Saline County One Of Nebraska's Growing Counties

Population loss has plagued rural Nebraska since the Great Depression and Dust Bowl years of the 1930s.  But recently, the problem has become worse in many counties due to agriculture's rapid technological boom.

Fortunately, Saline County is one of 24 Nebraska counties that grew in population in the first decade of the 2000s.

Now comes a report that Saline County is one of 31 Nebraska counties that have grew in the first three years of the 2010s.

A report by the Omaha World-Herald says the latest estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau show that 61 of Nebraska's 93 counties have lost residents since the official 2010 Census.  

Meanwhile, eight Nebraska counties — Cass, Douglas, Sarpy, Lancaster, Hall, Buffalo, Adams and Seward — set all-time population records last year.  

Lancaster County will probably hit 300,000 next year.  And the Omaha metro area, which is made up of eight counties in Nebraska and Iowa, now has more than 895,000 residents.

MVPs For Alumni Tourney Weekend

Another DHS Alumni Tournament weekend has come and gone.  Unfortunately, none of the Times staff was able to see the tournament action this year, but we heard there were several exciting games, including a few buzzer beaters that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Alumni weekend is an important weekend that brings together the DHS alumni brotherhood (and sisterhood) for fun, laughs and conversation.  It also is important to our main street and business community, as well as the DHS athletic program.  

So this year, we are naming the 2014 DHS Alumni Tournament MVPs -- the sponsors of the tournament:

Ben's Iron Grill 2

Heath Sports and Tees (Crete)

Stutzman Digging

Farmers Cooperative

First State Bank

Spring Creek Repair and Farm Supply

Runza (Crete)

BZ Construction

Clark's Lawn Service 

City Slickers Bar and Grill

Papik Seeds

Holly Well Drilling

Barley's Specialties

Rains Simmentals

Weber Feedyards, LLC

Velder's Taxidermy

Novak Auction Service

Without these sponsors, the tournament would not be possible.  Nor would adequate money be raised to benefit current and future Dorchester students.

Be sure to thank these sponsors and patronize their businesses.

We also want to name the volunteers of the Dorchester Community Foundation as MVPs due to their hard work.  This year's steak and hamburger feed -- held Saturday night -- was the most successful feed yet.   All the Times staff were there, and we know firsthand that this event was made possible by selfless volunteers who gave up their Saturday to benefit our community.  We even heard reports of Foundation volunteers cleaning up the community hall and Legion building after midnight on Sunday morning.  That's dedication!

Congratulations to all the players, fans and alumni who made it back for this year's tourney.  We're grateful for your dedication to Dorchester.

Big Weekend In Dorchester Begins Tonight

The 19th annual DHS Alumni Basketball Tournament begins tonight and continues through Sunday at the school gymnasium. 

This is typically one of the year's biggest weekends in the village.

Several teams are registered for this years tourney, according to DHS Activities Director Brent Zoubek, who assumes management duties following Scott Pohl's retirement last year. 

The first game tips off at 6 p.m. tonight, and the championship game is slated for Sunday afternoon. 

On Saturday night, March 22, the Dorchester Area Community Foundation is planning a steak and hamburger feed at the Community Building and Legion Hall from 5-9 p.m., giving DHS alumni and their families plenty of time to dine and catch up. 

Diners can choose a 12 oz. ribeye, along with salad, potato or chips, bread, drink and dessert -- all for $16.  Or choose the hamburger meal for $8.50, which includes all the aforementioned side dishes.  Or just get a hamburger and chips for $5.

This event has been one of the most popular in Dorchester for the past five years.  And the food always gets top-notch reviews.

Friday Is Dorchester Elementary's Excellence Rally At 8 A.M.

Get ready, Dorchester students and parents.  Tomorrow -- Friday -- is the big day.

Friday, March 21 is Dorchester Public School's Elementary Excellence Rally.  

This is a popular event that is back by popular demand.

The event starts at 8 a.m. in the school gymnasium.  Everyone is welcome!

Last year's event featured a "tunnel walk" of sorts that recognized every student of Dorchester Elementary School.

This is an excellent morale booster that also serves as a reminder of the importance of doing well in school -- not only academically, but also socially and in the realm of physical fitness.

Come be a part of this special event that pays special tribute to Dorchester's future.

Dorchester Resident Pleads For Puppy's Return

The Times' staff recently read a heartbreaking post on Craigslist from a fellow Dorchester resident who lost her puppy.

It reads:  "HELP!! My puppy was taken from our yard and we cannot find the one responsible! He's an Australian Shepherd, six months old. We've looked everywhere but if you have seen him or know of anyone who has recently 'gotten' a puppy that is like this one, LET ME KNOW."

The puppy's owner continues:  "We would really love to have him back home! I know his ID marks so it wouldn't be a problem for me to tell if it's him. He's very friendly and I'm sure he misses his puppy sister and his family. Please e-mail me! I check everyday!"

If you have seen this dog, e-mail the rightful owner simply by clicking on this link, then click the "reply" button at the top of the Craigslist page.

Let's get this puppy back home.

