Drought Buster? Rainfall Comes To Dorchester Area

Rain has finally come to our area, with more on the way. As much as another half inch of moisture may be coming over the next two days.

The Times has received reports of anywhere from 1 to 2 inches from area readers from overnight rainfall.

The precipitation will help alleviate drought conditions -- see the latest UNL drought map above.

As of Friday morning, April 29, heavy rain and lightning look likely across central and eastern Nebraska this afternoon and evening.

Here's the forecast for the next 36 hours:

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Breezy, with a southeast wind 13 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10 pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Breezy, with an east northeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west 17 to 22 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Windy, with a west wind 24 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Looking For Work In Our Area? Jobs Are Here

Nebraska’s unemployment rate is currently the lowest in the nation. Despite that good news, many folks are still looking for a job in this inflation-affected economy. 

The post-COVID era has made this much clear: The more technical and vocational skills you have, the better your chances of being hired for a well-paying job. The world doesn't need another sociology or psychology major with $100,000 in debt; it needs men and women who have in-demand skills to make things, fix things, and solve real-world problems.

There are great jobs in our area available right now. And the Times is determined to help our readers find a rewarding career. (Besides, most of us realize that our broke federal government and a global economy that is less willing to buy more U.S. debt mean that welfare options are going away -- soon.) 

The Times has reviewed numerous sources for career opportunities. Here are some of the best we've found in our area:

• Farmers Cooperative in Dorchester -- Currently, there are job openings at the Co-op in Dorchester for safety coordinator, operations specialist, and general duties.
  
  
• Dorchester Public School Preschool Para -- Qualified applicants must obtain (or be able to) a degree or endorsement in early childhood/child development. Call the school at (402) 946-2781 if interested.
  
  
• Tuttle Inc. in Friend -- From project manager to fabricator/welder to equipment installer, there are great jobs at this business.
  
  
• Sunrise Country Manor in Milford -- From RNs/LPNs to CNAs and MedAides, this employer is hiring multiple positions.

• NE Works -- Administered by the Nebraska Labor Department, this site is currently displaying more than 500 job opportunities within 25 miles of Dorchester.
  
  
• Aqua Plumbing and Heating LLC in Crete -- HVAC technician with experience is wanted at this business. HVAC techs are one of the most in-demand careers available.

• Indeed.com -- More than 370 jobs within 15 miles. 

If you are an employer in the Saline County area and your business has a job opening, let us know at dorchester.times@gmail.com. We will add it to this list.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Village Clean-Up Period Begins Saturday

Here's a look at what's happening right now in and around town:

Village Clean-Up Period Set for April 23-May 14: Time to clean up those yards! The Dorchester Community Clean-up will be from Saturday, April 23 to May 14. Enforcement of village code will be especially strict during this period -- so clean up your property. By the way, the village dump site will be open during regular business days/hours, so no excuses. (The dump is now open on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. , as well as Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Special Village Board Meeting Is Friday Night: Dorchester's village board will conduct a special meeting at 5 p.m. Friday evening, April 22, at the Dorchester Community Building. We are told by inside sources that the purpose of this "housekeeping" meeting is to review the village employee handbooks.

Dorchester Students Prepare for Upcoming Quiz Bowls: Dorchester's junior high students are preparing for an April 27 quiz bowl at the Seward Civic Center, while DHS underclassmen are getting ready for their quiz bowl on May 4. The competition has been put on alert. After all, DHS' "A Team" tied for third in the ESU 6 quiz bowl held last month (team members were Blake Hansen, Ashton Rasplicka, Sawyer Hanson, and Andrea Pavlish), while Team B placed fifth (Addison Lehr, Amber Kotas, Ashton Jirsa, Victoria Leavitt, Jacob Cerny, and Owen Vyhnalek).

This Wind Blows: Omaha, Lincoln and Norfolk have all set records this year for the number of days with wind gusts in excess of 40 mph, according to reports. And wind speeds have been increasing globally in recent years, as researchers say the increase is due to natural climate cycles. (In preceding decades, wind speeds globally were lessening.) Whatever the case, increased winds and the return of widespread drought are reminders that even in the era of pivot-based irrigation and ditch-to-ditch row crops, our part of the world needs plentiful pastures, tree cover, and cover crops to prevent what could become another Dust Bowl natural disaster. Otherwise, it will happen again.

FLASHBACK: Fundraising Ideas For Dorchester Improvements

(The following article and comments were published in July 2008. The Times staff believes the time is right to run this again.)

Any Dorchester resident can name a project or two or three that would improve the quality of life in our community.

In a Times' poll conducted last month, 62% of respondents said improving Dorchester's streets was the community's most immediate need. 

Other projects cited in the Times' survey included improving the town water system; enhancing the appearance of main street; and making needed repairs and upgrades at the ball field. (Note from 2022: The last item has been accomplished in several ways, from new lights to new bleachers to a newer concession stand and restrooms.)

