The Truth Is Out There: Dorchester's Bigfoot Sightings

Nebraska is playing host to the nation's annual Bigfoot Conference this weekend.

 

That reminded us: Readers who are new to this blog may not be familiar with the Bigfoot sightings in the Dorchester area.

Today, we are going to fill you in.

 

Pleasant Hill Bigfoot

Several years ago, the Times published a controversial story about what are thought to be local sightings of a Bigfoot -- the elusive forest-dwelling man-ape, also known as a Sasquatch.

In the early days of this blog, a longtime Dorchester-area resident -- now deceased -- told a Times staff member he had clearly seen a creature resembling Bigfoot. While his family dismissed the accounts, the elderly resident insisted the creature existed. 

According to the resident, the Bigfoot-like creature was spotted in the woods of Turkey Creek near Pleasant Hill in the mid-1980s. It was seen for less than a minute as the gentleman drove his pickup along what is now Saline County Road II south of Pleasant Hill. 

Described as nearly 10-feet tall, the creature disappeared into the thick vegetation surrounding the creek and down the creek bank, according to the witness' account.

 

Johnson Creek Monster

Years later, the Times was informed of another Dorchester-area resident, a World War II veteran, who had seen what has been called "the Johnson Creek monster." 

In the early 1970s, this individual and his son claimed they saw the creature several times at their residence, which was near Johnson Creek, north of town. Johnson Creek, north of Dorchester, is a tributary of the Big Blue River.

This individual's son reported that the entire family once saw it in their yard. The details made it sound as though the specimen resembled a traditional Bigfoot as depicted in popular culture, but smaller. It was described as a miniature upright ape-like creature.

To be clear, the Dorchester Times staff is skeptical of the existence of Bigfoot or any similar creatures, regardless of the size of their feet. For decades, people have done their best to prove the creature's existence, but no solid evidence exists -- even in this era of mobile recording devices, drones, and other advanced technology.

Nonetheless, we will not simply dismiss the sincere accounts we have heard claiming the existence of Dorchester-area Bigfoot-like creatures. We will let our readers make up their own minds. The truth is out there.

The 'Old Bell' Has Been Pride Of DPS Campus Since 1932

The Dorchester Public School's bell monument, now located prominently in front of the school building's main entrance, features the refurbished bell from the 1890 school building. 

How many of you know the story behind the bell?

For those old enough to remember, the old school bell was showcased as part of a 1932 brick monument, just east of the 1927 school building, which was demolished in the summer of 2008. The old bell monument was razed a few years earlier due to its weakened structure and safety concerns.

Thanks to a loyal reader, the Dorchester Times was sent a May 1932 DHS alumni newsletter, which helped us uncover a little more history behind the old monument and the school bell itself.

According to an Dorchester High School Alumni Pep Bulletin article written by W.R. Freidell (DHS Class of 1907), the bell was salvaged from "the wreckage of the old red brick school house" after that building was demolished in 1930. 

That's when the DHS Alumni Association asked DHS graduate Merion Mooberry (Class of 1916), a skilled architect, to design "an appropriate mounting for this bell." (Editor's note: The sketch below is from the May 1932 issue of the Bulletin.)

The original bell monument was unveiled at the fifth-annual DHS alumni banquet May 21, 1932. The "historic landmark and "grandsire of the campus" was presented to alumni by its builder, DHS graduate and contractor Thomas Grey Jr. 

The newsletter reports the bell was mounted in "a lovely designed, final resting place just east of the new high school." 

Following the alumni banquet, toasts were made "around the traditional old bell."

Tickets for the 1932 alumni banquet were reduced to 65 cents a plate, due to "Old Man Oppression" -- or the Great Depression, as we call it today. But attendees still received the "same big three-course dinner," per the orders of Mrs. Panter, chair of the banquet and wife of the town doctor.

Following the monument dedication and banquet dinner, alumni were invited to visit the historian's exhibit entitled, "See Yourselves as Others Saw You on Your Graduation Night Years Ago."

