NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester Power To Be Cut Sept. 2

DHS Volleyball, Football Teams Fall in Season Openers: Both Dorchester autumn sports teams lost their season opening contests late last week. The volleyball team, loaded with young talent, fell to East Butler. DHS will try to bounce back this week when the Longhorns host Palmyra and Weeping Water (Thursday, Sept. 2). The football team lost 28-46 against a tough Meridian team. Now the Longhorns must prepare for Pawnee City, which hasn't yet played a game this season.

Dorchester Gets Much-Needed Rain: In the past 24 hours, Dorchester has received much needed rain, which will help late-summer crops, gardens and lawns. Our village reports around 1.3 inches. That compares to just over 1.5 inches north of Crete and southwest of Wilber. See the NeRain map.

Power Will Be Turned Off Sept. 2: Village Hall has notified Dorchester residents that there will be a scheduled power outage beginning at 12:01 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2 and lasting until 6 a.m. (this may be done sooner). Please plan accordingly. This is required as substation upgrades are made. Please refrain from excessive watering at this time.

Dorchester Looks to Improve Track-and-Field Facilities: At the Aug. 9 school board meeting, board members voted 6-0 to fund an improvement of the school's practice field. The improvements will include a runway for long/triple jump with a sand pit, high jump area, and lanes for relay exchange & hurdle practice. Superintendent Daryl Schrunk showed the board his propose changes to the practice field, according to meeting minutes. 

2021 Football Season Kicks Off This Friday In Dorchester

Dorchester High School's 2021 football season kicks off this Friday night. The Longhorns are set to do battle at home with the Meridian Mustangs. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. 

This is the modern era's fourth act of six-man football at Dorchester's revamped Nerud Field, which was upgraded a few seasons ago with a new lighting system.  

Here are the 2021 schedules for both DHS varsity and JV football teams:

Dorchester's football program has continued to show continuous improvement on the field after splitting from Milford four years ago and going to six-man. Last season, DHS finished the year at 6-3, making it to the state playoffs. (DHS was 4-4 in its 2019 campaign and 3-5 in 2018.)

The 2021 campaign will be a tough test without senior quarterback Blake Hansen, who is sidelined due to non-sport related foot injury. 

The Longhorns will also be contending with a younger and smaller roster than in the previous three season. Therefore, they'll be counting on young talent to mature quickly to fill in the missing pieces.

Stand by for season four of DHS six-man ball -- and the second straight season of football in a global pandemic.

DHS Volleyball 2021: Young Guns Set The Stage

The Dorchester High School volleyball team's 2021 campaign is about to begin. And the team is high on the future due to its strong numbers. 

But that also means DHS is counting on strong play from its young players.

This season, the Dorchester roster is comprised almost completely of freshmen and sophomores. Jayana Duchek, a junior, is the only upper classman donning the orange and black.  

The mighty DHS will field a very competitive volleyball team if the young players can quickly elevate their play. The team will again be guided by head coach Claire White and assistant coach Bethany Theis.

The new season gets underway Thursday, Aug. 26 at East Butler, followed by a JV tournament at Giltner on Saturday, Aug. 28 and a DHS triangular on Thursday, Sept. 2.

Here's a look at this year's DHS volleyball schedule:

2021 DHS Volleyball Schedule

Former DHS Educator, Football Coach Bill Story Passes At Age 88

Former Dorchester educator William "Bill" Story, 88, passed away Aug. 3. 

Bill was born in Tecumseh to Henry and Mary Story. He attended Nebraska Wesleyan and received his master's degree from UNL. He taught at Dorchester in the late 1940s and early 1950s. 

Bill was coach of the 1949 DHS football team that restarted the school's football program after a long hiatus following the 1930's death of a DHS ball player. In the fall of '49, only eleven players went out for the six-man version of the game. 

In August 2018, Story attended the special halftime ceremony honoring Dorchester's six-man alumni who played in the '50s. Coaching the Dorchester team was Bill's first job out of college. In 2018, he told the Friend Sentinel: “Football at Dorchester was just kind of like the [University of Nebraska]. It just never stopped, and everybody was behind it.”  

