DHS Teams Stumble But Still Look Strong

On Friday night, the Longhorns fell short in their bid to enter the Class D-1 football rankings. Playing in their first road contest of the year, the Horns were upended 42-22 by a feisty group of Mustangs from McCool.

DHS is now 1-2 on the young season.

Despite that DHS was handed its second loss -- and although the team is still not at full strength due to injuries -- the Longhorns remain in second place in their Class D-1 district, trailing top-seated Meridian (2-1) by less than a point. The district rankings are based on strength of opponent and margin of victory or loss.

Next week's homecoming contest will feature the 2-1 Pawnee City Indians, ranked fourth in the district standings and trailing DHS by about three points.

On Thursday evening, the Lady Longhorns proved they can compete in Class C-2, losing a nail biter to next door rival Friend in five sets. Despite losing the first set 25-15, the Horns roared back to sweep the next two sets 25-21 and 25-15 against a loaded Friend team with a deep bench. Friend won the last two sets 25-13 and 15-7.

The Lady Horns, now 3-2, remain in Class D-1's top 15 teams by point standing, according to the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA). Victories at today's Shickley tournament could propel the Orange and Black into the top 10. (UPDATE 9/20, 8 p.m.: Dorchester defeated Bruning-Davenport 25-20, 25-23 in round one of the Shickley Invitational, but fell to Silver Lake in two sets, 25-20 and 25-23. In the third place match, the Longhorns were defeated by Shickley 25-19, 16-25, 25-15.)

DHS Announces Impressive List Of Boosters

The Dorchester High School Athletic Department has announced the names of this year's DHS Booster Club members. An impressive list of area residents, businesses, alumni and other DHS supporters comprise the Dorchester Booster Club's ranks. The 2008-09 Booster members are:

* Randy & Kelly Brummett

* Brian & Colleen Schwisow

* Joyce Karl

* Wayne & Cindy Havlat

* Matt & Donna Hansen

* Brad & Donna Havlat

* Roger & Lisa Wells

* Ron & Joyce Kahle

* Dave & Donna Parks

* Carol Schnell

* Rich & Deanna Sand

* John & Rochelle Bruha

* Dennis & Lori Pracheil

* Scott & Nancy Pohl

* Jennifer Feeken

* George & Jen Kasl

* Dale & Deanna Bird

* Russ & Tish Hewitt

* Matt & Donetta Hoffman

* Ron & Michelle Barak

* Eric Plonkey & Corby Aaberg

* Shaun & Annette Walton

* Toni Ladley

* Joel & Amy Weber

* Allen & Kellie Moyer

* Marvin Kohout

* Deb Spanyers

* Scott & Lori Vyhnalek

* Todd & Donna Jensen

* Terri Carroll

* David & Darlene Rasplicka

* Leornard & Jan Stehlik

* Dale Kasl

* Ron Velder

* Jerome Schnell

* Matt Carroll

* Aaron & Missy Stutzman

* Galen & Maurine Johnson

* Kevin & Carol Olson

* Loren & Judy Vyhnalek

* Jack & Dorothy Beekley

* Eric Stehlik

* Don & Louis Williams

* Michael & Lynn Feeken

* Bill Moser

* Larry Kaspar

* Earl & Karen Parks

* Peg Bergmeyer

* James and Daniel Sehnert

* Mr. & Mrs. Alden Johnson

* Doug & Kelly Feeken

* Tina Axline

* Jack & Ann Bruha

* Dorchester Times Staff

* Terry Gautreaux

* Bob & Judy Weber

* Rosie & Shelley Bruha

* Lowell Kotas

* Lori & Marc Cerny

* Wal-Mart

* Farmland Foods

* Farmers Cooperative

* Crete Area Medical Center

* Pepsi Cola

* Ben's Iron Salvage

* Dr. Kubicek/Friend Denatal Clinic

* Pinnacle Bank

* Bors' Tree Transplanting

* Dorchester Grocery

* Weber Feed Yard

The DHS Booster Club is comprised of Dorchester supporters of all DHS sports teams, raising money for much-needed supplies, equipment, uniforms, and/or capital items beyond what the school budget can provide. Through such financial support, the Booster Club enriches DHS' extra curricular activities for both students and community members.

It's not too late to become a DHS Booster. Your contribution of $10, $25, $50 or whatever you can afford will remind all Dorchester youth that self-motivation, the desire to excel, good health habits, and interscholastic competition are critical to the overall educational experience. Moreover, a DHS student will never forget the level of support shown by fellow community members during his/her school days.

