Danni McKnight, Fellow DHS Journalists Shine At State Competition

UPDATE (4/30) -- In addition to the strong DHS showing at the Nebraska Press Women High School Communications Contest, we now learn that Dorchester's journalism students had an even more impressive showing at the NSAA state journalism competition. Here's who placed at the NSAA event:

Danni McKnight (Senior): 

* 1st in Yearbook Theme Copy Writing

* 4th in New/Feature Photography

* 8th in Yearbook Feature Writing 

Alli Novak (Senior):  

* 8th in Yearbook Sports Feature Writing

* 8th in Yearbook Theme Copy Writing

Ashton Rasplicka (Junior): 

* 2nd in Info Graphic

Madison Sherwood (Junior): 

* 7th in Yearbook Feature Writing

Jacob Cerny (Sophomore): 

* 4th in Yearbook Sports Feature Writing

Mitzu Real (Freshman): 

* 8th in Advertising

Ian Abbott (Junior), Danni McKnight (Senior), Alli Novak (Senior):  

* 4th in Yearbook Theme Development

Dorchester was ninth overall in Class C out of 38 schools (schools with enrollment at 149 or below). The journalism students are led by adviser Sandy Severance.

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The budding journalists of Dorchester High School recently brought home more honors -- this time from the Nebraska Press Women (NPW) High School Communications Contest.

According to a news release sent to the Times, the annual competition included 218 entries by students from 15 Nebraska high schools. The contest, which was open to high school students across the state, included categories in the areas of writing, visual, broadcast or video, and yearbook. Entries were judged by communications professionals, with constructive feedback provided on each entry.

In the yearbook copywriting competition, DHS' Breanna Muff captured first place, while fellow Longhorn Danni McKnight took third.

In the yearbook photo division, McKnight took third place honors, while Jacob Cerny, Alli Novak, and Tyler Sysel all received honorable mentions.

With her first place finish, Muff will advance to the National Federation of Press Women competition. National award winners will be announced during an online high school awards celebration on May 22.

Congrats to Dorchester's young journalists, who continue to shine on the statewide stage.

Craigslist Features Dorchester Items, Free Stuff

For better or worse, Craigslist killed the old-fashioned newspaper classified ads -- and much of the revenue that once poured into community papers.

Whatever your take on the website that contributed to the death of traditional newspapers, if you want to sell something or buy something, you can probably do it on Craigslist, although it's not as popular as it was just five years ago.

For those who read the Dorchester Times on your desktop or laptop computer, you can find current Dorchester area listings on Craigslist by visiting the Times' left-hand column. Just click on the link under "Dorchester Area Classifieds."

Currently, there are several Craigslist ads posted by Dorchester area residents -- everything from a 1975 Starcraft boat to sheep hair.

See the Dorchester Craigslist listings.

Also, Craigslist features many free items located in Lancaster County and surrounding counties. Check them out.

Bob Slama Passes At 68

Robert D."Bob" Slama, 68, of Dorchester passed away on April 22 at his home.

According to the initial obituary, Bob was surrounded by his family when he left us.

A celebration of life and luncheon will be held this Sunday, April 25 at the Dorchester Legion Hall.  

The memorial will begin at noon.

Memorials are in care of the family for future designation.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

A more complete obituary will follow.

For more, visit the website of Kuncl Funeral Home.

FLASHBACK: Bowling Alley Rumors

Back in spring 2014, rumors circulated throughout town that Dorchester could soon be getting a bowling alley.  

Of course, a bowling alley in downtown Dorchester never came to fruition. But community feedback received by the Times nearly a decade ago indicated strong interest in a bowling venue. (Just read the archived reader comments at the bottom of this article.)

Here's how the rumor mill said it was going to happen: A Dorchester bowling alley would be built in the two buildings north of City Slickers Bar and Grill, or perhaps the former Sehnert Ford Garage, were either of those buildings to be made available.

The Times wrote this in late March 2014: "Of course, a future bowling alley is currently in the speculation stage, but it appears there is strong demand for such a social and entertainment venue. As readers know, Friend and Crete both lost their bowling facilities in recent years. As a result, those who want to bowl on league teams must wait years before they can bowl in nearby towns like Wilber or Seward."

