Drought Continues; Now Covers Nearly All Nebraska

Nearly all of Nebraska is currently experiencing some form of drought. This includes Saline County, which has just been moved to the moderate drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Keep in mind this is occurring at what is traditionally a wet season for the Cornhusker State. Earlier this week, it was reported that Nebraska's topsoil moisture is rated at 72% short-to-very short and subsoil moisture is 79% short-to-very short.

Meanwhile, a report from the University of Nebraska shows groundwater levels continue to decline in parts of the state following several years of on-going drought. 

Due to increased irrigation use and lack of rainfall, the Nebraska Statewide Groundwater-Level Report -- which looks at nearly 5,000 irrigation wells -- show 61% of the state's wells showed declines with an average statewide drop of 0.52 feet in 2024.

Fortunately, it appears moisture is on the way. This Sunday -- Easter Sunday -- our weather models show a 95% chance of rain. The Times combines several different forecast platforms on behalf of our readers. Sunday will see increasing winds with periods of rain and a thunderstorm; chilly; storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, and even a tornado.

Next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will also bring reasonable chances for rain.

Our models show multiple chances for rain the first week of May, as well. Beyond that, the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a generally warm and wet spring for Nebraska. May is forecast to have above-normal temperatures and rainfall across the southern half of Nebraska.

Home For Sale: 706 Stephens Ave.

Dorchester's real estate market remains strong. This despite the fact that easy, cheap money -- following years of federal money printing and massive government spending -- are coming to a close. Interest rates will continue to remain relatively high due to the uncontrollable debt unleashed during the COVID-19 years and foreign nations shedding U.S. treasuries.

While homes in large cities and rural properties have become unaffordable for the average buyer, Dorchester looks even more appealing now to most folks. Consider what our community has to offer:

• STREET IMPROVEMENTS: Village leaders have paved more streets in recent months and more street improvements are planned.
  
  
• POTENTIAL FOR MORE BUSINESSES: Due to its strategic location and available commercial buildings, many believe Dorchester will see an increase in more small businesses over the next two to 10 years.
  
  
• 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:

706 Stephens Ave.: Affordable ranch-style home with full basement! This lovely home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, first-floor laundry and large family room in the basement, and much more. Located on a large lot with fenced backyard. All appliances are included. View the listing.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DVFD Burns Home To Make Room For New Construction

(Photo Credit: Sharon Axline)

DVFD Burns Dilapidated Home Near School: On Saturday morning, April 12, the volunteers of the Dorchester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department conducted real-world training with a controlled burn of a vacant home at 605 W 9th St. It was the former home of longtime residents Rev. Roger and Marilyn Wolfe. Local photographer Sharon Axline captured images of the exercise. We are told the vacant lot will be the site of a new housing project, which will add a much-needed residential unit to our community.

Sharon Axline Receives Statewide Honor: The Nebraska School Activities Association has honored Dorchester's Sharon “Mimi” Axline, bestowing her with the organizations Above and Beyond Award. winner. A longtime business owner and DPS volunteer, Axline was honored for "her unwavering support, kind spirit, and tireless dedication to Dorchester Public Schools." At the Times, we treasure Sharon's constant effort to capture sporting events and other major community events with her amazing photography skills. Read the NSAA's award notice.

New Superintendent Building Home in Dorchester: For years, this blog has encouraged employees of Dorchester Public School, Farmers Cooperative, and other employers in town to live in Dorchester. One obstacle to making that a more common occurrence has been the lack of available housing. So we are thrilled to see that DPS' next superintendent, Dr. Nick Mumm, and his family are constructing a new house in Dorchester. The home will be the third unit in Dorchester's Northview Estates development.

School Board, Village Board Meet This Week: For members of the public who wish to get more engaged with their local government, the Dorchester Village Board will conduct its monthly meeting on Monday, April 14, at Farmers Cooperative at 6:30 p.m. Last month, the board discussed housing development plans, among other items. Also, the DPS Board will meet Tuesday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the school library.

