Five Easy Steps To Make Dorchester Even Better

Questions to ponder: 

• When you drive into Dorchester, what do you notice? 
  
  
• Is it clean and attractive? 
  
  
  
• Are the streets, sidewalks, and parking lots clean? 
  
  
  
• Are there businesses that make you want to stop? 
  
  
  
• Are there attractions and events promoted? 
  
  
  
• Are the buildings in good repair? 
  
  
  
• Are there weeds growing in places they shouldn't be?
  
  
  
• If you have a physical property, does it look the best it can? 
  
  
  
• Are you giving back to your community or just taking from it?

There's no doubt, Dorchester has a lot going for it. We note the positives every time we publicize a house that has been listed for sale.

But communities are like individuals -- there's always room for improvement. 

Here are five easy things we can do in Dorchester to make our village an even better place to live or visit:

1.  Be friendly. Sounds simple enough. But by just smiling, waving, and being friendly to your neighbors, fellow residents, and visitors, you'll make a difference. It's easy if you try.

2.  Be helpful. See the comments in step 1. 

3.  Be appreciative. Tell a Village of Dorchester employee, or school staff member, or Dorchester business employee that you appreciate them. Thank a community volunteer. If visitors are in Dorchester, when appropriate, let them know the community appreciates them stopping by our village. 

4.  Listen and be responsive. In an era when some people check their phones 300 times a day (it's true) or stare endlessly at screens, we don't take time to interact with living and breathing humans next to us, as generations did before the arrival of the television and personal computer and smart phone. Think of ways to interact -- in person -- with your fellow Dorchester area residents. You might learn something -- and develop a new best friend.

5.  Keep homes and buildings in repair. Some of this is up to individual businesses and homeowners; some of it is up to the village and its partners to enforce ordinances in a timely manner. Do we need more ordinances and fines to take care of run-down properties? Or will negligent owners respect their neighbors and rules of the community? If you have a neglected property, resolve to clean it up, wash the windows, give it a fresh coat of paint. Make your property an asset to Dorchester, not a detraction. If it's beyond repair, sell it or tear it down. Think of those around you and Dorchester's future.

Czech Out Wilber's 61st Annual Czech Festival

One of the liveliest weekends of the summer is almost here.

On Aug. 5-7, many Nebraskans will be headed to the annual Wilber Czech Festival, Saline County's most celebrated event -- and a tradition since JFK was president.

Readers in Wilber tell us that town officials have spent months preparing for this year's event, including those at the historic Hotel Wilber.

Every year in early August, the population of Wilber balloons to as many as 50,000 as folks traverse from miles around to celebrate their own Czech ancestry -- or to pay tribute to some of the county's pioneers and traditions. 

The community of approximately 2,000 has been the official Czech capital of Nebraska since 1963 and the U.S. Czech capital since 1987.  

See the full 2022 Czech Days schedule. Also, be sure to visit the Nebraska Czechs of Wilber Facebook page.

This year, Czech Days activities will include a free dance at Hotel Wilber, Czech bingo, the accordion jamboree, a sand volleyball tournament, the regular parade and a children's parade, an art show, dance contest, Czech dinners, museum tours, car show, quilt show, Czech heritage demonstrations, and the sounds of various polka bands.

The official Czech Days' parade starts at 2 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The Miss Czech-Slovak U.S.A. Queen Pageant begins at 7 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at the outdoor theater. A kids' parade is set for 7 p.m. Friday.

If you go, have fun and be safe. And be sure to tell everyone "Ahoj kámo!" (Hello, friend!)

NEWS ROUND-UP: New School Year Is 3 Weeks Away

Dorchester's New School Year Is 3 Weeks Away: A new school year begins in Dorchester in just three weeks, on Aug. 17. (Football and volleyball practices begin on Aug. 8.) Dorchester Public School has published this packet of "must know" information for the new school year. It includes key dates, classroom supply lists, band camp information, and more.

