Dorchester's Todd Bruns Passes At 66

Dorchester native and longtime village resident Todd Bruns has passed away at the age of 66. He was one of 18 men who graduated as part of DHS' large Class of 1974.

On Aug. 9, 1956, Todd was born in Crete to Ruth and Henry Bruns. Todd grew up on a farm east of Dorchester with his parents and two older sisters, Nikki and Leslie. Todd graduated from Dorchester High school in 1974. This is where he met is high school sweetheart, Karen Hromek. Todd and Karen got married on Sept. 5, 1981. They had two children, Jamie and Scott. 

In 2012, Todd became a proud Grandpa to Harrison. 

He worked and retired from Tenneco in Seward after 45 years with the company. In his retirement Todd enjoyed, NASCAR, WWE, woodworking, reading, napping, and watching sporting events of his grandson. 

Todd is survived by his wife of 41 years, Karen, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson, Jamie, Kelly, and Harrison Vyhnalek of Dorchester. Son, Scott Bruns of Lincoln. Sisters, Leslie Bruns of Auburn, and Nicki Jennings, Evanston, WY. In-laws include: Vicky and Steve Parks, Bill and Terri Hromek, Bruce Hromek, Kelli Hromek, Larry (Moe) Hromek, and Robin Usher. Along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. 

Celebration of life and lunch will be held at Dorchester Legion, Saturday, May 6, from 1-4 p.m. More at Kuncl's website.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Athletics Honors And Job Openings

Schrunk Honored at Athletic Banquet: This week, Dorchester Public School Superintendent Daryl Schrunk was honored at the DHS athletic banquet for his seven years of leading the school. "Thank you, Mr. Schrunk, for all you have done for Longhorn Athletics and our school," read the school's social media post. As previously reported, Schrunk -- who was hired by DPS in 2016 -- has announced he will resign at the end of June to become superintendent in Randolph, Neb. in order to be closer to his family. Dorchester's next superintendent, Curtis Cogswell, is a veteran school administrator and considered by many educational professionals to be among the state's top 10%, sources say.

School Carnival Next Friday: On Friday, May 5, plan to attend Dorchester's 2023 School Carnival. This free event, open to all ages, will offer fun for the whole family -- with games, face painting, bounce houses, a photo booth, food and more. The event is being organized by the Dorchester PTO.

Village Seeks Full-Time Utility Superintendent: The Times has learned that the Village of Dorchester is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a full-time utility superintendent. This long-term position will supervise and perform duties in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the sewer and water systems; streets; storm drainage; parks; city equipment; public buildings; heavy equipment operations; and other tasks as assigned for the village government, as well as oversee the assistant utility superintendent and all seasonal employees. Candidate must be in good physical condition and possess a valid Nebraska driver’s license and a clean driving record. State Certification as a Grade 4 Water Operator and a Class L Wastewater Operator license are required (or the ability to obtain proper licensure within a year of employment). Preferences for electrical experience. Pay based on experience and certification. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Please contact the Village Clerk at (402) 946-3201 for an application and complete job description or visit the village website. Email dorchesterclerk@gmail.com with questions.

Part-Time Summer Position Available: Know of a college student looking for steady summer work? The Village of Dorchester is looking for a dependable, energetic individual, preferably 18 years or older. A valid driver’s license is required. Work hours are flexible between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Applications must be submitted no later than May 12; forms are available at Village Hall, or on the village website. Email dorchesterclerk@gmail.com with questions.

Looking Back: Dorchester's Firsts

Most area historians concur that "Andreas' History of the State of Nebraska," written in the late 1800s, is an authority on Saline County's earliest days. No other collection of information is as thorough.

With the assistance of the online edition of "Andreas' History," the Times has compiled a collection of Dorchester's firsts, including the first couple married in town, the first birth, the first death, and the first official sermon.

Here's a look back at some the firsts of our community, whose roots begin in the year 1870, when the plot of ground we now know as Dorchester was selected by the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad after a survey was conducted. 

- First Residents: Before buying the site that would become Dorchester from the federal government, the railroad sent four men to claim an entire section of land, with each claiming 160 acres. Two of the four men who settled at that time were James Seely and Edward McIntyre -- Dorchester's first residents. Both made a permanent location here. The other two remained just long enough to secure the land and transfer it to the railroad.

- First Birth: The first birth occurred in early 1872 -- that of John, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hawkins. The next birth -- that of Ed McIntyre Parker, son of Hon. and Mrs. T. B. Parker -- occurred October 10, 1872.

- First Death: The first death occurred in the spring of 1873, and was that of Burke, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Windrem.

- First Sermon: Sometime in late 1870 or early 1871, the first formal sermon in Dorchester was preached by Rev. Frederick Alley, a Congregational minister.

- First Official School: The first schoolhouse was built in 1872.