Spring Clean-Up Begins: Dorchester's Community Spring Clean-up will be from Saturday, April 19 to April 26. For Dorchester residents only, the dump site will be open Monday through Friday from 1-7 p.m. and Saturday 9-5 p.m. Accepted items: furniture, televisions, carpet, mattresses, metal, appliances, batteries, wood without nails. (No pallets, please. Also, no wet paint or other hazardous waste. No tires, no lead acid batteries, and no trash.) The attendant on duty has authority to accept or reject items.

DHS Alumni Golf Tourney, May 31: The annual DHS Alumni Golf Tourney will be held Saturday, May 31 at the Friend Country Club. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Learn more on page 15 of the DPS April newsletter.

Dorchester Easter Egg Hunt Is April 19

Hey, kids! The Easter Bunny will soon be dropping by Dorchester.  It's time to practice your egg hunting skills.  

The Dorchester Easter Egg Hunt will take place 2 p.m. Saturday, April 19. 

And it's going to be a hopping good time. 

Here's where to report (we suggest getting there by at least 1:45 p.m.): 

• Ages 3 and under, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, and first- and second-graders meet at the football field, northwest of the school. 
• Third and fourth graders meet at the practice football field two blocks north of the school.
  

Make sure your children are part of this special holiday tradition in our community.

The hunt is sponsored by the Dorchester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department.

All children are invited to help color the eggs on Friday evening, April 18, at 7 p.m. at the Dorchester Fire Hall. Prepared to get messy (don't wear nice clothes).

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Rocks State Journalism Contest (Again)

Dorchester Rocks State Journalism Contest (Again): Several DHS students competed in the recent Nebraska Journalism Education Association Winter High School Competition. From across the state, 775 entries were received from 32 schools. Dorchester was once again the smallest school represented. Andrea Pavlish received honorable mentions in Yearbook Theme Copy Writing and Yearbook Layout. Gabby Theis received excellent honors in Photo Artistic Illustration and Action Photography. Bailey Theis received an excellent in Action Photography. Joseph Peacock received an honorable mention in Yearbook Feature Writing. Ariana Tellez received an honorable mention in Photo Artistic Illustration. Emilia Perez received an honorable mention in Advertising. The team of Andrea Pavlish, Gabby Theis, and Joseph Peacock received a superior rating in Yearbook Theme Development. They are advised by Mrs. Sandy Severance.

Volunteer Fire and Rescue to Host Brisket Sandwich Meals, April 5: On Saturday, April 5, from  4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the Dorchester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will have brisket sandwich meals-to-go at the fire station. Drive-thru or pre-order. Free-will offering. Proceeds to support Dorchester Fire and Rescue expenses and equipment. Order by phone or text: 402-826-7346.

Spring Community Clean-Up: Dorchester community spring clean-up time is here. Roll-offs will be available at the dump site free of charge from April 19 though April 26.

Dump Site is Open: Dorchester's municipal dump site is open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. 

DHS Students at State Speech Competition: DHS sent three Longhorns to the NSAA State Speech Competition in Kearney this week. Competing in the event were Ella Vyhnalek, who performed in the persuasive speech category, along with Owen Vyhnalek and Andrea Pavlish, who performed their comedy duet. 

Nominate a Teacher for 10/11 Award: As the school year starts to wind down, think about nominating a great teacher for 10/11's Golden Apple Award. The award is given each month of the school year to an educator having a outstanding impact in our local schools. You can nominate a K-12 teacher, administrator, or support staff member who deserves recognition for the positive effect they’ve had on you, your loved ones, or the community. Use this nomination form.

Food Truck Season Underway: It's time again for the food trucks to visit Main Street Dorchester. These vendors will be parked by the Legion Hall, we are told. Here's the schedule so far:

• KennaBells BBQ Monday, March 31 
• Billies Grilled Cheese, April 7 (10:30 to 2:00 and 4:30-7:30)
• Paradise Eats, April 22 (11:00 to 2:00)
• KennaBells BBQ, April 28

DHS' Brandon Bruha Named Coach Of The Year

Dorchester's Brandon Bruha has been named girls basketball coach of the year by Neb Preps, a media outlet focused on Nebraska high school sports.

