Faster Internet Coming to Dorchester?

It appears that faster internet service is coming to Dorchester. 

At a recent meeting of the Saline County Board of Commissioners, Highway Superintendent Bruce Filipi presented a right of way request from Windstream Nebraska LLC to add fiber-optic cables to a tower located between County Road 1800 and the Dorchester village limits. It was approved by the board. 

This action follows Kinetic's placement of a new communications tower in Dorchester, next to the old Dorchester Telephone building on main street (Washington Ave.). Kinetic is Windstream's internet division.

According to our research, more than 80% of Dorchester residents can utilize Kinetic/Windream's internet service.

To see if Kinetic's internet service is right for you, click here.

Advisory: Up To 3" Of Snow By Halloween

News Channel Nebraska reports that much of the southeast, including the Dorchester area, is under a winter weather advisory until Halloween, which is this Thursday.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for counties in southeast Nebraska until Thursday at 1 a.m. 

The NWS says snow totals by 7 a.m. Thursday will be in the trace to 3 inch range for much of our area.

Officials say accumulations of an inch or more should be limited to areas south of I-80 with highest totals near the Nebraska-Kansas border.

The NWS warns that roads and sidewalks may re-freeze for the morning and evening commutes.

Meanwhile, Wednesday's highs will be far below the seasonal normal, perhaps not cracking 32 degrees.

Developing...

Carole Sue Bors Passes At 77

Carole Sue Bors, 77, of Crete passed away Oct. 25, 2019. She married Gary Bors on June 18, 1960. 

Bors was involved with the Jolly Doers Extension Club, Saline County Extension Council, 4-H, and Dorchester Auxilary. 

She is survived by son Mark (Judy) Bors of Dorchester; daughter Robin Bors (Tim Bruder) of Hickman; daughter Michelle (Mike) Hatfield of Crete; grandchildren, Taylor Bors, Lucas (Chelsea) Apfelbeck, Brad Pribyl, Holley Pribyl, Clarissa Bors, Jacob Hatfield, four great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister Beverly Ficke; and many nieces and nephews. 

Carole is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Gary, her parents, sister-in-law Cheryl Smith, brothers-in-law Kenneth Ficke and Kenneth Smith, and granddaughters Mary Bors and Erin Bors. Family visitation is Sunday, November 3, 2019 at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete, NE from 5-7 p.m. 

Funeral services are Monday, Nov. 4, at Kuncl Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. with the burial following at Riverside Cemetery in Crete. Memorials in care of the family for future designation. See the full obituary here.

SPORTS ROUND-UP: DHS Volleyball Gets Ready for Subdistricts

Longhorn Volleyball Preps for Monday's Subdistrict Play: (UPDATE: Nebraska Lutheran outlasted Dorchester in five sets 8-25, 25-22, 21-25, 25-15, 15-12. DHS ends the season 9-16.) Dorchester's 9-15 volleyball team will try to keep its season going at the D2-3 subdistrict tourney at Centennial tomorrow (Monday, Oct. 28) night. DHS will take on Nebraska Lutheran (8-19) at 6 p.m. Barring a major upset, the winner of the game will most likely face Exeter-Milligan (15-13) in Tuesday's final at 7 p.m. Go Lady Longhorns!

DHS Football Ends Season on Disappointing Note: Dorchester's six-man football team, after its 4-1 start, concluded its 2019 campaign with a 62-12 loss to Sterling on Friday night. Injuries and loss of key players seemed to take their toll on the Longhorns as the season went on. Here's the breakdown of Friday's game, as DHS finishes at 4-4 for the year.

Sterling 28 22 6 6 -- 62
Dorchester 0 12 0 0 -- 12 

Get Your Own Custom-Made DHS Apparel: It's awesome. It's hometown proud. And it's ready with the click of your mouse or tap of your phone. It's Dorchester Longhorn sports apparel. Endorsed by Dorchester Public Schools, see this lineup of cool Longhorn clothing options.

Dorchester's Deanna Bird Is Nebraska's Paraeducator Of The Year

Big news for Dorchester -- and some more statewide recognition.

Dorchester Public Schools' Deanna Bird has been selected as a recipient of the 2019 Nebraska Paraeducator of the Year Award. 

According to information sent to the Times, Bird will be one of four paraeducators to be honored at the Nebraska Paraeducator Conference in Kearney on Nov. 19, 2019.  

