. For information how you can donate, call Tim Stehlik at 402-641-8544.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Polka Party This Sunday At Dorchester Legion, 3 p.m.

Polka Party This Sunday at Legion Hall: The Dorchester American Legion Hall on main street has become one of the most popular places in our region for polka.  And there is another polka party this Sunday, Nov. 18, at the Legion Hall from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.  The cover charge is only $5, and the kitchen and cash bar will be open.  This Sunday's entertainment will be provided by the popular Kevin Chelewski.  

Jr. High Play is Thursday Night: The Dorchester Jr. High will perform "Goldilocks on Trial" this Thursday evening, Nov. 15, at 7:00 in the west gym.  Cast members include Mitzu Real, Jayana Duchek, Jacob Cerny, Esperanza Arriaga, Amber Kotas, Brett Ladely, Kayli Carey, Quinn Kasl, Dorothy Simmons, Fernando Perez, Hailey Schweitzer, Victoria Leavitt, Addison Lehr, and Makayla Schlueter. 

Dorchester FBLA Holiday Vendor Show This Sunday: Want to get your Christmas shopping done early? Or maybe you want to sell a line of products to local customers? Dorchester's Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter will be hosting its third annual Holiday Vendor Extravaganza at the Dorchester High School Gymnasium (506 W. 9th St.) Sunday, Nov. 18, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.   The event is intended to raise money for Longhorn students who attend the National FBLA Conference.  There will be dozens of vendors at this huge event, making it the perfect venue to find high quality and unique Christmas gifts for your friends and loved ones.  More information is available for sellers and buyers by contacting Kyleigh Lewis at klewis@dorchesterschool.org.

DHS Track and Field, 80 Springs Ago: The Times recently stumbled across an 80-year-old newspaper clipping from the April 9, 1939 Lincoln Journal and Star that gave a preview of that year's Dorchester track and field team.  Under a headline "DORCHESTER STARTS TRACK PREPARATION," the story noted that "with four meets scheduled, Coach Dean Mitchell's Dorchester track team has started workouts. Four lettermen are available in Buford Grosscup, javelin and discus; Kenneth Frahm, hurdles and broad jump; Alvin Mariska, shot; and Melvin Rezabek, mile. Dorchester has meets slated with Milford, April 14; York invitational, a triangular with Western and Friend plus the county meet, May 2." 

Veterans Day Ceremony At School, Monday at 10 a.m.; Soup Supper At Legion Hall

This weekend, the nation is paying tribute to our military veterans and currently active troops.

On Monday, Nov. 12, the Dorchester American Legion, Post 264, will be hosting a 10 a.m. Veterans' Day Service at the Dorchester Public School and the main gym.  The ceremony will be conducted in cooperation with the Dorchester Junior Auxiliary.  The public is invited and encouraged to attend to honor our veterans.  

All veterans are invited for coffee and light breakfast at 9:00 a.m. in cafeteria.

On Monday evening, there will be a free-will soup supper at the Dorchester American Legion Hall beginning at 5 p.m., according to social media.

Do you know the history behind Veterans Day?

In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- made it official that Nov. 11 would be a day to honor all American veterans of all wars -- not just the end of WWI, as the day had originally been designated.

After signing the legislation making Nov. 11 "Veterans Day," President Eisenhower said, "It is my earnest hope that all veterans, their organizations, and the entire citizenry will join hands to insure proper and widespread observance of this day. ... I have every confidence that our Nation will respond wholeheartedly in the appropriate observance of Veterans Day."

Sunday's Chicken & Hamburger Feed Will Help Make Splash Pad A Reality

(UPDATE: According to social media, a raffle drawing will also be held this Sunday to help raise dollars for the completion of the Dorchester splash pad.  Prizes include tickets to NU football games, volleyball games and Husker men's basketball games.  See more here.)

Dorchester is getting closer to have a its own small water park.  

To help make that happen, the Dorchester Community Foundation is holding a fundraiser chicken dinner this Sunday, November 11, according to public notices around town.

