NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester Adding More Paved Street, Block By Block

More Street Paving Underway: For anyone who hasn't driving through Main Street Dorchester in recent weeks, the signs of street paving are everywhere -- or at least on 6th, 8th, 10th, and 11th Streets east of Washington Ave. The paving is part of the village's long-term street improvement plan and follows last year's resurfacing of main street -- marking the first resurfacing in three decades -- and paving of the streets surrounding the city park and water park. Stay tuned for more paving in the near future.

DHS Volleyball Concludes Regular Season: The Dorchester Lady Longhorns have wrapped up the regular season, finishing 12-16 as post-season play begins. The Orange and Black Attack faced stiff competition in the home stretch of their season, taking on teams like Osceola (21-8), BDS (19-10), and Cross County (23-8). DHS lost nine of their last 12 contests, including three of four at the CRC Tournament in York. The Lady Longhorns now prepare for sub-districts at Shickley where they take on Nebraska Lutheran (10-18) on Monday, Oct. 27, at 4:30 p.m. Winner goes on, while the season ends for the loser.

DHS Football Ends Season At 2-6: The Dorchester High School football team has wrapped up another year on the gridiron. The Longhorns fell to Meridian 21-47 on a cool, raining Friday evening, Oct. 24, at Nerud Field. With a 2-6 record, DHS can look to the future with a talent crop of young players coming up through the ranks. This year's Dorchester Junior High football team went undefeated.

Dorchester's World Series Connection: Dorchester has strong family ties to this year's World Series. One of the star pitchers for the Toronto Bluejays, Kevin Gausman, traces his family roots back to Dorchester. His grandfather, Clarence, and father, Clair, were both athletes at Dorchester. Kevin Gausman has previously played in MLB for the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the first round (fourth overall) in 2012 after playing for Louisiana State University. He has pitched in the majors for more than a dozen years. See our 2014 story on Kevin's Dorchester connection.

Dorchester's John Potter Passes At Age 90

John Paul Potter was born on June 23, 1935, at the Warren Memorial Hospital in
Friend, Nebraska to J. Owen and Eleanor (Asmus) Potter. The oldest of three siblings, he and his brother David spent many days adventuring around Turkey Creek and the Potter farm, south of Dorchester.

John graduated from Dorchester High School and attended Doane College for a short time.  He married Betty Ann Bosak in the Dorchester Methodist Church on September 7, 1957. He was drafted to the Army and stationed in Germany, where Betty joined him during his service. He was drafted November 25, 1958, and was honorably discharged February 17, 1961.

John and Betty made their home in Dorchester, Nebraska. John worked at the Dorchester Co-Op Elevator.  In September 1965, they welcomed a daughter, Cara to their home. In August 1967, a son, John David was born. The family moved to David City, where they made their home for more than 20 years. 

John spent his professional life owning or working for agricultural chemical and equipment companies. This brought travel to many local coffee shops and elevators across Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.  In 2000, he and Betty moved from Missouri to the family farm south of Dorchester.  There, he enjoyed gardening – garlic specifically, and he was the host of many popular “garlic festivals” held at the farm.  John was a gifted woodworker, making many items for the Church auction, and in the years after Betty passed, he became a vineyard manager, growing cold-hearty grapes on the farm.  He hired numerous local youth organizations and school groups to help harvest, and the grapes were made to wine and sold under the Pour House label in Friend.  

John renewed his friendship with Chere Williams and together they spent eighteen years as companions, taking various trips, visiting family, making trips to Costco and embarking on joint projects at their home in Friend. He maintained his love of making wine and baking bread until the last years of his life.  Sharing wine and bread with those he loved brought him great joy.

Family helped celebrate John’s 90th birthday with a wine toast. He was able to make his final “toddy time” toast with his daughter to celebrate her 60th. John passed away a month later October 17, 2025, in hospice care at Tabitha Elizabeth House in Lincoln, Nebraska. He had been fighting metastatic lung cancer like the determined man he’d always been.  

John was a man of strong opinions and faith. He had some who loved him, many friends and a few that tolerated him on occasion. That mix was just fine for him, and he lived 90 years happily and with a zest for life. In his later years, that opinion softened and spirited discussion and political debate melted to stories of happy times, things he was grateful for and expression of love to those close to him. He found joy in watching the neighbor’s kids, love in all pets, even a squirrel he named Peanut, and deep appreciation for his family and friends.

John was cremated and will be laid to rest next to his wife Betty, in Dorchester. He is survived by his “Lady” Chere Williams, daughter Carey and partner Dan VonMoos, son Jack, grandchildren, Joe, Kait and Jake, his “Seester” Ann Phipps, in-laws Larry and Jean Bosak and his favorite cousin Pat Rhoads; many nieces, a nephew, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother and father and mother in-law Frank and Clara Bosak. There will be no public services.

Dorchester's Spookiest Places

 

Halloween is fast approaching -- which brings us to this annual tradition.

Back in 2007, the Times started publishing reports on the Dorchester area's haunted places. Here's an update on the latest reports regarding our area's spooky spots.