The award will be presented by Dr. Matt Blomstedt, the Nebraska Commissioner of Education at the Paraeducator of the Year Award luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Younes Conference Center in Kearney.

Congratulations to Deanna and the Dorchester School community on this huge award.

I'm Dreaming Of A White ... Halloween?

UPDATE: The latest forecast shows snow chances Monday and Wednesday. A frigid Halloween awaits trick-or-treaters, as lows will near 20 degrees.

Halloween is Thursday. But before All Hallows' Eve arrives, the ghosts and goblins may need to break out their snow boots and scarves. 

And Dorchester area residents may need to scoop the walks for the trick-or-treaters.

Extended forecasts for Dorchester are predicting snow for Tuesday, Oct. 29. On-and-off snow in the morning; otherwise, mostly cloudy and cold.

According to AccuWeather, the official forecast service of the Times, the high that day will only be 38 degrees. Nighttime lows will drop below 20 degrees. 

Wednesday, Oct. 30, isn't expected to be much better, with a 41-degree high with rain and snow possible.

Halloween itself should be bearable. AccuWeather is predicting a daytime high of 44 degrees with 0% chance of precipitation. But the evening lows will drop to around 26 degrees, so the kids will need to bundle up.  

Developing...

Dorchester Foundation Chicken And Burger Feed, BINGO Is Nov. 10

The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund (DCFF) will hold its popular grilled half-chicken and hamburger feed on Sunday, Nov. 10, at the Dorchester American Legion and Community Hall from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

New this year will be BINGO from 2 to 4 p.m.

The dinners can be eaten at the Community Hall or Legion Club, or be prepared to go. Delivery will also be offered in town to those that may not be able to make it downtown. (Call 402-641-4075 for take-outs.)

The grilled chicken dinner includes your choice of mashed potatoes and gravy, potato salad or chips, dinner salad, baked beans, roll, dessert, and drink. The hamburger dinner will include the same options, and a hamburger and chips are also available for youth or those with smaller appetites. 

All meals are available with a free-will donation. (We encourage readers to be generous. This is a fundraiser.)

The DCFF, which has been responsible for raising the money necessary for the new splash pad in the city park, earlier this year was promised a matching grant to help complete "phase two" of the splash pad project at the Dorchester City Park. The second phase will include even larger, more interactive features, according to one insider.

We suspect funds raised from the Nov. 10 chicken and burger feed will help make Phase 2 a reality.

Other recent projects by the DCFF include the Dorchester Cemetery directory and shelter, as well as the Dorchester welcome signs on Hwys. 6 and 33. 

  

Donations for the current and future improvements by the DCFF 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 DCFF is a non-profit subsidiary of the Nebraska Community Foundation so all donations are tax deductible.

SPORTS ROUND-UP: McCool Junction Overpowers DHS

McCool Junction Overpowers Longhorns: Lincoln's ABC TV affiliate made the Dorchester vs. McCool Junction game on Friday night its "Game of the Week." Unfortunately, No. 2 McCool ensured it wasn't much of a contest. By halftime, the Mustangs commanded an impressive 52-6 lead over DHS. Here's the game broken down by quarter:

McCool Junction 32 20 7 7 -- 66 

Dorchester 6 0 6 0 -- 12 

The highlight of the night for the Longhorns was a 77-yard punt return by Collyn Brummett. As we noted, Lincoln's Channel 8 was in Dorchester to cover the gridiron matchup. You can see the game summary and post-game interview here. DHS, 4-3, will play its last game of the regular season at home this Friday, taking on 4-3 Sterling at 7 p.m. at Nerud Field.

DHS Volleyball's Regular Season Comes to End: And just like that, Dorchester volleyball's 2019 regular season campaign has come to an end. On Saturday at the CRC Tournament in York, Shelby/Rising City handily defeated the Lady Longhorns in two sets, 25-16, 25-14. Earlier in the week, DHS defeated McCool Junction at a triangular held at BDS, but then dropped their match-up against the home team. DHS finishes the regular season at 9-15 on the year. Subdistricts begin Monday, Oct. 28, but schedules are still to be determined.

Veterans Day Run Will Raise Funds For Dorchester Legion

Renew Dorchester – a two-year-old non-profit that seeks to enhance the community's quality of life – has announced it is sponsoring a Veterans Day (but not actually on Veterans Day) fundraising event called the "Hero Hustle Town-To-Town 10-Mile and 5k Run."

