DHS Basketball Teams Drop Season Openers

(Photo: Sharon Axline)

It wasn't the start Longhorn fans were hoping for. 

Both Dorchester High School varsity basketball teams have dropped their opening two contests of the 2023-24 season.

In the season opener on Nov. 30, both the DHS boys and girls hosted Deshler. The Lady Longhorns fell to the Lady Dragons, 26-41, despite three steals from Dorchester's Gabrielle Theis. The DHS boys lost to the Dragons by an even larger margin, 15-42. Sophomore Chase Tachovsky led DHS in scoring with 6 points.

On Friday, Dec. 1, both Longhorn teams traveled west to take on Meridian. The girls lost 34-49, despite outscoring the Mustangs the final two periods. The boys fell 22-45, despite senior Andy Drake's team-leading 16 points.

Both Dorchester teams play again Tuesday, Dec. 5, in home games at DHS' "Corrale." Both teams will host the High Plains Storm. 

On Friday, Dec. 8, both BDS boys and girls teams will visit Dorchester.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Morning With Santa, Dec. 9

Morning With Santa in Dorchester, Dec. 9: In just a couple of weeks, the big man himself will be visiting the village. Santa will be at the Dorchester Community Building and Legion Hall on Saturday, Dec. 9. Breakfast will be served by the Dorchester Community Foundation from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Santa will be in the house from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Kids' games, crafts, and other activities will hosted by Dorchester's Partent Teacher Organization and the Dorchester FBLA.

Kids' Wrestling Sign-Up, Nov. 28: An informational meeting and participant sign-up for Dorchester's Youth Wrestling will be held at 6 p.m., Nov. 28 in the school cafeteria. According to a social media posting, there are no fees or dues to join for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Renew Dorchester, Julie Holly Add to Main Street Beautification: Sources tell us that Renew Dorchester, the startup community development group, provided funding for the flower pots added some time ago to Dorchester's main street. The Times was unaware of this donation until now. Julie Holly has been purchasing and caring for the flowers in the containers.

Dorchester Native, DHS Alumna Karen Parks Passes: Karen A. (Kenney) Parks, 89, of Beatrice passed away peacefully at her home Nov. 15, 2023. Karen graduated from Dorchester High School in 1952. Celebration of Life Services will be held Dec. 20 at the United Methodist Church in Dorchester. Read the full obituary.

Our Thoughts on NU Staff Reductions: The University of Nebraska is eliminating staff and degree programs due to huge budget deficits. Want to bet that the university will hire lobbyists to try to recoup its losses by grabbing more taxpayer dollars at the State Capitol? That would be a shame because the hard times facing NU and other institutions of "higher learning" are a direct result of the outrageous costs imposed by Big Education for decades, as well as the radical left-wing ideas being instilled into young minds of mush, as a famous radio host used to say. Parents with kids in high school would be wise to insist on community college or a technical career center from which young people can graduate with real-world, useful skills for in-demand careers, versus graduating with a bunch of debt, far-left political views, and a chip on their shoulder for life.

A Warmer Saline County? USDA Says Yes

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released its updated planting zone map this week -- and it shows a warmer U.S., including Saline County.

The 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which helps determine what plants are most likely to survive harsh temperatures, divides the country into 13 zones, each representing a band of 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The map also includes half-zone bands (like Zones 6a and 6b) representing differences of 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

Saline County has moved into a warmer zone -- Zone 6a -- on the 2023 map compared to being in Zone 5b under the USDA's previous map, created in 2012.

The map reflects the average lowest winter temperature in any given location over a 30-year period, according to the USDA. 

Climate specialists are warning gardeners and farmers to understand that despite the changes on the USDA map, the new zone designations represent very modest warming and very little change. While most experts say that the world is getting slightly warmer, they advise against buying into media sensationalism.

Moreover, the map doesn't reflect the extreme temperatures that can be deadly to plants, experts say.

Saluting Dorchester's American Legion Post No. 264

Saturday, Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. The Times wants to salute every veteran who has served our nation, in times of war and peace.