Gilbert's Graveyard: The most famous of Dorchester's "haunted places," Gilbert's Cemetery -- the final resting place of the family of John W. Gilbert -- continues to draw attention from inside and outside Saline County. (There's even this video of some brave souls who went into the graveyard at night for electronic readings.) Click here to see some of the stories left about Gilbert's Cemetery on a site called "Haunted Places."  Another report on the pioneer cemetery came from a website called  "Hauntings" (no longer active), which featured a "pre-haunt interview with the locals" in Dorchester. The site recounts some of the history behind Gilbert's Graveyard and its namesake, using historical accounts published by this blog and the 1981 Dorchester Centennial book. As Hauntings reported, "a number of strange events have been reported here. Among them, strange noises and the movement of tombstones. ... Sadly, this location has been host to vandalism and disrespect for some of the area's earliest pioneers. If you plan to visit this location, think on how you would want your remains and the stone markers of your final resting place treated."

The website also featured firsthand accounts from those who have visited the cemetery. One visitor named Chris wrote the following: 

"The first trip we had made (to Gilbert's Graveyard) I ended up in tears; just the feeling of being there was enough to make you sick. We started to drive through the graveyard, and someone pointed at a tree that was knocked down over a grave, and when I looked over there I saw a black fog coming up from the grave, we decided to leave. As we left the graveyard, we looked over to the graveyard and about nine-plus flashing lights came up from the graveyard and seemed to follow us. I was the driver and I looked in my rear view mirror to be horrified to see a older lady staring at me in the mirror, then scream and then I began to cry uncontrollably. I stepped on that gas and swore I would never return. But consequently we did, and the second time it was more calmer then the first, not much happened except for hearing footsteps in the distant, and the feeling of you being followed closely."

Former 'Squeaky Bridge': According to GhostsOfAmerica.com, the site of the former ''squeaky bridge'' over Turkey Creek, south of Dorchester, is "extremely haunted" (County Rd. 1500 between county roads G and H). "According to legend several men were hanged on the bridge, which was closed and removed in or around 1994. However the ghosts still appear on a routine basis at night. They are transparent figures hanging by a noose right where the bridge once stood. Some have said the hanged men will occasionally look up and stare at observers."

Specter of Highway 33: For years, we've heard reports of a "man" who supposedly walks on Highway 33 as you near the west edge of Crete. People have reported seeing him on the road, or just off to the side, and swerve to miss him.  When they look back, he is gone. The Times has investigated the story further. Some say the apparition is that of a Dorchester lad who died decades ago in a very bad accident a mile west of Crete. Others say it is the ghost of an Oregon Trail pioneer who lost his way and died on the journey.  

Second Floor Above the Village Office:  According to GhostsOfAmerica.com, "there have been many reports of figures or shapes moving around in the second floor of the village office building" on main street Dorchester. The website claims to have a picture of the ghostly figure taken with a cell phone in 2009.

Dorchester School Boiler Room: We can confirm that the boiler room of the 1927 Dorchester School building is no longer haunted, if it ever was. The old school building was torn down in 2008 to make room for the current DPS campus. But when it existed, there were reports that in the late 1920s a child "locked himself in the boiler room and died." According to the old stories, school janitors in the modern era sometimes heard yells coming from the boiler room during the night -- and "when they went down into the boiler room, they didn't find anyone." So convincing were the reports that the Lincoln Journal Star in 2006 wrote a story on the the old boiler room. The story quotes former school secretary Joyce Karl and former custodians Ron Sehnert and Sharri Kasl, who said: "I never go down there in the mornings if I’m ever here by myself." Another publication ranked the Dorchester boiler room the second-most haunted site in Nebraska.

Doane College Library: Doane College's old library seems to be haunted by a woman in a white dress, according to some reports. On a full moon, she will appear in front of one of the windows. She has been reported to roam about the basement as well.

Emil Veprosky Passes At 96; Services Thursday

Emil Anton Veprovsky was born Sept. 1, 1930, to John and Rose (Kasal), on a farm east of Dorchester, known as the Luzum farm.

He attended school in District 43 (kindergarten through 8th grade), where he learned to speak English, and then went to Dorchester Public School. At the age of 16, he stayed home and helped on the family farm.

The family moved to a different location near Dorchester until they finally settled on the place that would become their home place. A farm that was located five miles south of Dorchester was purchased by his dad in 1948. They moved onto the property, a large, tall farmhouse from about 8 miles away, in 1956. Emil helped with building the basement walls and setting the house on the sturdy foundation.

In 1950, Emil joined the National Guard. Drafted for active duty from Feb. 26, 1953, to Feb. 11, 1955, he completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, then trained as an Engineering Foreman at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He later served in Korea and Japan before returning to the U.S., where he was stationed in Seattle, Washington, and Fort Carson, Colorado. Though released from active duty, Emil continued in the Army Reserve for several years.

Emil met the love of his life, Shirley Eret, at the Sunset Dance Hall in Emerald. They were married June 5, 1960, and lived a half-mile south of Pleasant Hill for five years. They then moved to their permanent home, which was the home place. Here, he made the home place a prosperous farm. He raised cattle, hogs, chickens, crops, and continued to upgrade his equipment.