The Saturday, Nov. 9 run is being held to honor America's military service members, while aiming to raising funds for the Dorchester American Legion Post 264 and the Crete VFW. 

This year's 10-mile race will start at 7:30 a.m. the Dorchester American Legion Hall and end at the Crete VFW.

For the 5k, runners will begin and end at the Crete VFW with an 8:15 a.m. start. 

Next year's races will be reversed. 

The 10-mile race has a $40 registration fee; the 5k is $25.

For more information on this Nov. 9 fundraiser, click here.

Son Of Former Dorchester's Todd Jensen Wages Battle Against ALS

A sobering story ran this past weekend in the Hastings newspaper. 

Photo by the Hastings Tribune

Andy Leighty, the oldest son of former Dorchester village board member Todd Jensen, was diagnosed last year with ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease. 

Several people around the Dorchester area may know Andy from the years he helped with Dorchester little kids wrestling tournaments. Todd told us he thought it would be good if the Dorchester community heard Andy's story, which follows.

***

Andy Leighty of Hastings wasn’t overly concerned when he noticed his left leg was beginning to cause him problems in 2016.

After all, the irrigation business owner had been dealing with bum knees for some time. And they never kept him from the things he loved, such as bow hunting deer and other outdoor activities.

But when the problem worsened, he found he needed a cane to help maintain his balance. Just a few short months later, a walker replaced the cane. By January 2018, he was in a wheelchair.

Doctors at the Mayo Clinic diagnosed him with ALS on March 21, 2018.

The diagnosis came as a shock to all, since there was no history of the disease in the family. For Andy, an Adams Central graduate, his wife, Alex, a Hastings High student he met during their senior years at a pickup football game, and their two young children, Brianna, 8, and Colten, 6, life has become far more challenging than any of them could ever have imagined.

“We’ve just all kind of fought through it,” Alex said. “We’re not going to lie: The hard times are hard and depression happens. By no means was this ever expected.”

Throughout his journey, Andy has maintained a positive attitude, one he likes to pass on through his engaging smile and encouraging words to all within his ALS community of friends.

“You have two choices: You can give up and die, or live your life and thank God to be alive,” he said.

His upbeat disposition is fueled by the things which matter most to him: “Faith, family, friends.”

Read more here.

Sports Round-Up: DHS Football Upended By Heartland Lutheran

Photo: Grand Island Independent

Heartland Lutheran Blows Out Injured DHS: Dorchester's football squad has dropped to 4-2 after Friday night's shocking blowout loss to Heartland Lutheran in Grand Island. The finally tally was Dorchester 6, Heartland 66. The Red Hornet offense rushed for over 230 yards and passed for 229 yards. Hindered by several injuries and the loss of two other players due to disciplinary issues, Dorchester only scored once, and only got one first down all night on offense. During the game, DHS senior Andy Real hurt his foot and was taken away via ambulance. See photos of the game here. The good news is DHS' final two games of the regular season are at home, at Nerud Field. The bad news: They happen to be against No. 2 McCool Junction -- this Friday, Oct. 18 -- and the always-formidable Sterling the week after on Oct. 25. 

DHS Volleyball Aims to Recover After Tough Skid: Dorchester's volleyball squad is looking to recover after dropping five of its last six contests. The Lady Longhorns currently sport a 8-13 record. This Tuesday, the team travels to BDS to take part in a triangular against BDS (18-3) and McCool Junction (2-19). Then on Saturday, Oct. 19, the CRC tourney begins in York. The CRC will conclude regular season play for DHS.

Our Thoughts on NU Football in 2019: Two decades since its last conference championship, Nebraska football has become painful to watch on too many occasions. We're not blaming the current coaching staff; this problem is years in the making, dating back to the 1990s when a culture change was beginning. Thanks to "elite youth sport teams," the surge in overprotective parenting, and the growing trend of young males not participating in school activities, Nebraska suffered a decline in high school football participation. This has definitely had a trickle-up effect on NU's football program. Nebraska -- the state, not the university -- must produce its own home-grown talent once again. Football is a game for your kids to play, not just others' kids. All of Nebraska will need to have skin in the game if the NU program is to be revived. Otherwise, game over. Keep in mind that about half of the starters on NU's 1970, '71, '94, '95 and '97 teams were Nebraskans. (By the way, the Tunnel Walk could use a refresh, too.)

Dick Pate Passed Sept. 21

On Friday, Sept. 21, 2019, Richard L. “Dick” Pate, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at his home in Dorchester. This after being recently diagnosed with lung cancer. He was 75. 

