Looking Back: Main Street Dorchester, 10 Decades Ago

 

The photos above provide some of the best images that we have seen depicting Dorchester's bustling main street, or Washington Ave., as it appeared in the 1920s. (Click on each photo for a better look.)

The first photo shows the South Side Garage, located on the west side of the block between 6th and 7th Streets. Henry Sehnert owned and operated the garage from 1925 to 1930, before moving to the other side of the street, where he would operate his Ford garage for half a century. The South Side Garage was located near the present-day car wash. 

Today's City Hall can clearly be seen in the photo, looking north. At the time of the picture, the building housed Citizen's State Bank, Dorchester oldest continuous business, despite the name change. Also pictured are the Post Office and the Masonic and Good Fellows Hall (which were housed on the second floor of today's City Hall and Donna's Hair Creations.)

Other photos published by the Times clearly show Dorchester's former water tower in the background of the South Side Garage. Prior to the 1920s, this area of main street was home to Skinkle Cafe and the H. Oetkin Machine Shop, according to a 1914-1920 map of Dorchester. 

Just north of the machine shop were Ireland's Dry Goods and Grocery and Randell's Shoe Shop. Continuing north up Main Street -- separated by the narrow alley and present-day bank drive-through -- were the Bank of Dorchester and Dr. Waller's Drug Store.  On the east side of the street on the same block sat the Commercial Hotel; Opera House; Cookus Blacksmith; Parker's Cream and Poultry; the Chamber of Commerce; City Hall; Dillon's Blue Front Cafe; and Malek's Butcher Shop.

Dorchester was a hub of business activity and free enterprise. Times' readers would enjoy hearing any residents, past or present, who have heard stories from friends or family about Dorchester in the 1910s, '20s and '30s. 

NEWS ROUND-UP: New Dorchester Businesses In The Spotlight

New Dorchester Businesses: The Crete News published a special report on new businesses in Dorchester. The Dorchester Community Foundation hosted a ribbon cutting and open house celebration for R&K Styles -- a new hair salon owned by Shelena Neeman -- and Cradles & Crayons, a daycare owned by Hannah Railsback. The latter operates from the new building on main street constructed by LJ and Sam Barley. The story notes that Dorchester Bret Cerny has opened Blue River Firearms, with plans to have a Dorchester storefront within the next year.

Village Board Meets June 10: The Village of Dorchester Board is set to meet Monday, June 10 at the Farmers Cooperative Meeting Room at 607 Franklin Ave. The public should use entrance No. 2.

Dorchester Receives 6 Inches of Rain Since April 15: According to the National Weather Service, Dorchester has received 5.99 inches of rain over the past six weeks -- a welcome development in an area ravaged by drought for the past year. Dorchester's water restrictions remain in place. See the personnel at the Village Office for details.

Food Trucks' Schedule: Dorchester will have be served by several food trucks throughout June. The mobile restaurants will be parking by the Legion building and will be serving on the following days: Amigos, June 3 (11:30 a.m.-6:45 p.m.); Chi Style Kitchen, June 10 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.); Billie's Grilled Cheese, June 11 (10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.); Game Time Eats, June 17 (11 a.m.-7 p.m.). Menus will be posted at the bank and post office.

U.S. Flags Being Collected for Retirement: The Dorchester Legion is a flag retirement collection spot. If you need American flags retired, please deliver them to the Legion by Monday night, June 10. Greg Tyser at Tyser Weld and Repair and Tyser Auto will collect the flags if you can't deliver them when the Legion building is open. The retirement ceremony will be in Wilber on June 14.

Fajita Fiesta Coming To Dorchester, June 8

Get ready for a fun time in Dorchester on Saturday, June 8. 

That's when the Dorchester Community Foundation will host its Fajita Feed from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. 

The event will take place at the Dorchester Community Building and Legion Hall.

You can count on great food, drinks, and conversation with friends.

Dine in or take out by calling 402.381.7789.

This is a free-will donation event, so please give generously.

By the way, in case you missed it, check out the ribbon cuttings the Foundation recently conducted to celebrate Dorchester's two newest businesses -- Cradles and Crayons Childcare and R&K Styles.

Rural Dorchester's Vera Jean Havlat Passes May 25

Vera Jean Havlat, daughter of Lad and Selma (Reichel) Vosika, was born in Lincoln on Aug. 11, 1933. She passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024 in Crete.  

Vera attended Saratoga Elementary School, Irving Junior School, and Lincoln High School. She met Robert Havlat at a dance in Emerald. They were married on February 12, 1951. Vera spent her married life helping with the farming and all that it entailed.  She loved to garden and can. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family.  