If you would like to become a DHS booster, send you contribution of $10 or more to:

DHS Booster Club
506 W 9th St., Box 7
Dorchester, NE 68343

Annual Church Auction This Sunday, Sept. 21

Dorchester United Methodist Church’s 21st Annual Community Auction will be held this Sunday, Sept. 21.

All Dorchester area residents are strongly encouraged to join the fun, which will be held on the church grounds. Sunday's activities begin with a beef and pork barbecue from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The auction starts at 1 p.m.

According to Carol Olson, there will be numerous auction items that will be of special interest, including a kids' Husker Bench; Nebraska Football package; and a children's picnic table. A full list of auction items can be found at any of Dorchester's local businesses.

Those who would like to place a bid but are unable to attend may still take part in this important fundraiser by calling Vicky Parks (402-946-4691) or Carol Olson (402-946-3531).

Some more highlights planned for this Sunday:

* Chain saw artist Nick Jensen from Garland will be demonstrating his carving skills from 10:30 am until 12:45 p.m. The items he carves will be auctioned. Come watch "Papa Bear" Jensen create his unique wood sculptures, which make great rustic yard art or home decor.

* Youth Cake Auction: Community youth will be bringing cakes and other sweet treats that to be auctioned off.

* Farmers Market: Fresh produce from local gardens will be offered at a free will offering.

* Book Exchange: Bring a book to exchange for a new read or purchase any available.

Cash donations of all amounts are also being accepted. For those who would like to make cash donations, please contact Parks or Olson at the phone numbers above.

We hope all Times' readers will enjoy the first weekend of fall by supporting the community's church and the good work of its members by contributing generously at Sunday's auction.

Horns Get First Football Win, First Volleyball Loss

The Dorchester Longhorns earned their first win of the young football season on Friday night in an 8-6 victory over the Sterling Jets.

The Horns, now 1-1 on the year following last week's loss to Shelby, will travel to McCool Junction next Friday for a 7 p.m. contest against the Mustangs. (*UPDATE 9/16, 2 p.m.: The Lincoln Journal-Star has named the Longhorns as contenders in Class D-1 after knocking Sterling out of the Class D-2 top 10. Our congratulations to the men of DHS.)

On the volleyball court, the Lady Longhorns came away with a split decision Thursday at the Hampton Triangular. The Horns soundly defeated the Hawks of Hampton in two straight sets, 25-17, 25-17. However, top-10 ranked Giltner handed DHS its first loss of the season, beating the Longhorns in straight sets, 25-22, 25-15. The Hornets of Giltner went onto win the triangular after crushing Hampton 25-16, 25-13.

The Lady Longhorns will look to bounce back next week, on Sept. 18, in a home contest against next door rival Friend.

Editorial: Public Image Counts

Back in May 2007, Dorchester made national news thanks to an Associated Press story on the dramatic increase in the construction across the Midwest due to the growth of the ethanol industry.

The AP story -- which appeared in newspapers across the state and nation -- was read by millions of Americans. A recent Google search by the Times found the article is still readily available on the Internet, on dozens of Web sites.

Set in Dorchester, the article opens with the following lead:

"DORCHESTER, Neb. -- Outside of two bars and a bank there’s little activity on Washington Street here, where more windows are covered by boards than 'Open' signs. But at the end of the street, semi-trailers stir the dust near a concrete symbol of economic activity. It towers over the signs of small-town decay ..."

As we stated some 16 months ago, the AP account portrays our town in a negative and unfair light. Dorchester certainly has more life and economic activity than journalist Jenkins reported. Yet, the story still serves as a good reminder that Dorchester needs to make improvements if we are to enhance our public image -- and our own quality of life.

We are encouraged by the many upgrades made across town over the last year. Recognition goes to the Dorchester Area Community Association and Foundation, as well as the individuals who made an investment of time and financial resources. The new school is remarkable -- it is a structure that any community would prize. We also recognize other enhancements, including the main street electronic marquee, upgrades made to the city park, and improvements of buildings along main street.

However, we are disappointed by some of the eyesores that remain -- eyesores that could be easily addressed. The sight of weeds growing on the sidewalk on the west side of main street, in front of blatantly neglected buildings, is an obvious reminder there is still work to be done. We are especially disappointed this has occurred on a very visible sidewalk less than half a block from Village Hall.

