NEWS ROUND-UP: FBLA, 1894 Train Tragedy, Football Camp, Crete Bus Fees

DHS FBLA Students in San Antonio to Compete Nationally: Dorchester's future business leaders continue to shine as our school's FBLA national qualifiers are currently attending the National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. DHS, which continues to boast one of the state's best FBLA chapters regardless of school size, qualified 11 students in five events. Follow their San Antonio adventures on the chapter's Facebook page.

Dorchester Youth Football Camp Coming Up Soon: For Dorchester's future football stars, it is never too early to start brushing up the skills. The coaches at DHS are offering young players a chance to improve their football game or -- if they aren't familiar with the game -- just learn the basics. On July 8-9, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. both days, the Dorchester Area Youth Football Camp will be held for students going into the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Cost is only $25. Included will be: skill development; athletic fundamentals; drill work; position education; team time; and 6-on-6 passing drills. Call Coach Zoubek at 402-418-1019 for more information.

125 Years Ago, Tragic Train Deaths in Dorchester: Do you get annoyed by the whistles blaring from the locomotives passing through town? Well, there's a reason they still blow their horns. According to research by the Dorchester Times, 125 years ago, three Dorchester residents were struck and killed by a train here in town. On Oct. 20, 1894, Mrs. Mary Sawyer and her two daughters, ages 16 and 18, were hit while crossing the Burlington tracks. The train conductors were charged with failing to adhere to regulations pertaining to speed and sounding their horn.

Crete Public Schools Faces Petition Over School Bus Fees: 10/11 News reports that in Crete, it can cost you $300 for each child that rides the bus to school if you live fewer than four miles from school. One school district patron is now going door to door, collecting signatures to overturn the policy. 10/11 found that other schools in the area, like Dorchester and Wilber, do not charge. Neither does Lincoln Public Schools, but Waverly and Beatrice do. 

FLASHBACK: 10 Years Ago, UNL Photojournalists Visited Dorchester

Ten years ago this month, photojournalists from UNL dropped in on the Village of Dorchester.

The students spent spent several days and nights in town to document how Nebraskans were being affected by the economic downturn, now known as the Great Recession. (As we know today, Nebraska wasn't all that impacted by the recession compared to most other states.)

The students -- in addition to taking photos -- wrote a blog one their Dorchester adventure. One of the posts features an interview with then-Dorchester Grocery owner John Bruha.

UNL journalist Patrick Breen wrote: "One of the things that small communities do well is support each other. Or at least that is what we were finding in other towns. The only difference here in Dorchester was that there was a Wal-Mart nearby in Crete."

Breen's blog post continued: "(Bruha) said people would drive the extra time and use about $5 in gas, which might make-up the difference in their bill. He is right. Wal-Mart brings down small businesses like his. He said that times are tough, but he hopes it gets better."

UNL journalist Kyle Bruggeman noted that his crew enjoyed their time at Joe's Place. He wrote: "Small town bars have a much different attitude than those of larger cities. In Lincoln, for example, one must usually wait in a line just to get in. Once you've finally made it to the bar your battling another line of people to get a drink.

"Joe's Place is not anything like the situation described above. Here you can get in easily and the bartender asks you if you need anything before you get to the counter. It's a friendly place where the entire family is welcome and price of a cold beer on tap is only a dollar. A great price during these economic times. The lyrics to the old television show Cheers describes it best: where everybody knows your name, and they're always glad you came."

Perhaps the most telling comment from the stories was the comment that the students were sad to leave Dorchester.

To see the UNL 2009 reports on Dorchester and the photos, click here and here.

Taking Shape: Concrete Poured At Site Of Dorchester's New Water Park

This week has turned out to be a big one in the life of the ongoing Dorchester splash pad project, approaching three years since it was first announced.

Working in hot conditions at the Dorchester City Park, construction workers have poured the foundation of the pad, which will contain all the piping and mechanisms that will bring life to the water park's features.