We also want to pay tribute to Dorchester's August-Vanek American Legion Post #264, the Sons of the American Legion, the Legion Auxiliary and Junior Auxiliary.

Many in our community may not realize that Dorchester's Legion Post is in its 103rd year.

Following World War I, the veterans of Dorchester wanted to join the American Legion, a national organization for U.S. veterans. State Department Adjutant Frank B. O'Connell of Lincoln presided at the May 24, 1920 meeting to organize an American Legion post in Dorchester. 

The following Dorchester men signed an application for a charter: Claude Kennedy, Frank Mares, William Sanburn, Joe Mateja, Casper Schuerhoff, Frank Grant, Tony Wolfe, Fred Littlefield. Russell Freidell, Frank Kozak, Russell Bruning, Vincent Rogers, Clark West, Cecil Ward, John Cerny, William Johnson, Nels Hansen,Walter Hartly, Albert Peterson, and Ray Ward. 

The charter was presented on Aug. 1, 1920 and filed August 10. 1920. Dr. N.P. Hansen was the first Commander of the Post of the American Legion #264. 

The name August was selected for the Post in honor of Ernest R. August who was killed in World War I. 

In those early years, the Dorchester Legion was housed in a few different locations. In 1954, the Post bought a building -- the present Legion Hall -- from W.O. Howlett. This building was remodeled for the use of the Legion, the Auxiliary, and club facilities.  It was dedicated on March 23. 1956. 

In January 1955 the Post added another name -- Vanek -- to their Post name honoring Emil Vanek, killed in action in the Pacific theater of World War II.

Legion activities throughout the years have been a key part of community life in Dorchester. Back in 1922, there was a Model-T Ford raffle drawing. In the 1930s and '40s, the Legion held home talent plays.  

Legion members built a cabin for the Boy Scouts on the Kenney farm in the 1930s. In 1933, lights and light poles were purchased and erected north of the elevator for all types of softball league games and tournaments.  

By the 1950s and '60s, the Dorchester Legion was sponsoring representatives to attend Boys State -- and later on, Girls State. 

Many community activities have been and are sponsored by the Legion and its Auxiliary to serve veterans in need and in final rites for the deceased. 

One hundred and three years have proven that the stronger our local American Legion post, the stronger our community.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Veterans Will Be Honored Friday at DPS

Veterans Will Be Honored Friday at School: On Friday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m., a Veterans' Day program will be held at the Dorchester Public School. The DHS FBLA and the school cafeteria staff will serve coffee and cinnamon rolls to all veterans beginning at 9 a.m. Also, check out this Times' story recognizing Dorchester's August-Vanek American Legion Post #264, which is in its 103rd year.

Three Residents Apply for Vacant Village Board Seat: According to sources, at least three Dorchester residents have applied to fill a vacant seat on the Dorchester Board of Trustees. The vacancy comes after Andrea Pracheil, who had been serving as board chair, last month announced her resignation. The term will only be for the remainder of Pracheil's four-year term, which ends Dec. 9, 2024. The deadline to apply is tomorrow (Thursday, Nov. 9). The position will be discussed at the upcoming village board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13 at the Community Building.

Dorchester Jr. High Play Is Thursday, Nov. 9: Get ready for some great entertainment as the Dorchester Jr. High presents its one-act play, "The Curse of Wolvesmede." Loaded with humor, oddball characters, and questionable motives, we can only wonder what happened to the maid and why a Schwan’s ice cream man was making rounds on a miserable night. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 in the school's multi-purpose room. $3 admission for kindergarten students through adults.

DVFD to Visit DPS Nov. 15: Members of the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department will be visiting Dorchester students Wednesday, Nov. 15 to recognize Fire Prevention Week. Students in pre-kindergarten through the fourth grade will receive fire safety briefings so they can share the knowledge with family members.

Eastside Set to Host Polka Party, Nov. 19: Dorchester's Eastside Bar and Grill is about to get nuts again. On Sunday, Nov. 19, Kevin Koopmann will be playing polka from 3-7 p.m. As always, a good crowd is expected, so get there early. Specials include: Pork, kraut, dumplings, dressing, gravy, vegetables, and rye bread.