- First Church: The Christian church was built in the summer of 1878. 

- First Bank: The Bank of Dorchester was established in October 1881.

- First Newspaper: The Dorchester Star was established August 21, 1881.

- First Village Board: Dorchester was officially incorporated as a village in June 1881, with N. B. Alley, Thomas Jarrett, John Oberlies, S. G. Panter, and W. H. Pallett listed as Trustees; C. F. Thomas, Clerk; J. H. Clark, Treasurer; and M. O. Alley, Marshal.

- First Census Count: In 1879, Dorchester had 673 residents. Just one year later, it had 954.

FLASHBACK: Nerud Field Project Neared Completion Nearly 14 Years Ago

It's hard to believe, but 14 years ago this spring, work was being completed on the current Nerud Field concessions stand and restroom facilities.

The project brought a much-needed improvement to Dorchester's very own football/baseball/softball complex.

Community volunteers, headed by resident Bill Velder, provided the resources and labor to construct the 24’ by 40’ building, which includes a covered dining area.

The project, along with the new lights and improved scoreboards added in 2018, greatly enhanced Nerud Field -- named in honor of the late Miles Nerud, who passed away in 2007. (Nerud brought organized little league baseball to Dorchester in the 1950s and served as one of the founding fathers of the Seward-Fillmore-Saline (SFS) League.)

The latest project under way at Nerud Field is a renovation of the bleacher area behind the baseball/softball diamond. Concrete was poured earlier this month where the bleachers sit, ensuring no more muddy or dusty walkways for fans. (See photos here.)

Also, concrete was poured for sidewalks behind both dugouts to improve the landscape around the ballpark.  

The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund is working to gather donations to finalize the purchase of shade structures for the ballpark bleachers. 

If you would like to contribute a donation to help expedite the project, you can donate online or call Dale Hayek at (402) 641-4075.

NEWS ROUNDUP: DPS Gets New School Bus

New Bus for DPS: Dorchester Public School's social media reports the school's new bus has arrived. According to the school's post, the new bus features coach seating and air conditioning, which "will make some of those long road trips to away events more comfortable for our students, athletes, and coaches."

Village Clean-Up Continues Through Saturday: Dorchester's community spring clean-up, which started April 15, continues until Saturday, April 22.  The village dump site will be open Wednesday from 1-7 p.m. and Saturday 9-5 p.m.

DHS Sends Journalists to State: Dorchester High School had eight qualifiers and one alternate for the Nebraska School Activities Association's state journalism competition. According to sources, this ties the record for the number of DHS students who have qualified in a single school year. The following Longhorns will be competing Monday, April 24 in Norfolk: Gabby Theis; Jacob Cerny; Elsy Loarca; Ariana Tellez; Hailey Schweitzer; Andrea Pavlish; Mackenzie Luzum; Victoria Leavitt; and Joseph Peacock. Congrats to all of these budding journalists.

DHS Alum Thomas Parks Passes: Thomas W. Parks, a Dorchester native and 1948 DHS graduate, passed away on April 13. The son of Lorenzo and Lela (West) Parks, he was a longtime employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Funeral services are set for Wednesday, April 19, in Lincoln. See the full obituary.

Kansas In 'Dust Bowl-Like' Drought; Rain Coming To Our Area

While much of Kansas is experiencing drought conditions reminiscent of the Dust Bowl days, portions of Nebraska aren't too far behind. Consecutive days of warm, windy days has triggered fire hazard warnings for most counties in the Dorchester area.

Much of the Plains continues to fall further behind in needed precipitation. Here's the latest update from the UNL Drought Monitor.

The good news is moisture is expected soon, according to the Times' official weather outlet, AccuWeather. (It traditionally takes until mid-April until Mother Nature sends moist air to southeastern Nebraska.)

Friday afternoon and evening, April 14, will bring a 50% of thunderstorms to Saline County. Unfortunately, large hail and damaging winds could accompany the rainfall.

Saturday, which will feel more like early March with high temps only in the 40s, will bring a 55% chance of rain.

By mid-week next week, we are expected to have a chance of rain every day, from Wednesday through the following Monday -- with a better than 50% chance most days.

Pray for rain.

George 'Junior' Kasl Passes At 89

George F. "Junior" Kasl, was born on July 9, 1933 to George and Emma (Rezabek)
Kasl. He passed away at Bryan Hospital in Lincoln on Sunday, April 9, at the age of 89.  

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 14, at 2 p.m. at the Dorchester United Methodist Church.  

Jr. was born on the family farm near Tabor Hall on July 9, 1933, the eighth of nine children, to George Sr. and Emma (Rezabek) Kasl. He attended Mount Pleasant Country School, District 62, followed by a year at Dorchester High School. He then decided to leave school to help on the family farm. 

