NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Track And Field Stars Place At State

 

DHS Stars Place At State Track and Field Championship: Earlier this month, three DHS athletes qualified for the 2025 Nebraska High School Track and Field Championship Meet in Omaha, held May 23-24. When the dust settled, two Lady Longhorns brought home medals. Standout Junior Bailey Theis placed 13th in the discus (106 ft. and 3 in.) and third in shot put (42 ft and 11 in.). Senior Baylor Behrens finished seventh in 300 meter hurdles, setting a new school record of 47:35, while placing ninth in 100 meter hurdles -- again setting a new school record with a 16:47 run. Longhorn Faith Elkins also performed well, coming in 18th in 100 meter hurdles (17:51) and 23rd in 100 meter dash (13:51). Congrats to these student athletes for representing the community so well. 

DHS Journalism Scores Well in State, National Contests: Dorchester High School's journalism program recently celebrated several students who placed in the Nebraska Press Women’s High School Communications Contest. Senior Gabby Theis captured first place in Yearbook Copywriting, second in Yearbook Photo, and honorable mention in Editorial Cartooning and Double-Truck Layout. Hailey Schweitzer took home first place in Double-Truck Layout and honorable mention in Yearbook Layout. Mackenzie Luzum captured second place in Double-Truck Layout and Honorable Mention in Opinion. Bailey Theis received second in Yearbook Copywriting. Andrea Pavlish won third in Yearbook Photo and in Editorial. Joseph Peacock captured Honorable Mention in Yearbook Copywriting. Gabby and Hailey’s first-place entries competed nationally and both placed third in the National Federation of Press Women High School Communications Contest. 

Dorchester's Jacee Zoubek Earns UNL Honors: Dorchester graduate was among just 24 students from UNL's College of Education and Human Sciences who were recognized as Chancellor’s Scholars during the undergraduate commencement ceremonies May 17 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Chancellor’s Scholars are students who have maintained a 4.0 GPA on all collegiate work at Nebraska and elsewhere. Jacee graduated with a degree in nutrition, exercise and health sciences, and is the daughter of Brent Zoubek and Lindsey Zoubek.

National Spotlight on Dorchester's Dan Nerud: Dorchester's Dan Nerud is a fourth-generation farmer who also serves as a director for the Nebraska Corn Board and Board member for the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA). Nerud recently spoke with Successful Farming magazine and podcast to discuss producer groups, farming with family, and mental health. Beyond all things agriculture, Nerud shared his experience with depression, which multiple studies show is between 2-5 times higher in farmers than the rest of the population, according to the publication. He said being prescribed antidepressants was a "game changer" for him, and his goal is to make sure other farmers dealing with depression know there is help available. He stressed the importance of watching out for others, encouraging family and friends to speak up if they notice changes in a loved one.

Memorial Day Services Set For Monday

Memorial Day kicks off the summer season. Let's not forget the reason behind the holiday.

We should all take time this Memorial Day -- Monday, May 26 -- to pay homage to the true meaning of this special day of remembrance.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, between 1775 and 1991, the U.S. military recorded 651,031 battle deaths and 539,054 non-combat deaths, totaling 1.19 million fatalities. From 1980 to 2022, there were more than 10,000 recorded deaths related to military activities.

Dorchester's Memorial Day program is a tradition in our area that we are proud to honor.  It is a heartfelt tribute to our fallen military heroes -- past and present -- who sacrificed their lives to protect our country and its freedoms.  

The Dorchester American Legion will host two Memorial Day services:

• 10 a.m. at the Dorchester Cemetery; and
• 11 a.m. at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery

Lunch follows services at Dorchester Legion Hall on Dorchester's Washington Ave.

In case of rain, please meet at the Dorchester Legion at 10 a.m.

 

The Dorchester Legion Bar and Grill will be open most of the day, from noon to 8 p.m., according to social media reports.

The Old Bell: 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 order 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."

LOOKING BACK: Joe Wagner's Mobil Station

The year is 1961. Your car needs an oil change or a mechanical fix. 

What do you do? 

Well, 64 years ago, you had several options in Dorchester. You could take your car to the new Farmers Co-op service station, or to one of two garages in town: Sehnert's Ford Garage -- or Joe Wagner's Mobil filling station and garage across the street.

A few years ago, Derek Filipi of Wilber (Joe's grandson) sent us this photograph of Wagner's. Click on the photo for a better view.

The filling station and garage operated at the present site of Barley's Specialties.  

After Wagner's went out of business, the building was sold to the Danielson family. In the 1980s, it was briefly home to Zabka's Phillips 66 station and convenience store.

Older residents will recall that during the 1950s, it was Arnold's Mobil, which was owned and operated by longtime resident Arnold Bobolz for several years.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Behrens, Elkins, Theis Headed to State Track and Field Meet

Three Lady Longhorns Headed to State: When the dust settled at this week's Class D-1 District Track Meet at Pawnee City, Dorchester High School found itself with three athletes qualifying for Nebraska's State High School Track and Field Championship Meet in Omaha later this month. Baylor Behrens qualified in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles; Bailey Theis qualified in shot put and discus; and Faith Elkins qualified in the 100 meter hurdles and 100 meter dash. Congrats to these student athletes for their hard work and standout performances. Check out the events schedule for the state track and field championships, which will be May 23-24 for Class D.

Behrens Sets New DHS Record: Congratulations goes to DHS senior Baylor Baylor Behrens for setting a new school record in the girls' 100 meter hurdles. Behrens' time was 16.57, enough to break the former record held by Neileen Filipi.