Dick was born on August 11, 1944, to Harry and Eleanor Pate in Norfolk, Nebraska. He had a passion for crossword puzzles, working outside and all things Nebraska, especially the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His life was a living example of a kind and compassionate spirit. He made all who met him feel comfortable in his presence and he was quick to help when someone was in need. 

On multiple occasions, Dick would volunteer to drive his truck hundreds of miles just to lend a hand. He also had an infectious laugh that could lighten an entire room. Dick leaves behind his wife Barbara, whom he met while living in Parker, Colorado. The two married on March 26, 1993 in Jordan, Arkansas and lived happily together for the remainder of his life. Other survivors include Philip Loseke his grandson, who was like a son to him, and his sweet wife Nicole. He is also survived by his loving daughter Shelly and husband Steve Swanson, and step-children Lori, Bill and Kent Hodges. He leaves his granddaughter Pamela Jones from Nebraska; and Linnea and Max from Virginia who loved spending time in Nebraska with their grandpa Dick. In addition, he had three awesome great grandchildren Bristol, Zavian, and Zedrick. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his brothers Bob and Harry; daughter Sheila and son Roger. There was a wake to celebrate his life on Sept. 28 in the shop at his home in Dorchester.

Here Comes Mr. Frost

Brrrrrr.

Mr. Frost arrives this week, a bit ahead of average for our neck of the woods -- but not by much.

According to AccuWeather -- the official weather service of the Dorchester Times -- the next three nights are predicted to bring temps that dip below 32 degrees.  

The coldest point over the next few days is expected to be early Saturday morning, when it could hit 29 degrees or below.

As a point of reference, the average first frost date for our area is Oct. 12.

Developing...

Dorchester-Based Farmers Cooperative Now 70th Largest In U.S.

Dorchester Co-op in the late 1950s.

It is hard to believe now, but Dorchester's Farmers Cooperative was once just another small grain elevator on a line of the Burlington Rail Road.

The Dorchester Times has learned that Farmers Cooperative -- which nowadays is a full service organization with products and services offered in energy, grain, feed, and agronomy -- is now the 70th largest cooperative in the nation, according to an updated comparison.

This year's National Cooperative Bank Co-op 100 list contains eight Nebraska-based co-ops.

Dorchester-based Farmers Cooperative remained in the same position of No. 70 as it was in 2018. In 2017, the co-op was in 73rd place.

Omaha-based Ag Processing Inc. was the top-ranked co-op based in the state, coming in 11th on the list. That was down one spot from last year, even though the company increased its revenue by more than $500 million compared with last year.

Central Valley Ag Cooperative in York, which has been growing rapidly through acquisitions over the past several years, was the big riser among Nebraska co-ops, moving from 46th on the list last year to 21st this year. FCS America, another Omaha-based co-op, was No. 26. 

Other co-ops in Nebraska that made the list were: Producers Livestock Marketing Association of Omaha, 35th; Aurora Cooperative Elevator Co., Aurora, 56th; Frenchman Valley Farmers Cooperative, Imperial, 78th; and Cooperative Producers Inc., Hastings, 86th.

Dorchester Grad, WWII Aircraft Specialist Leonard E. Leach Passes At 99

Leonard Eugene Leach died at the age of 99 in Loveland, Colo. on Oct. 2, 2019. Leonard was born May 28, 1920 to Daniel Webster Leach Jr. and Bessie Mae (Knosp) Leach on the family farm north of Dorchester. The youngest of four children, Leonard grew up in the Dorchester area and attended Dorchester Public Schools, from which he graduated in 1937. After High School he worked on the family farm, attended classes at UNL focusing on agriculture, and learned the aircraft sheet metal trade. In late 1940, he took a job working for Curtis Wright Aircraft Company in Buffalo, NY, where he helped build the P-40 Warhawk. He then worked for Cessna Aircraft Company in Wichita, Kansas building twin engine trainers, the Waco CG-4A glider used in Europe, and the B-29 bomber (Cessna-Boeing).

He married Virginia Lorene Rardin of Dorchester on Feb. 14, 1941. They immediately moved to Wichita where he worked for Cessna. In 1944 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Army Air Corp after basic training because of his aircraft construction experience. Basic training was at Buckley Field and the Lowry field in Denver, followed by Lincoln. After basic training, he was stationed at Ardmore, Okla., which was an Army pilot training facility. As he succinctly put it, he helped repair the training aircraft whose landings were less than stellar. Overnight they would get the planes ready for the next day’s round of training with most of them were B-17’s. After Ardmore, he was stationed at McCook, and finally to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he was attached to the medical corp. 