The problem, of course, is how to pay for such efforts?

We are all aware of the economic downturn plaguing the U.S. and most of the rest of the world. This has made some belt tightening necessary for the average American.

But does that mean we should halt all community improvement efforts? 

There are options for raising revenue. Back in March, we explored options to pay for street paving. The most viable option -- raising property taxes via bonding -- isn't appealing.

So today we are asking readers for their ideas on how best to raise the funds to pay for Dorchester's most-needed community improvement projects.

Aong with Dorchester's civic and government leaders, we look forward to hearing from you.

DHS Journalists Earn Several Awards In Statewide Competition

Dorchester is known to have one of the top small-school journalism programs from the state. (Experts say this is likely because Dorchester kids grow up reading the Times. Who are we to question the experts?)

Recently, DHS students competed in the Journalism Education Association's winter competition. Exactly 650 entries were submitted statewide by 23 schools. Most of the schools were Class A schools; Dorchester was the smallest represented. The competitors received certificates for entries judged either superior or excellent, or worthy of honorable mention. Only the best entries received awards.

Here is how Dorchester's budding journalists fared:

• The team of Madison Sherwood, Tyler Sysel, and Hailey Schweitzer received an excellent in Yearbook Theme Development.
• Madison Sherwood received an excellent in Yearbook Theme Copy Writing, and honorable mention in Sports/Action Photography.
• Tyler Sysel received an honorable mention in Advertising and Yearbook Theme Copy Writing.
• Jacob Cerny received honorable mention in Yearbook Sports Writing.
• Ashton Rasplicka received an honorable mention in Photo/Artistic Illustration.
• Hailey Schweitzer received an honorable mention in Yearbook Layout.

These Longhorns are advised by Mrs. Sandy Severance.

See the competition's full results here.

Home For Sale: 909 Fulton Ave.

Dorchester's real estate market is booming -- especially as the days of easy, cheap money following two years of money printing and government handouts are coming to a close. 

More and more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, common sense, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. On the rare occasion a Dorchester home is listed, most are sold within a week to 10 days. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. 

• A SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With an upgraded water and sewer system, and a surplus of funding at Village Hall.

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

• KEY BUSINESS AND PRIME LOCATION: Headquarters for one of the nation'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 12 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a small, close-knit community.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available.

909 Fulton Ave.: All new and still affordable! Here is a nicely remodeled home that has all you need, offering one bedroom, large bath/laundry, kitchen and living room. Was gutted and has new electrical, plumbing, windows, insulation, sewer line, roof and siding, along with all new interior! Located in nice Village of Dorchester, with a detached garage and storage shed. See the listing.

Dorchester Easter Egg Hunt Set For Saturday, 2 P.M.

Easter weekend is here. Make it special for the little ones in your life.

Dorchester's annual Easter egg hunt will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16. 

For kids in pre-K through second grade, the hunt will be at the high school football field, just northwest of the school. 

For kids in grades 3-4, the hunt will be at the practice football field in north Dorchester.

Sponsored by the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department, this is a fun activity for kids and parents.

And tonight (Friday, April 15) at 7 p.m., kids can show up at the Dorchester Fire Hall to help dye Easter eggs! Be prepared to get messy. Old clothing is advised.

Happy Easter!

Home For Sale: 308 W 8th St.

Dorchester's real estate market is booming -- especially as the days of easy, cheap money following two years of money printing and government handouts are coming to a close. (Remember this house? Our sources tell us it sold for considerably more than the asking price.) 

More and more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, common sense, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. On the rare occasion a Dorchester home is listed, most are sold within a week to 10 days. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. 

• A SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With an upgraded water and sewer system, and a surplus of funding at Village Hall.

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

• KEY BUSINESS AND PRIME LOCATION: Headquarters for one of the nation'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 12 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a small, close-knit community.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available.

308 W 8th St.: A rare chance to own property in Dorchester! This three bed, one bath home sits on a large 0.38 acre lot near the Dorchester school, parks, and the new splash pad. Currently a rental, so great for investors or anyone wanting to live the small-town life. Close to Crete, Friend, Beaver Crossing, and Milford. Open House on Saturday, April 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. See the listing.

LOOKING BACK: Joe Wagner's Mobil Station

The year is 1961. (Don't we wish?) 

Your car needs an oil change or a mechanical fix. 

What do you do? 

Well, 61 years ago, you had several options in Dorchester. You could take your car to the new Farmers Co-op service station, or to one of two garages in town: Sehnert's Ford Garage -- or Joe Wagner's Mobil filling station and garage across the street.

Derek Filipi of Wilber (Joe's grandson) sent us this were photograph through our Dorchester Times Facebook account. Click on the photo for a better view.

Wagner's filling station and garage operated at the present site of Barley's Specialties.  