Hopes are that Phase I of the project will be completed in time for the town's kids to be able to use the massive splash pad yet this summer. 

That's according to insiders with the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund, which has been responsible for raising the money need to make the project a reality.

Earlier this month, the Foundation Fund was promised a matching grant that will help complete Phase 2 of the splash pad project at the Dorchester City Park.  

According to insiders, Phase 2 of the water park project is "comprised entirely of water features" -- about $80,000 worth of larger splash pad features that will "wow" visitors.   

The new matching grant will generate $50,000 to nearly complete the project -- but the Foundation will need to hurry to raise the final $30,000 that would be used to "match" the grant.  

"If a town's not getting better, it's dying," said one observer at the site today. "This project is proof Dorchester is striving to get better all the time."

For a sneak peak at what the water park will look like when completed, click here.

If you would like to contribute to this effort to ensure the Foundation gets the $50,000 match grant, checks made payable to the Dorchester Foundation Community Fund can be mailed to: Dorchester Community Foundation Fund, c/o Peg Bergmeyer, 101 Washington Ave., Dorchester, NE 68343.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dan Tesar, Road Repair, Flour Mill History

DHS Alum Dan Tesar is Part of Shrine Bowl History: The Nebraska Shrine Bowl -- the annual gathering of the state's high school football standouts -- just completed its 61th game, with the first one being held in 1959.  And according to the Omaha newspaper, DHS alum Dan Tesar is just one of nine former Shrine Bowl players to also coach in the Shrine Bowl. Tesar played in the Shrine Bowl in 1962, representing the Longhorns; in 2001, he was a coach, representing Tri County. The Shrine Bowl isn't quite the crowd draw it was back when Tesar played, when gatherings of 22,000 were common. Last year, the announced crowd was 4,575 and once the honor band played at halftime, the stands thinned out. The game needs to be held permanently at Memorial Stadium, we say.

Road Work to Begin in Saline County, Near Dorchester: The Nebraska Department of Transportation has announced its plans to do road repair in Saline County in the coming weeks.  This Tuesday, June 25, state crews will begin a chip seal project on Hwy. 103 between Crete and Wilber, from Reference Post 33.2 to 42.7. Work is anticipated to take three days. NDOT also is planning chip seal projects beginning June 28 on Hwy. 15, three miles southwest of Dorchester and north of Dorchester from Reference Post 0 to 1. The work southwest of town is expected to take four days, weather permitting, while the north project should take only one day. One-lane traffic will be used in each place, with flaggers and a pilot car. Motorists should expect delays and are reminded to drive cautiously through work zones.

The 1877 King Iron Bridge near the Dewitt Mill.

Looking at the Role of Flour Mills in Saline County: Lincoln Journal Star historian Jim McKee recently wrote about the vital role that flour mills played as the most important industry in Nebraska in the late 1800s and early 1900s. "At one point there were nearly 150 in existence," McKee notes. These sites helped form communities and early electricity development. According to McKee, Swan City -- Saline County's first county seat -- saw Dunbar & Baker open the county’s first flouring mill around 1870 at the intersection of Swan Creek and Turkey Creek. It was reportedly “one of the finest flour mills in the state.” A few years later, in nearby DeWitt, the Suiter brothers started a mill of their own. After several setbacks and changes of ownership, the DeWitt In 1877 the King Iron Bridge Co. of Cleveland, Ohio, built a 255-foot bridge over the Blue River to accommodate traffic to the mill. It still stands today! While it no longer carries vehicular traffic, its site on an abandoned county road still qualifies it as “the oldest vehicular truss remaining” on its original site in the state.

Happy 138th Birthday, Dorchester!

Happy Birthday, Dorchester!

Today, June 23, marks the 138th anniversary of Dorchester's incorporation as a village. 

Here's a quick look back at those early years of our community.

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As Dorchester's population grew to nearly 300 by the early 1880s, it became necessary to establish a formal system of government. 

On June 23, 1881, a petition was presented to and granted by the Saline County commissioners for the incorporation of the village.