In 2010, Leonard was able to go to Washington D.C. on the Northern Colorado Honor flight. He met veterans there who flew P-40’s in China, one who was a medic on the 15 passenger troop gliders that he helped to build and others who just shared a common history. It was a re-connection with his generation

After his discharge in 1946, Leonard farmed in western and then southeastern Nebraska, eventually settling down in the area where he grew up. In addition to farming family owned land, he purchased an adjacent parcel and leased others. He primarily raised seed corn, as well as wheat and alfalfa. He was one of the first to drill irrigation wells in the area and was proud of being a top producer in Saline County for a number of years. Due to health concerns he relocated to Longmont, Colorado in 1962, where he and Virginia owned a retail store until the early 1980’s. While they owned the store, Virginia discovered her talents in oil painting and loved to share her work with family and customers. In 1980 Virginia was diagnosed with cancer and succumbed to the disease in July of 1985. They were married for 44 years at the time of her death and shared many special times together.

On Sept. 20, 1986, Leonard married Wilma Allen of Westminster, Colo. At the time of his death they had been married for 33 years.

Gary Bors Passes At 80

Gary L. Bors, 80, of Crete died Oct. 4, 2019 in Crete. He was born Feb. 6, 1939 in Friend to Milo and Evelyn (Fritz) Bors. He attended rural schools in Saline County, Dorchester, and graduated from Crete in 1957. He joined the Army National Guard in Crete in May 1957, serving with the 1056th Transportation Company. He attended basic training at Ft. Leonardwood, Mo. and then served at Ft. Chaffee, Ark. He married Carole Sue Vaverka on June 18, 1960 at United Methodist Church in Crete. 

Gary was a former employee of the Dorchester Co-op prior to taking over the family farm. He was a member of the Dorchester American Legion. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Carole; son Mark (Judy) Bors of Dorchester; daughter Robin Bors (Tim Bruder) of Hickman; daughter Michelle (Mike) Hatfield of Crete; grandchildren, Taylor Bors, Lucas (Chelsea) Apfelbeck, Brad Pribyl, Holley Pribyl, Clarissa Bors, Jake Hatfield, four great-grandchildren and one on the way; sister-in-law Beverly Ficke; and many nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Kenneth Smith, brother-in-law Kenneth Ficke, and granddaughters Mary Bors and Erin Bors. 

Visitation with family is Oct. 9 at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services are Oct. 10 at Kuncl Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m. with the burial following at Riverside Cemetery in Crete. 

Memorials to Dorchester American Legion Post 264 and Crete Fire and Rescue.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

DHS Football Pummels Lewiston On Homecoming, 58-24

Remain calm and focus on football.

Just in time for homecoming, the Dorchester Longhorns resumed their winning ways on the gridiron Friday night, capturing their fourth win of the year in week 5 of high school football.

In soggy, chilly contest at Nerud Field, DHS handily defeated the Lewiston Tigers, 58-24.

The game wasn't as close as the final score indicates.

Led by touchdowns by Kohl Tyser and Collyn Brummett, guided by Longhorn QB Blake Hansen and the sure foot of Andy Real, DHS had a 44-6 lead at halftime. 

The comfortable margin allowed for many reserves to see playing time in the second half.

Next up for DHS is Grand Island's Heartland Lutheran in a 7 p.m. road contest that will pit two 4-1 teams. 

Heartland has yet to beat a team with a winning record -- and lost last week to No. 1 Harvard by the tally of 14-60.

HOMECOMING ROUND-UP: Wet Weather, Burger Bash, Volleyball & Friday Night Lights

Wet Weather Cancels DHS Homecoming Parade, Bonfire: Dorchester's homecoming week was thrown a curve ball by roughly four inches of rain. Due to the wet weather, last night's (Wednesday's) primary homecoming activities were scrubbed -- no parade and no bonfire. There was, however, and indoor BBQ in the school cafeteria, as well as a pep rally.

Burger Bash This Friday at Homecoming Game: As you make your plans to root on the Longhorns to a big victory over Lewiston, Dorchester's post prom committee invites you to its burger bash at this Friday’s homecoming football game at Nerud Field. It's just $5 for a burger, chips, a cookie, and a water. Food will be served from 5:30 p.m. to 7 pm. Come out and support YOUR Longhorns!

