NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester's 10,000 Shots Club; New Exchange Students

The 10,000 Shots Club: Dorchester girls' basketball coach Brandon Bruha recently shared a photo of the Lady Longhorns that made the 10,000 Shot Club this summer. (One student is missing in this picture, we're told.) These sharpshooters made 10,000 or more shots from May 1 through September 1. In other words, that is a whole lotta sinkin' going on. Coach Bruha reports that for the first time, he even had two the girls make it to 20,000 shots. The Longhorn girls basketball squad will be ready to shoot lights out this winter, the coach says.

Meet DHS' Foreign Exchange Students: The Friend Sentinel has published a nice story regarding this school year's three foreign exchange students being hosted by Dorchester Public Schools and area families. It takes a lot of courage for a teenager to be willing to travel half-a-world away to experience a new culture, while away from friends and family. So our Longhorn hats are off to salute these new DHS students:

• Lene Lovold: From Norway, Lene is a senior at DPS, but will have one more year of school to complete when she's back home in Norway.  She enjoys her host family -- the Brent and Lindsey Zoubek family -- but does miss Norwegian food and her cat, Millie. 

• Alex Ralle: From Germany, Alex is also a senior at DPS and joined a foreign exchange program to gain new experiences by attending an American school. He told the paper: “I’m from a big city, but the small town is nice and friendly.”  Ralle plays football for the school and is looking forward to attending a Husker game this fall. His favorite class at Dorchester so far is woodworking; his host family is the Matt and Donna Hansen family. 

• Carolin Piplits: Carolin is from Austria. She said the landscape of her hometown of Stegerbach is similar to that of the Midwest. “I live in the country and there’s no traffic. It’s similar to back home,” Carolin said. She also enjoys the feel of Dorchester with everyone knowing everyone and showing pride for DPS. She plays volleyball and hopes to participate in track for the school. She likes spending time with her teammates and attending Dorchester football games. Piplits’s host family is the Steve and Sarah Vyhnalek family. “I love talking English and I love being here,” Carolin said. 

Dragons Slay Longhorns, 56-27, Giving Dorchester Season's First Loss

No. 8 Dorchester ran into a buzzsaw in Deshler yesterday, when the Dragons handily defeated the now 3-1 Longhorns.

Dorchester, due to mismanagement of the ball, gave up three early touchdowns and could never regain their footing, ultimately falling 56-27. 

Dorchester's defense, which had been one of its strengths coming into the contest, allowed Deshler's Cayden Loomis 216 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Dragons. 

The Orange and Black's Collyn Brummett scored all four TD's for the 'Horns, who will likely drop from the top 10 rankings after the defeat to the 1-3 Deshler team.

Here is how the game played out:

Dorchester	6	14	0	7	--	27
Deshler	20	22	6	8	--	56

DHS must must now prepare for 0-4 Lewiston, who will travel to Dorchester next Friday for the Longhorns' first night contest.

REPORT: Dorchester Legion To Be Open Saturday Mornings For Coffee, Rolls

We love Saturday mornings. And we love coffee.

But at the present time, coffee drinkers and Saturday morning congregations have few options in Dorchester.

It appears that will be changing as of this Saturday, Sept. 28.

The following post is running on the Dorchester Legion's social media page:

*** ATTENTION DORCHESTER AREA RESIDENTS ***

A new era is beginning at the Dorchester American Legion Post 264. We will be open Saturday mornings from 6:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. offering the public coffee and rolls. This new service will begin this Saturday, September 28, and continue every Saturday thereafter. Since both City Slickers and East Side are closed Saturday mornings, we feel it's important to give the public and Legion members a place to gather. Please join us and make it part of your Saturday morning routine.

This is a great idea. 

The Times staff members have often commented that considering how busy our community's main street is most evenings, it's a shame there isn't more activity on Saturday mornings -- which were bustling decades ago. 

We think the Legion's coffee and rolls offerings could be the start of a new tradition on Dorchester's main street. 

And we hope Dorchester area folks will support this new main street option.