He also taught and coached at Tecamah, Lincoln High, and Lincoln Northeast. Summers were spent managing Uni Pool for 28 years. He loved gardening, sports, traveling and church where he was an usher. 

Bill married Phyllis Schmidt, his wife of 68 years. They have four children; Bill, Jr., Cindy, Jim and Chuck (Kathy); six grandchildren: Brian Story, Staci (Brandon) Rice, Jaime (Nate) Sanks, Jeff Story, Elizabeth Story and Alex Story; great-grandchildren: Kaden and Calissa Sanks and Aren Rice. The funeral service was held Aug. 6 in Lincoln. 

NEWS ROUND-UP: Back-To-School Edition

School Starts Wednesday: Tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 18, marks the first day of school for Dorchester Public School. Classes begin at 8:10 a.m. and release early at 1:20 p.m. Preschool begins Monday, Aug. 23. Good luck to all DPS Longhorns this school year! Email Superintendent Daryl Schrunk (daryl.schrunk@dorchesterschool.org) if you have questions about operations at DPS.

Fall Sports Preview is Thursday: On Thursday at 6:30 p.m., Dorchester High School will showcase its fall sports talent during the Fall Sports Preview. This event will be held at the school's north parking lot. The members of both the DHS volleyball and football teams will be introduced, followed by a free-will donation hot dog meal sponsored by the DHS Booster Club. On Friday, Aug. 20, the volleyball team will conduct its scrimmage at 5:30 p.m., while the football team will do the same at 7:30 p.m. Catch the Orange and Black Attack this year!

DHS Booster Club Seeks Members: Dorchester supporters from across the nation are asked to join the DHS Longhorn Booster Club. The club aims to make participation in all high school activities an enjoyable experience for students. Examples of this include purchase of new athletic equipment; sponsorship of the homecoming pep rally; paying DHS coaches' fees to belong to the Nebraska Coaches Association. If you have any questions regarding the DHS Booster Club -- or how you can contribute -- call DHS Athletic Director Brent Zoubek at (402) 946-2781. Otherwise, send your donation to: Dorchester Booster Club, 506 W 9th St., Box 7, Dorchester, NE 68343.

Home For Sale: 407 W. 9th St.

Dorchester's real estate market is booming. This as more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. On the rare occasion a Dorchester home is listed, most are sold within a week to 10 days. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A newer K-12 school with small class sizes and some of the state's top educators. 

• A SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With an upgraded water and sewer system, and a surplus at Village Hall.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable living costs with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts that can overspend taxpayer resources.

• KEY BUSINESS 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 10 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available.

407 W 9th St.: You must see this house to appreciate it. This 2+1 bedroom, 2 bath home is move in ready. Remodeled kitchen with new refrigerator, newer dishwasher, microwave, stove, disposal, countertops and backsplash. Engineered wood flooring runs through the eat-in kitchen and down the hall. Bathrooms remodeled with new vanity, sink, toilet, mirror, lighting and electrical. Fully finished basement includes 1 non-conforming bedroom, 3/4 bath and laundry room with newer washer/dryer. Garage is fully finished and heated with 2.5 stalls. Epoxy floor and insulated garage door with 2 remotes. Located across the street from the school. See the listing.

This Sunday: BBQ Pork Feed In Dorchester

Good eats are coming to Dorchester. And it's all for a good cause.

On Sunday, Aug. 15, at the city park, the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund will host its BBQ pork feed -- featuring amazing ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. 

The gathering will start at 4 p.m. and conclude at 8 p.m.

This is a free-will offering gathering, so be sure to be generous. 

The Dorchester Community Foundation has been instrumental, spearheading various projects since 2007. These include:

• The city park's playground equipment and picnic shelter; 
• Annual scholarships; 
• The Charlie Havlat Memorial sign at the Saline County Museum; 
• Welcome signs along Highway 33;
• The "welcome banners" on the light poles in town;
• The directory at the Dorchester Cemetery; and
• The water park at the Dorchester City Park.

