Dorchester Prepares For Football Season -- Without H.S. Team

For the first time in more than 60 years, Dorchester area residents are getting ready for

football season with no high school team to cheer.

This fall, Dorchester begins a trial co-operative with Milford for both junior high and high school football.  However, because of the Nebraska School Activities Association imposes a probationary period on the joining school when such an athletics merger takes place, DHS football players will be allowed to participate only in Milford's junior varsity competition, according to information provided to the Times.

The 2013 season will mark the first time since 1948 that Dorchester has not had a high school team.  In 1949, DHS' football program was restarted after years of not playing the game due to a student's death on the gridiron in the early 1930s.

One parent who was a standout DHS football player told us that the rebuilding process begins now.  "Dorchester can have a proud football culture once again," he said.  "But we need to take advantage of this merger with Milford to get our kids interested in playing the game, regardless if those kids come from town, the farm, from single-parent households, from low-income homes ... whatever.  We want to rebuild the idea of team and get these boys to work for something bigger than themselves.  Football can teach that, but the community must get behind our efforts. The merger with Milford is going to teach these boys a faster paced brand of ball.  In the end, it's the shot in the arm our school and community need if we want a proud football program and morale builder."

Jr. High Football (Grades 7-8):  DPS Superintendent Mitch Kubicek has informed district patrons that Dorchester school officials will hold a meeting at the school on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. for parents of Dorchester Junior High football players.  For more information, call the school at (402) 946-2781.

Midget Football (Grades 4-7):  For the first time ever, Dorchester will be co-oping with Milford for its youth football program.  This decision is likely spurred by the co-op of the two town's high school programs, although no reason was provided to the Times.  For Dorchester area boys interested in playing on the Dorchester-Milford team, uniform checkout is Aug. 12 at the South Park practice field in Milford. Registration forms are at the post office in Dorchester and perhaps the Village Office.

Farmers' Market Coming To Dorchester Starting July 26

Dorchester is getting its own farmers’ market

Beginning this Friday, July 26, the Dorchester farmers' market will be held in the Dorchester United Methodist Church parking lot.  

The market will be held every Friday during the warm-weather months, from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m.

The best news? No vendor’s fee! And all vendors are welcome.

Contacts for the Dorchester Farmers' Market are Bob and Judy Weber at (402) 641-2253 or (402) 947-2777.  Or e-mail jw33307@windstream.net or um71502@windstream.net.

See you at the market!

Your Donation Needed To Put School Yearbooks, Alumni Pics Online

Attention former attendees and graduates of Dorchester Public School.  Your help and financial backing are needed, regardless of where you live today.

The Dorchester Times has learned through multiple sources that Dorchester Public School and the DHS Alumni Association are teaming up to put all the annuals/yearbooks (1947 to current) on the Dorchester School website. 

This is a huge undertaking -- and expensive, from what we have been told. 

Also going online will be the 1981 Dorchester Centennial history book, and perhaps other items requested by community members.  

To accomplish this task, a goal has been set to raise $4000.  

According to sources, the school yearbooks should be available on the DPS website before school starts this fall.  

Superintendent Mitch Kubicek has added a couple touches to make it even easier to access any picture of any individual that has ever been in a Dorchester yearbook. These pictures will be open for anyone to access with a computer or at a kiosk in the Dorchester School lobby. DPS attendee pictures will date all the way back to the 1800s.  

If you would like to donate, e-mail Tom Scheffert at tomscheffert@live.com or call Dorchester Public School at (402) 946-2781.

Restoration Begins On Col. Thompson Home

Restoration has begun on one of Dorchester's most historic and largest homes.

Dorchester residents have likely seen the scaffolding outside the old estate of Dorchester pioneer W.J. Thompson.  

The 3,000 sq. ft. home, built in 1901, sits on the corner of 10th and Lincoln Ave. and is an intriguing piece of Nebraska's past as it was the site of Dorchester's famous Elmwood Pony Farm.

In 2007, the Times named the structure one of our favorite old homes in Dorchester, calling it "a diamond in the rough" with the potential to "be a crown jewel for the entire region."  The house was on the market just a few years ago.