Study: Nebraska Among Nation's Happiest States

Experts who study the brain say one thing that can have a big influence on how we feel about life is where we choose to live. 

In other words, were we live impacts our happiness.

That's why we were pleased to see a new WalletHub.com study that examined the 50 states across 31 key metrics -- ranging from depression rates to sports participation rates to income growth. 

When the dust settled, Nebraska was found to be one of America's happiest states in 2019, coming in a No. 9 overall.

Nebraska's ranking is better than that of any of its neighboring states -- or any other state on the Plains (unless you consider Minnesota a Plains state).

Sure, we've had our share of flooding, a soft farm economy, and continued issues with brain drain. But overall, Nebraskans keep their heads up and stick together -- in all kinds of weather.

So c'mon. Get happy.

Ron Velder Retirement Party Tomorrow Night At Tuxedo Park

Dorchester-headquartered Farmers Cooperative will host a retirement part for longtime CEO and DHS graduate Ron Velder tomorrow night, Sept. 25, in Crete.

The party is set for 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Tuxedo Park.

According to the social media post by Farmers Cooperative, co-op patrons and friends are invited to "wish Ron well and help us thank him for his many years of service to Farmers Cooperative. A meal will be served and a special presentation will be held at 6 p.m."

A Dorchester alum from the Class of 1972, as well as a former Longhorn standout athlete, Velder has served as CEO of the Farmers Cooperative since 1994. He has been employed by the Co-op since 1973 and has received numerous awards during his time as chief, including being named agri-businessman of the year. 

A few years ago, the Seward newspaper wrote: "Velder has always put the farmer’s interest first and has made sound business decisions that have served Farmer’s Cooperative well. Velder has provided that unique blend of leadership and vision needed to consolidate and grow a farmer owned cooperative organization that serves the needs of more than 6,500 member producers."

Milligan-area native Allan Zumpfe has been hired to replace Velder, who will be officially retired on Nov. 1. Zumpfe has served as chief executive officer of Cooperative Producers Inc., a Hastings-based farmer-owned cooperative and has 32 years of experience and leadership working for agricultural cooperatives and privately-held companies. 

DHS Football Still At No. 8 Following Bye Week

Following its bye week, Dorchester's football team remains the No. 8 six-man team in Nebraskaland as we enter the fifth week of the high school season.

The Omaha World-Herald kept DHS at No. 8 in its poll, while the Lincoln Journal Star refuses to give the Longhorns the same respect, capping Dorchester at No. 9 while placing Sterling, with its two losses, two notches above DHS at No. 7.

In the Longhorns' first three contests of the year, DHS has scored 181 points, while allowing 51 points combined.

This Friday brings a road contest for DHS as the Longhorns will face a respectable opponent in Deshler. While the Dragons are 0-3 so far this season, all three of its losses have come against high-level competition. 

Meanwhile, the Longhorns have lost starter Karter Tyser to a knee injury and will need to find someone to fill his big shoes on defense.

Harvard, now 4-0, remains the state's No. 1 six-man team in both polls, while McCool Junction is No. 2. DHS' last three opponents on this year's schedule are either ranked in the top 10 or -- in the case of Heartland Lutheran -- unbeaten.

For now, the Longhorns must focus on a talented Deshler team.

HOME-FOR-SALE ALERT: 713 Stephens St., $78K

Dorchester's real estate market is red hot as more people -- especially young families -- are seeking the advantages and affordability of small-town life. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with some of the state's better educators and the lowest school tax levy in the county. 

• SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With a new water system and sewer system, and a surplus at Village Hall.

• 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 situated on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line and along two major highways.

• GEOGRAPHIC ADVANTAGE: A quick drive to employers in Crete, Milford, Friend, and Seward. Just 30 minutes to Lincoln and 10 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we spotlight the latest Dorchester home available. 