Friend Opera House Receives Tax Credits As Renovation Nears Completion

The Times has learned that the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) is awarding $25,000 in Community Development Assistance Act (CDAA) tax credits to help restore Friend's historic opera house.

The Friend Historical Society will use the tax credits to retain architectural services for the renovation and restoration to the theater as it relates to future plans to host local, regional and national events.

To date, the Friend Historical Society and its partners have invested more than $250,000 to renovate the Warren Building. Nearly 90 percent of structural and cosmetic street-level improvements are completed.

According to the Friend Chamber of Commerce website, the Warren Opera House was the premier place for social gatherings beginning 1885. It served Friend and neighboring communities for 34 years, providing a venue for plays, dances, lectures, political and sporting events, and even a circus. Though abandoned years ago, the theater still features most of its seats intact and in place, old props displayed on stage, and a curtain that is rolled and stored.

Notable are hundreds of signatures of traveling and local theater troupe actors, and band members inscribed on the wardrobe room walls. 

The Yokel family, long-time purveyors of hardware and furniture, donated the building (home of the opera house) to the Society. 

The Warren Opera House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and available for touring by appointment.  Contact Carey Potter, Friend Historical Society, at (402) 730-0276, or cpotsgo@msn.com.

For information about the CDAA program, contact Jenny Bindrum, CDAA coordinator, at 402-471-6280, or jenny.bindrum@nebraska.gov.

Journal Star Pays Tribute To Saline Center Auction

The Dorchester area is known for its quality auctioneers and auction services. 

And Sunday's Lincoln Journal Star paid tribute to the annual Saline Center Consignment Sale.

The story notes the "seven auctioneers ride in pickup beds, shouting through bullhorns at crowds of farmers in Carhartts and camo. You can buy a 1996 John Deere combine for $10,000 cheaper than usual, a miniature horse for $37.50 and worn-down wheels with their rusty axle still attached for $5."

As the Journal Star points out, the auction, in its 30th year, is hosted by the Saline Center Lodge and local volunteers. 

The money made from the equipment helps the Saline Center Czech Lodge support local philanthropic ventures, including the lodge and the Dorchester and Friend fire departments. And as far as volunteer Don Divoky knows, it's the biggest consignment sale around.

See the story here.

Saline Co. Pheasants Forever Banquet, March 22

Calling all Dorchester-area hunters.

You are invited to the Pheasants Forever Saline County Chapter's annual banquet this Saturday, March 22.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 315 S. Wilson St., in Wilber.

For tickets, call:

Dean, 402-429-1638, or dblaser23@gmail.com;
Denny, 402-676-4278, or dohabitat@gmail.com;
Jack, 402-826-5550, or jd68339@yahoo.com.

See you out there!

News From Next Door: Crete Getting New Bank Building, Dairy Queen

For those who missed it, Crete's private sector is making a few changes in our neighboring community.

According to The Crete News, the east side of Crete, which is already home to a new, state-of-the-art Runza restaurant, will also soon see a new Union Bank building at the corner of Hwy. 33 and Grove Street.  

Furthermore, the famous Dairy Queen barn and accompanying business has been sold to a Lincoln group, whose plan includes demolition of the old building and construction of a new restaurant.

The Crete News also reports that Crete's Economic Development Director Max Kathol has told the Crete City Council that the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is considering Saline County for its annual county historic survey.  

Kathol said the state office itself does one county-wide survey per year and Kathol did the legwork in starting the process for Saline County being considered for the state office survey. 

The Times advocates Dorchester leaders, who have already partnered with the City of Crete for electrical service, working with Crete on its historical reservations for guidance and advice on work that could be done in our community.

Dorchester Student Council Silent Auction, March 18

The Dorchester Student Council will be holding their annual Make-A-Wish silent auction on Tuesday, March 18.  This event will coincide with the elementary's spring concert, so make plans now to attend both.

All proceeds go to the Nebraska Make-A-Wish chapter, which benefits children who have been diagnosed with cancer. 

The items for the auction will be displayed for viewing and bidding no later than 6:30 p.m.  

The DPS elementary spring concert will begin at 7 p.m.  After the concert, bidding will remain open until approximately 8 p.m.  Winners will be announced at that time.  

Last year the Student Council raised nearly $1,000 from the auction, which was matched by a private sector sponsor.  Dorchester's district of student councils raised almost $10,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  

Any donations would be great appreciated.  Giving ailing kids the dream of their lifetime is extremely rewarding.  

Any questions? Contact Stacy Lutjemeyer at slutjemeyer@gmail.com.

Youth Baseball, Softball Sign-Up Is March 17

(CORRECTION: This event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 17.)

Hey kids! 

Next Monday, March 17, is your chance to sign up for the Dorchester baseball and softball teams.  The sign-up for both boys and girls will be at the Dorchester School cafeteria (enter on the south side) at 7:30 p.m. 

Any boy ages 6-15 (15 years old on or before Dec. 31, 2014) can play Dorchester baseball.  

Any girl ages 6-18 (18 years of age on or before Dec 31, 2014) are eligible to play Dorchester softball. 

Fees will be due at time of registration.