Plan on Turkey Bingo at the Legion, Nov. 20: On Monday, Nov. 20, the Dorchester Legion Bar and Grill will host turkey bingo. Participants can win a turkey, ham, duck, or pie (and then tell their family at Thanksgiving that they splurged just for them). Doors open at 5 p.m., food is served at 6 p.m., and bingo begins at 6:30 p.m. All ages welcome.  

Here They Are: 10 Great Ideas For Dorchester

Earlier this year, the Dorchester Times asked readers to send us their ideas to improve Dorchester. 

Under the banner of our "Great Ideas for Dorchester" project, we asked readers to send ideas (via our email, Facebook, or blog comments) to enhance and grow Dorchester and secure its future.

As 2023 begins to close its curtains, we are rerunning the 10 best ideas for Dorchester submitted by Times' readers. In no particular order, they are as follows:

• Establish an "adopt a building" program to work with the owners of main street buildings. Focus for one or two years to improve a particular building. Raise funds. Volunteer labor and/or supplies. Hold open houses to show off progress. Get everyone involved.
  
  
• Have Dorchester's FBLA run student-run businesses from a main street building. Maybe a current owner could donate use of one of the vacant buildings.
  
  
• Create a matching fund, that is funded by donations, to offer matching grants to individuals wanting to start in-demand businesses, like a convenience store, grocery, new car wash, or workout facility.
  
  
• Paint a huge mural on the east Farmers Cooperative elevator where the emblem is completely worn down. The mural would be of a longhorn breaking through the cement, with the words “We ❤️ our Longhorns."
  
  
• The paving of the streets, a gym, a grocery store, new paint on buildings to give color and life to our small town.
  
  
• Do more to spotlight local businesses, business owners, and employees.
  
  
• An annual food truck festival with live music on main street.
  
  
• Work with the school to start an online weekly newspaper.
  
  
• Flower pots full of flowers on main street, possibly with benches with sponsors' names on the backrests. 

• Create a new housing development with a real developer. Model it after the Oliva project in west Wilber, but make it even more desirable than that, with trees and ponds and walking trails.

Thanks to our readers for their engagement.

We encourage community members to get involved with Dorchester activities and volunteer organizations, and work to make these great ideas a reality.

Former Resident, Village Board Chair Bill August Passes

Bill August, 79, of Lincoln, formerly Dorchester, passed away Oct. 23, 2023.  

August was a former village board member, including board chair during Dorchester's 1981 centennial year. He is a 1962 graduate of DHS.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held Friday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. 

No visitation. Memorials are in care of the family for future designation to the Dorchester Community.  

A more detailed obituary will be posted here.  

Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Village Board Chair Resigns; Seat Must Be Filled

Pracheil Resigns From Village Board: For the second time in just a few months, another member of the Dorchester Board of Trustees has stepped down. Andrea Pracheil, who had been serving as board chair, announced her resignation, which took effect on Oct. 10. Now the village is in need of a qualified registered voter, who lives in the village limits, to fill the vacant seat for the remainder of the four year term, which ends Dec. 9, 2024. If you are interested in being nominated to fill the vacancy, drop off or mail a letter of interest and resume to the Village Clerk, 701 Washington Ave., PO Box 287, Dorchester, NE 68343. Letters and resumes must be received by 4 p.m. on Nov. 9, 2023.

Volleyball Team Concludes Regular Season, Prepares for Sub-Districts: The DHS Volleyball team hit a rough patch at the end of the regular season, dropping six of the final nine contests and going one for three in the CRC tournament. The Lady Longhorns can be proud, however, compiling a 16-10 regular season. Now the Orange and Black Attack must focus on staying alive in the post-season at the Class D1-1 Sub-District Tourney at Johnson-Brock High School. The third-seeded DHS will face No. 2 Diller-Odell (18-9) at 7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 23. The winner will most likely face No. 1 Johnson-Brock (21-6) on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m.