BBQ Pork Feed, Aug. 14: Get ready for some good eats Aug. 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. That's when the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund will hold its BBQ pork feed for area residents at the Dorchester City Park. Ribs and pulled pork sandwiches will be served. It will be a free-will offering, so please give generously since your donations will contribute to worthwhile projects in our village.

Jacee Zoubek Honored by Doane: DHS alumna Jacee Zoubek has been named a Doane and Pflieger-Olson GPAC Scholar-Athlete for the 2021-22 academic year. To receive both honors, a student-athlete must be a participant in their sport for the full year and hold a 3.30 grade point average. The GPAC award is presented to those who contributed to their varsity teams.

Vicki Vavra Passes: A celebration of life will be held at the Auld Pavilion, 1650 Memorial Drive, Lincoln on July 30 from 3-6 p.m. for Dorchester's Vicki Lynn (Wood) Vavra. She passed away on July 14 in her home after a long battle with cancer. Vicky was 69. She was surrounded by her loving family. Read her full obituary here.

Nebraska Could Be Quake Country (Again): We keep hearing reports of earthquakes along the Nebraska-Kansas border. Apparently a 3.6 magnitude quake hit at 7:04 a.m. Tuesday, July 26, about six miles west-southwest of Superior, Neb. in north central Jewell County, Kan. This was similar to the quake that was felt more than a week ago as far as north as York. Remember that a couple years ago, we published our own story on the Humboldt Fault Zone, which extends from Nebraska southwest through much of Kansas, all the way to Oklahoma City. The Humboldt line is close enough to Saline County that we would certainly feel the impact of a major quake.

108 Years Later: Tabor Hall And Its Significance

Those who live in this area sometimes take it for granted, but Tabor Hall -- located just southwest of Dorchester -- has played a significant role in the ethnic culture of Saline County.  

Today, we examine the historical importance of Tabor Hall and the people behind it.

Z.C.B.J.

If you've been to Tabor Hall, you've likely noticed the lettering atop the front entrance.  And many of you have probably scratched your head in bewilderment.

The Zapadni Cesko Bratrske Jednota (Z.C.B.J.) or Western Bohemian Fraternal Association emerged in 1897 from the oldest fraternal Czech organization in the United States. The purpose of this group was to provide life insurance and sickness benefits to members, and to aid immigrants as they settled in their new homeland. The headquarters of the Z.C.B.J. were in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with lodges in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota and Wisconsin.

The Z.C.B.J. lodges nurtured the Czech culture's so-called "free-thinking movement" on the Great Plains. The free-thinking movement had begun in Czechoslovakia in the 1800s. The Young Czech party -- made up mostly of peasants, farmers and tradesmen -- was organized as a force against the upper-middle class Czechs against the ruling forces of the Catholic Church, which was a dominant political force.

The Z.C.B.J. lodge was critical in promoting the preservation of the Czech language and culture in Saline County. It also provided a place of fellowship and social interaction for the rural Czech community.

Tabor Hall

Throughout the 20th century, Tabor Hall served as a social nucleus for Saline County and the surrounding area. But many area residents aren't aware of how Tabor Hall came to be.

Tabor Lodge was organized Oct. 8, 1899, in Pleasant Hill -- the former county seat -- located two miles east of the lodge building's current location. The 14 charter members of Tabor Lodge were: John Cerny, Joseph Cihal, Joseph Freeouf, Frank Hajek, Paul Kasl, Anton Koci, Joseph Kozeluh, Jarlim Vrbsky, Vaclav Kucera, Anton Prokop, Vaclav Prokop, Jerry Shestak, Thonas Sokolik and Frank Zumpfe.

Tabor Lodge Hall was constructed in 1914 and dedicated Sept. 27, 1914. During WWI, when Czechoslovakia became involved, Tabor Lodge organized a chapter of the Czech National Association and raised several thousand dollars to help in the war effort. Language classes were conducted at the hall.  The hall also helped promote the Sokol movement -- gymnastics designed to create and preserve a "sleek, well-tuned body."  

At one time, Tabor Lodge held the distinction of being the largest Czech lodge in Nebraska.