Vera was a faithful member of the Methodist Church and received recognition for 75 years of membership. She spent many years in extension clubs and helping with 4-H.  She enjoyed traveling and taking many bus trips around the U.S. In her later years, Vera loved water aerobics and making many new friends.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, son, Steve, parents, brother, Howard and many brothers and sisters in law. Vera is survived by her sons and daughters in law: Robert Jr. and Sandy of Crete, Wayne and Cindy of Dorchester, daughters and son in law: Kathleen Bernadt of Lincoln, Lori and Mike Schmidt of Lincoln, family friend, Linda Lorenz, grandchildren: Travis Havlat and significant other Ariel Filkens, Cara and Sean McCoy, Melissa Bernadt, Jennifer and Chris Saathoff, Crystal and Adam Schaecher, Alicia and Bill Vrtiska, Suzie and Cody Williamson, Nick and Dawn Havlat, Joe and Samantha Havlat, Ashton Kotas, Spencer Kotas, Max and Rebecca Schmidt, John Schmidt, 17 great grandchildren, brother in law, Don Shandera, sister in law, Delores Havlat, and nieces and nephews.  

Services will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 5 - 7 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Memorials are in care of the family for future designation in lieu of flowers.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. See the online obituary.

Lila Pribyl Passes At 82

Dorchester's Lila Mae (Brunkow) Pribyl, daughter of George Frederick and Mabel Fern (McAdams) Brunkow, was born on April 4, 1942 in Fairbury. She departed this life to join her loving husband for a long-awaited polka dance on May 25, 2024 at Tabitha Long Term Care in Crete at the age of 82 years, 1 month and 21 days.

Lila Mae grew up in Fairbury as a young girl before moving with her family to Lincoln, where she graduated from Lincoln High in 1960.  Following graduation, she married Richard Fred Pribyl at East Lincoln Christian Church on June 19, 1960. To this union, three children were born, Mark Scott, Christine Pamela and Allison Luann. Their first home was on an acreage west of Wilber where they lived for a couple of years. They then moved to a farm west of Dorchester, where the children grew up, before moving to the family farm south of Dorchester.  In December 2004, Richard and Lila moved to their new home in the town of Dorchester on the east side of town.  

Even after Lila’s diagnosis of dementia in 2017, she was able to continue living in her home with the help of home health care nurse, Cassandra Andelt. She was a true blessing to Lila and held a special place in Lila’s heart. In January 2020, when her mind would no longer allow her to continue to live at home, Lila moved to Independent Living at Kinship Point in Seward, later transitioning to Assisted Living.  In September 2023, Lila moved to her final earthly home at Tabitha Long Term Care in Crete.

Lila’s family and friends were very near and dear to her heart and brought her so much happiness!  She always loved helping people. She never missed an opportunity to make a meal for family and friends, even if it was on the tailgate of a pickup during planting and harvest time. She enjoyed raising chickens and the grandkids have fond memories of butchering day as that always meant fresh fried chicken for dinner!  Lila loved to bake and garden, and nothing warmed her heart more than sharing her talents with family, neighbors and friends.  Lila also had a beautiful gift of quilting and crocheting.  She loved the smile it brought to people’s faces when she would give away one of her projects…not without a picture for her scrapbook of course!  Many people were able to bear witness to her many talents through her role as a volunteer with the Saline County 4-H program.  She spent many years not only entering projects of her own but also volunteering at the fairgrounds during county fair.  

Various places that Lila worked over the years included a typist clerk for a company in Lincoln, kitchen help at Dorchester Public School, Dietary and housekeeping at Crete Hospital, cleaning the Dorchester Post Office along with various other volunteer jobs.  At home she also enjoyed helping Richard with their farming and milk cow operation.

Lila had a love for collecting genealogy of both her and Richard’s families.  The amount of research and attention to detail in the many books of information she collected was beyond amazing.  She also had a soft spot in her heart for music.  She enjoyed country music and anything by Elvis Presley! Growing up her father would play many hours of polka music on his accordion.  At Sunday family meals, her kids and grandkids would be entertained with polka playing loud and proud for all to enjoy.  Even through her battle with dementia, Lila never lost her love for good polka music and dancing.   

Lila was preceded in death by her loving husband Richard; parents; father-in-law and mother-in-law Fred and Elizabeth Pribyl; sister and brother-in-laws Ethel Fern & Adolph Dudek, Ilene & Dale Sieck, and brother Donald Brunkow; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Chuck and Betty Pribyl.