The honor comes just a week after Coach Bruha and his wife, Cassidy, welcomed their first child. 

And it comes just two weeks after the Lady Longhorns concluded their magical 25-3 season, finishing as state runners-up in the Class D-2 championship held at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

Bruha and assistant coach Brent Zoubek engineered the Dorchester girls program to its first state final game and only its second tournament appearance ever.

Bruha, a DHS graduate, has been coaching DHS girls basketball for 11 seasons.

Listen to Bruha's interviews with Neb Preps on Facebook or Twitter (X).

Looking Back: The Mills Of The Dorchester Area

Nowadays, the rivers and creeks of Saline County are used mostly for irrigation and fishing. But in days gone by, mills located on Turkey Creek (pictured above) and the west fork of the Big Blue River (pictured below) played an even more substantial role. In fact, Dorchester's first electricity was generated by a dam on Turkey Creek.

In Dorchester's early days, the milling industry was a staple of the area's economy. The 1880s saw rapid growth of the milling business on Turkey Creek, just south of town.Turkey Creek became recognized as "the Old Mill Stream," according to the Nebraska State Historical Society. 

Of the five mills on Turkey Creek in Saline County, two predominately served the Dorchester area. 

One was Amity Mill at Pleasant Hill. Constructed in 1870, the Amity Mill produced flour and meal, and later provided the first electricity for Dorchester. 

The other Dorchester-area mill, Lawrence Mill, was located near the current Gilbert Cemetery.

A trip to the nearest mill, with a team and wagon loaded with grain, occupied most of a farmer's day back in those early years -- and when the weather was pleasant, such a trip often provided a holiday for Saline County settlers. This allowed farm families to picnic, as well as take in the sights and sounds of water pouring over the log dam. 

The dams also provided excellent havens for large catfish.

The Amity Mill at Pleasant Hill was destroyed by a fire started by lightning and was not rebuilt. In 1934, the dam was removed by dynamite. Millstones from the Amity Mill can be seen at the Saline County Museum located in Dorchester.

No specific details are known about the demise of the Lawrence Mill.

Lot For Sale: 106 E 11th St.

Are you thinking about building a home? There's an empty lot for sale near the north edge of Dorchester. The Times staff agrees it would be a great spot to build.

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A modern 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 the listing for the lot:

106 E 11th St.: Vacant lot on edge of Dorchester that has over an 1/2 acre of space (0.65 acres). City utilities are available. $48,000. See the listing.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Foundation Steak Feed; Former Village Board Member Back In Court

Steak, Hamburger Feed Set for March 22: Ring in spring with a tasty steak or burger at the Dorchester Community Hall and Legion Hall on Saturday, March 22, from 5 p.m. until roughly 8 p.m. The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund's Annual Steak and Hamburger Feed will be held in conjunction with the DHS Alumni Basketball Tourney, according to social media. Funds raised will go towards a new community center. For those who don't want to dine in, to-go orders will be available by calling 402-641-0564 or 402-525-5705.

Theis Signs With CCC Basketball: DHS senior and Longhorn basketball standout Gabby Theis this week signed to play basketball at Central Community College. See the DPS social media post. At a ceremony held in the DHS gym, Theis was joined by her parents, grandparents, DHS coaches, and CCC head coach Kasi Stoltz.

Hoffman Back in Court: Matthew Hoffman of Dorchester, a former village board member, is scheduled to return to court Monday, March 17 to accept a plea agreement tied to a district court case that alleges he stole more than $22,000 as an employee of Fritz's Bar and Grill in Wilber. This marks the second time in recent years that Hoffman has been in the court system. In 2018, he was sentenced to two years jail time for an unrelated case.

DPS Seeks New Principal: Dorchester Public School is seeking a PK-12 principal for fall 2025, according to an online advertisement. Resume and references can be emailed to Curt Cogswell at curt.cogswell@dorchesterschool.org.

Next Village Board Meeting, April 14: The next village board meeting is March 14 at 7 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at Farmers Cooperative headquarters. Enter through door No. 2.