Whether you are a Dorchester area resident, a Dorchester alum, or just a friend of the community, join your Dorchester friends for this special event.

Home For Sale: 104 Whitmar Ave.

Dorchester's real estate market is booming. This as more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. Most homes here are sold within a week to 10 days. It's true.

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A newer K-12 school with small class sizes and some of the state's top educators. 

• A SAFE AND FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY: With an upgraded water and sewer system, and a surplus at Village Hall.

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable living costs with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts that can overspend taxpayer resources.

• KEY BUSINESS 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 10 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a rural small town.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available.

104 Whitmar Ave.: This is the former home of longtime Dorchester residents Joe and Josie Slama. An open house will be held Sunday, July 18, from 1 to 2 p.m. Very nice ranch home offering four bedrooms and two baths, just awaiting its new owner. Main level offers two bedrooms, full bath, good-sized living room, kitchen and laundry room/mud room. The fully finished basement offers two more bedrooms, 3/4 bath, second kitchen, and living room (see photos in the listing). Basement was finished less than three years ago. Lots of storage space, two-stall attached garage and large back yard.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester's Community Garage Sales, July 23-24

 

Dorchester's Community Garage Sales Coming Soon: Dorchester will be hosting community garage sales on July 23-24. Call 402-946-3201 or stop in Village Hall to get your name on the list if you are holding a garage sale. The village will compose and distribute a list and map to promote your event.

Dorchester Increases Fines for Street Obstructions: The Times has learned that the Village of Dorchester board recently approved an increase in fines for parking interference with use of a Dorchester street. In non-lawyer terms, we'd say that is obstructing public streets. Anyway, the fine has been increased to $50 for the first five days of interference, up from $5. After that, the fine goes to $100, up from $7. The fines have also been increased for improper parking during snow emergencies and in handicapped designated areas.

Village Now Offering Mobile Food Vendor Licenses: Dorchester now offers a mobile food vendor license ($100 annually or $25 a day). Applications can be picked up in the Village office. Food trucks will be allowed from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m., seven days a week.

20 Acres for Sale South of Dorchester: Looking for a plot of ground to build your dream home? The Times has been informed about 21.03 acres for sale south of Dorchester. According to the realtor, there is a creek on the western portion of the property and the cropland along the gravel road. There are several large burr oak trees on the property that provide for a private and quiet setting. A new well has been drilled and ready for the pump installation. Learn more.

OUR VIEW: It's Time To Address All Of Dorchester's Neglected Properties

Dorchester is a great little community. Anyone who lives here will tell you that. 

Moreover, village leaders are working overtime to ensure our community remains a safe, enjoyable, friendly town that people want to live in. They sometimes don't get the credit they deserve, including on this blog.

Of course, as with any community, there are a few challenges. Over the past couple of decades, Dorchester has neglected enforcement of property codes. Put bluntly, a handful of residents were allowed to let their properties severely deteriorate and/or accumulate junk, which in turns harms property values and quality of life. 

But in recent years, Dorchester has witnessed a new resolve to clean neglected and blighted properties, thanks to the hiring of compliance code officers. This is the right thing to do to serve all taxpayers, 90% of whom want to live in an aesthetically appealing town where property values go up.

Fortunately, the village's new code compliance officer -- Craig Bontrager -- has been working with village residents and businesses to start getting all areas of the village spruced up. 

In some cases, the residents have junk or out of control vegetation that they are unable to physically or financially handle. In these cases, property owners should contact the village code compliance officer to find out what options they have.

In other cases, some residents simply do not understand the village code and fall out of compliance due to this misunderstanding. If you think you may be out of compliance and want some help or direction in clean up, again, contact the village code compliance officer.

Last month, group of Dorchester United Methodist Church members and the Mennonite Disaster Service helped clean up properties in town. The latter was able to help a local property owner start getting control over his property to bring it back into compliance. This group was arranged by Bontrager.

We think it's unfortunate there are some residents who simply don’t care what their property looks like and are indifferent when it comes to the village code. It is our opinion that these residents should "lawyer up" or consider moving to the countryside, where county officials will deal with you.