His family was very important to him. He and Shirley raised three children, and Emil instilled a good work ethic. He worked very hard to provide for his family. When Shirley wanted a milk cow, he went out and found one. When she wanted to raise chickens, he set up a chicken house for baby chicks and a chicken house for hens to lay eggs. He helped her start a garden and plant potatoes on Good Friday, and he remodeled the house. He drove the school bus for the Dorchester school for a few years to help out with expenses. 

There were times for enjoyment as well; he took his family on summer vacations. He was a member of the Dorchester American Legion. He received a quilt of Valor in May 2022 and was Veteran of the Month in May 2025. He also was a long-time member of the WFLA Lodge Tabor Hall, where he spent many nights with other members remodeling and repairing the hall so Tabor could be re-opened to the public. Emil held the office of president at Tabor for many years and spent many weekends working the events at the hall.

The love for farming continued, and he put many long hours on the tractor even into his elderly age. At 94 years old, he was still driving tractors, cutting hay, feeding cattle, and driving grain trucks. He was always willing to try new things, even if he was skeptical. He used to say that he started by planting with a team of horses. He ended by using GPS. (Although he wasn’t really fond of it. He was certain he planted straighter rows without it.) However, over time, his body started wearing out, and he became ill. Despite battling illness for over a year, one of his last goals was to go out to cut hay one more time. His last farm duty was cutting 78 acres of alfalfa in the 2025 season.  When he felt well enough, he continued to enjoy rides out to the field. Eventually, on Oct. 18, 2025, his fight ended when he passed away at Bryan East in Lincoln.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, Gary (Penny) Veprovsky, his daughter, Karen Chadwick, his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin & Lisa Veprovsky, all from Dorchester. Sister-in-law, Bonnie Eret, brothers & sisters in law: Frank & Judy Eret, Richard and Vicki Kuzelka. Grandchildren: Joshua (Amber) Mackeprang, Melanie, and Shelby. 4 step grandchildren, many great grandchildren, nieces & nephews.

Emil is preceded in death by his parents, sisters & brother in laws, Rosie (Orin) Duchek and Jarmila (Arnest) Dvorak.

Services will be held Oct. 23, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 6 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Memorials have been designated to the Dorchester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. 

Looking Back: Pleasant Hill One Of Nebraska's Most Notable Ghost Towns

 

In 2019, the Lincoln Journal Star published a list of 15 famous Nebraska ghost towns.  

Saline County's Pleasant Hill made the list. 

This is a big deal considering Nebraska once had more than 1,100 towns -- many more than today's roughly 530 cities and villages. So the Cornhusker State has its share of ghost towns.

Sometimes referred to as Dorchester's sister community, Pleasant Hill replaced Swan City as the county seat following an 1871 countywide vote. (Dorchester had also been in the running to become the county seat.)

"Already the county's biggest and most prosperous town after its platting in 1867, with a state-of-the-art mill and at least one store, its offer of land and cash for a courthouse no doubt encouraged voters," the Journal Star reported.

The newspaper continued with its report: 

"Within a couple years, though, Crete and Wilber had grown and sought to claim the courthouse as their own. State law required them to wait five years before bring the matter to a vote. Like its successor, Pleasant Hill finished last in a tight election won by Wilber, where the courthouse remains to this day.

"Getting the county records from Pleasant Hill, however, wasn't a given. It took 160 wagon teams and 300 people projecting force from Wilber before the papers were handed over.

"Like many other towns, its demise was sealed when the railroad by passed the former county seat. That first courthouse, used first as a poor house and then as a community hall, burned down prior to World War I. The final straw, though, was the fire that destroyed the mill in 1930."

Read the Times' 2008 article on Pleasant Hill's history here.

Dorchester's Sandy Klein Passes; Services Oct. 22

Dorchester's Sandra “Sandy” Kay Klein, 73, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. She was born on August 23, 1952, in Nebraska City to Alvin and Bertha Velder.

Sandy grew up in a large, loving family and spent nearly all her life in Dorchester, where she built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and love. Her happiest moments were spent with her granddaughters, Brooke, and Brittney, who were truly the center of her world. She cared for them, encouraged them, and treasured every moment they shared together.

Sandy married the love of her life, Roger Klein, and together they shared a lifetime of love and devotion. She is survived by Roger; her daughter Rhonda (Bob) Zoubek; and granddaughters Brooke and Brittney Zoubek, all of Dorchester, Nebraska.

She is also survived by her siblings: Pat Wiles (late husband Don), Charlene (Richard) Neal, Karen Briggs (late husband Larry), Gerry (Sara) Velder, Roseanne (Dean) Rasmussen, Ron (Nancy) Velder, Bill (Diane) Velder, and Kay (Ronald) Mahaffie; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who loved her deeply.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Bertha Velder; brothers Kenny Velder and Tom Velder (wife Deb); and sister Betty Good.

For much of her life, Sandy bravely battled multiple sclerosis, yet she faced each day with remarkable strength, grace, and humor. Her wheelchair, lovingly referred to as her “Cadillac,” gave her the freedom to keep living life to the fullest. She never complained and always found a reason to smile.