DHS Football Plays Final Game of 2023: Dorchester High School football finished the season just 1-7, falling to Pawnee City 25-52 Friday, Oct. 20. This isn't the first time Dorchester's football program has endured a period of tough luck. In the early 1970s, the DHS football team endured three straight seasons without winning a single game. When the boys finally broke their losing streak in 1975, the Longhorns were presented an autographed football from the University of Nebraska football team, hand delivered by NU fullback Tony Davis. (Keep in mind that the losing streak came immediately after Dorchester had fielded an undefeated team in 1971 under Coach Jack Guggenmos. That squad was considered the best in Class C by many experts.)

Jirsa Named to All-State Chorus Again: Congratulations are in order for Ashton Jirsa, a DHS senior who has been selected to the Nebraska Music Education Association All-State Chorus for the fourth consecutive year. The NMEA all-state event will take place Nov. 16-18 in Lincoln.

Bob Duchek Celebration of Life, Oct. 21: There will be a celebration of life event held Saturday, Oct. 21, at the Dorchester American Legion from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please feel free to wear Husker attire; Bob was a big fan of the Big Red -- and the game will be on.

John Howlett Passes: DHS alumnus John Michael Howlett, 77, Martell, passed away Sept. 15. He was the son of Fred L. and Beulah (Formanek) Howlett and grew up in Dorchester. He graduated in 1964 from DHS, where he lettered in three sports, played the baritone sax in the band, and attended Boys State. Growing up, John followed the footsteps of his brothers and delivered the Lincoln newspaper in Dorchester. He also worked with his father at Dorchester's Howlett Produce Station (south of the city park), delivering feed and picking up eggs. Read Howlett's obituary.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Trick Or Trunk Set For Oct. 29

Trunk or Treat, Oct. 29: Get ready for Dorchester's annual Trunk or Treat, coming to the school parking lot on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. For businesses and organizations that would like to take part in Trunk or Treat, arrive by 12:45 p.m. An awesome hayrack ride will be available for the kids in costume. Both events are sponsored by the Dorchester PTO.

DHS Sports Teams Wind Down Regular Season: Now at 15-8 on the year, the Dorchester High School volleyball team is nearing the conclusion of its regular season. The Lady Longhorns are preparing for the multi-day Crossroads Conference at the York Auditorium/York High School. Action gets underway Saturday, Oct. 14. Meanwhile, the DHS football team (1-5) will take on Parkview Christian (4-2) at Nerud Field tonight. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Dorchester Blood Drive, Oct. 25: On Oct. 25, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., a blood drive will take place at Dorchester Public School. Donors should report to the school multi-purpose room. Call 800-RED-CROSS to schedule your appointment to be a contributor to this important cause. Your kindness counts.

DHS Grad Spotlighted in Imperial: Jason Jensen, a 2018 DHS grad, is beginning his teaching and coaching career as a faculty member at Chase County Schools. Jensen is featured in this article in the Imperial Republican.

Dorchester Students Shine in Language Arts: Two Dorchester students were recognized earlier this fall for their language arts ability. In a contest at the Nebraska State Fair, Annaleah Tellez took home the second-place award in penmanship, while Javier Cornejo earned honorable mention in poetry. Congrats to these young Longhorns!

OUR VIEW: NU Football Needs A Boost From High School Football

If you're like most readers in the Cornhusker State, you are hoping to see the University of Nebraska football program quickly restored to its former glory -- specifically to the level of dominance NU demonstrated from 1964-2000.

For the past two decades, Nebraska football has been only a shadow of its former self. There are several factors for the downward spiral, but a key ingredient has been the statewide decline in high school football participation.

Based on information from the Nebraska School Activities Association, Nebraska high school football has seen more than an 18% decline in player participation over the last 20 years. Over the past 30 years, it's likely closer to a 30% dip.

Here's the breakdown:

• In the autumn of 2002, there were 14,544 boys out for football at Nebraska high schools across all classes (including 11-man, eight-man, and six-man).
  
  
• Over the next five years, participation held steady with 14,452 out the fall of 2007. But by autumn 2012, participation dropped to 13,243.
  
  
• By 2017, the number fell to 11,995. 
  
  
• By 2022, it was 11,919.
  