Longhorn Volleyball Now 7-8 on Season: The Dorchester High School volleyball team has gathered some momentum in recent days, bouncing back from a three game skid that saw losses to Osceola, High Plains Community, and Shelby/Rising City. The Lady Longhorns have stayed strong by winning their last three of four contests with victories over Lincoln Parkview Christian, Omaha Christian Academy, and Sterling. Tonight (Thursday), DHS battles two talented foes (Meridian, 11-4, and Diller-Odell, 19-0) in a triangular at Meridian. Then, on Monday and Tuesday (Oct. 7 and 8), the Orange and Black Attack will travel to Tri County, 5-8, and Parkview Christian, 0-12. Root for YOUR Longhorns!

Friday Night Lights Specials on Main Street: Happy Homecoming Longhorns! We've learned that City Slickers Bar and Grill (formerly Joe's Place) will be hosting a "Friday Night Lights" special after this Friday's homecoming football game with $7 burger baskets and $2 root beer floats beginning at 9 p.m. 

Crete Pumpkin Festival Is This Weekend

Dorchester's next-door neighbor, Crete, is planning its fifth-annual "Great Pumpkin Festival" this weekend. The Times is helping Crete leaders promote this wonderful family-friendly event.

According to a website created just for Crete's pumpkin bash, the event kicks off this Friday, Oct. 4, and goes through Sunday, Oct. 6. 

See the Friday and Saturday schedule, as well as the Sunday schedule (full day of events).

From the pumpkin carving demo to carnival games, a food court to the Great Pumpkin Giveaway, it will be weekend full of entertainment, food, games, and fun the whole family will enjoy!

Past activities have included: 

• Hayrack Rides;
• Fun Run;
• Carnival Games;
• Craft Show and Farmer's Market;
• Petting Zoo;
• Zipline and Bounce Houses;
• Carnival Games;
• Pinnacle Bank's Great Pumpkin Competition;
• Food Court; 
• Crete Fire Department Pumpkin Drop;
• Union Bank and Trust's Scarecrow Competition (for Crete Cash);
• DQ's Live Entertainment;
• Foodmart's Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest; 
• Heath Sports' Ball Drop & Festival Piñata;
• The Great Pumpkin Giveaway and much more!

Individuals can purchase carnival tickets at the event: $5 for 10 tickets, $10 for 20 tickets, and $20 for 40 tickets to play the various carnival games. Each ticket is $0.50. 

Also, individuals can purchase a pumpkin voucher for $5 to be able to redeem it for a pumpkin at the event. These vouchers can also be pre-purchased at the Crete Chamber office or purchased at one of the Information Stations at the event.  Information stations will be located at 12th and Linden by Crete News, as well as the old Shopko parking lot.

The Great Pumpkin Festival is being hosted by the Crete Chamber of Commerce.

For more information about the festival, call (402) 826-2136. See more at www.cretepumpkinfest.com.

Tired of the Heat? The Rain? Don't Forget Last Oct. 14

Yesterday, Dorchester's temperatures hit well into the 90s, nearing a record high. Tonight, you'll need a sweatshirt and galoshes to cope with the 3" or more of rain that has fallen in a short amount of time.

Looking back on September, there's no doubt it was a hot one. The Lincoln paper reports that the area's average temperature last month was 73.7 degrees -- the third-warmest September in recorded history, exceeded only by 1897 and 1931. In a normal year, Lincoln's average high temperature for September is 66.

Before all the global warming zealots say, "I told you so," check out this: For the first time since 1996, it appears we'll go an entire year without reaching 100 degrees. 

So there's that.

Over the next few days, Saline County will see temps struggle to climb out of the mid-50s to lower 60s. The rest of October, at least at this point, looks mild.

If you ever get bored with October's gorgeous sun and colors, keep this in mind: The Old Farmer's Almanac makes mention of snow showers by the first week of November, right after Halloween. And then real snow is expected by Nov. 22-28.

If you need a real jolt, remember what happened last October 14!

Every spring and every fall, we Nebraskans make a big deal about the weather. Objecting to what Mother Nature throws at us is in our DNA.

But we live on the Plains -- usually in the path of a massive jet stream. For those of us residing on the top half of the earth, we've just begun the second half of the big tilt away from the sun. So, like all aspects of life, the one thing we can count on is more change.