As we said previously, public image matters. Public image attracts growth to a community or expedites its decline. Again, we ask readers to take a minute to scroll down the left-hand column of this Web page and read the historical profile of Dorchester 120 years ago. Times were tough back then, too. But town leaders wanted Dorchester to be known for more than its train depot.

In 2008, let's hope that all Dorchester residents want our town to be known for more than its grain elevator, despite its significant contributions to the area economy.

DHS Volleyball Rolls To First Victories

The Lady Longhorns are out of the gates this season in convincing fashion as the DHS volleyball team rolled to a pair of victories Thursday evening.

At a triangular held in Weeping Water, Dorchester defeated Palmyra in two sets, 25-20 and 25-20. The Longhorns then went on to wallop the hometown team, crushing Weeping Water in straight sets by scores of 25-16 and 25-22.

DHS head coach Jodi Fintel is returning six starters on this year's Longhorn volleyball team, which includes four solid seniors.

One respected sportswriter told the Times that he believes the DHS volleyball squad should be ranked in Class D-1. Dorchester is currently unranked in both the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World-Herald prep polls.

Based on the Journal Star polls, ranked D-1 teams in the immediate area are Mead (No. 5), Freeman (No. 6), Giltner (No. 9) and Pawnee City (No. 10).

The Lady Longhorns will again be in action in Hampton on Thursday, Sept. 11, in another triangular.

Youth Football Day On Sept. 11

Autumn is in the air and football season is here. That means it's time for the third annual "Longhorn Football Youth Day" -- when young fans and future Longhorn stars can learn a little more about the gridiron game and have some fun with their peers.

Longhorn Football Youth Day will be held next Thursday, Sept. 11, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Dorchester's Nerud Football Field. This free event will be open to all boys and girls in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Every participant will receive a free pass to the Sept. 12 DHS home game against the Sterling Jets.

"We look forward to seeing every Dorchester elementary student at this exciting event," said DHS football coaches Brent Zoubek and Ryan Voelker. "Young Longhorns are encouraged to come meet the players of this year's DHS football team and have fun learning some of the fundamentals of football."

Plan to bring your child to Longhorn Football Youth Day on Sept. 11.

News Briefs: Wind Farm In Saline County's Future?

• DHS Alum Matt Carroll To Start For Peru State: According to the Nebraska City News Press, former DHS Longhorn is slated to start for Peru State College this year on the football team's offensive line. Peru State is coming off last year’s 6-5 team. According to the preview released as part of the school’s media guide, the key to the success of the Peru State offensive team will come down to the line. Carroll, a sophomore, will play at the right tackle position.

• Area Accident Claims Life Of Milford Teen: An auto accident on a gravel-road intersection near Dorchester took the life of one Milford teen and seriously injured another. According to the Lincoln Journal Star, killed in the crash was Zach Blowers, 15, of Milford. Two others, 15-year-old Richland Walker of Milford and 47-year-old Robert Haufle of Crete were hospitalized with serious injuries. The crash involving Blowers and Walker, sophomore members of Milford’s football squad, happened just before 5 p.m. Walker’s 1989 Chevrolet pickup collided with a 2002 Dodge pickup at an intersection two miles northwest of Dorchester. Haufle was driving the Dodge that also held his wife, Arlene, and two children. Friday evening in Milford, more than 100 students attended an impromptu prayer service for Blowers and Walker on the school’s football field. Blowers’ funeral will be Tuesday.

• Wind Energy Pitch Presented To Saline County Residents: Last Thursday evening at Saline Center, a representative from the nation’s largest wind energy development company pitched the creation of a wind farm in central Saline County to a group of about 50 landowners, according to the Lincoln Journal Star. A development manager for Denver-based Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc., explained to his audience that his company has been looking at the development of wind energy resources in six Saline County townships for the past year. The Journal Star article reports that it would be feasible, company representatives said, to build an 80-turbine wind farm in central Saline County, altering the appearance and economy of the county and generating up to $12,000 per year per a wind turbine for landowners. Thursday night's pitch from RES, which also developed Nebraska's largest wind farm, near Ainsworth, was the second such proposal the county has heard in the past month, said Randy Pryor, a University Of Nebraska extension educator in Saline County, and also a local land owner. District 32 Sen. Russ Karpisek of Wilber said landowners need to make sure they know what they're getting into before they sign any contracts. A bill (LB629) passed in 2007 by the Nebraska Legislature, makes it easier for private companies to work with the Nebraska Public Power District to develop wind energy. Pryor doesn't deny the prospect of the wind farm is exciting."It would totally change the way the middle of Saline County would look," he said. "That would be the largest project in the state."