  
• While the NSAA doesn't publish participation numbers from the years prior to 2002, we've been told the participation rates of the late 1980s and early 1990s were closer to 18,000. Of course, during those years, the University of Nebraska's football roster featured more players from Nebraska, including in its starting lineup. That's not a coincidence.

The University of Nebraska's football program is not only facing a talent deficit, it's also facing a culture problem. 

Football is still a game Nebraskans love to watch, but they want to watch others' kids take a hit on the gridiron, not their own. Never mind the teamwork and leadership lessons learned on the field, or the toughness the game instills in young men.

Fewer high school football players means less competition for starting positions. It means a decline in the quality of play between opposing teams. 

And fewer participants equals a smaller talent pool from which NU can recruit. (Passion for Big Red football spirals significantly once outside the state's borders, especially after 20 years of mediocre football.)

While other states have also seen a decline in high school football participation, Nebraska is a small population state -- the 11th least populated state in the nation. We simply can't maintain our tradition of college football excellence if it's not sufficiently rejuvenated by in-state talent.

Athletic Director Trev Alberts and other NU football leaders need to spend as much time connecting with the state's boys and their parents as they do with the mega-wealthy donors who will finance the makeover of Memorial Stadium over the next few years. 

Ironically, when Memorial Stadium's makeover is complete, its capacity will be reduced by 12% to 15% fans, from around 86,000 today to the low 70,000s, according to reports.

All the signs tell Nebraska football fans: You're going the wrong way.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Crete Rotary Gifts Dictionaries To Dorchester Students

Village Board Meeting Is Oct. 9: Dorchester's monthly village board meeting will be held Monday, Oct. 9 at the Dorchester Community Hall.  The Times has been sent an anonymous email said that a change could be coming to the village board, but no details were given. (As a reminder, the village board recently voted to move its monthly meeting to the second Monday of the month.) Board agendas and meeting minutes are located here.

DHS Grad Named to Homecoming Court at Morningside: Dorchester High School alumnus Ridge Hoffman has been selected to the homecoming court at Morningside University (Sioux City, Iowa). Ridge is a double major in special education and elementary education. He is set to graduate in May 2024 hopes to land a teaching job in or near Dorchester. 

Register for 3-on-3 Volleyball League by Oct. 9: Those wanting to play in Dorchester's 3-on-3 volleyball league have until Monday, Oct. 9 to turn in their team roster. Turn in this completed form to the village office along with the $30 fee.

Food Trucks Coming to Main Street: Downtown Dorchester will play host to several food trucks over the coming days. On Oct. 8 (from noon to 5:30 p.m) and on Oct. 9 (3:30 to 7:30 p.m), catch Chi Style Kitchen. Amigos will be available Oct. 10 (11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.). Catch Dar's Kitchen on Oct. 16 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). And visit Pork's Done on Oct. 23 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Menus will be posted at the bank, post office, at Village Hall.

Crete Organization Provides Dictionaries to Longhorns: In an act of kindness and generosity from our next-door neighbor, the Crete Rotary recently donated new dictionaries to every Dorchester third grader, according to DPS social media.

Former Dorchester Resident Dinah Cannon Passes: Diana Cannon, a former resident of Dorchester who was married to longtime Dorchester maintenance supervisor LeRoy Vyhnalek, passed away Sept. 25. After moving away in 1988, Dinah returned to Nebraska to be near friends and family. She loved volunteering at the Dorchester Public Library. Her obituary can be read here.

October Fun at State Parks: Nebraska Game and Parks wants Times readers to know that many state parks will be hosting family-friendly festivities throughout October. Check out the schedule of events and plan your opportunity for fun, whether that's carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating, or a haunted hayrack ride.

DHS Volleyball Goes To 13-4; Conducting Fundraiser

The DHS volleyball team has continued its winning ways in recent days, defeating High Plains Community, Omaha Christian Academy, and Sterling in recent days. 

But the team also lost two contests to inferior opponents in Shelby/Rising City and Nebraska Lutheran. 

Based on records alone, Dorchester, now 13-4, is a top 10 team in Nebraska's Class D-1 at this point in the season. 