Sandy will be remembered for her kind heart, her honesty, and her unshakable positivity. She loved Husker Volleyball, the Hallmark Channel, and spending time sewing special projects for those she loved.

Memorials will be determined by the family at a later date.

Graveside Services: Wednesday, October 22, 10:30 a.m. at the Dorchester 
Cemetery.

Everyone is invited to join the family for lunch following the Graveside Services at the 
American Legion building in Dorchester. 

The online obituary is available here.

Gold Fever Struck Our Area 130 Years Ago

Gold is currently fetching around $4,000 an once -- up from $2,350 in summer 2024 and $1,850 at the beginning of last year. Some critics of the federal government's fiscal policy say gold could soon go for $5,000 an ounce as the U.S. debt, and the debts of most other nations, soars and fiat currencies become worth less.

Is it time to start panning Nebraska rivers and creeks for the yellow metal?  

There are folks who believe you should try. Watch this video by a guy who touts a successful prospecting trip near the Niobrara River. 

Gold has been found in western in rivers that flow from Colorado and Wyoming. Gold in the eastern part of Nebraska has been found in the glacial gold sources around the Nebraska-Missouri border, where it has been trapped, sliding and settling in the flatland.  

Nebraska isn't exactly California 1849, but experts say there's still gold to be found here, even in areas like Saline County. In the 1890s, there was a short-lived gold rush in the Dorchester area, believe it or not.

This week 130 years ago, the Oct. 7, 1895 edition of The New York Times reported: "A raging gold fever has settled down on this section of country over a startling discovery" of gold just north of Dorchester.

According to the publication, the primary source of speculation was a gravel pit near Milford, said to be "rich in gold dust." The pit had been used by Burlington Railway in the construction and upgrade of its rail system.

The Times noted that there was "great excitement in the vicinity of the reputed find" and that speculation was active. 

If you're too skeptical to go panning for gold on the West Fork or Turkey Creek, just take the advice of another YouTube star: Look for buried treasure in old outhouses. Or try looking in one of these five areas where ample gold can still be found.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Stand By For Fall Colors

Stand By for Fall Colors: Forget New England. The other "NE" -- Nebraska -- will have the most vibrant fall colors this year, according to AccuWeather's 2025 fall foliage forecast. Plan some of the best fall color viewing sites include Indian Cave and Ponca state parks, writes the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

DHS Volleyball Drops Below .500: Early October means high school sports are entering the final stretch before state tournament play. Dorchester High School volleyball lost three games to begin this month as the Lady Longhorns have dropped below .500 for the season at 9-10. The Orange and Black Attack have a good chance to earn back some wins with only five regular season games left, including a triangular at Twin River (Genoa and Silver Creek) this Thursday.

Longhorn Football Seeks Third Win: After a 47-0 victory over Harvard on Sept. 26 and a tough 12-66 loss to Silver Lake last Friday, DHS will travel to Diller-Odell (1-4) this Friday, Oct. 10. With some solid play and good health, Dorchester could finish the regular season at .500, according to computer projections   

City Slickers Still Closed With No Answers: City Slickers Bar and Grill -- loved by area residents for more than a dozen years -- has been closed for more than two weeks, since Aug. 1. For the sake of our community and area residents and future of main street, it's time for some clarity. If there are financial issues, we're betting the area community would pull through to support fund raisers. Whatever the case, Dorchester wants to see that spot utilized for the benefit of our community.

Whooping Cough Cases Spike: Whooping cough cases are on the rise in the United States and Nebraska, according to Saline County's Public Health Solutions. Community members are urged to take precautions against the disease, which can be severe and potentially life-threatening for infants and young children. Some health officials have linked the rise to waning immunity from vaccines and potentially decreased vaccination rates. Read more.

Saline County's Pro Baseball Scout: The Flatwater Free Press has published a piece on Friend's Thad Weber -- "a globetrotting professional baseball scout" who's now in his eighth year with the Chicago Cubs and fourth year "trekking to Asia" in his search for who has enough talent for the majors. Read the article.

Beware of Local Journalism's Political Bias: We are disturbed to see the Crete News' soft endorsement of a local progressive (i.e. "liberal") running for the state legislature in 2026. While there are likely personal relationships that are fueling the newspaper's coverage of this candidate, fair and balanced coverage is to be expected, especially at a time when government needs to shrink. (There is a conservative candidate in the race for the Legislative District 32 race.) We are hopeful this favoritism will be corrected by the publisher and that activist journalism won't win the day. 

Boiling Point Over Property Tax Hikes: The Tax Foundation's latest rankings has pegged Nebraska as fourth worst in the U.S. for property tax burden, behind only Illinois, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Property owners in Saline County recently received notices -- thanks to Nebraska’s Truth-in-Taxation law -- that their local governments (school districts and counties) are proposing significant property tax increases as much as 15% to 20% or more. It's a shame. Local governments are spending the property valuation increases instead of lowering levy rates to offset valuations. State government is forced to live within its means -- that is, the income and sales tax revenue. But local governments have a printing press called property taxes, whether its valuations or the levy imposed -- and this broken system has to end. Local elected officials (school board members and county commissioners) must realize they don't have to spend more every year, and that cutting spending is not only OK, but healthy.