Despite Possible Snow, Today's Precipitation Is Welcomed

Today's forecast calls for a 60% chance of rain, which could turn into a wintery mix of snow and ice later in the day and in the evening.  And it could be accompanied by wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

Sounds rough -- but we should not complain.  

As drought continues to ravage Nebraska, forecasters say there isn't a lot of hope in the immediate future for precipitation aside from today's system.  

The picture above of Turkey Creek near Pleasant Hill was taken by a reader yesterday.  

It shows how dry conditions are following a colder-than-usual winter that brought little snowfall.  And what snow did fall had very low moisture content.

According to UNL's drought monitor, Saline County and eastern Nebraska are currently abnormally dry, with drier conditions creeping in from the southwest.

Click here for the long-range forecast for the Dorchester area.

Former DPS Principle Stan Knapp Passes At 64

Former Dorchester Public Schools principal Stan Knapp, 64, passed away last Friday, March 7, from complications brought on by ALS. 

Born Aug. 16, 1949 in Akron, Iowa to Jack and Phyllis Knapp, Stan was a son, brother, husband, Army first lieutenant, father, grandfather, educator, coach, realtor, Kiwanian, longtime UNL Women's sports supporter, world traveler, and golfer.

Family members include wife, Diane; brothers, Gordon (Ritta) and Brian (Terresa); sister, Barb Brown (Craig); daughter, Maggie (Colin); son, Mitch (Kenna); grandchildren, Paige and Landon; sister-in-law, Terri Small (Scott); and nieces and nephews.

A skilled educator. A wonderful father and grandfather. A respected colleague. A dear friend. A truly beautiful man. Stan touched many lives and all are better for knowing him.

A celebration of Stan's life will be 11 a.m., Tues., March 11, 2014, at St. Mark's United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd. in Lincoln, with family greeting friends from 10-11 a.m.  Memorials may be made to family for later designation. Condolences online at www.lincolnfh.com.

Readers Pick Best Ideas To Boost Dorchester's Downtown

Over the past week, the Dorchester Times asked readers what they would do to enhance Dorchester's business district and downtown area.  

The results are a bit surprising. (Keep in mind voters were allowed to vote for more than one option.)

The Times survey, conducted March 1-6, found nearly half (47.17%) of respondents said the Village of Dorchester should recruit businesses and/or offer incentives to encourage businesses to open shop in town.

Nearly 40% of respondents said they wanted to see the Dorchester Area Community Foundation raise funds to renovate vacant commercial buildings.

Nearly 34% of readers said they wanted to "help young residents start businesses of their own" -- while 17% said more should be done to encourage/help existing businesses to expand.

One reader offered his/her own recommendation in the "comments" section: "Bulldoze the vacant buildings."  (We would prefer rehabilitation of such buildings, ourselves -- although Dorchester doesn't have more than a few uninhabited commercial buildings.)

Here is the breakdown of the survey results:

SURVEY: Readers Say Seward, Wilber Have Best Downtowns

Without a doubt, maintaining a vibrant, healthy downtown in a smaller community today is a challenge in rural Nebraska.

Fortunately, here in southeast Nebraska, we have some great examples of how smaller towns can have a healthy business sector.

So the Dorchester Times asked our readers which area business district they would most like to see Dorchester emulate? Which neighboring town's business district is best?

The Times survey, conducted March 1-6, found more than 37% of respondents said Seward had the best downtown of nearby communities.  

Seward's business district was followed by Wilber (32.2%), then Crete and Friend (16.95% each) and Milford (11.86%).

Here is the breakdown of the survey results:

Tomorrow, we will report on the rest of the survey results -- and what steps Times readers said would be most effective at enhancing Dorchester's own business district.

ALERT: Wind Chill Dips To -30 Tonight, Sunday

... WIND CHILL ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
NOON CST SUNDAY...
* WIND CHILL VALUES... WIND CHILL VALUES WILL RANGE FROM 20 TO 30 BELOW ZERO LATE TONIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING.
* IMPACTS... DANGEROUS WIND CHILLS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE OF EXPOSED SKIN IN A SHORT TIME. BE SURE AND DRESS PROPERLY. BITTER COLD TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED AGAIN SUNDAY NIGHT AND MONDAY MORNING.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A WIND CHILL ADVISORY MEANS THAT VERY COLD AIR AND STRONG WINDS WILL COMBINE TO GENERATE LOW WIND CHILLS. THIS WILL RESULT IN FROST BITE AND LEAD TO HYPOTHERMIA IF PRECAUTIONS ARE NOT TAKEN. IF YOU MUST VENTURE OUTDOORS... MAKE SURE YOU WEAR A HAT AND GLOVES.
More Information
... SNOW AND RECORD COLD THIS WEEKEND...
.LIGHT TO MODERATE SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 6 INCHES ARE EXPECTED ACROSS SOUTHERN PARTS OF THE REGION TONIGHT AS A COUPLE OF WEATHER DISTURBANCES MOVE ACROSS THE AREA. IN ADDITION... RECORD BREAKING BITTERLY COLD ARCTIC AIR WILL BE IN PLACE INTO EARLY NEXT WEEK.