Help Wanted: New School Move Is Next Week

All able-bodied area residents are needed to help prepare the new school building for the upcoming school year.

As of this writing, Dorchester school staff plans to move supplies and equipment into the new school next Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 2 and 3, as well as Friday, Sept. 5.

According to Superintendent Brian Redinger, the help of district patrons, parents, alumni, students (grades 6-12), school staff, and any other adults would be tremendously appreciated.

If you are able to help with this historic event, plan to be at the school around 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2. Several volunteers will be needed, Redinger says, due to the large amount of items that will be unloaded from a semi-trailer.

Volunteers will be needed Wednesday, Sept. 3 -- also a 10 a.m. start -- only if there are still items left to unload from the semi-trailer.

Many volunteers will again be needed 8:30 a.m. Friday, as items will be moved from the new wrestling room to individual class rooms. Plans are being made to provide volunteers with lunch. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring brooms to help sweep sidewalks and the new parking lot.

For more information on how to help with the new school move, call the school at (402) 946-2781.

The Times has also learned that at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, the a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held to commemorate opening of the new school and renovated DPS campus.

Times' Ten Day Challenge: Support The DHS Booster Club

Can you spare $1 a day for the next ten days?

We challenge Dorchester residents, parents, alumni and friends of the community to make a $10 contribution to the DHS Booster Club by month's end. If the Booster Club receives more than $500 by Sept. 1, the Times will contribute an additional $50, above and beyond the contributions of our individual staff members. (UPDATE: 8/25, 10 a.m. -- Former DHS principal and teacher Terry Gautreaux has pledged to match the Times' $50 contribution if the $500 goal is reached.)

The DHS Booster Club is comprised of Dorchester supporters of all DHS sports teams who work to raise money for much-needed supplies, equipment, uniforms, and/or capital items beyond what the school budget can provide. Through such financial support, the Booster Club enriches DHS' extra curricular activities for both students and community members.

Your small donation will remind our Longhorn youth that we support their extra curricular efforts. Your contribution will remind DHS students it is a privilege and an honor to represent one's school and to wear its uniform. Your $10 contribution will remind all Dorchester youth that self-motivation, the desire to excel, good health habits, and interscholastic competition are critical to the overall educational experience.

Regardless of a student's athletic talents, the lessons on leadership and self-improvement learned through school activities last a lifetime. Just as true, a student will always recall the level of support shown by fellow community members during his/her school days.

Before Sept. 1, we hope you will take a moment to send your $10 (or more) contribution to:

DHS Booster Club

506 W 9th St., Box 7

Dorchester, NE 68343

DHS Fall Sports Preview Aug. 29

Get ready for the red carpet roll out of the 2008 DHS teams, Longhorn fans!

The Dorchester Booster Club is sponsoring the annual fall sports preview next Friday, Aug. 29, at Nerud Field. According to DHS Athletic Director Scott Pohl, the festivities will kick off with the Booster Club offering a tailgate meal starting at 6 p.m. Cost is only $3.

The DHS volleyball coaches will introduce the 2008 Lady Longhorns at approximately 6:30, followed by the football coaches' introduction of the 2008 Longhorn gridiron team. A scrimmage of the football team will be held after the players' introduction.

Instead of bringing a sports drink for admission for the scrimmage -- as has been the tradition in the past -- the DHS Boosters are asking that a donation be given to the new Nerud Field concessions/restroom facility effort. The new facility will be built late this fall.

The DHS Booster Club is also asking any and all community members to join the Club and help support the youth of Dorchester. Those with questions should contact Scott Pohl at spohl@esu6.org.

DVFD Glo-Ball Golf Tourney Sept. 6

Get ready for the second annual Dorchester Volunteer Fire Dept. "Glo-Ball" Golf Tournament.

The tourney is set for the evening of Saturday, Sept. 6 at the Friend Country Club. Cost is $25 per person with two-person teams. The tourney will begin promptly at dark.

Flag prizes and raffle prizes will be awarded.

This is a wonderful and fun opportunity to support the volunteer first responders of our community. Contact the Friend Country Club (402-947-6501) to reserve your spot.

Nerud Field Facility Set For Late Fall Construction

Sources have told the Times that the new sports activity facility at Nerud Field will begin to take shape in late fall, following the last home DHS football game.

The facility will be a 24’ by 40’ building that will include new restrooms and a covered eating area with picnic tables.