The following residents were appointed by the commissioners as village trustees: D.G. Panter, John Oberlies, N.B. Alley, Thomas Jarrett and W.H. Pallett.  At the same time, C.F. Thomas, J.H. Clark and M.O. Alley were named village clerk, treasurer and marshal, respectively.

On July 6, 1881, the first meeting of the Dorchester Village Board was held.  At this meeting, the trustees designated that the first Monday of each month would be the regular meeting time for the board, which is still adhered to today.

Four other ordinances were approved at this first meeting of the Dorchester village board.  

They were:

• Ordinance 1: Regulating the sales of intoxicating liquors in the village;
• Ordinance 2: Imposing a license tax on dogs in the village;
• Ordinance 3: Levying a five mills to the dollar valuation taxes for the year 1881; and
• Ordinance 4: Providing for the grading and guttering of streets and alleys, as well as construction of wooden sidewalks.

These ordinances showed the concerns of a new community that was trying to improve itself and encourage growth. A tip of our Longhorn Pride hat to our village forefathers.

Massage Therapy Association Honors Dorchester's Julie Holly

From left, presenting the AMT Nebraska Chapter's Humanitarian Award were Amber Fader & Becky Ohlson to Julie Holly.

Earlier this spring, the Nebraska Chapter of American Massage Therapy Association held its annual membership meeting and awards social.  

At this event, Dorchester's own Julie Holly -- owner of The Well -- was awarded the Humanitarian Award for 2019.  

The award acknowledges the “heart” of massage in action. Holly was nominated for the Humanitarian Award for her altruism and the various ways she gives back to her community and helps out charitable organizations.  

Holly provides massages for those in need and holds regular fundraisers for charities such as the Dorchester Fire Department and the Omaha Children's Hospital.  

In recent years, she's become well-known for her monthly "beer yoga" sessions held at City Slickers. Holly donates the proceeds from these events to various charitable organizations.

Congrats to Julie on this well-deserved award!

Give Your Kids A Stronger Foundation At Vacation Bible School, July 8-10

The world is a crazy place.

And it's even crazier for those young ones trying to grow up -- children trying to learn right from wrong, trying to understand what really matters as they make their way through this life.

If you're in Dorchester or the surrounding area, why not help solidify your kids' foundation with a few nights at Vacation Bible School?

Dorchester United Methodist Church will hold its Vacation Bible School Monday, July 8, through Wednesday, July 10, for kids preschool through sixth grade.

This year's theme is "Roar! Life is Wild & God is Good."

This is sure to be a great time for the kids.  VBS classes begin that Monday (July 8) and continue Tuesday (July 9) and Wednesday (July 10) -- 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. each night.

Just show up at the Dorchester Methodist Church on Monday, July 8, at 5:30 p.m.  That's when registration begins.  Also, a light supper will be offered at the 5:30 p.m. registration.

All children, regardless of their parents' church affiliation, are invited.

If anyone would like to volunteer or has questions, contact Cindy Kotas 402-826-7106 or dnckotas@yahoo.com.

Half-Court Shot From Dorchester Makes ESPN's Plays Of The Week

It's literally the shot seen around the world.

Dorchester and the Schrunk family have made ESPN's Sports Center and its top plays of the week.

In a Fathers' Day video filmed inside the Dorchester High gym, the Dorchester Public School superintendent runs up to the camera to celebrate a half-court shot that appears to have been made by his son, Matt.

Matt Shrunk sinks the shot with a side-armed release as the ball goes straight into the hoop.

Then the crowd goes wild.

The shot was good enough for fourth place in ESPN's lineup of highlights.

Kayla, Superintendent Schrunk's other child, is also in the video.

See the Dorchester-filmed ESPN video by clicking here.

Each week, SportsCenter looks at some of the top fan-generated plays from around the country.

If you have a video you'd like ESPN to consider as one of its top plays of the week, use #SCTop10 after your posting.