713 Stephens St.: Wow! What a nice little home for not a lot of money. Great for a starter home, or for an older couple who wants to downsize and uncomplicate life. Huge kitchen and dining room space, along with first floor laundry and 2 bedrooms in this attractive corner lot home. Has some finish started in the basement, with second bath and the start of a large family room. Has a two-stall detached garage and nice big back yard. Includes a 13-month HVAC warranty! Listed at only $78,000 with 2018 property taxes under $800! See more here.

UPDATE: After Beating Friend, DHS Volleyball Faces Busy Week

UPDATE: The Dorchester High School volleyball team is now back to .500 after beating Friend Thursday night. 

The Lady Longhorns handed nextdoor rival Friend a loss in three straight sets.

DHS is now 4-4 on the 2019 season.

The Orange and Black Attack cannot let up now. They face a beatable opponent this Tuesday in Osceola (1-6), but the contest is on the road, which always presents a tougher challenge.

Then on Thursday, DHS is back in action at a triangular in Dorchester, with High Plains Community (7-5) coming to town, along with Shelby/Rising City (2-8). 

On Saturday, Sept. 28, DHS will take part in a four-team tourney in Waco at Nebraska Lutheran. 

Happy 86th To Dorchester's Chuck Bolton

Happy birthday to you!

Here is a happy birthday greeting to Dorchester's Charles "Chuck" Bolton, who turned 86 today. 

Birthday greetings may be sent to 497 County Road 1400, Dorchester, NE 68343.

The Times received this "birthday alert" for Chuck in our inbox at dorchester.times@gmail.com.

Other readers who have birthday alerts for Dorchester-area residents can e-mail them to the Times. 

Photos are appreciated.

Dorchester Moves Up To No. 8; Outscoring Opponents 181-51

Dorchester's football team continues to move up the rankings ladder, now entering the fourth week of the high school season.

Following a 63-19 walloping of Hampton this past Friday, the Omaha World-Herald has ranked DHS at No. 8 this week. 

The Lincoln Journal Star, however, keeps Dorchester at No. 9 -- placing two teams with one loss already before the Longhorns.

Dorchester beat St. Edward 56-19 in Week 2, and handed Walthill a 62-13 defeat in Week 1.

In the Longhorns' first three contests of the year, Dorchester has scored 181 points, the second-highest total of Nebraska's six-man top 10 teams. 

The Longhorns' stout defense has allowed 51 points combined -- tied for the fourth fewest in six-man football.

Dorchester has a bye this week, as do three other top 10 teams. The Longhorns have apparently lost starter Karter Tyser to a knee injury and will need to find someone to fill his big shoes on defense.

Meanwhile, Harvard -- the state's No. 1 six-man team -- takes on ranked Sterling this Friday.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Booster Club Seeks Members

DHS Booster Club Seeks Members: Dorchester supporters from all across the nation are asked to join the DHS Longhorn Booster Club. The club aims to make participation in all high school activities an enjoyable experience for students.  Examples of this include purchase of new athletic equipment; sponsorship of the homecoming pep rally; paying DHS coaches' fees to belong to the Nebraska Coaches Association. If you have any questions regarding the DHS Booster Club -- or how you can contribute -- call DHS Athletic Director Brent Zoubek at (402) 946-2781 or email bzoubek@dorchesterschool.org. Otherwise, send your donation to: Dorchester Booster Club, 506 W 9th St., Box 7, Dorchester, NE 68343.

S.E. Nebraska Medical Reserve Group is Honored: For the third consecutive year, the Southeast Nebraska Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) -- overseen by DHS alum Cody Meredith -- will be receiving several awards from Lt. Gov. Mike Foley and the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency, including the "Local Hero" Award. The MRC serves 16 counties including Seward, Saline, and Gage, providing assistance to local authorities in time of emergency. The awards ceremony is slated for 1:30 p.m. this Wednesday, Sept. 18, at the State Capitol.

Your Idea for a Better Football Helmet Could be Worth $3M: Since Longhorn fans are excited about the Longhorns' great start on the gridiron, we will mention that the National Football League wants ideas for a helmet that will outperform anything currently in use. Your time and effort could be worth millions of dollars. The winner of the 18-month contest will receive $2 million for development capital, as well as an additional $1 million prize.