So far, the work done to the exterior of this historic Victorian Mansion is remarkable. Restoring a beauty such of this is no easy task and we applaud the current owners for taking on the project.  

All of Dorchester benefits whenever homeowners renovate and keep up their properties, especially the larger, historic homes.

Times staffers have noticed several home improvements around town, including two homes in the northern tier of our community.  

The dilapidated property at 11th and Stephens had become an eyesore.  

We are encouraged to see this home being restored.

Know of other home improvements around town? Share them with fellow readers by telling us in the "comments" section below.

Dorchester Receives $23,000 In Planning Funds

The Times has learned from inside sources that the Village of Dorchester is the recipient of a $23,000 grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).

The funding is part of a larger pool of federal dollars in 2013 Community Development Block Grant planning funding that has been delivered to several Nebraska communities.  

Dorchester's $23,000 in funding is considered "third cycle" and will help the village to undertake it's comprehensive plan, zoning & subdivision ordinance.

We have been told that the planning is an essential step in Dorchester's revitalization, which aims to bring in new and renovated housing -- and possibly more paved streets.

Dorchester Plowing Bee This Sunday

As reported first by the Lincoln Journal Star, the second annual Tabor Hall Antique Tractor Plowing Bee and Craft Fair near Dorchester will be held this Sunday, beginning at 1 p.m.

The Lincoln newspaper reports: "Last year, roughly 30 old-style tractors dug into 40 acres, plowing up some nostalgia along with Nebraska soil during the fundraiser for the renovation of historic Tabor Hall. The bee will begin at 1 p.m. about five miles south of Dorchester on land across from Tabor Hall on County Road 1400 and continue until all 40 acres are plowed. Visitors are welcome, and food and refreshments will be available inside the hall, which opens at 11 a.m.

The bee grew from a picnic created so farm neighbors could get out their old tractors and plow like they did years ago -- celebrating Saline County's proud agricultural past. This wonderful demonstration was a unique opportunity to recognize our area's history and progress.

In case you have not yet seen them, last year, photojournalists from the Omaha World-Heard and the Journal Star were present to capture images from the plowing event and preserve memories for the ages. To see the fantastic photos by the World-Herald, click here. For the Journal Star's photo, click here.

Pictured above is Debbie Skalak, who last year drove a 60-year-old International Harvester tractor, as her husband Russ looked.  This year, even more tractors are expected to take part.

Pay No Sales Tax, Win NU Football Tickets At Dorchester Fireworks Stand

The sounds and sights of fireworks fill Dorchester as Independence Day nears.

The Dorchester Community Association is selling fireworks on Main Street to raise money to help pay for the community fireworks display. (We are informed by the Dorchester Fireworks Committee that the stand has daily specials and sales.)

The town fireworks stand will be open through the holiday, with the following hours:

• June 25-July 3 ........ 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
• July 4 ...................11 a.m.-9 p.m.

First State Bank Nebraska-Dorchester Branch has donated two Husker Football tickets for the 2013 season.  

Visit the fireworks stand (trailer) on Main Street by the DVFD station to win these prime Husker tickets. The more you stop by, the more you can enter the ticket giveaway.

Also, you will pay no sales tax at Dorchester fireworks stand.  No state sales tax.  No city sales tax (unlike Crete, Seward or Friend.)

Farmers Cooperative in Dorchester is covering the sales tax on all purchases of $20 or less.

All proceeds from this stand go to support Dorchester's Fourth of July Fireworks show.

For those who would like to contribute directly for the town fireworks display, donations should be mailed to: 

First State Bank
4th of July Celebration
P.O. Box 264
Dorchester, NE 68343

Ten-And-Under Softball Team Captures Third Place

Congratulations are in order to the 10-and-under Dorchester softball team.

The 10-and-under girls squad defeated Exeter on their home turf on Sunday at the season-ending tournament.

The win ensured that the Dorchester 10-and-under girls took third place, ending a season of hard work on a high note. 

"The Dorchester girls beat some impressive teams in a very talented league," one parent told the Times in an e-mail.  