Or if it's not so great, use #SCNotTop10.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Alums, Job Openings, And Business News

DHS Alum Will Play Key Role with Architecture Firm: The Lincoln newspaper reports that DHS alumna Chandra Tuttle Wondercheck has been chosen to help lead HDR, a global architecture, engineering and consulting firm. Wondercheck will serve as the studio leader for the firm’s Lincoln architecture practice. Wondercheck boasts more than 15 years of experience providing project management, interior design, furniture and artwork selection services and expertise.

Lindsey Fritz Joining Donna's Hair Creations: We are told that Lindsey Fritz will be working at Dorchester's main street hair salon, Donna's Hair Creations, on Wednesdays. For appointments, call 402-946-2068.

Area Farmers Waaaaaay Behind on Planting: Extension educator Randy Pryor tells the Wilber paper that only about 50% of planting in the Saline County area has been completed. And it's the middle of June! Still, Pryor said "we’re in better shape than some areas in Nebraska and the Midwest." To have crops covered by insurance, farmers need to have them planted by tomorrow, June 14, or take a 1% penalty for each day thereafter.

Dorchester Flag Retirement Ceremony Moving to Wilber This Year: For years, the Dorchester American Legion hosted the annual Flag Day flag retirement ceremony. That event is headed to Wilber this year. Tomorrow, June 14, the Wilber American Legion Post 101 will hold its first flag retirement ceremony at 6 p.m. in Legion Park. “For the longest time, the Dorchester Legion Post has done this. We are taking this over from them,” said Dave Packer, who served as Post 101 Commander until June 12.

Job Openings at Farmers Cooperative: There are current openings at Farmers Cooperative and its Dorchester facility, as well as nearby communities. If interested, click here. 

Former Dorchester Resident Shares Childhood Memories: The Times recently received the following e-mail from former Dorchester resident Maxine Ferris Vanek, who wanted to share some of her childhood memories from our community. Maxine wrote us the following:

I drove through Dorchester in March. It brought back a lot of memories. My family lived there back in the early '60s. We lived in four different houses, but my favorite one was the big house across from the park. I located one of the other houses we lived in, also. I'm sure the other two are now gone -- I wish I remembered the addresses, but since I was only in elementary school at the time, I was more concerned about playing.

I remember taking bike rides out of town with friends.  We would bring a lunch with, sit under a bridge and eat. Kids nowadays don't get that chance to be free as birds and spread their wings. 

My father (Melvern Ferris) was a cop -- not sure if he was one the whole time we lived there, though. Anyway, I remember one night in Dorchester when a blizzard struck, and this guy who drove a Mayflower semi stayed with us overnight. I remember that well because I had to give him my room, and I slept with my sister. ... My older sister Margaret graduated in Dorchester, I think it was 1965. We moved to Milford when I finished sixth grade. 

Sometimes I wonder if we stayed, what my life would have been like. I lost my father in 1970, and he left behind two sons -- 2 and 4 years old.  (He wanted boys, but had four girls before that -- so that left Mom by herself raising them.)... 

I live out of state now. I’m in Minnesota, I came back to Dorchester for my sisters 60th birthday in Milford. It seems when you get older, you cherish your childhood more. I also remember that my one sister and I would walk across town to get some cream for Mom so we could make our favorite strawberry dessert. Thanks again.

Maxine Ferris Vanek

Huge Matching Grant Moves Dorchester Water Park Near Finish Line

The Dorchester Times has received word from a very reliable source that the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund today was awarded a matching grant that will help complete Phase 2 of the splash pad project at the Dorchester City Park.  

According to insiders, Phase 2 of the water park project is "comprised entirely of water features" -- about $80,000 worth of larger splash pad features that will "wow" visitors.   

Sources tell the Times that this new matching grant will generate $50,000 to nearly complete the project -- but the Foundation will need to hurry to raise the final $30,000 that would be used to "match" the grant.  

"This very well could be the final drive in securing needed funds, and get the splash pad completed ahead of expectations," our source told the Times.