October is Food Truck Season: Dorchester's main street (Washington Ave.) will be hopping in October, as cooler temps and farmers hauling grain will mean more food trucks. Here's a look at this month's food truck schedule, as published by Village government:

• Billie's Grilled Cheese: Monday, Oct. 6 (10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Daylight Donuts: Tuesday, Oct. 7 (7-10 a.m. or until sold out)
• Amigos: Monday, Oct. 13 (11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)
• KennaBell's BBQ: Monday, Oct. 20 (11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m.)
• Amigos: Monday, Oct. 27 (11:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.)
• Billie's Grilled Cheese: Monday, Nov. 3 (10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.)

Gilbert’s Graveyard: Prairie History Lost To Criminal Vandalism

Nestled on a remote, windswept hill in Saline County -- between the communities of Dorchester and Friend -- sits Gilbert’s Graveyard, officially known as Gilbert-Hulse Cemetery. 

For years, dating back to our first year in 2007, the Times has featured Gilbert's Graveyard on its list of "spookiest places." But we know that our annual October list of area haunts doesn't convey the real story behind this pioneer cemetery. Worse yet, the ghost stories perpetuated by sites like ours may have only encouraged the low-IQ vandals who have damaged the cemetery beyond repair over the decades.

Today, we tell the real story behind Gilbert's Graveyard -- the final resting place for Saline County’s earliest pioneers.

A Piece of Pioneer History 

In 1865 Jonas Gilbert, his wife Louisa, and their six children left Darke County, Ohio, traveling by wagon train to settle in Nebraska. After a journey lasting 52 days, the wagon train reached its destination on Turkey Creek, in what later became Saline County. 

Jonas became one of the county's first commissioners, and his son John became the county's first assessor. 

Established in 1872, Gilbert-Hulse Cemetery was founded when Jonas and Louisa Wyans Gilbert sold a half-acre plot to the Hulse family for use as a community burial ground. It became the resting place for many of the area’s first settlers, including some Union and Confederate veterans of America's Civil War. 

For decades, this plot of land preserved the history of those who first turned the soil in the mid- to late-1800s. The cemetery holds the remains of families who endured the brutal conditions of the Plains in those early years.

A majority of the graves belong to babies, toddlers, teens, and young mothers who died while giving birth or shortly after. 

Outspoken Agnosticism 

The cemetery’s notoriety stems largely from Jonas and John Gilbert's outspoken agnosticism, although it appears today that atheism would be a better description of their beliefs. 

Jonas passed away in 1882. His headstone features a highly provocative, anti-establishment epitaph, famously stating that the Gilbert died unafraid of "gods or ghosts or Heaven or Hell and all their hosts."

The controversy surrounding his beliefs -- and particularly the inscription on his tombstone -- is a foundational to the cemetery's lore.

Meanwhile, his son John "never belonged to a church ... and called himself an agnostic," according to the Dorchester Centennial history book. In the late 1800s, Dr. Frank Hamilton of Friend once asked John to embrace Christianity. That is when John Gilbert allegedly "went into a seizure for about two minutes, his muscles jerked, his eyes became bloodshot, his face became congested and red, his mouth became dry, and he kept wiping his lips with his tongue. During the attack, he venomously cursed God." 

Gilbert later donated money to build a library in Friend, on the condition that his anti-God books would be on the shelves.

Vandalism and Ghostly Tales

The inscription on Jonas' headstone made the Gilbert name famous. But that notoriety is what has led to the state of the graveyard today.

While it has been more than 140 years since Jonas died, rumors of non-Christian rituals and strange happenings in the graveyard -- over many decades -- cemented its status as an unusual and often unsettling location.

Among the strange events reported there:

- Visitors have long claimed to hear unexplained noises and witness the apparent shifting of burial markers.

- Eyewitness accounts include visitors describing seeing a "black fog" rising from graves, or being followed by unexplained flashing lights that appeared to emerge from the cemetery grounds. 

- Some visitors have even claimed they saw the figures of the Gilbert family and other pioneers roaming the grounds.

The sad reality of Gilbert's Graveyard is the significant vandalism it has faced over several decades. The acts of disrespect have led to the destruction of roughly 80 percent of the cemetery's headstones.

Jonas' controversial gravestone itself was broken by vandals and now lies in pieces. (This photo shows how it once looked whole.) Many of the pioneer graves, including those of Civil War veterans, are no longer marked, erasing a significant portion of the county’s history.

Today, those who visit this remote prairie cemetery are asked to remember the significant loss of our area history and to show respect. Recognize that a place meant for eternal rest has been tragically turned into a frequent target of criminal desecration.

Looking Back: Dorchester Lawmaker, Crete Woman Gave Us State Flag

Florence Hazen Miller of Crete, right. 

Nebraska's flag should always fly a little bit higher in Dorchester and Crete.

That's because the person most responsible for convincing the Nebraska Legislature to approve of our state flag (or banner, as it was called in 1925) was State Sen. Charles Meacham Jr. of Dorchester.

