DHS Takes First At Shickley

Congratulations go out to the DHS Lady Longhorns, who rode into the Shickley Triangular and came away with a first place finish on Tuesday.

DHS defeated McCool Junction 20-25, 25-14, 25-17 in the first contest. Then in a face-off with hometown Shickley, Dorchester defeated SHS in two straight -- 25-20, 31-29 -- to take the first place trophy.

The Lady Longhorns, now 10-9 on the season, will be in action again tomorrow (Oct. 16) when they take on Class D-2's No. 2 Clay Center (18-0) at home in a 7 p.m. match-up. (UPDATE: 10/16, 11 p.m. -- In one of the Lady Longhorn's best performances yet of the 2008 season, undefeated Clay Center nipped DHS Thursday evening in five hard-fought sets, 25-15, 21-25, 21-25, 26-24, 15-8. The Longhorns must now quickly get ready for the CRC Tournament at York on Saturday.)

In Search Of Dorchester's Haunts

As Halloween approaches, the Times takes another look at Dorchester area locations that are rumored to be haunted.

The Times has previously reported a Web site called StrangeUSA.com. According to the site -- which bills itself as "the ultimate collection of the strange" -- the Dorchester area had been home to two "officially haunted" sites: Gilbert's Cemetery and the Dorchester School boiler room, which no longer exists following the demolition of the 1927 school. Doane College is the only other Saline County location listed as "haunted".

Regarding the old school's boiler room, the Web site says that many decades ago, a child "locked himself in the boiler room and died." According to the site, school janitors heard yells coming from the boiler room during the night. Is there any truth to the story? We're still trying to resolve the mystery, but it seems most who worked at the old school discount the tale.

Regarding Gilbert's graveyard, the StrangeUSA Web site says the cemetery is haunted by the Gilbert family and other pioneers of the late 1800s. "Strange noises and the movement of the tombstone are just the tip of this site," the site reports. Of course, Gilbert himself is not buried at the cemetery. His ashes are at Friend's public library.

For readers who do not know, John Gilbert was the son of Jonas Gilbert, one of Saline County's first commissioners. John Gilbert "never belonged to any church ... and called himself an agnostic," according to the Dorchester Centennial history book.

In the late 1800s, Dr. Frank Hamilton of Friend once asked Gilbert to embrace Christianity. That is when 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.

Another Web site, TheShadowlands.net, also lists both Dorchester sites on its "Haunted Places Index." Explore StrangeUSA.com and TheShadowlands.net for yourself. Undoubtedly, Times readers will have their own opinions regarding these odd stops on the World Wide Web.

And let us know what you think of the stories, or if you know about other scary places in the Dorchester area that the Web sites may have overlooked.

(This article was first published in Oct. 2007.)

NEWS BRIEFS: Museum Open House This Sunday

• Saline County Open House This Sunday: The Saline County Museum in Dorchester will host an open house this Sunday, Oct. 12, from 1-5 p.m. The program will begin at 2 p.m. Les Vilda will perform a comedy spoof on the old original medicine shows of the late 1800s and early 1900s. Vilda promises to bring an entertaining and educational look at a piece of American history by putting on a show that contains ingredients from the original 19th century shows, but with a new twist. We at the Times can't think of a better way to spend a beautiful fall Sunday afternoon.

• Two Chances To See New School: Dorchester area residents will get a couple of opportunities to tour the new Dorchester School building and campus. The Dorchester School open house will be held 7-9 p.m. Monday (Oct. 13). This weekend, the Dorchester Booster Club will host a "Sundae on Sunday" ice cream social this Sunday (Oct. 12) at 3 p.m. at the school. All area residents are invited to check out the new 33,500 square foot facility, which features new elementary and high school classrooms, a multi-purpose room/new gym with stage, library, restrooms, locker space and administrative offices.

• Automatic Gas Meters Go Into Effect Tomorrow: Black Hills Energy customers in 25 southeastern Nebraska communities -- including Dorchester -- will get their natural gas meters read automatically, via radio signal, starting tomorrow (Oct. 10). About 13,000 residential and commercial natural gas meters have either been upgraded or replaced as part of a $1.8 million upgrade which began in April. Don Nordell, Nebraska business operations director for Black Hills Energy, said estimated meter readings are now eliminated and it’s more convenient for customers because "company meter readers will no longer have to access a customer’s property to manually record natural gas usage each month." Customers who have questions can call Black Hills Energy toll free at (888) 890-5554.

• Dorchester Connection In Latest Safe Haven Drop-Off: Unfortunately, there's a Dorchester connection to the latest case in which a child was left at a hospital under Nebraska's new safe haven law. According to the Lincoln Journal Star, a 51-year-old grandmother left her 12-year-old grandson at Lincoln's Bryan LGH Medical Center West late Sunday night. The boy had lived with his grandmother, who was his legal guardian and said she had "done everything in her power to provide for him, get him to church and school and his youth football games." The boy's mother recently moved to Dorchester, according the the article. The boy, who had been acting violently and showing signs of mental disturbance, is the 16th child left at a hospital under the safe haven law since Sept. 13. "About 6,600 children are currently state wards in Nebraska," reported the Journal Star. "The 12-year-old from Lincoln will likely be one soon."