Brandt Wants Higher Income Taxes: State Sen. Tom Brandt, who represents Saline County and other area counties in the legislature, is working to stop income tax relief. Apparently, Brandt thinks anyone earning over $29,000 needs to keep paying 5.2% of their earnings to the state, instead of seeing that amount decrease to 3.9% by 2027, as planned under current law. Nebraska already has one of the nation's higher income tax rates. Brandt, a big land owner, wants to see more state dollars sent to large property holders, while far-left activist groups want the state to collect more money for welfare programs.

Food Truck Season Underway: It's time again for the food trucks to visit Main Street Dorchester. These vendors will be parked by the Legion Hall, we are told. Here's the schedule so far:

• Paradise Eats: Tuesday, March 18 (11:00 to 2:00)
• KennaBells BBQ Monday, March 31 
• Billies Grilled Cheese, April 7 (10:30 to 2:00 and 4:30-7:30)
• Paradise Eats, April 22 (11:00 to 2:00)
• KennaBells BBQ, April 28

DHS Girls Are State Runners-Up

UPDATE 3/9/2025: The Lincoln Journal Star named DHS senior Gabrielle Theis and her sister DHS junior Bailey Theis to the Class D-2 all-tournament team.  

The Dorchester Lady Longhorns capped their magical 25-3 season Saturday, March 8, finishing as state runners-up in the Class D-2 following the championship contest held at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.

DHS fell 52-25 to Falls City Sacred Heart, which captured its ninth state title and third in four years.

As reported by the Omaha World-Herald, Dorchester was in its first state final in only its second tournament appearance ever (the 2004 Lady Longhorns were DHS' first girls state team).

Lily Lehr led DHS with 10 points. Dorchester's 19.1% shooting percentage from the field hurt any chance the Longhorns had to knock off Sacred Heart. See the quarter-by-quarter tally.

DHS head coach Brandon Bruha told the World-Herald: “The girls deserve to be here. They gave their full effort and did everything they needed to do. 

"We had times throughout the year that our offense would lack a little bit, and it kind of showed tonight ... (T)he second half, we just couldn't get a bucket to go down.”

A special community event will be held Monday, March 10 at 6 p.m. at Dorchester Public School to celebrate the accomplishments of the team and their memorable season.

Congratulations to the DHS girls basketball team and coaches for your dedication, community pride, and commitment to excellence.

DHS Girls Basketball Continues History-Making Streak

UPDATE 3/7/25: It's onto the Class D-2 state championship game for the DHS Lady Longhorns after they defeated Wilcox-Hildreth, 39-31. DHS' Gabrielle Theis had a game high 15 points including three key three-pointers. Her sister Bailey Theis dropped in another 11. Read this story from the Hastings Tribune or watch the 10/11 News highlights. The championship will take place Saturday evening, March 8, at 8:15 p.m. at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln. You'll need to pre-order tickets online if you plan to watch in person. Otherwise, you can watch the game via Nebraska Public Media.

On Thursday, March 6, the Dorchester High School girls basketball team continued its winning ways at Pinnacle Bank Arena and the Nebraska Girls Basketball State Championship Tournament in Lincoln.

With a 38-37 win over Silver Lake -- a consolidated school south of Hastings -- the Lady Longhorns (24-2) captured Dorchester's first-ever victory in a state-level contest. See highlights on 10/11 News.

The teams traded leads several times during the contest. Fortunately for DHS, the Mustangs committed a lane violation late in the game, negating a free throw and allowing Dorchester to maintain a slim lead that was trimmed by six points over the last 90 seconds.

The Orange and Black Attack now moves to the semi-finals, set for 6 p.m. Friday night at Lincoln's Bob Devaney Center. DHS will face eighth-seeded Wilcox-Hildreth (18-8), which handily beat No. 1 Wilcox-Hildreth 49-40. 

See the full tournament bracket. 

If you plan on going to the game Friday, you will need to pre-order virtual tickets here.