Jr. served in the Army National Guard for nine years, and during that time he met the love of his life, Shirley, at a dance at Tabor Hall. He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Ripa on June 12, 1956, and they made their home on the Kasl family home place where Jr. had grown up. They enjoyed their lives on the farm and stayed busy raising hogs, sheep, chickens, and cattle. They loved kids and spent many summers hosting their nieces and nephews on the farm. 

After 15 years of marriage, they were blessed with their only son, George F. Kasl, III, or “Georgie” as he was affectionately called. He was the absolute light of their lives and Jr. was so proud to take him along wherever he went and show him off to everyone. Nothing gave him more pleasure than being a dad. He loved spending time with Georgie throughout his years in Boy Scouts, and was a Scout leader part of that time as well. 

When Georgie got interested in showing cattle, Jr. found himself with a new hobby, too, as he spent many hours going to cattle shows and sales, and later on taking loads to Columbus for embryo transfers or to the sale barn. He enjoyed helping with the cattle chores around the farm, and could always be found puttering around and “fixing fence.” 

That pride and love extended to his grandchildren when they came along, and he and Shirley rarely missed any of the kids’ events. They were incredibly supportive with each and every one of their granddaughters’ activities, whether it was sports, music concerts, dance or showing animals in 4-H. He was very proud that he and Shirley received the 2022 Friends of 4-H award for the many years of supporting their family and the youth of Saline County. 

Besides his family, Jr.’s one true love was farming, and he was a Northrup King seed dealer for many years. He especially loved his wheat and milo, and enjoyed sowing his wheat the most. He was always concerned about the weather, and enjoyed watching the weather channel and listening to the markets and the weather on KRVN (even though the station is over 2 hours away). 

Even after retiring from farming, he always wanted to drive around and check the fields to see how the crops were coming along. Having to give up driving himself around was especially difficult, but his family and neighbors made sure he still got to experience planting and harvest as much as possible. 

Jr. was very proud to be a member of August-Vanek Legion Post #264. He enjoyed attending Legion meetings and helping with the various activities, and was honored to be presented with a Quilt of Valor in March 2022. He was also very active throughout the years at WFLA Tabor Lodge #74 and had received his 50 year pin. He loved both attending and helping at dances at the hall. He was proud of his Czech heritage and loved listening to polkas, and maybe enjoying a pivo or two, especially with tomato juice. On Saturday nights, he could be found watching Mollie B., and rarely missed listening to the All Star Polka show on Sunday mornings. He always looked forward to Czech Days, and getting his annual pin was a must. Jr. also found a special friend in his cat, Blackie, and the two of them enjoyed each other’s company tremendously. 

Jr. is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Shirley; his son and daughter in law, George, III and Jenni Kasl; granddaughters, Emma Kasl and special friend, Landon Scott; Cassidy Olson and special friend Brandon Bruha; Quinn Kasl and Kendall Kasl; great-granddaughters, Aleah Wendelin and Emerson Scott; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Marva Kasl; Rich and Shirley Kasl; and Evelyn Kasl, all of Dorchester; brother-in-law, Kenny Ripa, Wilber; many nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives. Jr. was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Victor and Emma Ripa; sisters and brothers-in-law, Evelyn and Elmer Branzovsky; Helen and Edward Halada; Dorothy and Lumir Kotas; Gladys & Warren Burda; brothers and sisters-in-law Ed and Rosella Kasl; Frank Kasl; Darlene Kasl; and several nieces and nephews.  

Memorials are in care of the family for future designation.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

Our Best April Fools: Bulldozing Of Neglected Properties Begins

Note: On April 1, 2017, the Times ran the following story. It received some serious attention and garnered a few laughs. But less than a year later, our joke became a reality -- and made our community better. Enjoy.

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It appears Dorchester's initiative to clean up neglected properties has been taken to a new level.

Just after daybreak today, bulldozers moved in quickly to knock down the longtime vacant house at the intersection of 9th St. and Jefferson Ave.

The blighted home was reduced to a stack of rubble within a few minutes, according to one eyewitness.

Details sent to the Times report that a Lincoln-based construction company tore down the structure. 

One resident who lives next to the property told us he was glad to see the neglected house be demolished.  He said that for years the home has served no purpose "other than to provide shelter to rats, mice and snakes. And perhaps an occasional cat."

He mentioned that he had one regret, however.

"I just wish I could have knocked it down myself," he told the Times.

Our sources tell us the village won't stop here and that "several" blighted properties will be razed in the "coming days or hours."

The Times has also learned that several opponents to the demolition have caught wind of the plan and will be picketing on Main Street to greet the bulldozers.

The picketers are said to be considering raising a large banner across main street that says: "Don't level our cheap storage space!"

Developing...

(UPDATE: Happy April Fools Day.)