Saline County Museum Is Open For 2024 Season

It's that time of year again. The Saline County Museum will soon be open for the summer season. 

Beginning Sunday, May 5, the museum (located in south Dorchester) will be open every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. 

Best of all, the May 5 event will feature free homemade ice cream.

Admission to the museum and its many buildings is free, although donations are welcome. All individuals and families are encouraged to visit and get in touch with this area's unique and special history. (See several photos of the museum's displays on the museum's social media.)

For those who don't know, the museum's roots can be traced back to the 1950s, when Dorchester's own Rosa Dusanek had a dream of building a Saline County museum to house the history of our area's people. 

Here's how it went down:

In 1957, the Saline County Historical Society was established.  In 1960, the Saline County commissioners gave the society a one-tenth mill levy.

The museum's first building -- the teal colored structure you see from Hwy. 33 -- was built in 1964.

Today there are a dozen buildings, with two being completed in just the last few years.

The recently added Kaspar Memorial Building (white and blue building near Washington Ave.) -- which features antiques automobiles and farm equipment -- and the newer research building (gray and red building near Hwy 33) continue to be filled as we write this article.

The Chapel contains “In Loving Memory” funeral displays, an altar and wedding dresses and suits. A nearby memorial pays tribute to Dorchester's Charlie Havlat, the last American killed in WWII's European Theater.

The Memorial Building has an 1800s bedroom, a 1950s living room, a parlor and an old-fashioned kitchen. There is a textile room, dentist office, doctor’s office and a beauty shop.

The Machinery Building has implements from the past centuries.

The Voting Building is original. This building was only used for voting.

The Buckingham School is a one room country school from 1871. It is a building where present day children can go to school to see how their great grandparents were educated.

The Burden Home belonged to the first black homesteader in Saline County. Seven children were born and raised in this two room home, dated 1868.

The Cizek log cabin, which dates back to 1866, is in the yellow building, along with a large collection of barbed wire and other items.

The Dorchester Depot houses fascinating train and railroad-related memorabilia.

And the Plato Post Office building is a traveling post office, a tiny building that moved from farm to farm.

The Saline County Museum is operated strictly by volunteers. The Saline County Historical Society Board consists of several individuals who meet quarterly. And the museum volunteers say they are working on new displays. 

Dorchester Home For Sale: 306 W 11th Street

Dorchester's real estate market remains strong despite the days of easy, cheap money -- following nearly years of money printing necessitated by massive government spending -- are coming to a close.

Many homes in large cities, as well as most acreages, have become unaffordable for the average buyer. Dorchester looks even more appealing now to most folks in the market for a home. Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A newer K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. This means individualized attention for your child.

• 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 BUSINESSES 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.

Here's a Dorchester home that just hit the market:

306 W 11th Street: Built in 1992, this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home is located on a large corner lot. Primary bedroom has 3 closets and primary bath. All appliances included. Informal dining room opens to family room. Laundry room connects to an oversized utility room. This property boasts an attached double garage that is both heated and cooled. A heated shop and a detached single garage, providing ample space for cars, storage and hobbies. Enjoy nights on the covered porch, or in the backyard. Everything you need on one level! $3,000 flooring allowance provided by seller. Open house Sunday, April 14, at 3:00 p.m. See the listing.

Ten Ways To Ruin A Small Town

(Editor's Note: This post was originally published in July 2007.)

Recently, a Times reader sent us a thought-provoking piece that appeared in the Keith County News. Since both attitudes and actions play an important role in community development and prosperity, we thought it would be worthwhile to share this list of "ways to ruin a town" with others. Regardless of where you live, we think the following list serves as a good reminder of what not to do if you want to improve your community.