By 1934, the organization had an urgent need for more space. A large dance pavilion was added to the existing lodge -- and the renovated, expanded Tabor Hall re-opened in June 1934 with a huge dance. Tabor Hall soon became known to almost everyone in the Saline County area as it hosted political functions, farm organizations, class reunions, graduations, parties, flea markets, and wedding/anniversary celebrations.

In 1981, the building received an extensive makeover and restoration. The ceiling was lowered to provide for a more energy efficient space. The walls were adorned with advertising signs as local businesses purchased their space and provided the sign painting.

Today, 108 years after its construction, Tabor Hall is well maintained by the members of Tabor Lodge. The building still serves as a social hub for Saline County, regardless of ethnicity or family background.  

Tabor Hall is a historical gem; its importance in shaping our regional community cannot be overlooked.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester School Enrollment Up 25% Since 2017

School Enrollment Sees Solid Growth: According to information from Superintendent Daryl Schrunk, Dorchester Public School has experienced solid growth in its K-12 enrollment from 2017. The school grew from 172 students five years ago to an estimated 215 for the upcoming school year. That's a 25% increase. When including Dorchester's pre-kindergarten figures, school enrollment is nearly 240 students.

School Leader Wants to Help Spur Housing, Economic Development: Superintendent Schrunk tells the Times that the school district wants to help Dorchester promote housing and economic development efforts -- and he wants to discuss the possibilities with interested residents. According to Schrunk, the school's key selling points are its small class sizes -- with an average class size of 16 -- and opportunities for students in both academics and athletics. Schrunk's vision is to advertise the vacant lots and houses for sale in Dorchester, to attract people to build or buy (or remodel existing houses). Schrunk says the ad could be a combined effort of Renew Dorchester, the community foundation, the village government, the school, and perhaps others, all of whom would pay for the ad and be recognized as sponsors of the initiative. 

DHS Rocks State Journalism Contest: Earlier, we failed to note the success of the DHS journalism team at the Nebraska Journalism Contest this spring. Highlights included freshman Gabby Theis earning first place in news/feature photography. In all, the DHS team captured 17 medals as eight Longhorns competed (the most ever to compete at state for DHS). Hailey Schweitzer won five medals alone -- the most that any individual student has won at the state competition. Overall, DHS placed fifth place despite being the smallest school to compete in the competition. (The Dorchester Times is taking applications from these talented young journalists to serve as future editors.)

Two Longhorns Make UNL's Dean's List: Dorchester had two mentions on the UNL dean's list for the spring semester. Jaki Acosta, a junior marketing major, made the dean’s list at UNL's College of Business. Holly Nigh, a freshman music education major, made the dean’s list for the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts.

New Home Going Up on North Side: Another new house is being built in Dorchester after the lot sizes in Dorchester's northside development were increased to roughly one-third acre. According to our sources, a construction firm from Adams County is building the spec home -- a move that could set off more construction of homes in Dorchester. The new house is located just off 12th Street, across from the DHS practice field and track grounds.

Saline County Fair Will Show Country Pride, July 13-17

It's that time of year again -- county fair time! 

The 2022 Saline County Fair will run July 13-17 at Crete’s Tuxedo Park.  The theme is "Country Pride, County Wide." 

This year's fair will feature a double-shot concert on Friday night, July, with Modern Kowboy and Shenandoah, which has produced 13 No. 1 country songs over the years.

For a complete fair schedule, click here.  For concert tickets, click here.

Highlights of this year's county fair include:

* Tractor driving contest (2 p.m., July 13)
* B.B. gun shoot (4 p.m., July 13)
* Figure 8 and demolition derby (7:30 p.m., July 14)
* Livestock judging (July 14-16)
* Friday night concert (7 p.m., July 15)
* Parade (1:30 p.m., July 16)
* Rodeo (8 p.m., July 16)

Discover all the fair has to offer. Head to Crete this week.

Dorchester's Fall Festival Appears to Be Returning, Thanks to Museum Volunteers

We've received unconfirmed reports that the Saline County Historical Society is planning to host a fall festival in Dorchester in late September. 