"Participation was good, which signals the girls program is on the rebound.  We are so proud of the girls for their strong effort."

Congratulations, Dorchester girls.  

You represented your town well.

Dorchester Softball Tourney, July 3-4

What goes better with Independence Day than a little ball on the diamond?

The Dorchester Times has learned of a Dorchester co-ed softball tournament that will be held July 3 and 4.

The entry fee is $125 dollars a team.  Each team must be composed of at least five girls and five guys.  For all you math wizards out there, that means a minimum of 10 players per team.

Half of the proceeds will go to Dorchester's baseball/softball programs, while the other half will go to the winner of the tournament. 

To register your team or for more information, call Jared Jensen at (402) 641-1154.

City Slickers Takes Over For Joe's

The Crete News has published a story about the transition of Dorchester's west side tavern as the new owners look to establish their own traditions to keep customers coming back for more.  

About a month ago, Joe's Place -- located at 703 Washington Ave. -- became City Slickers Bar & Grill.  The new owners, Jason and Kathy Duhrkop, purchased the establishment from Rob Parks, who had owned Joe's since 2009.

The Crete News article details the history of the bar.  In 1952, Joe Ladman bought the building and started Joe's Place, which operated until 2004 when Ladman's son-in-law, Dewayne Schmale, sold the bar to Verna Lewis.  From 2004-2006, the bar was known as the Blue Moose.  When the bar changed hands again in 2007, under Sheryl Olson, it was known as the West Side Saloon until 2009, when it again became Joe's Place.

City Slickers owners say "their goal is for customers to come in hungry and leave satisfied."  The Duhrkops want the establishment to remain a staple in the community for many years to come.

Area Could Get Hit With Big Storms Tonight, This Weekend

Southeastern and eastern Nebraska are in the bulls-eye of a unstable weather system settling in for the next 48-72 hours.

A 3 p.m. Friday, radar showed a rotation of precipitation over Saunders County, producing strong thunderstorms in northeast Nebraska and northwest Iowa.  Meanwhile, thunderstorms have developed in southwestern Nebraska, moving towards Dorchester and Lincoln as they gain intensity.

Here is the Dorchester forecast for Friday night through Sunday:

Tonight ...Chance of thunderstorms 40 percent.

Saturday ... Partly sunny. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning...Then a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. West winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the southeast in the afternoon. Chance of thunderstorms 50 percent.

Saturday Night ... Chance of thunderstorms 40 percent.

Sunday ... Partly sunny. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning...Then a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Northeast winds up to 5 mph shifting to the southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of thunderstorms 30 percent.

Sunday Night ... A 50 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Break-Ins Reported Around Town

The Dorchester Times has learned of at least three break-ins and burglaries this week, occurring at three separate residences in town.

According to several reports e-mailed to the Times, the break-ins took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning.  Damage to personal property was reported, along with the theft of money, alcoholic beverages, food and other goods.

One e-mail sent to the Times speculated on possible suspects, including their names.  The individual with that information has been encouraged to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Department at (402) 821-2111.

The Times has also learned of a drug-related arrest made in Dorchester in recent days.  No other information has been released and the Times will not publish information that has not been confirmed by law enforcement.

We urge all area residents to stay vigilant while those who committed this week's break-ins are still at large.  Please report any suspicious activity to the sheriff's department or call 911 if a crime is occurring.

Jerri Nelsen Passes At 82

Geraldene "Jerri" Nelsen, 82, of Friend, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2013 in Crete. She was born February 9, 1931, on the family farm near Dorchester to Frank and Ina (Jack) Parks. Jerri attended country school and graduated in 1948 from Dorchester High School. She married Dwayne Nelsen March 26, 1949 at the Dorchester Methodist Church. They were blessed with two children, Sandra and Douglas. In 1980, they moved into Dorchester and in 2009 they settled in Friend. Jerri worked at Penney's in Crete and Lincoln and sold Avon. She drove the Dorchester Public School van for special needs children. Jerri had an outgoing personality and enjoyed playing cards including bridge and 500, socializing and dancing. She loved to crochet and was a wonderful cook. Jerri enjoyed taking care of and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is a former member of the Dorchester United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, taught Sunday School, Bible School and sang in the choir. She currently was a member of the Friend United Church of Christ and Women's Fellowship.