Behrens Gives Shout-Out to Community

DHS senior Baylor Behrens scored a game high 20 points on Thursday, helping ensure DHS made it to the semi-finals. 

"This is who we wanted to make proud," Behrens said pointing to the "Longhorns" printed on her uniform during in an interview with NebPreps. 

Behrens said the school is the bond that holds small towns together.

In this interview, head coach Brandon Bruha saluted the community as well for the support provided to the team.

Denker Calls the Big Game

Making Thursday's game extra memorable was the fact DHS alumnus Drew Denker (Class of 2003), a frequent announcer for big-ticket games at the Pinnacle Arena, was the announcer for the first-round Class D-2 action.

The Omaha World-Herald has even published this story on Denker's appearance. 

According to the paper, Denker had been scheduled to announce games at the Devaney Center but made a switch to Pinnacle Bank Arena.

"I've known the athletic director my whole life," Denker said. "Dorchester is a small, small community and this has been a historic season."

The school had been to state only once before, losing to Chambers in the opening round in 2004.

The World-Herald notes: "Denker then pondered the idea and texted fellow tourney PA guy Rich Brodersen, who was scheduled to call games at PBA. He said he'd be happy to make the switch if NSAA assistant director Jon Dolliver was OK with it."

"I texted Jon and told him this was a once in a lifetime opportunity," Denker said. "This is only the second time they'd ever been to state."

Denker played basketball at Dorchester but never made it to the tournament. The Longhorns haven't reached the boys tourney since 1985.

During Friday's game at the Devaney Center, Denker said he'd attend the game just as a fan, wearing the school colors of orange and black with the rest of his family.

If his alma mater reaches Saturday's championship game, he might have another problem. He's also the voice of Nebraska softball, which is hosting a four-team tournament that day.

"If it happens, I might have to pull some strings again," he said. "I wouldn't want to miss that."

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Girls State Bound!

DHS Girls Basketball Heading to State: It has been 21 years since a Dorchester girls basketball team last made it to the state tournament. (That was the 12-8 DHS team of 2003-2004.) Now it's happening again as the Lady Longhorns defeated Dundy County Stratton 46-44 at Holdrege on Friday night. DHS is now 23-2 on the season, the winningest team in school history, regardless of gender. Here's the schedule for the state tournament in Lincoln, which begins Thursday, March 5. More information is available via the NSAA website. UPDATE: DHS is seeded No. 4 in the eight-team Class D2 state tourney bracket. The Lady Longhorns will play No. 5-seeded Silver Lake (21-4) at 10:45 a.m. Thursday, March 6 at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. See this bracket.

Alumni Basketball Deadline Is March 5: The DHS Alumni Basketball Tourney is set for March 21-22. If you're planning to have a team or have any questions, contact Brent Zoubek by Wednesday, March 5 at (402) 418-1019 or bzoubek@dorchesterschool.org.

Get Those Keystone XL Pipes Ready: President Donald Trump said this week he wants to revive the Keystone XL oil pipeline, even though its developer has already walked away from the project. “The company building the Keystone XL Pipeline that was viciously jettisoned by the incompetent Biden Administration should come back to America, and get it built – NOW!” Trump said in a post on his social media network. Trump said his administration is “very different” from the last one and promised “Easy approvals, almost immediate start!” This story shows a photo of the pipes in storage just east of Dorchester.

DHS Girls Make History; District Game This Friday

UPDATE: The DHS girls basketball team will play at 7 p.m. this Friday, Feb. 28 in the D2-4 District final in Holdrege. No. 4 DHS will take on Dundy County Stratton (16-6).

The 2024-25 Dorchester girls basketball team just made history in a big way.

By capturing the Class D2-2 Subdistrict title on their home court last night, Feb. 20, this season's Orange and Black Attack became the winningest basketball team -- either girls or boys -- in school history. 

The previous school record was 21 wins recorded by the DHS boys basketball team in 1934, according to a DPS social media post.

As a recap, during this week's subdistrict tournament, which was held in bone-chilling temperatures that reached well below zero, the Lady Longhorns defeated Parkview Christian (1-21) by a score of 60-21 as well as Omaha Christian Academy (3-19) 61-23.