Sen. Meacham was steadfast in his legislative efforts primarily because of the consistent urging of constituent Mrs. Florence Hazen Miller of Crete, a staunch advocate to establish an official Nebraska flag. 

In fact, Crete was where the Nebraska's state flag flew following its official designation in the mid-1920s. 

According to the State Historical Society, "At one second after midnight on July 1, 1925 -- the day the banner law took effect -- a small Nebraska flag with a fifteen-inch-diameter state seal embroidered in gold and silver was hoisted on a pole in Crete, probably by Mrs. Miller, and it remained flying until 8 a.m."

This adoption of a state flag was a big deal, mostly because Nebraska was the last state at that time to get its own banner. As of 1920, each of the other 47 states had already adopted a flag -- so Nebraska was only five years behind the curve. (Maybe we will soon return to a two-chamber legislature to return to the wiser system America's founders established.) 

Read more about our state flag at the Nebraska History Museum's website. Then go fly your Nebraska flag high.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Saline Co. Summer Swampland

How Wet Was Our Summer?: Fall arrives Monday at 1:19 p.m. CT. That will bring an end to summer 2025, which will go down as one of the wettest in recent memory. As of Sept. 16, the year-to-date rainfall total for the Dorchester area is roughly 30 inches, significantly more than the 23.97-inch year-to-date average. Most of this rainfall came after mid-May. Fortunately, the drought is over. But that came with a cost. The heavy rains brought destructive wind and hail to property and crops -- and turned our area into a swampland. We have the massive mosquitos to prove it. Those flying insects aren't going away anytime soon; the long-range forecast shows no freezing temperatures until Oct. 30.

DHS Football Team Picks Up First Win: The Dorchester Longhorns picked up their first victory of 2025 on Sept. 12, even though it came by way of Heartland Lutheran (Grand Island) forfeiting on homecoming night. DHS is off this week but will resume play on Sept. 26 at Harvard (0-3) followed by an Oct. 3 home game against Silver Lake (2-1). See DHS' online schedule.     

Longhorn Volleyball Begins Season 5-3: The Lady Longhorns volleyball team has started their season with a 5-3 record, dropping a couple contests in which the Orange and Black Attack was favored to win. On Sept. 11, DHS lost to Class D-2 rival Giltner (5-1). Two days later, on Sept. 13, Dorchester topped Class C-2 Southern ( 4-10) but fell to Falls City Sacred Heart (5-7) and Pawnee City (5-5). Tonight, DHS is on the road against Nebraska Lutheran, and will travel to Osceola on Tuesday, Sept. 23 to take on the Lady Bulldogs. See DHS' online schedule.

Axline, Theis Crowned Homecoming Royalty: During DHS homecoming ceremony held Sept. 12, Caden Axline was crowned king, while Bailey Theis was crowned queen. Our congratulations to this fine representatives of Dorchester High School.

Home for Sale: A three-bedroom, one-bath home at 905 Franklin Ave. has been listed for sale since early September. The home, built 125 years ago, has a price tag of $168,000. View it here. 

'Pure Nebraska' Features County Museum Again: 10/11 News' 'Pure Nebraska' program is highlighting the Saline County Museum once again, this time with a spotlight on the museums' communications and business display in the Weidner Building. It features an impressive display of vintage typewriters, as well as newspaper printing presses used in Dorchester and Friend. Also on display are the movie projectors that were used at the Dorchester community theater, once housed in the Dorchester Community Building. This is a critical piece of Saline County history, and we salute the museum staff and volunteers for bringing it to life. Watch 10/11's feature story.

Power Outage Planned For Saturday Morning

The Village of Dorchester is planning a village-wide electrical power outage this Saturday, Sept. 13, beginning at 8 a.m. 

According to pamphlets let at residences, the power outage could last as long as six hours. 

"Please be patient and plan accordingly," the pamphlet say.

The outage is necessary due to repair work being conducted on the Norris Power substation south of Dorchester.

The facility was heavily damaged from the storms in late August.

At least one Dorchester business, the Farmers Cooperative fueling station and garage, will be closed on Saturday due to this event. 

Questions should be directed to Village Hall at 402-946-3201.  

Looking Back: Dorchester's Secret Organizations Of The Past

Some time ago, the Dorchester Times received a scathing e-mail from a critic who had issues with our blog's anonymous nature.

"I don't like the secretness [sic] of your publication," the writer said. "If your [sic] so proud of your blog and you have so much to say, come out and let us know who is behind the Dorchester Times."

The six staff members (one has passed away) of the Dorchester Times have been anonymous since the blog's founding in April 2007, although not all the original staff members are with us -- and as of summer 2023, we are in talks with two more individuals who may take over blog operations going forward. The Dorchester Times has done just fine, thank you, despite being cloaked in secrecy. 

Dorchester's history is rich with groups whose members remained anonymous while staying focused on the community's greater good.

One such group were the Dorchester Freemasons, who were active during the early 1900s. The Dorchester Freemasons met on the second floor of the building that now houses City Hall and Donna's Hair Creations. (It's rumored that second floor is haunted, but we will let someone else investigate that charge.)

According to the Masons' website, "the Freemasonry is the oldest and largest worldwide fraternity dedicated to the Brotherhood of Man under the Fatherhood of a Supreme Being."  