If true, it would be very big news for the area community. After all, fall is a time of celebration, appropriate in this part of the country.

Some of our readers may recall that in the late 1970s, the Village of Dorchester held its own fall festival, an idea conceived and organized by school administrators and educators and town leaders. 

Dorchester's autumn celebration was complete with a parade, kid activities, performances, and seasonal food, like kettle corn and caramel apples.

The Dorchester area needs more community events to get everyone together again -- and get us physically talking to one another once more -- not just taking verbal shots at others or gossiping via electronic screens.

Of course, Crete started its Great Pumpkin Festival a few years ago, and we encourage Dorchester residents to support that wonderful event. 

But there's plenty of appetite for another fall festival that focuses on traditions of the past, as well as our agricultural roots. It sounds like the Saline County Museum volunteers have that in mind, according to an email shared with our staff.

In the late 1970s, Dorchester school leaders helped bring about the town's fall festival as a way to unite the entire community and school. 

Now, in 2022, perhaps the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund, business owners, church leaders, and Dorchester School personnel can plan activities to support the museum's festival, while adding activities of their own.

Doesn't a Dorchester fall festival sound nice? It's an idea whose time has come -- again.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Dorchester Wins Great Burger War

City Slickers Wins Best-Burger Contest: Dorchester's City Slickers Bar and Grill, owned by Kathy Duhrkop, just won its third-consecutive Annual Burger War crown. The contest, conducted by the Frontier HOG motorcycle riding group, compares the hamburgers served by at least 20 small-town restaurants and bars within 40 miles of Lincoln. To be considered, the business must not only serve burgers but must also have a safe atmosphere for riders and offer a great experience for diners. KC's Eastside Saloon in Ashland took second place, according to a report by Amy Hausman of the Friend Sentinel.

Dial Phone Came to Dorchester 70 Years Ago: Seventy years ago this summer, Dorchester witnessed the arrival of the dial phone to homes across town. The last calls received over the old switchboard were made in late June 1952. After that the lines to the switchboard (see 1916 photo above) were cut -- ending decades of operation in the old telephone building. Afterwards, the building would go on to house a financial services business, a hair salon, and a short-lived dime store. Today, it sits wasting away on main street, while almost every household has a wireless phone.

Village Website to Receive an Overhaul: We're told the Village of Dorchester's government website will soon be refreshed and reorganized. Stay tuned.

LJ Kraft Passes: John “LJ” Kraft, 63, of Crete, formerly of Dorchester, passed away June 24, 2022, with family by his side. A funeral service was June 28. See the full obituary.

Acreage For Sale: 1057 County Road 1300

Due to the ongoing demand for housing in the Dorchester area, the Times staff wants to keep readers aware of opportunities to purchase a home in the school district.

We have spotted a nice acreage for sale south of Dorchester on County Road 1300. The actual address is 1057 County Rd. 1300.

This beauty has lots of land and is located in Spring Creek country.

The realtor says this about the property: "Peaceful and secluded 4.65 acres south of Dorchester can be yours! Surrounded by trees means lots of nature to be viewed as you relax on the covered all-weather deck. The barn is large enough to store your boat, RV, or use to rent storage. 

"The house has been updated with newer carpet and fresh paint. All personal property, including mower, will be on sold on Hi-Bid online auction in August. Closing date will be Sept. 1 to accommodate the auction. If desired, six, 10, or 21 acres south of home site can be added. Make this your next home or get-away spot. Contact us for your private showing today."

For more details, click here. 

Home For Sale: 703 Jefferson Ave.

Dorchester's real estate market is booming -- even 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.

703 Jefferson Ave.: With nearly 1,600 square feet and a full-sized garage, this property could be a dream home with some work and attention to detail. Start with an affordable price, then fix it up and pay as you go! Check out this great 3+1 bedroom. This comfortable home has loads of potential and plenty of space for everyone. Save on heating fuel prices this winter with the wood burning stove! Walking distance to schools, park, and downtown. See the listing.