The dinner will help the community foundation continue to raise funds needed to construct a splash pad in the Dorchester City Park.

The popular grilled chicken luncheon and hamburger feed will be held at the Dorchester Legion and Community Hall from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

  

As we've reported previously, the foundation has targeted a splash pad as the next project. Around $130,000 has already been raised over the past two years, according to a sign located near the village's main street marquee.

A splash pad is a small scale water park without a pool, but includes several water fountain or spray type features to help cool anyone off on those hot summer days. There are no lifeguard expenses, as with a pool, and it shuts off automatically when there is no activity. 

  

The foundation's November 11 dinners can be eaten at the community hall, or prepared to go (just call 402-946-3791). Delivery will also be offered in town to those that may not be able to make it downtown. 

The grilled chicken dinner includes your choice of mashed potatoes and gravy, potato salad or chips, dinner salad, baked beans, dinner roll, and drink. The hamburger dinner will include the same options. All meals are available with a free-will donation.  

Donations for the current and future improvements by the Foundation are accepted anytime, made payable to the Dorchester Foundation and mailed to: Peg Bergmeyer, 101 Washington Ave., Dorchester, NE 68343; or Dale Hayek, 652 County Road 1200, Dorchester, NE 68343.

The Dorchester Foundation is a non-profit subsidiary of the Nebraska Community Foundation, so all donations are tax deductible.

Pre-Foreclosure Alert: 908 Washington Ave.

In one of the toughest times for housing shortages, another home in Dorchester may soon be on the market.

According to real estate website Zillow, the home at 908 Washington Ave. (the town's main street) is likely to go into foreclosure.

Zillow's "pre-foreclosure alert" says the single family home is 1,225 sq. ft.

The home has a partial basement.

It was built in 1924.

The foreclosure estimate is $56,258, according to Zillow.  

This means that with 20%, the home could carry a monthly mortgage payment for as low as $400 a month if the house goes for the expected value.

The real estate website says: "This property is scheduled to be sold at a foreclosure auction on Dec. 18, 2018."

Zillow also says the "auction location is unavailable. Please contact a foreclosure specialist for more information. Home in default, past due. Public records indicate the owner of this property is in pre-foreclosure."

Those interested may wish to contact these foreclosure experts recommended by Zillow.

Dorchester Students Take Media Spotlight For Business Idea

Four Dorchester junior high students are in the media spotlight for their marketing genius.

Kearney-based NTV did a feature story on the young entrepreneurs -- Hailey Schweitzer, Addison Lehr, Baylor Behrens and Atley Zoubek -- and their business idea that went before judges in Kearney. 

According to NTV, a bracelet and key chain business, a turkey baster, and new fitness revolution are just some of the business ideas that were pitched at eighth annual "Big Idea Kearney" contest.

Three judges and the audience picked the winners in two categories.

Dorchester FBLA last night announced that the girls took home third place in the contest and won $250 for their business, called Country Crafted.

NTV reports the following: 

Four young girls from Dorchester said they started making bracelets in their free time when they were student managers for the high school basketball team. Now it's a business called Country Crafted.

"We're trying to earn money more again, so we can get more beads to sell more and more," said Hailey Schweitzer from Country Crafted.
Even though the girls aren't in high school just yet, the Dorchester business teacher encouraged them to apply for Big Idea Kearney. 

"As a business teacher, it's awesome, because I like to see that they're young entrepreneurs, and if they start with this bracelet business and move on to something better. As future FBLA members, they're going to contribute to our program and what we are already doing there so that's exciting to think about," said Dorchester business teacher Kyleigh Lewis.

Anyone interested in purchasing a bracelet from Country Crafted should contact the girls' parents or Ms. Lewis with Dorchester FBLA.

Election Wrap-Up: Cerny, Wenz, Miller Elected To Village Board

The 2018 general election has come and gone.  

Now that the dust has settled, it is clear that change is coming to the Dorchester Village Board.

The village board had three of its five seats up for election, as two current board members, LJ Barley and Todd Jensen, chose not to run for re-election. Incumbent Dean Pracheil, a longtime board member, did run again but fell short in his bid to get re-elected.