The final quarter of the 2023 season begins tonight, Sept. 28, and the quality of opponents will be enhanced. 

On Thursday evening, DHS is on the road to take on Diller-Odell (12-7) and Meridian (11-2) in a triangular. 

Next week, on Oct. 5, the Lady 'Horns face Class C2 Cross County (13-5).

Meanwhile, the volleyball team is conducting a fundraiser. Get a bright orange longhorn design painted on your driveway to show your Dorchester pride. Cost is $25 per longhorn. Orders may be place through Friday, Sept. 29. See details here. Or call (402) 946-2781.

Forecast: First Frost Won't Hit Until Oct. 19

For those of you excited for the season's first frost, you have a long wait.

According to the Dorchester Times forecasting formula and research, the first frost won't hit Saline County until Oct. 19. 

That's still a month away.

If our prediction holds true, it will only be a few days later than the average first frost date for our area, which is Oct. 12.

The first "killing frost" won't hit until late October, according to forecast models. This is especially relevant to farmers. In both corn and beans, a killing frost occurs at 28 degrees. Once a killing frost hits, plants can no longer move carbohydrates from the leaves, where photosynthesis occurs, to the grain. 

Of course, that also means we will be mowing for several more weeks.

The current record for the latest first frost in our area is Nov. 7, 1956, as some of our readers might recall. (Note: The first frost record for Omaha is even later, occurring on Nov. 13, 1915.)

While night-time lows will drop into the 30s before then, our long-range predictions (using AccuWeather and a few other forecasting services) show that the Dorchester area is going to be much warmer than average this early autumn.

Enjoy the warmth before winter!

NEWS ROUND-UP: Homecoming Week At Dorchester

DHS Homecoming Week Is Here: This is homecoming week in Dorchester. Students are celebrating with their spirit week themes, while DHS' football and volleyball teams are preparing to win for the generations of Orange and Black pride. The homecoming football contest will feature a match-up between DHS (1-2) and Meridan (0-3) on Friday, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. Ironically, none of this week's volleyball contests are at home. Check out Dorchester Public School's spirit week schedule

Hailey Schweitzer Records 1,000 Assists at DHS: Dorchester's Hailey Schweitzer has recorded 1,000 career assists as a Dorchester volleyball player. Schweitzer reached this astounding benchmark Friday, Sept. 15, in DHS' contest against Harvard. The Lady Longhorns went on to win, bringing the squad to 9-2 on the season.

DHS Volleyball Cruises to 9-2: The DHS volleyball team continues to add to its win column, knocking off Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska Lutheran, and Harvard in recent days. Based on records alone, Dorchester (9-2) is a top 5 team in Nebraska's Class D-1 at this point in the season. The week, DHS will travel to Osceola (6-4), then to Shelby to face Shelby/Rising City (7-4) and High Plains Community (6-5), then to Waco to face Omaha Christian Academy (4-4) and Nebraska Lutheran (2-9).

Saline County Museum Fall Festival This Weekend:  Living History Day is set for this Sunday, Sept. 24, at the Saline County Historical Museum in south Dorchester. The fun and learning will begin at 11 a.m. and last through 3 p.m. This is a free family event with interactive demonstrations of historical skills going on during the day on the grounds. Food and drinks will be sold on museum grounds. Learn more. 

Church Lunch, Fundraiser, Oct. 1: The Dorchester United Methodist Church is getting ready to host a community lunch and fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 1. The fundraiser will support the church's after-school program, which is utilized by numerous families in our community. See this flyer below for more details.

Community Clean-Up Set for Oct. 9-16: Dorchester's Community Fall Clean-Up will be from Monday, Oct. 9 through Monday, Oct. 16. That week, the village dump site will be open Monday thru Friday 3-7 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. No excuses to get your place looking like the pride of all Dorchester.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Dorchester's Biar Applying To Be State Treasurer

DHS Alum Applies for State Treasurer Position: Rachel (Rezabek) Biar of rural Dorchester has applied to become the state's next treasurer. Biar, a 1990 graduate of DHS, is one of 10 Nebraskans seeking the treasurer position. The treasurer slot is one of just a handful of prominent statewide elected positions. Biar is currently an assistant treasurer for Nebraska. Gov. Jim Pillan will appoint the next treasurer since current State Treasurer John Murante is resigning Sept. 18. Read this story.