May 15 Deadline to Register for DHS Alumni Banquet: On Saturday evening, May 24, Dorchester alumni -- young and old and in-between -- will gather to recall the good times and celebrate the school that gave them their start. The 2025 Dorchester Alumni Banquet will be held at the DHS gym. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the banquet will start at 6 p.m. RSVP to Jessica Tuttle by Thursday, May 15, by calling the school at (402) 946-2781. For those who'd like to carry on their conversations beyond the banquet, the Dorchester American Legion has traditionally been open after the banquet. City Slickers and East Side are also options.

Main Street Median Getting Irrigation: Dorchester's famous main street median (actually Washington Ave. median) is getting underground sprinklers. Work has been ongoing for the past week as old curbing is being removed and the underground tubing goes in. This follows last fall's main street resurfacing project.

DPS Has Elementary Teacher Opening: Dorchester Public School currently has a first grade opening for the 2025-2026 school year. Learn more here.

It's Official: DHS Class of 2025 Celebrates Graduation

 

 

The caps, tassles, gowns, and Kleenex were in full effect Saturday, May 10, at the Dorchester High School gymnasium. 

 

That's when graduation ceremonies were held for 13 Longhorn seniors and their friends and families.

 

Here are the members of DHS' Class of 2025 and their post-graduation plans as detailed by DPS social media:

• Baylor Behrens: Baylor is the daughter of Bob and Julie Behrens. After graduating, Baylor plans to attend UNL where she will major in animal science with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
  
  
• Angelina Cornejo: Angelina is the daughter of Ashley Karst and Isrrael Cornejo. Angelina plans to attend Southeast Community College where she will major in radiology.
  
  
• Isabella Cornejo: Isabella is the daughter of Ashley Karst and Isrrael Cornejo. Isabella will attend Central Community College where she major in occupational therapy.
  
  
• Mackenzie Luzum: Mackenzie is the daughter of Kevin and Carrie Luzum. Mackenzie plans to attend Southeast Community College where she will major in business.
  
  
• Alisson Nunez: Alisson is the daughter of Angela Del Carmen Escobar. Alisson plans to continue learning English so that she can go to college for cosmetology or work as a translator/interpreter. Alisson will also volunteer at the Capital Humane Society.
  
  
• Joey Peacock: Joey is the son of Patrick and Noemi Peacock. Joey plans to attend the UNL where he will major in journalism.
  
  
• AyLynn Schwisow: AyLynn is the daughter of Jacqueline Gooding. AyLynn plans to attend Peru State College where she will major in criminal justice.
  
  
• Ariana Tellez: Ariana is the daughter of Miriam and Edwin Tellez. Ariana plans to attend Southeast Community College where she will major in physical therapy.
  
  
• Julian Tellez: Julian is the son of Angelica and Rene Tellez. Julian plans to attend Southeast Community College where he will work toward an associates degree in welding.
  
  
• Gabby Theis: Gabby is the daughter of Michael and Bethany Theis. Gabby is headed to Central Community College on a basketball scholarship. She plans to pursue an Associate of Applied Science degree and then transfer to Oklahoma State to complete a bachelors in sports management and marketing.
  
  
• Owen Vyhnalek: Owen is the son of Steve and Sarah Vyhnalek. Owen will attend Concordia University on a football scholarship where he will major in agricultural science.
  
  
• Atley Zoubek: Atley is the daughter of Brent and Lindsey Zoubek. Atley will be attending the Entourage Institute of Beauty and Esthetics.

Our heartiest of congratulations to the accomplished Longhorns in the Class of 2025. The sky truly is the limit for all of you.

 

NEWS ROUND-UP: Museum Open House This Sunday

Museum Open House This Sunday, May 4: On Sunday, May 4, the Saline County Museum in south Dorchester will host its open house of the newly renovated Chapel Building. According to the Saline County Historical Society's social media, visitors can tour the 13 buildings on the museum campus, then enjoy a free bowl of homemade ice cream. There's no charge to visit the museum, but donations are accepted. Summer hours are 1-4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. 

Dorchester Track and Field Stars Set Records: In late April, DHS standout Bailey Theis broke the DHS shot put record with a distance of 43' 9". Theis, a junior, smashed the previous longstanding and impressive record of 41' 7" set by Karmen Lawver, who was present to see the feat. See DPS social media. Meanwhile, DPS eighth grader Kaitlyn Bolton recently broke the DPS junior high discus record from 1987 set by Janet Uher. Bolton's 102-feet throw beat the 38-year record by more than two feet. Congrats to these Lady Longhorns!

Community Garage Sales, June 6-7: The Dorchester Community Garage Sales will be June 6 and June 7, according to village officials. Other towns having garage sales during this time will be Friend, Exeter, and Fairmont. Contact the Dorchester Village office if you would like to be put on the list. Maps will be available the week of June 2.

Dump Site Now Open: Now through Aug. 31, the Dorchester dump site is now open. Hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 3-7 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m-5 p.m. Branches, leaves, grass clippings, and garden waste are accepted. Recycling is also available at the site.

Acreage For Sale On West Edge Of Dorchester

 

 

Dorchester's real estate market remains strong 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 and acreage that just hit the market:

1413 County Road 1400: Charming country living on the edge of town! This updated 1.5-story home sits on 3.5 acres and features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a beautifully remodeled kitchen, wood and carpet flooring, and a brand-new HVAC system. The property offers everything you need for a rural lifestyle — an detached single-car garage, a livestock building, a large shop with a concrete floor, and fenced-in pasture ready for animals. Situated on a blacktop road on the northwest edge of Dorchester, it’s just two blocks from the school — offering both convenience and privacy. Acreage like this doesn’t come around often. Don’t miss your chance to make it yours! View the listing.