After Wagner's went out of business, the building was sold to the Danielson family. In the 1980s, it was briefly home to Zabka's Phillips 66 station and convenience store.

During the 1950s, it was Arnold's Mobil, as longtime resident Arnold Bobolz owned and operated his business for several years.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Track Team Shows Big Improvement

 

DHS Track Teams Show Big Improvement: The DHS boys and girls track and field teams are showing improvement this season. Examples: At the recent Turkey Creek relays, the DHS girls took second place in the 1600 meter relay, second distance medley, and the 240 shuttle hurdle -- finishing third overall to beat six other schools. Three Lady Longhorns took home medals in individual field events. The boys outscored four other schools, including Friend. Earlier in the season, freshman Baylor Behrens broke Carmen Novak's 35-year school record in the 300 meter hurdles at the Thayer Central meet. It appears the new track and field training resources built last year at the practice football field are resulting in more competitive Longhorn athletes.

City Slickers, Eastside Announce Closed Dates: Dorchester's City Slickers Bar and Grill will be closed next Wednesday through Saturday, April 20-23, in addition to its normal days off, according to a social media post. Meanwhile, Eastside Bar and Grill will be closed Easter Sunday.

Could Omaha's Tiny House Village Set an Example for Dorchester?: For years, Dorchester residents have decried the lack of affordable housing for seniors who can no longer take care of their larger properties. Today, we note that Nebraska’s first modern-day tiny house village -- soon to start sprouting in north downtown Omaha -- may serve as an affordable-rent example for smaller communities like Dorchester. The 50 stand-alone homes in Omaha, each about 250 square feet, might be a bit too small for our tastes, but the gated village -- along with its community center, gardens, and common laundry facilities -- would appeal to older residents who want to remain in our village. It's would a larger conversation, especially considering it's being financed via the federal low-income housing tax credit program administered by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority.

Nearly $8,500 In Delinquent Property Taxes In Dorchester Precinct

No one likes paying property taxes, which are too high in Nebraska. 

But property taxes are what fund our schools, towns, and counties. When property owners are delinquent on their property tax payments, it creates an added burden for other taxpayers.  

According to the latest report from the Saline County Treasurer's office, there are nearly $8,500 in delinquent property tax bills in the Dorchester precinct alone. (Remember, there are 16 precincts countywide.)

These owners of these Dorchester homes, vacant lots, commercial buildings, and parcels of agricultural land had not paid their property taxes as of the printing of the treasurer's list. (We were unable to determine if the owners have since made their payments.) 

See the entire 2022 Saline County delinquent property tax list here. (For property search and mapping -- so you can identify where these properties are -- click here.)

FLASHBACK: Scenes From Dorchester's First COVID-19 Cruise

On April 4, 2020, Dorchester -- while still in the first phase of a new, deadly global pandemic -- decided to determine its own fate and have a little fun.

Spearheaded by Dorchester business owners and local businessman and hometown advocate Greg Tyser, the commumity held a "Cruise Night" on main street (Washington Ave.). 

For just a couple hours, the coronavirus from China was not the first thing on people's mind as hundreds of automobiles and other forms of transport convened in our community.

Not only did area residents show off their sweet -- and not-so-sweet -- rides, but Dorchester restaurants had curbside specials, adding a much-needed boost to their business activity after a month of COVID-19 precautions and paranoia.

Below are some scenes from Dorchester's COVID cruise. (Click each one to see a larger version.) 

Thanks to Sharon Axline and others who brought out their professional cameras to capture this history back in April 2020.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Lila Pribyl Celebrates 80 Years

Here are the latest updates from the Dorchester area:

Lila Pribyl Turning 80: Dorchester's Lila Pribyl will be 80 years young on April 4, we are told. Happy birthday to Lila!

Village Board Will Meet Monday Night: The Dorchester village board is set to meet at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 4 at the Community Building. You can view minutes and agenda from previous meetings here.

DHS Drama Set for April 8-9: On Friday and Saturday evenings, April 8 and 9, the DHS drama team will present a 7 p.m. murder mystery play at the Dorchester School theater. Be sure to check out this wonderful production. Admission for adults is $5, while students $3.

DHS Basketballers Named to All-Conference Teams: DHS basketball standouts Blake Hansen and Baylor Behrens were recently named the CRC's all-conference honorable mention teams. Hats off to both of these Longhorns.

Alumni Golf Outing Set for June 4: The DHS alumni golf tourney will be held Saturday, June 4 at the Friend Country Club. Cost is $60 for 18 holes per golfer, or $240 for a foursome. See details on pages 6-7 in the latest DPS newsletter.

Dorchester Kindergarten Registration Coming Soon: DPS Kindergarten for the 2022-23 will be Tuesday, April 12 at 6 p.m. at the school. Kindergarten Round-Up, which gives the kids a chance to get to know one another, will be Thursday, April 14, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Call 402-946-2781 for more details.