• Dorchester -- Home Of The Armadillos?: Last month, we received an e-mail from a reader who asked us to look into an armadillo spotting in the Dorchester area. Frankly, we didn't take the request seriously, especially considering the recent Bigfoot hoax in Georgia. However, the Associated Press is reporting that "another armadillo has shown up in Nebraska" -- this time as roadkill in Lincoln. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission says the leathery mammals have been spotted across the state for about a decade, but are still rare. Armadillos are common in the South, where they're a nuisance because of burrowing. The animals don't hibernate, so their survival depends on the severity of winter. One zoologist says Nebraska's recent winters have been mild enough that armadillos have established small breeding populations in the state.

Contested Local Races Await Voters On Nov. 4

Election Day is less than 30 days away. Residents of Dorchester and its school district face some tough choices on Nov. 4, including deciding who will represent them on the village and school boards.

According to Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale, registered voters can vote early at county election offices or by mail. Also, people should update their voter registration if they have moved. The last day to register in-person at county offices is Oct. 24. Registered voters can make requests until 4 p.m. Oct. 29 for early-voting ballots to be mailed. For more information on registration and early voting, contact the Secretary of State's office at (402) 471-2555 or your local county election office.

Here in Dorchester, local races are dominating much of the current political talk -- primarily the races for school board and village board.

THE RACE FOR SCHOOL BOARD

Three seats are open on the Dorchester Board of Education. The primary election last spring eliminated one school board candidate, while allowing three others to emerge as popular choices among the voters.

The results of the May vote were as follows:

• Kahle (incumbent) -- 170 votes;
• Zoubek -- 131 votes;
• Boller (incumbent) -- 120 votes;
• Wells -- 92 votes;
• Burkey -- 79 votes;
• Jacobson -- 66 votes; and
• Hoffman -- 32 votes.

All the school board candidates listed above, except Mikki Hoffman, will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. The top three vote recipients will go on to serve four-year terms.

When asked last spring which single issue was most important when voting for school board members, a Times' poll found that nearly half (48 percent) of respondents said student performance. Other key issues cited by readers were teacher/staff evaluation (16 percent); cooperation with the village government (15 percent); and new spending (14 percent).

THE RACE FOR VILLAGE BOARD

Another key local contest is the race for Dorchester Village Board, in which five residents are running for two open seats.

The condition of Dorchester's streets seems to be the issue atop the minds of most voters. A June poll conducted by the Times showed that 62 percent of readers said town streets should get immediate attention by the village board. Other top concerns were unkempt yards/homes (12 percent) and the water/sewer system (11 percent).

Unlike the school board candidates, village board candidates did not appear on the primary election ballot. The five village board candidates appearing on the Nov. 4 ballot are:

• Todd Jensen;
• Jeff Jacobson;
• Brandon Koll;
• Dean Pracheil (incumbent); and
• Lyle Weber.
  

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?

Which candidates will get your vote and why? What issues will drive your voting decisions? And how can candidates win your vote in the weeks and days leading up to the election.

We look forward to your comments.

Ten-Day Challenge: Nerud Field Improvement Project

The Dorchester Times is issuing another urgent 10-day challenge to readers and others with ties to our town.

We are urging Dorchester residents, parents, alumni, students, former residents and other friends of the community to save one dollar a day for the next 10 days and make a $10 contribution to the Nerud Field Project by Oct. 15. (Of course, for those who wish to contribute a larger amount may do so, knowing project volunteers will put those funds to good use.)

The Nerud Field Project Committee announced last week that their work on the new ball field concession stand and restrooms will begin after the last home football game Oct. 17. The volunteers of the project committee will construct the 24’ by 40’ building, which will include a covered dining area with picnic tables. The project will help modernize both the football and baseball/softball venues.

Just a small donation will help cover the material cost of the facility and -- at the same time -- send a strong message to the volunteers of the Nerud Field Project Committee that their efforts to improve our community are appreciated. In addition, your financial donation will serve as a way to honor the late Miles Nerud, who passed away one year ago this month. Nerud brought organized little league baseball to Dorchester in the 1950s and served as one of the founding fathers of the Seward-Fillmore-Saline (SFS) League. Anyone who knew Miles knows how proud he would be of the new facility that will modernize the field named in his honor.

Before Wednesday, Oct. 15, we hope you will take a moment to send your $10 (or more) contribution to:

NERUD FIELD PROJECT

P.O. Box 67

Dorchester NE 68343

NEWS BRIEFS: Nerud Field Project To Begin After Oct. 17

• Nerud Field Project Needs Volunteers, Donations: According to Lyle Weber with the Nerud Field Project Committee, work on the new ball field concession stand and restrooms will begin after the last home football game on Oct. 17. Residents who would like to lend their time or resources to help with the project should contact Bill Velder, project coordinator, at (402) 641-0685. Readers may send donations to the NERUD FIELD PROJECT, P.O. Box 67, Dorchester NE 68343. As reported earlier, the facility will be a 24’ by 40’ building that will include new restrooms and a covered eating area with picnic tables. It is a joint venture between the school and village.
  