According to official communications sent to this blog, Dorchester residents who are out of compliance with community standards will at some point receive a certified letter from the code compliance officer stating the violation and how to remedy it. 

Those who choose not to respond will be warned with an administrative sign posted on their property. If there is no response to this warning, then the village may (and should) declare the property a nuisance will decide how to abate the nuisance. (We also think neighbors should be more vocal in their insistence that next-door properties are kept presentable, but that's another topic for another day.)

If at any point during the village's compliance process the property owner contacts the code compliance officer, a plan to achieve compliance can be discussed and set up. In short, Dorchester is giving those with neglected and messy properties plenty of chances to clean up their act. Take advantage of this opportunity.

If you have any questions about code compliance or how you can be involved in improving your community, call the Village of Dorchester (402-946-3201). 

It's time to address all of Dorchester's neglected properties.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester's 9-And-Under Baseball Team Wins Championship

Dorchester Pee-Wees Win League Championship: Dorchester is home to rich baseball history. Our community was known as a baseball town as early as the start of the 1900s. But in recent years, the village has struggled with participation numbers in boys athletics, especially baseball. So it came as a pleasant surprise last week when the town's nine-and-under baseball team -- affectionately known as the "pee-wees" -- won the SFS League championship. Several sources we spoke to say this championship points to the bright future ahead for Dorchester boys athletics, considering the young crop of talent in elementary school. Congrats to these players and their coaches.

Dorchester Concludes Another Successful July 4 Celebration: The community has wrapped up another successful, well-attended Independence Day celebration -- one that would have made the Founders quite proud. The Dorchester American Legion reported running out of food due to the strong showing. Many showed up for bingo on a hot day. The show-and-shine event had several entries. As volunteer Peg Bergmeyer wrote, "From the great meal served by the Sons of the Legion, pie and ice cream from the auxiliary, bingo, kids games/tractor pull, parade and fireworks, it was a great day."

Village Seeks Assistant Clerk: The Village of Dorchester is currently taking applications for the position of deputy clerk. Click here to apply. Meanwhile, the next village board meeting will be this Wednesday, July 7 at 7 p.m. at the Community Building -- a change from the typical first Monday of the month due to the Independence Day holiday.

DPS Calendar for Upcoming School Year: It's hard to believe, but the start of school is just six weeks away. (Hear the groans from the kids?) Here is the Dorchester Public School calendar for the 2021-22 school year. The month-by-month calendar is online, as well.

State News Media Once Celebrated Rural Greatness: An interesting letter to the editor recently appeared in The Columbus Telegram. The letter referenced a Sept. 22, 1940 article from the Omaha World-Herald. The article, titled "Family of Champions," highlighted the Wielage family of Dorchester and five of their seven children who had excelled in their school and 4-H activities. More than 80 years later, it's hard for many to believe that a large, statewide publication like the World-Herald once wrote positive stories that focused on the achievements of everyday rural residents -- positive news spotlighting something other than oppression that occurred centuries ago, or transgender or gay rights, or man-induced climate change, or "inequity" during prosperous times, or anything else the media deem wrong in their attempt to divide the USA. 

Dorchester's 2021 Independence Day Schedule

Dorchester hosts one of the best small-town Fourth of July celebrations in all of Nebraska. It's personal and genuinely patriotic (at a time when bashing America's history seems to be popular in the news media, on college campuses, and in D.C.) 

Our community's July 4 festival is an annual tradition that draws folks from near and far, including residents from neighboring communities, friends, family, and DHS alumni from across the country.

You will find plenty of things to do in Dorchester on Independence Day, without the hurried (and often rude) crowds of larger communities. The highlight of the day comes after dark with the famous fireworks show, which has been delighting crowds for nearly 30 years.

Check out the Dorchester Fourth of July website.

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Dorchester's Fourth of July Celebration

2021 Schedule of Events

Saturday, July 3

6:30 a.m. sign-in; 7:30 a.m. start .......... Longhorn Stampede Fun Run. Details here.