Survived by husband, Dwayne, Friend; daughter, son-in-law, Sandi and Eugene Witkowicz, Lincoln; son, daughter-in-law, Douglas and Shari (Beckler) Nelsen, Dorchester; nine grandchildren and spouses, Paul Dwayne Muff, Lincoln, William Douglas and Stacey Muff, Springfield, Scott James and Kristin Muff, Omaha, Christopher Michael and Melinda Witkowicz, Fremont, Calif., Shawny and Tommy Hicks, Dorchester, Dusty and Laura Nelsen, Pilot Point, Texas, Lacey and Matthew Rinlee, Mansfield, Texas, Caley Nelsen, Columbus, Tana Nelsen and Bart Miller, Kearney; 11 great grandchildren, Jacob and Tate Muff, Scotty and Paul Muff, Gracyn and Cort Hicks, Emmersen and Dempsy Nelsen, Cutter and Lucchese Rinlee, Trigg Miller; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Virgil Nelsen, Friend, R.D. Flannigan, Tremont, Ill., Marion Nelsen, Houston, Texas; nieces, nephews. Preceded in death by parents; sister, brother-in-law, Donna and Robert Schweitzer; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, Bonnie Nelsen, Fern Flannigan, LuElma and Earl Ferguson, Melvin Nelsen, Ardis and Lloyd Noeller, Jim Nelsen.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, June 13, at United Church of Christ, Friend, Rev. Ken Leischner. Visitation: Wednesday, noon-8 pm, with the family greeting relatives and friends, 6-8 pm, Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Friend and one-hour prior to service at church. Memorials designated, directed to family. Full obituary, condolences at www.laubermoore.com.

Countywide Flag Retirement Set For Friday Evening

The Dorchester American Legion, Post 264, will hold its  annual Saline County flag retirement ceremony Friday night, June 14.

The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., with a covered dish dinner following the services. 

All area residents, color guards, Legion Auxiliary units and Sons of American Legion members are welcome and urged to attend this very patriotic event.

Plan on coming early and bringing your unserviceable U.S. flags.  

More than 700 flags are expected to be retired.

For more information, call Larry Kaspar at (402) 946-6711 or Rich Kasl (402) 946-7651.

Dorchester Man Wins $1 Million Powerball Prize

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Darold Kempston of Dorchester recently won $1

million playing Nebraska Powerball.  See the Nebraska Lottery's release here.

According to the Journal Star article, Darold purchased his winning ticket at Casey’s General Store, 301 W. 13th St. in Crete. The five-play ticket contained one play with all five white ball numbers (2, 11, 22, 26, 32) from the June 8 drawing.  He wasted no time claiming his prize, arriving at Nebraska Lottery headquarters on Monday morning after the drawing.  Darold told lottery officials that he purchases the same Powerball numbers each week.

“First thing Sunday morning I checked the website, and there were my numbers,” Kempston said. “Then I got my tickets out of the car to make sure I’d bought one with those numbers. It was quite a surprise.” He plans to pay bills, purchase a new truck and save what's left.

The odds of winning $1 million playing Powerball are 1 in 5,153,633. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 31.8.

UPDATE: New Village Logo Now On Water Tower

Crews have finished painting the village's logo on Dorchester's new water tower.  

Those driving west on Highway 33, as well as those in town on on south on Highway 6, have a clear view of the logo and lettering.

"This will be a great first step in re-branding Dorchester's public image for the new century," said one community leader earlier this spring.

The new village water tower is located in the southeastern corner of town near the rail line. 

The new tower offers a much more modern appearance compared to the older structure.

Records show that Dorchester's old water tower has been in its current location since the late 1880's. 

The old tower's appearance has changed little since the turn of last century, according to research by the Times staff.

When the old tower is removed, it will certainly mark the end of an era.  

Dorchester's modern-day water system was established in 1914 after citizen's approved a $15,000 water works bond.  It is surmised that the old tower was erected prior to that time, although the structure has undergone several upgrades and renovations.