'Ten Ways to Ruin a Town'

1. Never attend public meetings. Criticize the way “they” do things.

2. Always remind others about the cold winters, hot summers and general tough conditions for those who live here.

3. Complain about community groups, volunteers, etc.

4. Keep convincing yourself that it’s not important to attend town board meetings, school board meetings, school programs, church services, concerts, ballgames, etc. You won’t be missed.

5. Knock your public officials, including teachers and administrators. Talk about the “kickbacks” that the city council and school board must be getting.

6. Stay away from church. You might attend on Easter or Christmas to re-assure yourself that all who attend are hypocrites.

7. Make purchases out of town or through catalogs or internet sites. These firms will give back a lot to your community.

8. Remind others that your local newspaper and other communications are no good and have less local news than out-of-town media.

9. Remember: All kids are delinquents, all businessmen are crooks, and bad remarks about your town are the order of the day.

10. Above all, always be skeptical, cynical, and negative about anything designed for the community’s progress and betterment.

If any of this sounds like something you do, even occasionally, change your behavior. Build your community. You can make a difference. (This list originally appeared in "101 Ideas on Economic Development" by Cal Clark.)

Larry Kaspar Celebration Of Life, April 27

Larry C. Kaspar, age 80, of rural Dorchester, passed away on Thursday, March 28 in Lincoln following a long battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 19, 1943 in Friend to Bernard and Helen Kaspar. 

Larry was a DHS graduate in the Class of 1961 -- and a standout athlete in his high school years -- as well as a Navy veteran. He was a valued member of the Saline County community, and a dedicated volunteer in several organizations. 

He was especially active with the American Legion and the Saline County Historical Society, even donating funds for the Kaspar Memorial Building, which was established in recent years.

From noon until 4 p.m. on April 27, a Celebration of Life service will be held at the Dorchester Legion. More details and Larry's full obituary can be read here.

Solar Farm Coming To Saline County?

On Tuesday, April 16, at 7:15 p.m. at the county courthouse, the Saline County Planning and Zoning Board will meet to consider approving an application to construct a new solar energy facility near Tobias.

All interested parties are invited to attend this meeting for a chance to be heard regarding this proposed project. Written testimony and phone calls will also be accepted by calling (402) 821-3326 or emailing lweber@salinecountyne.gov.

According to public notice, the new solar generation farm would be on roughly 10 acres, which is about the size of 10 football fields.

The solar facility is being proposed by a company called Today's Power, along with Norris Public Power. It would generate only 992 kilowatts, which would only be enough to power a small handful of homes, according to our research.

This project is among the hundreds or thousands across the country using taxpayer funds to build renewable energy projects, in most cases with materials or finished goods from China. Funds include the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program, a program created through the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, a priority of the Biden administration.

A separate meeting regarding this proposed solar project will be held 9:30 a.m. on April 30, when the Saline County commissioners will take up the plan.

Vil Dweller's Note: The agendas for these upcoming meetings were taken from notices published in The Crete News. The county has not yet posted them on the official county website, which is a shame when considering how much residents are paying in property taxes for local government services. Property taxes are levied locally by local schools and governments, not the state; this is something the current governor of Nebraska and many in the Legislature have yet to grasp.

Dorchester Times Turns 17

 

Seventeen 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.

Now, 17 years later, the Dorchester blog has gathered an estimated 3.5 million page views.

 

As of April 2024, we are still averaging a whopping 43,932 hits a month, even in the era of social media.

 

Not bad for a community of approximately 600 residents. Not bad at all.

Despite being the most widely read website in Saline County, and one of the most popular blogs in Nebraska, we have rejected offers to advertise on our site. We've always wanted this site to be your site -- and to focus on the people of Dorchester, celebrating its past, and helping to be a part of its future.

To help us keep up on the latest developments in and around town, be sure to email your stories and photos or other relevant material at dorchester.times@gmail.com. (Do not, however, send notices to our Facebook instant messenger account. They likely won't be read.)

Thanks to our readers, contributors, and even our critics (like good ol' Cynical Richard) as we look forward to the next 17 years.

Read on.