Sunday, July 4 

All day ........... Splash pad at Dorchester City Park (free to all)

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. ....... Visit the Saline County Museum (free to all)

11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ...... Sons of American Legion BBQ at Legion Building

11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. ...... Auxiliary/Jr. Auxiliary Pie and Ice Cream Social/Raffle at Legion Building

1 p.m. ........ Show and Shine on Main Street

2 p.m. ......... Bingo hosted by Legion Auxiliary at Community Building

3 p.m. - 5 p.m. .......... Kids games, including tractor pull. South of park on 7th St. Sponsored by Farmers Cooperative. Registration begins at 3:30 p.m. Tractor pull participants must register.

7 p.m. ......... Parade (Line-up begins at 6:30 p.m. at Co-Op office and parking lot near elevator.)

10 p.m. ........ "The Big Show" -- Fireworks at Nerud Field football field.  

Schedule is subject to Change.

***

Dorchester's 4th of July celebration depends on private support. Dorchester area residents and friends of Dorchester are encouraged to donate online, or send their donations (checks payable to "July 4th Celebration") to: 

First State Bank

4th of July Celebration

P.O. Box 264

Dorchester, NE 68343

What Could Have Been: In 2014, Hopes Were High For New Cafe

In July of 2014, there was a buzz spreading through Dorchester. (We take some of the blame for getting hopes up.) 

Here's what the Times reported seven years ago:

It's some of the most exciting news we have heard in some time regarding Dorchester's business district.

According to several well-placed sources, a new cafe will soon make its way to the west side of Dorchester's main street.

The cafe will occupy the building that was most recently the Dorchester Hardware Store and the additional space in Dorchester Grocery. Older residents will remember the site as the former location of the West Side Cafe and Rec Room.

There's no word yet on when the cafe will open, but we are told the owners are individuals with strong Dorchester ties.

Operating a restaurant or cafe in a small community isn't easy, and Dorchester's newest entrepreneurs have a heavy task ahead of them. We can all recall the short-lived restaurants, ice cream shops, and cafes that have been here in the past. To be successful, this endeavor will need a unique spin on its operations, good marketing, as well as strong support by the community and area residents.

Community members we spoke with are elated by the news and anxious to see the cafe open. In a 2010 Times survey, readers said that a "cafe with a bakery" was one of the most needed businesses in Dorchester. In fact, a cafe commanded the second highest number of votes, behind only a convenience store.

We were not completely off base in our reporting. Former Dorchester resident Michelle Johnson had strong intentions of opening a Dorchester bakery and cafe, and by 2015, she was on her way, as we reported here. 

By July 2015, Johnson and her husband, Brad, were busy with renovation and she was advertising her new business -- called The Party Room -- which was to be located on the west side of main street, next to the U.S. Post Office.

Unfortunately, Johnson ultimately decided it was cost prohibitive to restore the 1870s building -- and her dream of a main street business in Dorchester was never realized.

Today, in 2021, there are reports that renovation of the building continues by its new owners, a Hispanic family with Crete ties. 

We cannot confirm what work has been done or what is planned for the structure. Any insider information may be emailed to the Times (dorchester.times@gmail.com) or left in the comments section below.

Does Public Image Still Matter In 2021?

More than a decade ago, Dorchester made national news, thanks to an Associated Press story on the growth of the ethanol industry.

The AP article appeared in newspapers across the country. It was read by millions of Americans. (A Google search shows the article is still readily available on the Internet.)  

With a dateline of Dorchester, Neb., the article opened with:

"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 ..."

Shortly after that story was published, this blog published an editorial titled, "How Important Is Dorchester's Public Image?" It got residents talking. Some were upset by the AP article's portrayal of our community; others were surprised this blog chose to spotlight what was perceived as negative coverage.

Fortunately, since that AP story was published years ago, there have been many improvements in and around town. Credit goes to the many individuals who invested time and financial resources to enhance the appearance of their residential and commercial properties, thereby growing Dorchester's value and attractiveness. 