Dorchester Methodist Church BBQ And Auction, Sunday

It's September and that brings another annual tradition to Dorchester.

Everyone is invited to the Dorchester United Methodist Church’s Annual Community BBQ and Auction, which will be held this Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

All Dorchester area residents are encouraged to join the fun, which will be held on the church grounds at 612 Lincoln Ave.

Activities will begin with worship services at 9:30 a.m. Then the barbecue will be held  beginning at 11 a.m. Lunch will feature a choice of beef brisket or smoked pulled pork, along with homemade coleslaw, potato salad, extras and desserts.  

The auction will feature many items. In previous years, it has featured items such as Husker items, handmade crafts and wood goods, paintings, and much more.  

This is one of the best fall auctions of the year.

For more on the auction, click here. Novak Auction Service will be taking the bidding. All proceeds will benefit the Dorchester United Methodist Church.

All Times' readers are encouraged to enjoy this community activity.

No. 9 Dorchester Crushes Hampton, 63-19

Photo: Kelly Brummett

Nebraska's No. 9 six-man team, the Dorchester Longhorns, have sealed up another big victory.

In a Friday afternoon contest at Hampton, DHS handily defeated the Hawks on their home turf, 63-19.

The Orange and Black Attack was catapulted to a big, 24-0 first quarter thanks to the ability of running backs Tim Newlin and Collyn Brummett, the solid passing arm of quarterback Blake Hansen, and the sure foot of kicker Andy Real. 

From there, DHS never looked back.

Hansen was five for six throwing the pigskin, with 133 yards and two TDs. 

DHS fans traveled to Hampton on the Longhorn Express.

The Longhorns were lead in rushing by Newlin who had 86 yards on just eight carries, along with two TDs. 

Gaining another 86 yards was Brummett, who had 13 carries and three TDs.  

Kohl Tyser was the leading receiver with two catches for 58 yards and one TD.

In the Longhorns' first three contests of the season, Dorchester has scored 181 points, while allowing just 51 points combined.

Dorchester now has a full two weeks to rest and heal, due to a bye week next week. 

The Longhorns will next face a tough Deshler program at Deshler on Sept. 27. 

Meanwhile, the Dorchester volleyball team split their home triangular last night, losing to 7-1 Giltner, but beating Hampton.  

The Lady 'Horns are now 3-3 on the season.

Longhorn Volleyball Faces Big Challenge Thursday

The Dorchester Longhorns volleyball program -- now 2-2 on the year and under first-year head coach Lisa (Bruha) Lautzenhiser -- faces a tough intra-conference challenge Thursday evening.

In a triangular at the DHS gym, also known affectionately as "The Corral," Dorchester will host Class D-2 powerhouse Giltner (5-1), as well as Class D-2 Hampton (3-4). 

The matchup will give Dorchester a good test of where they are at early in the season.

Earlier this week, Dorchester defeated Lincoln's College View Academy (1-2), capturing three of four sets.

Longhorn fans are encouraged to come and show their support for the Orange and Black Attack. The action begins at 5:30 p.m.

FLASHBACK: 20 Clues To Community Survival

A decade ago, the Dorchester Times ran the following. We thought it would be a good time to republish this blast from the past as a reminder to all our readers.

-----------------

In a recent editorial, we mentioned that Dorchester has been able to escape school consolidation and loss of population. Both are crippling many small communities, including some in our immediate area. But one look at main street reminds us that our community is not immune to the struggles facing Small Town America.

The most recent issue of VISIONS magazine, published by the non-profit Heartland Center for Leadership Development, lists 20 clues to community survival that were compiled following a case study of small towns that thrived even in the midst of the 1980s farm crisis.

We encourage of area residents to read the following and recall them often:

CLUES TO COMMUNITY SURVIVAL

1.) Evidence of community pride. ("Successful communities are often showplaces of care, attention, history, and heritage," the study says. We think Dorchester gets very near an "A" grade in this category.)

2.) Emphasis on quality in business and community life.