"If Dorchester residents were willing to contribute their own money towards a bowling alley, this community would have real ownership," wrote one town resident who e-mailed the Times about this potential development. "It would finally give local residents a place to come together and share good times, just like social clubs used to provide years ago in the 1940s, '50s and '60s."

Ah -- happy thoughts. Maybe one day.

Dorchester's Axlines Celebrate 57th Anniversary

A lot was going on in 1964.

The Rolling Stones conducted their first tour as headline act. 

President Lyndon B Johnson declared a "War on Poverty."  

The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand" hit No. 1 in the U.S.

The Warren Commission determined that Oswald acted alone in killing JFK.

Space probe Mariner IV flew by Mars, transmitting pictures of the planet's surface back to earth.

Indiana Governor Mathew Walsh tried to ban the song "Louie Louie" for obscenity.

And most importantly, Dorchester's Sharon and Harold Axline were married.

A loyal Times reader sent us this picture to let us know the Axlines will celebrate their 57th wedding anniversary this weekend.

Tell them congratulations on this remarkable achievement!

Save The Date: April 24 Is Foundation's Chicken Fajita Lunch

Good news for those who love the Dorchester Community Foundation's meals. 

On Saturday, April 24, at the Dorchester Community Building, the Foundation will be serving the popular and authentic chicken fajita lunches. 

Here's the Foundation's official flyer.

Take-out will be available by calling (402) 381-7789, or you can choose to dine in.

The feed will take place from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

This is a free-will donation event, so be sure to give generously.  

The Foundation's meal events have been popular in Dorchester for well over a decade. The food always gets top-notch reviews, and the funds raised will help support the Foundation's many good initiatives, such as the water park at the city park, the cemetery directory, the welcome signs, the city park shelter, and much more. 

Come out, get a great meal, meet up with friends, and support Dorchester!

Dorchester Is Hosting Another COVID Cruise Night This Saturday

Dorchester is planning another one of its famous "COVID Cruise Nights" this Saturday on main street from 5 p.m. until who knows when. 

Both Dorchester restaurants will be open for dining in or take out -- East Side Bar and Grill's phone is 402-946-2007, City Slickers Bar and Grill's phone is 402-946-2171. 

It was a year ago this month, April 4, 2020 -- during the worst part of the COVID-19 pandemic -- that Dorchester held its first COVID Cruise Night. It's estimated more than 150 vehicles were in town that evening.

Spearheaded by Dorchester business owner and town advocate Greg Tyser, the cruise night gave both drivers and onlookers a chance to forget about the China virus for just a few hours. Not only were area residents able to show off their sweet rides, but both Dorchester restaurants had curbside specials, adding a much-needed boost to their business activity after a month of COVID-19 precaution and paranoia.

Check out these cruise night images from Dorchester's first coronavirus cruise. (Click each one to see a larger version.) 

Then get your engines reading for COVID Cruise Night 2021.

Dorchester Native Delores Dvorak Passes At Age 86

Delores Jean Dvorak, 86, of Aurora, Colorado, formerly of Dorchester, passed away March 8, 2021, at her apartment at Garden Plaza in Aurora.

Delores was born June 29, 1934, in Saline County, to the late Joe and Mary (Tupa) Hojer. She graduated from Dorchester High School in 1951. On Nov. 9, 1954, she married Robert Dvorak at the Methodist Church. They were the parents of four daughters: Barbara, Ann, Sharon and Janet.

After Robert retired from IBM, they moved back to Dorchester in 1987. Delores was a member of the United Methodist Church and was a member of the United Methodist Women, serving as treasurer, vice president, president and a conference delegate. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 264, serving her unit as president and treasurer.  In 2012, she moved to Aurora, Colorado where her daughters and most of her grandchildren reside.

Delores enjoyed camping trips with family, bowling, golfing, sewing, crafting and visiting children and grandchildren on the farm in Dorchester.

Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.  Those who knew Delores are invited to a memorial luncheon on April 24 at Dorchester United Methodist Church, noon to 2 p.m.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Dorchester or the American Legion Auxiliary. (See the full online obituary here.)

NEWS ROUND-UP: Sneak Peek At DHS' Class Of 2034

Here's the Class of 2034: Need more proof that time flies? Dorchester Public School recently offered a glimpse of its awesome Class of 2034 when the school hosted its Kindergarten Roundup. These 17 Longhorns are ready to kick off 13 years of solid education, friendship and school pride.