Think about the upgrades made to Dorchester over the past dozen years or so: a new school; several new additions to the city park, including a $250,000 water park; new businesses on main street and improvements to main street buildings; several older homes restored; new housing built; new commercial buildings and properties constructed. All these improvements deserve recognition from fellow residents.

However, we're disappointed by some of the eyesores that remain, as well as the new ones that have appeared, especially near our community's public areas, which belong to all the taxpaying residents. Blighted and unsightly properties near our park and main street do nothing to enhance the community, nor do they make it attractive to those considering making Dorchester home.

Readers can ignore these words, shrug their shoulders, look the other way. But this point remains as true today as it ever has been: Public image matters, even in an era of declining standards.  

For Dorchester, it's more than just a debate among friends and neighbors. In Dorchester, public image will set the course for our community's future.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Youth Football Camp, New Ag Commission

Dorchester Youth Football Camp: For Dorchester's future football stars, it is never too early to start brushing up the skills. The coaches at DHS are offering young players a chance to improve their football game or -- if they aren't familiar with the game -- just learn the basics. On July 6-7, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. both days, the Longhorns Youth Football Camp will be held for students going into the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Cost is $25. Included will be: skill development; athletic fundamentals; drill work; position education; team time; and 6-on-6 passing drills. Call Coach Zoubek at 402-418-1019 for more information.

Thalken Elected to Dry Pea and Lentil Commission: Gov. Pete Ricketts has appointed the inaugural board of directors for the newly commissioned Dry Pea and Lentil Commission. Eric Thalken was elected to serve District 3, representing all of central and eastern Nebraska. Thalken manages and operates an organic farm near Dorchester. The commission may create general state policies and programs related to the discovery, promotion and development of markets and industries for the utilization of dry peas, lentils, chickpeas or garbanzo beans, faba beans, or lupins grown in Nebraska.

Troy Daywes Hauls in Biggest Fish: Last month, the Lower Big Blue NRD held its 19th annual fishing derby at the Willard L. Meyer Recreation Area near Tobias. In the ages 10-12 category, the young angler who caught the biggest fish was Troy Daywes of Dorchester. Congratulations, Troy! 

127 Years Ago, Tragic Train Deaths in Dorchester: Do you get annoyed by the whistles blaring from the locomotives passing through town? Well, there's a reason they still blow their horn. According to research by the Dorchester Times, 127 years ago, three Dorchester residents were struck and killed by a train here in town. On Oct. 20, 1894, Mrs. Mary Sawyer and her two daughters, ages 16 and 18, were hit while crossing the Burlington tracks. The train conductors were charged with failing to adhere to regulations pertaining to speed and sounding their horn.

Happy 140th Birthday, Dorchester!

Wednesday, June 23, marks the 140th anniversary of Dorchester's incorporation as a village.

So we say: Happy birthday, Dorchester! 

Here's a look at Dorchester how our community became official 140 years ago:

• As Dorchester's population grew to nearly 300 by the early 1880s, it became necessary to establish a formal system of government. 

• On June 23, 1881, a petition was presented to and granted by the Saline County commissioners for the incorporation of the village.

• The following residents were appointed by the commissioners as village trustees: D.G. Panter, John Oberlies, N.B. Alley, Thomas Jarrett and W.H. Pallett.  At the same time, C.F. Thomas, J.H. Clark and M.O. Alley were named village clerk, treasurer and marshal, respectively.

• On July 6, 1881, the first meeting of the Dorchester Village Board was held. At this meeting, the trustees designated that the first Monday of each month would be the regular meeting time for the board, which is still adhered to today. Four other ordinances were approved at this first meeting of the Dorchester village board. They were:

• Ordinance 1: Regulating the sales of intoxicating liquors in the village;

• Ordinance 2: Imposing a license tax on dogs in the village;

• Ordinance 3: Levying a five mills to the dollar valuation taxes for the year 1881; and

• Ordinance 4: Providing for the grading and guttering of streets and alleys, as well as construction of wooden sidewalks.

Just a brief history lesson on Dorchester's birthday. May the next 140 years bring our town joy, purpose and prosperity!