• Booster Club Hosting 'Sundae On Sunday' Gathering Oct. 12: In addition to the Dorchester School open house set for the evening of Monday, Oct. 13, the Dorchester Booster Club will host a "Sundae on Sunday" social gathering on Oct. 12. The event will begin at 3 p.m. at the school. All area residents are invited.

• Emergency Response Team Training Oct. 17-19: Residents of Saline County will be able to receive Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training for free this month. Through CERT, citizens can learn about disaster preparedness and receive training in basic disaster response skills such as fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. The CERT training will be conducted Oct. 17-19 at Saline Center, at the following times: 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Oct. 17; 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on Oct. 18; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Oct. 19. Meals will be provided. Individuals who complete the course will also be provided a responders bag with necessary supplies and equipment. Please contact Public Health Solutions District Health Department at 888-310-0565, or kplouzek@phsneb.org to register.

• Kahle, Bruha Among State Football Leaders: According to the Lincoln Journal Star, two DHS football players are among the state's best, regardless of school class size. Junior Adam Kahle is listed in the state's top ten list of defensive players, with 59 total tackles and three fumble recoveries so far in the 2008 season. Senior Brandon Bruha leads all other punters in the state, averaging a whopping 41.3 yards per punt. We tip our 'Horns hat to these DHS gridiron greats.

School Open House Set For Oct. 13

The Times has been informed that an open house and tour of the new school will be held in two weeks.

According to Dorchester Superintendent Brian Redinger, the Dorchester Public School open house will be held 7-9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13.

If school district patrons are unable to participate at those times, school administration staff will be willing to give personal tours, according to Redinger.

"We here at the school are very thankful to the school patrons for this wonderful new facility," Redinger said in a written communication to the Times. "So it would give us great joy to show anyone around. Just give us a call in the office to arrange a time."

Lady Longhorns Net Fifth Win

Despite a rocky start, the Lady Longhorns cruised to a convincing victory at home on Tuesday night.

DHS defeated Osceola in four sets -- 21-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-18. The Longhorns' juniors and seniors were instrumental in the comeback win.

Dorchester, now 5-4 on the season, was ranked in Class D-1's top 30 teams before tonight's victory, according to the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSSA).

The Lady Longhorns will next be in action at the Shelby triangular on Thursday. (UPDATE 9/25, 11 p.m.: DHS split a pair of contests in tonight's Shelby Invitational. After defeating High Plains Community, 25-23, 25-15, the Longhorns stumbled against a 1-7 Shelby team, 25-20, 25-21. The Lady 'Horns are now 6-5 on the season. DHS will mark the mid-way of the season on Tuesday in their match at Sterling.)

New School, New Era, New Pride

For those who missed it, the Sept. 17 edition of The Crete News featured a front page story on the grand opening of the new Dorchester School and its renovated campus.

On the morning of Sept. 10, "exactly 365 days after (Dorchester School district) voters approved a $3.98 million school bond, proud school board members stood in front of the new doors with a pair of giant scissors and orange and black ribbons," writes reporter Crete News Jenn Lampila. (The accompanying photo is courtesy of Diane Fisher, who took the aerial shot the morning of the ribbon cutting. Readers may click on the picture for a closer view.)

The opening day ceremony featured an invocation by Dorchester Methodist Rev. Paixao Baptista, as well as DPS Superintendent Brian Redinger's recitation of Walt Whitman's poem "An Old Man's Thought of School."

According to the Crete News article, Dorchester School Board President Brad Havlat reminded those present of the sacrifices made for their new building. "A round of applause was given for former Superintendent Don Peiper who could not attend the ceremony. His efforts and years of service to the district were commended."

Architect Christy Joy was on hand to see her designs put to use by Dorchester students. The elementary wing of the new building sits were the 1927 school stood until last May. The new high school classrooms are primarily adjacent to the 1964 gym.

We at the Times are more than impressed with the new school -- we are awe struck. So much positive action has taken place in just one year's time it's difficult to believe that just last September, we were reporting on the Dorchester School Improvement Project (DSIP) Committee's round-table discussion with fellow school district patrons.

We tip our collective hat to all Dorchester School Board members and district residents who got behind the project and supported a much-needed investment in our community.

We hope the DSIP Committee will not be dissolved, but will stay active in school affairs. We hope the new school and campus will act as a catalyst for more positive change in our community. And we hope the students of Dorchester will recognize the large investment that has been made on their behalf -- and return the favor to their community one day soon.

From what we have witnessed, new found pride and enthusiasm are already apparent at Dorchester Public School. We at the Times would like to hear from school students and staff on their thoughts of the new building and campus, as well as if and how their perception of Dorchester has changed. (Note: Unfortunately, Ayars and Ayars has not yet updated their Web site with photos of the completed project. We anticipate new photos will soon be posted.)

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.