As we reported last month, ground was broken for Phase 1 of the new splash pad in late May. The water park will be located in the northeast section of the City Park, across the alley from the U.S. Post Office.

For a sneak peak at what the water park will look like when completed, click here.

If you would like to contribute to this effort to ensure the Foundation gets the $50,000 match grant, checks made payable to the Dorchester Foundation Community Fund can be mailed to: Dorchester Community Foundation Fund, c/o Peg Bergmeyer, 101 Washington Ave., Dorchester, NE 68343.

Meanwhile, the Dorchester water park may be getting some visitors from Crete. According to the City of Crete, last week that community's Wildwood Pool splash pad suffered a catastrophic failure with its water system underneath. As a result, the pad raised significantly. It will not be operational this season.

Crews will be demolishing the splash pad in Crete, but not until after the pool closes in August and at that time they will determine the point of failure. Estimates show the demo and replacement expenses in excess of $100,000.

Home-For-Sale Alert: 203 W 8th St.

Dorchester's real estate market is red hot as more people -- especially young families -- are realizing the advantages and affordability of small-town life, after others have succumbed to massive debt.  

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with some of the state's better educators. The lowest school tax levy in the county and one of the lower property rates in southeast Nebraska. (And not constant property tax hikes like some of our next-door neighbors.)

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

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable cost of living with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESS: Headquarters for one of the state's largest agri-businesses (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 employers in Crete, Milford, Friend and Seward, and just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 10 minutes to I-80.  Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we are showcasing the latest Dorchester home available.  

203 W 8th St.: $134,000 asking price for this nice home with 1,354 sq ft on main level and same in basement! This open floor plan has 2 bedrooms, including the master with 3/4 master bath and walk-in closet. Has a large kitchen, dining and living rooms, along with main floor laundry! The full basement is awaiting your special touch to add additional living space to the home. Located in the perfect spot, next to the city park and the NEW/UPCOMING Splash Pad, in the quiet Village of Dorchester. Just minutes SW of Lincoln! For more information, click here.

Can You Identify This Home From 109 Years Ago?

Does anyone recognize this beautiful Dorchester home as it appeared 109 years ago?

The above photo was taken in June 1910 in Dorchester by the town's well-known photographer of that era, Russell Freidell. 

On the back of the photo/postcard are the words: "Compliments of your Aunt NE Crain."

Let us know if you know what home this is. Leave your guesses in the comments section below.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Cochnar & Ruts Are Honored; Late Fees On Utility Bills

Nathan Cochnar Named 'Class Act' by LJS: The Lincoln Journal-Star has named recent DHS graduate Nathan Cochnar a "class act." Among Cochnar's top five honors are: Valedictorian, boys basketball all-conference honorable mention, DHS' James Cochnar Award, basketball team captain, and three-sport athlete for all four years of high school. Cochnar is headed to Doane University, where he will major in computer science. Congrats to the member of DHS' Class of 2019!

Pay that Electricity Bill on Time -- or Else!: Stiff fines await Dorchester residents who are late on their village utility bill starting this month. In early May, the Dorchester Village Board took action to impose a $25 late fee on electricity and water bills that aren't paid by the 15th of every month, starting in June. There's really no excuse to be late with your payment since the village accepts cash, checks, money orders, credit/debit cards, and even direct deposit from First State Bank accounts. There is a drop slot located on the front door of Village Hall.

Ruts Receive Nebraska Auctioneer Auxiliary Honors: The Crete News reports that Col. Bill and Aris Rut of Dorchester attended the 71st Nebraska Auctioneers Association convention in Omaha on May 17-19, where Aris was inducted into the Nebraska Auctioneer Auxiliary Hall of Fame. Bill was presented a quilt in a Quilt of Valor ceremony. Bill and Aris have been in the auction business, members of the association and attended conventions since 1964. Congrats to these supporters of the community!

Bob, Marva Kasl Honored With Nebraska Admiralships

Dorchester's Bob and Marva Kasl were recently honored by Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts when they were designated as Nebraska Admirals in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska. 