When the old Dorchester school building was razed in 2008, Dorchester's residents received a history lesson on the Freemasons, who laid the cornerstone of the 1927 building. Click here for our story on the opening of the 1927 cornerstone.

Another organization with ties to Dorchester's early past is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.), which was concerned with local civic and political matters. Dorchester's I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 74 was founded May 13, 1879. While not as secretive as the Freemasons, the Odd Fellows didn't exactly publicize their membership.

The purpose of Dorchester Odd Fellows' lodge was to "care for the sick, bury the dead, and care for the widows and orphans." Dorchester's I.O.O.F. Lodge No. 74 was active until 1973.

The staff of the Dorchester Times is not to be confused with the fine members of the Freemasons, the Odd Fellows, or any of the world's elite secret organizations. But in our own way, this blog continues to serve a purpose and do some good. We will stick with the formula that is working.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Who'll Stop The Rain?

Flooding Follows Labor Day Weekend Rain: Labor Day weekend brought tremendous amounts of rain to the Dorchester area, with 6.32" falling in town over a 24-hour period from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1. According to reports, Garland received similar amounts, while Friend saw 5.19" and Milford received nearly 4". Crete received nearly 3". Watch KETV's report on area flooding. One resident told us he saw water over roads where it had never crossed before. Several water removal trucks were in town Monday to take care of residents with wet basements. This follows a very wet August in the Dorchester area. The drought appears to be over for most of Saline County.

Saline County Museum Featured on Pure Nebraska: "Pure Nebraska" -- produced by 10/11 News -- is airing a new segment featuring the Kaspar Memorial Building at the Saline County Museum in Dorchester. The segment focuses on the antique farm equipment housed in and outside the building. Watch the episode. Keep in mind that the museum's "Living History Day" is set for Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free and lunch will be served. Homemade ice cream, games, and crafts will also be available.

DHS Volleyball Opens Season With Win; Football Team 0-1: The Dorchester volleyball team officially opened their season Thursday, Aug. 28, beating East Butler in three sets. DHS will play at Weeping Water on Thursday, Sept. 4, and at Pawnee City on Friday, Sept. 5. Meanwhile, the DHS football team lost their season opener 44-25 at Nerud Field on Friday, Aug. 29. Dorchester will travel to Pawnee City this Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

DHS Football Kicks Off Friday Night In Dorchester

 

Longhorn football is back! 

Dorchester High School's 2025 football season kicks off Friday night, Aug. 29 at Dorchester's own Nerud Field. 

The mighty Longhorns will do battle with the Sterling Jets at 7 p.m.

This is the eighth year of six-man football at Dorchester in the modern era. In recent years, DPS revamped Nerud Field with a new lighting system. Two years ago, a new field box was added to the friendly confines.

After two consecutive seasons of going 1-7, insiders say this year's DHS team seeks to begin a new chapter of Longhorn football as numbers begin to return. This year's squad as 17 players on the roster, and seven student managers -- an indication that football fever has returned to the village. 

 

Sources say DHS' experience in coaching and game planning will start to pay dividends in 2025.

Here is the 2025 schedule:

 

 

Since starting six-man football again in 2018, DHS has seen ups and downs. Dorchester went 3-5 in 2018, 4-4 in 2019, and 6-3 in 2020 (with a state playoffs appearance). In 2021, the Longhorns went 1-7, 2-6 in 2022, 1-7 in 2023, and 1-7 in 2024.

DHS is coached by 14-year head coach Brent Zoubek, who has dedicated 22 years to the program, plus another four years as a former player. Assistant coach is Spencer Kotas. 

Seniors Chase Tachovsky, Carter Cerny, Caden Axline, and Hunter Wake will lead this year's Orange and Black Attack. 

DHS Sets Sights On 2025 Volleyball Campaign

Bump. Set. Spike. 

The Dorchester High School volleyball team has high hopes as the Orange and Black Attack sets course on its 2025 campaign. 

Led by first-year coaches Bethany Theis, Mike Theis, and Kelli (Eret) Kohout, this year's DHS squad is expected to be a strong contender in Class D-2. 

The Lady Longhorns have become accustomed to winning. They finished at 18-12 in 2024, 16-11 in 2023, and 15-13 in 2022. This season, they hope to continue the winning thanks to the return of some key starters.

One insider who follows high school volleyball closely told the Times that this year's team will again be a forced to be reckoned with. "This is a team that deserves to be taken seriously and not underestimated," our source told us. "I can see them winning 20-plus games."

With 15 players on the team, including seniors Bailey Theis, Savannah June, and Micaela Loarca, DHS has strong support from five juniors, four sophomores, and two freshmen.

The Lady Longhorns are off to a solid start already, beating Class C-1 Wilber-Clatonia High School in a scrimmage contest on Tuesday evening, Aug. 26, at Wilber. DHS captured two of three sets.

DHS fans will know in short order how the 2025 team stacks up. Dorchester will play five contests by Sept. 11, when the first home contests will be held.