Under the tutelage of head coach Brandon Bruha and assistant Brent Zoubek, the DHS girls now stand at 22-2 as they head into district play next week.

Fewer than 20 girls teams in Nebraska, regardless of class size, have 20 wins this season.

MaxPrep continues to have Dorchester ranked No. 5 in Class D2, while the Nebraska School Activities Association pegs DHS at No. 4 based on point totals tied to the quality of victories.

The Dorchester girls have compiled winning percentage of 91.667% this season, beating opponents 231-324 and scoring an average 45 points per game.

Developing...

Chance To Buy Properties Behind In Property Taxes; Feb. 27 Deadline

It's that time of year when state and county governments are publishing the names of those who haven't paid their property taxes, including seven in the Dorchester precinct alone. See this list.

Across Saline County's 16 precincts, there are hundreds of thousands of dollars due in late property tax payments.

Failure to pay property taxes subjects owners to a penalty of 14% interest per year. Delinquent taxpayers also risk losing their properties when the county conducts a public sale for tax liens. Eventually the county attorney will be ordered to foreclose on all properties with delinquent taxes. Then the property will be sold at auction.

In early February, the Saline County treasurer will publish a list of lands and lots in Saline County that are far behind on their taxes, delinquent for tax year 2023 and prior years. On the Monday, March 3, these properties will be offered at public sale on the first floor of the Saline County Courthouse starting at 9:30 a.m. and continuing daily until all taxes on these lands and lots have been offered for sale. 

Watch this county web page for more details.

To locate delinquent properties based on lot numbers, use this tool.

Keep in mind that delinquent taxpayers will still have the chance to reclaim their property. Under Nebraska law, property owners can "redeem" their property even after the county tax sale. If the current owner doesn’t redeem the property, however, the winning bidder at a tax sale can eventually get ownership.

 

Home For Sale: 1009 Franklin Avenue

Dorchester's real estate market remains fairly strong, even as the rest of the nation is starting to slump. And despite the fact that easy, cheap money -- following years of federal money printing and massive government spending -- are coming to a close.

Homes in large cities and rural properties have become unaffordable for the average buyer. So Dorchester looks even more appealing now to most folks. 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:

1009 Franklin Ave: This two bedroom, one bath home would make a great rental. First floor laundry, possible third bedroom, and detached garage. See the listing.

Report: Nitrates Causing Problems for Nebraska's Drinking Water

 

 

Some 40% of private wells in Nebraska -- tested over the past two years -- contained nitrate that exceeded 3 parts per million, which medical experts consider safe for children. That's according to a new state report. 

About 15% of those private wells exceeded the federal drinking water standard.

Nebraska Public Media reports nitrate levels are also rising in roughly a third of the 444 public water systems analyzed, according to the study, which was ordered by the Legislature at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen. 

Nitrates in water are linked to a variety of diseases, pregnancy complications, birth defects and various cancers. 

According to Nebraska Public Media, nitrate in Nebraska largely stems from agricultural practices. 

"It forms when soil bacteria break down nitrogen, often from commercial fertilizers and animal waste. When fertilizer is sprayed on cornfields and not used up by the crop, the excess nitrate can leach into the soil and eventually the water supply, especially when applied excessively. The over-application of manure on fields can do the same."

Nebraska has the highest pediatric cancer rate west of Pennsylvania.

If you have a private domestic well on your farm or acreage, and want to test your well for nitrate and/or bacteria, request a kit from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Public Health Environmental Lab. Nitrate sample kits cost $16, and coliform bacteria sample kits cost up to $17.

DHS Girls Reach 20 Wins This Season

The Dorchester High School girls basketball team has recorded 20 victories this season, among the most difficult feats to achieve in high school basketball. This year's squad is now officially the winningest team in program history. 

Fewer than 20 girls teams in Nebraska, regardless of class size, have 20 wins this season.

MaxPrep continues to have Dorchester ranked No. 5 in Class D2. 