DHS Volleyball Continues Winning Ways: With about a quarter of the season completed, the DHS volleyball team now sits at 6-2. The Lady Longhorns have won four consecutive contests after dropping two against Class C opponents. Despite the two losses, Dorchester has established itself as one of the top tier teams in Class D-1. Next up for DHS is another Class C opponent, Cedar Bluffs, and well as Nebraska Lutheran at a Tuesday, Sept. 12 triangular in Waco, and a Sept. 15 contest at Harvard. All three opponents have losing records so far this season.

Longhorn Football Loses at Red Cloud: The Longhorns lost their first football game Sept. 8, falling to Red Cloud 66-14. The Warriors controlled the contest from the beginning, maintaining a 38-0 lead at halftime. Next up for DHS is a contest at Harvard (2-0) this Friday, Sept. 15.

Homecoming Is Sept. 22: Dorchester High School's homecoming will be Sept. 22. Here's a look at the themes for Spirit Week.

Living History Day Set for Sept. 24: Living History Day at the Saline County Historical Museum is set for Sunday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There's no charge to attend this amazing event, which will feature interactive demonstrations of historical skills throughout the day on the museum grounds. Food will be available for purchase. This will be a big event that you won't want to miss.

Polka Night at Eastside, Sept. 17: The Leo Lonnie Trio will be playing Sunday, Sept. 17 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Eastside Bar and Grille in downtown Dorchester. A Czech dinner will be the special which will include pork, kraut, dumpling, dressing, gravy, veggies, and rye bread. Get ready to polka!

The Truth Is Out There: Our Area's UFO Sightings

Lately, there has been a lot of talk in the news about UFOs. 

This reminds us of the time when the Dorchester Times staff received an e-mail and photo from a reader ("Cathy") who lives a couple of miles outside of Dorchester.  

At the time, Cathy told us just before capturing a photo with her cell phone, she "saw a very bright, reflective object in the afternoon sky" and that the object "was just floating in the same spot for about 60 seconds and then suddenly vanished. 

Cathy told the Times she was "positive" she saw a UFO that was "not of this world."

Over the decades, Nebraska has its share of "out of this world" stories, perhaps because of its lack of artificial light pollution. 

Among the most interesting stories is one that took place on Highway 6 near Ashland. According to a site called UFOevidence.com, it is one of the "best-documented close encounters" ever noted.

On Dec. 3, 1967, Ashland police officer Herbert Schirmer was on his routine late-night and early morning patrol. Around 2:30 a.m., he noticed a group of lights near the ground and thought he could make out a semi-trailer off the road. 

When Schirmer approached to investigate, he watch the object take off and disappear in the night sky. When he returned to the police station at 3 a.m., he wrote in his log: "Saw a flying saucer at the junction of Highways 6 and 63. Believe it or not!"

According to the account, Schirmer went home that morning with a splitting headache and an inexplicable red welt on the side of his neck. Though only 22 years old at the time, Schirmer was so respected in Ashland that he was named chief of police a short time later. Two months later, he resigned from the force. He said he couldn't get the UFO encounter out of his mind. 

Investigators learned of Schirmer and found that 20 minutes seemed to be unaccounted for in his log of Dec. 3, 1967.

After Schirmer agreed to undergo hypnotic regression to see if he could remember more details of the incident, Schirmer told investigators that several "humanoid beings" got out and approached him and he was taken aboard the craft. 

Schirmer described the beings as 4.5' to 5' tall, with heads somewhat narrower and longer than an average human. He was told these beings had been watching the human race for a very long time and were engaged in what he called a "breeding analysis program."

Schirmer was ridiculed by some of the townspeople, his car was dynamited, and his wife left him. You can hear audio accounts of his "abduction" in Schirmer's own words by visiting this YouTube site.

The truth is out there.