Here is the 2025 DHS volleyball schedule:

Student managers for DHS are Baila Brandt, Embry Brandt, Lennon Kohout, Annie Smith, and Bethany Vazquez.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Enough With The Storms!

Another Storm Brings More Severe Damage: Late afternoon Friday, Aug. 22, another severe storm targeted Dorchester and the immediate countryside, leaving the village with significant property and tree damage. The village had no electricity for a 24-hour stretch for the second time in three weekends. This storm was particularly destructive because of the havoc it wreaked on downtown buildings, while also snapping numerous power poles, including those supporting a major transmission line. Some suspect it may have been an F1 tornado that struck town, but that is yet unconfirmed. "It seems our little village is being picked on kind of unfairly," said one longtime resident. "But we will endure." Watch KLKN Channel 8's on-the-ground report from Saturday, Aug. 23, featuring interviews with Dorchester residents.

Dorchester's New Coffee and Specialty Drink Shop Gets Rave Reviews: For those who haven't yet tried it, Dorchester Nutrition has now been operating at 102 East 8th Street on Main Street (Washington Avenue) for the past several months. Serving specialty drinks -- like teas, blended coffees, shakes, and more --  this impressive family-owned business is open from 6:30 to 9 a.m. and from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday. Stop in or order ahead by texting 402-418-2453. Visit Dorchester Nutrition's Facebook page. 

Dorchester's Food Truck Schedule: With autumn temperatures approaching, Dorchester will be seeing more food truck activity on Main Street (Washington Avenue) in the coming weeks. Here's a look at who's scheduled to be serving:

- Daylight Donuts: Thursday, Aug. 28 (7 - 10 a.m. or until sold out)

- What's the Scoop Ice Cream: Thursday, Aug. 28 (5 - 8 p.m.)

- Billie's Grilled Cheese: Monday, Sept. 1 (10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. AND 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.)

- Billie's Grilled Cheese: Monday, Oct. 6 (10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. AND 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.)

- KennaBell's BBQ: Monday, Oct. 20 (11 a.m. - 1 p.m. AND 4 - 7 p.m.)

Big Events Coming To Saline County Museum

Official sources have provided the Times with details on the upcoming Living History Day festival, which will be held at the Saline County Museum in Dorchester, right along Highway 33 on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This free, family-oriented outing has become a favorite in southeast Nebraska -- much like a fall festival but with a historical twist. It features roughly 20 historical demonstrations and showcases old-timer practices -- like blacksmithing, quilting, pioneer cooking, and embossing -- as well as fun and games like horseshoes. Food will be available, including homemade ice cream. 

Special presentations this year will include:

• 11 a.m. - Presentation by President Ulysses S. Grant
• Noon - Saline County Color Guard ceremony
• 12:30 p.m. - Studio C Cloggers
• All day - Art show

Attendees are encouraged to bring their family members, friends, and lawn chairs. Donations will be accepted. Don't miss the end-of-summer highlight. 

Other planned events at the museum this year include:

• Sunday, Aug. 31 - Presentation by John Palky on prehistoric tools, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 18 - "Lady Warriors: Women Soldiers of the Civil War" with Rayma Volkmer, 1 p.m. 
• December, dates TBA - "Festival of Trees" display

In the meantime, the museum is open every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to set aside some time to check out the dozen buildings on the Saline County Historical Museum campus. As always, it's free to attend.

Dorchester's Jan Henning Passes At 78

Janice Lynne Henning, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt,
and friend, passed away peacefully on Aug. 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Fairbury, Nebraska on Sept. 27, 1946 to Dolores and Charles Rodwell.

Jan, as she was affectionately known, dedicated 39 years of her career as an executive secretary to the General Manager at Alpo Pet Foods, where her professionalism, loyalty, and warmth left a lasting impact. It was at Alpo where she met Bruce Henning, who held multiple management positions over his 32-year career. Their connection blossomed into a loving partnership, and they were married on October 5, 1985, sharing nearly 40 wonderful years together.

Jan and Bruce shared a love of travel, exploring new places and creating cherished memories. Jan had a vibrant and joyful spirit, finding happiness in shopping, garage saling, and collecting unique treasures. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her grandchildren, whom she adored and loved to spoil.

Janice is survived by her devoted husband, Bruce Henning; her children, Michelle (David Brummer) and Todd Slama; and her stepchildren, Jennifer (Todd Zimmerman), Scott (Crystal Henning), and Jessica (Jason Sherwood). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Blake and Harper, Michael (Brian) and Rebecca, Madison, Sierra, and Hunter; her great-grandchildren, Elliott and Alexander; her sister, Kathleen Blobaum; nephews Scott, Greg (Julie), and Jesse; and her beloved pet, Teddy.

She is further survived by her sister- and brothers-in-law: Ron & Carolyn Henning, Donna & Daryl Michl, Donna Henning, Judy Henning, Marge & Noyle Kramer, Chuck & Rosalie Henning and Lynn Henning.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents and numerous brother and sisters-in-law. 

Jan will be remembered for her kindness, her sense of fun, and the deep love she gave to her family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. with visitation on Tuesday from 5 - 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department or to Blue River Pet Rescue in Seward, in honor of Jan’s generous and adventurous spirit. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.