According to the Nebraska School Activities Association, DHS is No. 4 based on point totals tied to the quality of victories.

Over the past week, the DHS girls handed losses to Hampton, beating the Hawks 53-39, and McCool Junction, defeating the Mustangs 46-27.

On Tuesday evening at 6 p.m., Feb. 18, DHS will host Lincoln's Parkview Christian (1-19) at the Dorchester gym for the the Subdistrict D2-2 Tournament. 

If the DHS girls beat Parkview, they will move to the championship game of the subdistrict. That contest will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m. -- and DHS will face either Mead (2-19) or Omaha Christian Academy (2-18). 

If DHS captures the subdistrict title, it is onto Class D2 district play -- and perhaps further.

Developing...

HOME FOR SALE: 1012 Lincoln Avenue

Dorchester's real estate market remains strong. This despite the fact that easy, cheap money -- following years of federal money printing and massive government spending -- are coming to a close.

Homes in large cities and rural properties have become unaffordable for the average buyer. So Dorchester looks even more appealing now to most folks. 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:

1012 Lincoln Ave: Check out this nice three-bedroom, two-bath areas home in Dorchester. First floor features living and dining room, spacious kitchen, full bath and primary bedroom.Two nice-sized bedrooms on the second floor. Great 0.26- acre lot with a detached three-stall garage in a corner lot. Enjoy the quiet small-town living in a welcoming community. Call for an appointment now. See the listing.

Dorchester UMW Soup Luncheon, Februrary 9

The Dorchester United Methodist Women are planning an event that is sure to tantalize the taste buds.

On Sunday, Feb. 9, starting at 11 a.m. at the Dorchester Methodist Church, the UMW will host their annual soup and sandwich luncheon.  

Get there on time and catch up with old friends.

Whether you fancy chili, clam chowder, chicken noodle -- or the Dorchester UMW's famous liver dumpling soup -- you'll be sure to savor every spoonful.  

The soup is served with meat, cheese, and relishes, as well as some of Nebraska's very best deserts, including homemade cinnamon rolls.

There is no charge for the event, just a free-will offering -- so be generous. 

Support a good cause. Support the Dorchester UMW.

Saline Center's 2025 Consignment Sale, March 16

Around here, a lot of folks are already gearing up for spring. 

And the arrival of spring -- just six weeks away -- brings one of the biggest events in Saline County: the consignment sale at Saline Center.

According to this Facebook post, Saline Center will host the annual auction on Sunday, March 16, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Six rings of selling with take place at once. More details available here.

Those interested in selling items should call 402-641-1357 or 402-641-4137 or salinecenter@gmail.com.

This year will mark the 41st year for this event.

For those unfamiliar, Saline Center is three miles west and nine miles south of Dorchester on Highway 15. A map of Saline Center can be found here.

If you have farm equipment, guns, ag supplies, coins, antiques, or other items you'd like to cosign, contact organizers to let them know what you'll be putting on the auction block.

No. 5 DHS Girls Basketball Shoots to 18-2

  
 

 (Photo Credit: The Crete News Facebook Page)

Before a packed DHS gymnasium last night (Friday), the Dorchester High School girls basketball team defeated Class C2 Twin River (Genoa and Silver Creek) for second time this season, 52-42. 

The win sent the Lady Longhorns to 18-2, making this year's squad the winningest team in program history. 

MaxPrep has Dorchester ranked No. 5 in Class D2.

Friday night's contest marked the final home game for the Orange and Black Attack, which now sets its sights on a 20-win season -- a rare feat in Nebraska high school basketball.

Over the past week, the DHS girls have been on a tear, handily beating three teams with with winning records. In addition to Twin River, DHS defeated College View Academy (12-5) by a score of 43-35, as well as Nebraska Lutheran (9-7) by a 53-39 tally.

Two regular season games remain. On Tuesday, Feb. 11, DHS will travel to Hampton (2-17). And on Friday, Feb. 14, DHS will play a Valentine's Day showdown at McCool Junction (9-9). 

Then it is onto Class D2 sub-district play -- and perhaps further.

Developing...