As reported by a reader last month, Dorchester citizen Bill Velder is heading the project, a joint venture between the school and village.

Donations are being accepted at the First State Bank, village office, school office and Dorchester Grocery. Those who wish to volunteer their labor or donate cash should call Bill Velder at (402) 946-2491.

News Briefs: Farmers' Co-op Takeover Will Take Place Sept. 1

• Farmers' Co-0p Will Take Over Countryside Co-op: Earlier this week, the Lincoln Journal Star reported that some Nebraska Tire stores have been closed as their owner, Countryside Cooperative of Firth prepares to be taken over Sept. 1 by Dorchester's Farmers Cooperative. Interim CEO Terry Samuelson said Countryside members voted 92% on July 24 for the co-op to be taken over by Dorchester, a larger cooperative. Meanwhile, Countryside has been downsizing its Nebraska Tire operation. The Nebraska Tire stores remaining are in Firth, Nebraska City, York and Fremont. The rationale behind the merger, Samuelson said, was primarily to be able to address capital needs for agriculture for the future. “Very fine companies are being challenged,” Samuelson said. “When we had corn at $6, approaching $7, it takes three time the amount of capital to do the same amount of business as it did three years ago.” Countryside also owns elevators, fuel and propane stations, feed stores, ammonia plants and other operations at Firth, Pickrell, Princeton, Diller, Cortland, Sterling, Syracuse, Pawnee City, Hallam, Filley and Crete, according to its Web site. Farmers Cooperative of Dorchester currently has operations in 35 other communities in southeast Nebraska and Kansas.

• DHS Alum Nohavec Named As Business Leader: 1989 DHS alumus Kristi Nohavec, now of Lincoln, has been honored with the Midlands Business Journal '40 under 40' award. Nohavec is an architect and associate principal at Clark Enersen Partners, Inc. in Lincoln. Recently, Nohavec designed the new shelter in the Dorchester City Park.

• Baby Holtmeier Newest Member of Dorchester Area Community: Penny (Olson) and Mike Holtmeier of Dorchester are the proud parents of a new baby boy, born Aug. 7 at Saint Elizabeth. Our congratulations to the happy family.

School Update: New Photos Now Online

Thanks to the recent run of dry weather, construction crews working on the Dorchester School renovation project are making solid progress. Work has now begun inside the new school building where the 1928 school once stood.

Ayars & Ayars, Inc. has updated photos of the new facility -- inside and out. We are impressed, as well as a little envious of the Dorchester students who will soon be filling the new classrooms. The new 33,500 square foot addition, which will feature both elementary and high school classrooms, a multi-purpose room with stage, library and administrative offices.

* UPDATE: 8/3 -- According to school administration, the new school year will be begin Sept. 10 for secondary students (grades 7-12) and Sept. 12 for elementary students (kindergarten through grade 6).

Editorial: What's Good Enough For Fairmont...

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Gov. Dave Heineman has announced $5.1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for projects in 35 communities across the state.

These grants are distributed as part of the state’s annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. As the Times has mentioned on several occasions, these grants provide smaller communities like Dorchester an excellent resource to address infrastructure challenges, including the paving of streets.

Point and case: One of the towns receiving CDBG funds is right down the road on Highway 6. Fairmont will receive $20,000 to undertake a streets improvement study. Regardless of where you stand on the issue of paving Dorchester's streets, it is difficult to argue against such a study.

Unfortunately, to our knowledge, the Village of Dorchester has never applied for a CDBG grant. Never. Not once. Nunca. (A little Spanish lingo for some our friends at the Crete News.) At least not in recent memory.

That our local government has never sought to tap this source of federal funding, which is up for grabs, is a shame. There's no other way to put it.

For a community to show progress and improvement, or at least maintain what it has, persistent leadership is required. But so is interaction from the citizenry. When is the last time you have spoken to a Village board member about the needs of our community? The staff of the Times pleads guilty as anyone to inaction on this issue.

So consider this our plea to the Village Board: We ask board members to please seriously explore grant opportunities and other assistance available at the state and federal levels -- for help with streets, water or sewer, or a number of other challenges. One simple call to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development might do wonders. And it won't cost a dime.

Also, a town hall held by board members would provide much needed communication between residents and village leadership. We think such an event in warranted.

In the meantime, we hope that we aren't the only ones sounding this message. We realize our elected local leaders aren't mind readers. Residents of Dorchester need to do a better job communicating.