Village is Hiring for Summer Position: The Village of Dorchester is accepting applications for part-time outdoor summer help. Applicants should be dependable, energetic, and preferably 18 years or older. A valid driver’s license is required. Work hours are 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Applications are available at Village Hall on weekdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. -- or downloaded here -- and emailed to dorchester@diodecom.net.

Garbage Pick-Up is Now on Wednesdays: A reminder for all Dorchester residents -- garbage will be picked up on Wednesdays starting this week (no longer on Fridays). This applies to residential garbage only.

DHS Drama Presents Annie Jr.: This Friday and Saturday, the DHS Drama Club will present Annie Jr. in the DHS multi-purpose room (new gym). Based on the popular comic strip and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, the play features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure. Showtime is 7 p.m. on both April 9 and 10.

DHS' Academic All-Staters: The Nebraska School Activities Association has named its academic all-staters. Congratulations are in order to the following DHS Longhorns for their performance in the classroom and for their efforts in representing Dorchester in school-sponsored extracurriculars:

• Girls Basketball: Abigail Zoubek, Jacee Zoubek
• Boys Basketball: Collyn Brummett, Blake Hansen
• Wrestling: Jacob Hatfield
• Speech: Jacob Cerny, Holly Nigh

Dump Site Now Open: The village's dump site -- which accepts yard waste only -- is now open. Hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from 3-7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-5 p.m., weather permitting.

Dorchester Times Turns 14: Fourteen years ago this month, the Dorchester Times made its debut. Back in April 2007, we wrote: "Welcome to the Dorchester Times. This site is dedicated to our town, Dorchester, Nebraska. While we relish our proud past, we also enjoy the blessings of today and eagerly look forward to the future." The same holds true today. Fourteen years later, this humble blog has gathered an estimated 2.55 million page views. Thanks, readers.

CRIME ALERT: Thieves Target Farmers Cooperative, County Museum

Dorchester has been violated by two thieves taking advantage of our small-town trust.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office has asked the Times to publish this video of two individuals -- one male, the other female -- suspected of breaking into a Farmers Cooperative building in Dorchester during the overnight hours of Monday, April 5 into Tuesday, April 6.

It is believed that these two also attempted to break into the Saline County Museum in south Dorchester, which is also armed with security cameras.

If you have information about these events -- or you think you know who the suspects are -- immediately contact Investigator Ken Uher with the Saline County Sheriff’s Office at 402-821-2111 with any information.

On a personal note, we must say it's incredible that in 2021 there are still those who believe it's acceptable to steal and vandalize. It's even more incredible that these individuals aren't intelligent enough to realize cameras are everywhere and they'll always be spotted.

MarketWatch.com Remembers Dorchester's Charley Havlat

Nebraska knows well the story of Dorchester's Charley Havlat and his ultimate sacrifice for his nation.

Now New York City knows the story as well.

In an article published by MarketWatch.com -- the financial site owned by The Wall Street Journal -- reporter Ellis Henican recounts the sacrifice of Private Havlat, who was killed by a German soldier in the spring of 1945 while helping to free a monastery in Czechoslovakia. PFC Havlat was the last American killed in the European Theater of World War II. He a bullet in the head from German soldiers who were unaware that a ceasefire had been declared. 

In the April 4 MarketWatch article, the author wrote: "Nine minutes after a cease fire was negotiated and a few hours before Germany’s unconditional surrender, Private First Class Havlat of the 803rd Tank Destroyer Battalion, the oldest of six children, a son of Czech immigrants in Dorchester, Nebraska, who bragged to the guys in his unit about the sweet, round kolaches his mother liked to bake, was shot by a sniper on a dirt road in his parents’ native Czechoslovakia. He was 34 years old."

The author then asks: "So who will be the last New Yorker lost in the city’s pitched battle with COVID-19? And when will that be?"

The article concludes with the following: "Any death in any war is a tragedy. But the senselessness is undeniably magnified when peace is so close at hand. So who will be the last to die in this one? 

"Like Charley Havlat’s battalion in the Czech countryside, we’ve made enormous progress already. But danger could still be lurking behind the next tree."