3.) Willingness to invest in the future. ("In addition to the brick-and-mortar investments, all decisions are made with an outlook on the future." This is being done much more in 2019 than it was in 2009.)

4.) Participatory approach to community decision making. ("Even the most powerful opinion leaders seem to work toward building consensus." We see this happening more with younger residents getting more involved in planning committees and new groups like Renew Dorchester.)

5.) Cooperative community spirit.

6.) Realistic appraisal of future opportunities. ("Successful communities have learned how to build on strengths and minimize weaknesses.")

7.) Awareness of competitive positioning. ("Local loyalty is emphasized in successful small towns, but thriving communities know who their local competitors are and position themselves accordingly.")

8.) Active economic development program. ("There is an organized, public/private approach to economic development." This is one area Dorchester needs help with.)

9.) Knowledge of the physical environment. ("Relative location and available natural resources underscore decision-making.")

10.) Deliberate transition of power to a younger generation of leaders. ("People under 40 regularly hold key positions in civic and business affairs in strong communities.")

11.) Celebration of diversity in leadership. ("Women, young people, and newcomers are elected officials, business leaders, and entrepreneurial developers." Personally, we'd rather see competent, visionary, and strong leadership even if they all look like gingerbread men, but whatever.)

12.) Strong belief in and support for education.

13.) Problem-solving approach to providing health care and housing older residents. (This, too, remains a challenge for Dorchester. We must be a place where older residents not only can live at home, but want to live at home.)

14.) Strong multi-generational family orientation. ("The definition of family is broad, and activities include younger as well as older generations.")

15.) Strong presence of traditional institutions that are integral to community life. ("Churches, schools and service clubs are strong influences on community development and the social network.")

16.) Sound and well-maintained infrastructure. ("Leaders work to maintain streets, Main Street buildings, water systems and sewage facilities.")

17.) Careful use of fiscal resources. (We think Dorchester does this well, leaving luxuries to be paid for with donations, such as the new splash pad provided by money raised through the Dorchester Community Foundation.)

18.) Sophisticated use of technology resources.

19.) Willingness to seek help from the outside. ("People seek outside help for community needs, and many compete for government grants and contracts for projects and services.")

20.) Conviction that, in the long run, you must do it yourself. ("Thriving rural communities believe their destiny is in their own hands. Making their communities good places is a pro-active assignment, and they are willing to accept it.")

DHS Students Place In State Fair Business, Art Competitions

Dorchester Public School is producing loads of new smarts and talent.

We were reminded of that once again when we saw the business and art competition results from the Nebraska State Fair.

Here is just a partial list of Dorchester students who excelled in their field:

BUSINESS

• Jaki Acosta: 2nd Place in PowerPoint
• Kyra Creamer: 2nd in Computer Graphics; 3rd in PowerPoint
• Karter Tyser: 3rd in Computer Graphics

ART

• Camille Nohavec: 1st Place in Zen Coloring
• Haley Weber: 2nd in Wall Art
• Max Novak: 3rd in 3D Wall Art
• Addison Lehr and Hailey Schweitzer: 2nd in Group Wall Art
• Hailey Schweitzer: 3rd in Wall Art

For the full list of DPS students who competed, click here.

DHS Football Team No. 9 This Week In Both Major Polls

Dorchester's football team -- now entering its third week of the 2019 season -- is sitting pretty in both major newspaper rankings.

Both the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star have Dorchester at No. 9 this week, following the Longhorns' 56-19 win over St. Edward this past Friday, and DHS' 62-13 victory over Walthill on Week 1.

In the Longhorns' first two contests of the year, Dorchester has scored 118 points combined, the third-highest total of Nebraska's six-man top-10 teams. 

The Longhorns' stout defense has allowed just 32 points combined -- tied for second fewest in six-man ball.

Dorchester prepares for its contest at Hampton this week. The Hawks are 0-2, but appear to have a capable offense that can put points on the board in a hurry.

Meanwhile, Harvard sits atop both six-man polls at No. 1.

How Much Do You Know About The Saline County Wind Farm?