Beginning in January 2019, new Dorchester Village board members will be Thomas Cerny, Roger Miller and Sarah Wenz.

Cerny has served on the village board before.  Miller and Wenz are newcomers.

Here are the village board results from yesterday:

There is no word yet on what will happen to the seat of village board chairman Matthew Hoffman, who last month plead guilty to two misdemeanor charges of sexual assault.  Some observers have speculated that Hoffman will resign once he is sentenced Nov. 20.  (Hoffman would not be up for re-election until 2020.)  

Meanwhile, there will be no changes coming to the local school board.  The Dorchester Public School Board had three open seats, and all three current board members whose seats were up -- Steve Vyhnalek, Carol Schnell and Matt Hansen -- sought re-election.  No challengers filed to run for the school board this year.

Here are Tuesday's election results for school board:

House For Rent: 907 Washington Avenue

Dorchester's real estate market is hot.  As we've reported before, with demand for small town life growing, this village of around 600 cannot keep quality homes on the market for 24 hours. 

This comes as no surprise since Dorchester has a lot going for it, especially if you prefer living in a safe, friendly and affordable community that has much potential for the future. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

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

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

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable cost of living.

• KEY BUSINESS: Headquarters for one of the state's largest agribusinesses (Farmers' Cooperative) and is situated on the thriving Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to many employers in Crete, Milford, Friend and Seward, and just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 10 minutes to Interstate 80.  Yet all the advantages of a quiet, safe small town.

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

Today we are showcasing the latest Dorchester home available right now. If you're ready to call Dorchester home, we encourage you to take a look and make a timely offer (again, things are moving fast in this market).  Make Dorchester your home and enjoy a great small-town way of life.

907 Washington Avenue: Renew Dorchester is reporting that there is currently "a quaint home at 907 Washington Avenue (Dorchester's main street) available for rent. Call 402-418-4439 for more information."

Random Thoughts: City Website, Halloween, Toilets And Drains

This feature is called "Random Thoughts."

What you are about to read are the collective random thoughts and observations of the Dorchester Times staff, posted by our own Village Dweller.  Some of the musings will be provoking or enlightening; others will have less intellectual depth than the kiddie pool.

In any case, if you read something you agree with, let us know in the comments box. Disagree? Do the same. Have a random thought you want published, send it to dorchester.times@gmail.com.

Enjoy.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Friend Website modernization should be model for Dorchester: We read in the Friend Sentinel that the City of Friend is updating its website.  According to the story, the city website features a newly updated business directory, access to city council minutes and links to the city’s social media pages.  Future plans include a downloadable city code book, list of available properties for development and available jobs within city limits.  We especially like including access to council minutes, notices from the board and administration, and the municipality ordinances.  The Village of Dorchester needs to do the same.  It's 2018 (almost 2019) -- government transparency needs to be online.

Question: What do social media (primarily Facebook) and Halloween have in common? Both let you know which adults among us are mentally unstable.

This Halloween, be aware of where sex offenders reside: Halloween night is yet another time for parents take appropriate steps to ensure the children's safety.  As we reported earlier this year, there are currently more than 20 registered sex offenders in Saline County, with one offender residing in Dorchester; four offenders in Wilber; one in Friend; one near Milligan; one in Western; two in DeWitt; one near Tobias; and 13 in or near Crete.  In Lancaster County, there are more than 800 offenders listed.  Seward County has 35 offenders listed, including four in Milford.  Be alert this Halloween. Know your neighbors and check if there are any registered offenders in your area.

Dorchester sewer cleaning company wants you to cover those drains, toilets for 12 days:  Recently, Dorchester's village government contracted with Johnson Service Co. to check and clean Dorchester's sewer lines.  Residents in town recently spotted yellow notices on their doors, advising people to cover floor drains with plastic, as well as toilets.  Great to hear that the sewer lines are being cleaned.  Not so great to be told to keep drains and toilets covered from Oct. 29 through Nov. 9.