This tongue-in-cheek recognition is one of Nebraska's highest honors.

The Kasls were recognized for their decades of dedication and selfless service to the community of Dorchester, including their activities with the American Legion and Jr. Legion Auxiliary.

In a Memorial Day dedication at the Dorchester Cemetery, both Kasls were presented signed certificates that read: "And I, Governor Pete Ricketts, do strictly charge and require all officers, seamen, tadpoles and goldfish under your command to be obedient to your orders as Admiral — and you are to observe and follow, from time to time, such directions you shall receive, according to the rules and discipline of the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska."

The use of the title of admiral, instead of some other high-ranking military title, is a humorously ironic reference to the fact that Nebraska has no navy, both because it is landlocked and has no oceans, seas or major lakes to defend.

The Great Navy of the State of Nebraska dates back to 1931, when the lieutenant governor at that time, Theodore W. Metcalfe, was serving as acting governor. At the urging of some of his friends, he appointed "20 to 25 prominent Nebraskans" as Nebraska Admirals.

Commissions in the Nebraska Navy have always been given to prominent citizens both inside and outside of Nebraska. 

Admirals have the option of joining the Nebraska Admirals Association, a non-profit organization that promotes "The Good Life" of Nebraska.

FLASHBACK: Historic Thompson Mansion Was For Sale 10 Years Ago

A decade ago this month, one of Dorchester's most historic -- and largest -- homes was for sale.

Today, we know the 3,000 sq. ft. home, built in 1901 by Dorchester pioneer Colonel W.J. Thompson, as "The Well." The home, which sits on the corner of 10th and Lincoln Ave., was eventually purchased and extensively renovated by Joe and Julie Holly. 

The structure is an intriguing piece of Nebraska's past. It was also the site of Dorchester's famous Elmwood Pony Farm.  It's so famous, in fact, you can find historic items on eBay almost any given day.

Here's what we wrote in 2009:

According to sources, the home is being offered by Turkey Creek Realty and lists for what seems to be a very reasonable $125,000. A recent news story noted that restored historic homes have fetched more than $10 million in Lincoln.

In 2007, the Times named the structure one of our "favorite old homes" in Dorchester, calling it "a diamond in the rough" with the potential to "be a crown jewel for the entire region."

The realtor's description of the property reads: "This historic Victorian Mansion was the home of Colonel W.J. Thompson, who operated the Elmwood Pony Farm. He raised Shetland Ponies and each year herded them overland to the Nebraska State Fair and offered rides to fair-goers as well as competing in various competitions with his ponies. Colonel Thompson's son, Wallace, started the Thompson Rodeo."

For our readers who may be unfamiliar, the Elmwood Pony Farm sat on present day 10th Street, between Lincoln and Fulton Avenues. Dating back to the 1890s, it was one of the largest pony farms west of the Mississippi River, according to the 1981 Dorchester Centennial history book. By the 1920s, the pony farm was home to more than 300 ponies.


Thompson's pony farm was a popular destination for children from miles around, according to accounts of longtime residents. Children who lived in the country were even permitted to take home a pony and ride it all summer, if they agreed to keep it fed well.

Each September, Colonel Thompson took as many as 35 Shetland ponies to the Nebraska State Fair for rides. He entered many more of the animals in the fair's show contests. All of the ponies were herded overland from Dorchester to Lincoln by Thompson farm employees.

In 1930, Colonel Thompson's son, Wallace, started the Thompson rodeo. It was usually a three-day event held each fall, complete with fighting broncos, cowboys, clowns, trick riders, cowgirls, bull doggers, concessions, rides, dancing and "whoopee."

The Dorchester rodeo attracted many top riders from around the country, as well as local talent. At one time, more than 7,000 spectators were reported in attendance.

We are hopeful that the Colonel's home goes to a worthy owner who has the resources to make the residence a "crown jewel" of Dorchester, once again.