The Friend newspaper reports that a six-month moratorium for a proposed wind farm project in west-central Saline County was discussed at a recent county commissioners meeting. 

According to the story, the request was brought forward by Sandra Koll of Wilber and Gary Veprovsky of Dorchester, who would like additional regulations established before construction continues. Some of those desired regulations include FAA approved lights on top of the turbines and sound level restrictions.

No action was taken on the request because of litigation filed against Saline County last month. According to court documents, Marilyn Capek of Massachusetts sued both the county and EDF Renewables -- the project developer -- in late July for approving a right-of-way approved on property she owns within the county. 

The story notes that county attorney Tad Eickman advised the board to not take any action until legal matters can be resolved. 

Wind projects have always been controversial. This one in Saline County appears to be reaching a boiling point.

The map aboved, published by EDF Renewables, shows the wind farm would be well south of Dorchester and Friend, but it would certainly be visible from Milligan and Pleasant Hill. 

The proposed wind project, known as "Milligan 1 Wind," would be a $350 million investment in Saline County. The 300 MW wind farm would supposedly generate clean energy for more than 100,000 homes, boost the local economy with millions in new spending, produce $45 million in total tax revenue, and create more than 200 jobs -- all while sustaining 150 small family farmers and landowners with stable lease payments of more than $50 million over the life of the project. 

The project is planned to begin operation in late 2020.

While it's true Nebraska is a windy state and landowners could use extra revenue, legitimate questions have been raised about this project, such as:

• Would anyone ever build a residence near a wind farm?

• What happens if wind becomes unviable and the turbines are abandoned?

• Wouldn't solar be a better option since solar farms make no noise, aren't visible for miles, and require more land (meaning bigger payments for landowners)?

What are your opinions on the project? Leave your thoughts in the "comments" section.

No. 10 Dorchester Football Team Cruises For Win No. 2

Photo Credit: Becky Tyser

The No. 10 (Omaha World-Herald) Dorchester High School football team is off to a 2-0 start in the Longhorns' second season of six-man ball.

On Friday afternoon at Nerud Field, DHS notched a convincing 56-19 win over St. Edward. This comes on the heels of last week's big victory over preseason-No. 8 Walthill. 

Prior to today's game, the Lincoln Journal Star had Dorchester listed as contenders in this week's rankings. We expect the Journal Star will have DHS ranked in its top 10 this coming week, and that the Longhorns will move up the World-Herald's polls.

Next week, Sept. 13, Dorchester travels to Hampton to do battle with the Hawks.

As of now, the only ranked teams in Nebraska six-man football who appear on DHS' 2019 schedule are Sterling (No. 7) and McCool Junction (No. 2).

While there's still much for the Longhorns to prove this season, this much is clear: DHS football is back.

Meanwhile, the Dorchester volleyball team fell to 1-1 on the season, losing two straight sets to Class C2 Palmyra on Thursday in a road contest. The scores were 25-23, 25-11.

The Lady Longhorns are back in action Tuesday night, Sept. 10, when they host Class D2 College View Academy at the DHS gym.

This Sunday: Dorchester Legion's 2019 Auction

Autumn is auction time in Nebraska.  And a big one is coming to Dorchester this Sunday, Sept. 8.

According to social media reports, the Dorchester American Legion will hold its fifth annual consignment auction on Dorchester's main street near the Legion Club at 1:30 p.m., as a fundraiser for the organization.

The Legion's sale bill shows there will be rifles, shotguns, Neal Anderson prints, fishing boats, coins, a 1990 Ford pickup, a three-wheeled bike, an electric grill, and much more.

Consignments will be accepted through Saturday, Sept. 7, should you want to sell an item or two of your own.  

Buyers are encourage to click here to keep an eye on items.

Because this is a fundraising event, the Dorchester Legion will keep a small percentage of the final sale price, we are told.  
Auction services are being generously donated by Novak Auction for the Dorchester Legion free of charge.

If you have any item you'd like to sell on an auction, call Tom Cerny (402-381-8049). Sellers keep most the profit.