Those left to cherish her wonderful memories are her son Mark & Diane Pribyl of Dorchester, Nebraska; daughters Chris & Mike Haake of Daykin, Nebraska and Allison Richtarik of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren & great grandchildren Deb & Matt Schwisow and children Erika, Kymber & Grady of Western, Nebraska; Derrick & Megan Haake and children Maddox, Bryant & Harper of Daykin, Nebraska; Codie & Kayla Pribyl of Fairbury, Nebraska; Alyssa Richtarik and Special Friend Trevor Kerns of Lincoln, Nebraska; Haley Tomka & Special Friend Joshua DeJarnett and son Kyan of Lincoln, Nebraska; honorary grandson Cale & Jen Olson and son Waylon of Dorchester, Nebraska; sister-in-laws & brother-in-laws Hilde & Ken Lowery of Longmont,  Colorado; Bob & Mailyn Maas of Kenosha, Wisconsin; Dave & Judy Rollins of Omaha, Nebraska; Pat Owen of Lincoln, Nebraska; along with numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.  

Services will be held on Saturday, June 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Dorchester United Methodist Church.  Visitation will be on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Memorials are in care of the family for future designation. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Visit the online obituary.

Dorchester Alumni Banquet, May 25

On Saturday, May 25, Dorchester alumni -- young and old and in-between -- will gather to recall the good times and celebrate the school that gave them their start.

The 2024 Dorchester Alumni Banquet will be held at the DHS gym.  

Doors will open at 5 p.m. and the banquet will start at 6 p.m.

To register or for more information, call the school at 402-946-2781.

Classes ending in "4" will be honored. May 17 was the RSVP deadline, but spaces may still be available.

Guest speaker will be longtime DPS educator Mrs. Karma Ridpath.

For those who'd like to carry on their conversations beyond the banquet, the Dorchester American Legion has traditionally been open after the banquet. City Slickers and East Side are also options.

For those who cannot attend but would like to contribute to the Dorchester Alumni Association, send donations to: 

Dorchester Alumni Association

P.O. Box 7

Dorchester, NE  68343

NEWS ROUND-UP: Village Water Restrictions Now in Effect

Three 'Horns Headed to State Track Meet: DHS is sending three qualifiers to Omaha for the 2024 State Track and Field Championship. This comes after Bailey Theis placed first in shot put at last week's District D-1 meet in Pawnee City. Amber Kotas placed second in shot put, while Baylor Behrens placed second in the 300 meter hurdles. Impressive performance from these fine athletes.

Elementary Field Day Rescheduled: Due to rainy weather, the DPS Elementary Field Day scheduled for tomorrow, May 13, has been moved to the rain date, which is Tuesday, May 14. Tomorrow will be a regular school day, school officials say.

Village Water Restrictions Now in Effect: While the rain in our area has been plentiful this spring -- so far -- the water aquifers under our feet have a long way to go to refill after punishing drought over the last year and substantial water use for irrigated crops. Dorchester now has water restrictions in effect. Watering of lawns will be restricted. Odd numbered houses will be permitted to water on odd-numbered days; even-numbered homes will be allowed to water on even-numbered days. This will be enforced, we are told.

Dorchester Water Park Open for the Season: Dorchester's area-famous splash pad will be open May 13, weather permitting. Due to the water restriction we have for the town at this time, the daily splash pad hours will be 1-7 p.m. Memorial Weekend, the hours will be 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

School Out for the Summer on May 17: Dorchester Public School will conclude another school year this Friday, May 17. Students in kindergarten through 11th grade will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Friday. 

Exeter-Milligan and Friend to Consolidate: Exeter-Milligan and Friend Public Schools will consolidate for all activities and academic beginning in August 2025. Read the story.

Four-Way Race for County Commissioner: There are four candidates vying to fill the seat currently held by current County Commissioner Marvin Kohout. Keep in mind the yearly salary for this position is about $40,000 (50% of the county treasurer's pay, according to county minutes). The Crete News has published answers from all four candidates regarding an array of topics. We couldn't help but notice an odd answer from Ray Rohrig of Friend, who said he just recently changed his voter registration to Republican. He told the paper he forgot to switch back to the GOP after temporarily registering to be a Democrat in the late 1970s -- the 1970s! -- even though he "votes and thinks" like a Republican. Later, he lamented that if property taxes are reduced, "other means of revenue would need to be implemented so services today are here tomorrow." Another tax? What does Rohrig have in mind -- a county sales tax? Doesn't sound like a Republican.

24 Longhorns Receive Their Diplomas

The caps, tassles, gowns, and Kleenex were on full display Saturday, May 11.

That's when Dorchester High School will held graduation ceremonies for 24 Longhorn seniors. 

 

Believe it or not, DHS graduated more seniors than Friend, Exeter, and Milligan combined.

Saturday's graduation ceremonies began at 3:35 p.m. in the DHS gym. The class motto was "GPS said it's my turn." The class song was "Don't Blink" by Kenny Chesney. The class colors were gold and white, while the class flower was the white rose.

Here are the members of DHS' Class of 2024:

- Nancy Alcaide

- Victor Alegria Lopez

- Suyapa Armas

- Dusty Banks

- Kayli Carey

- Israel Cornejo

- Andy Drake

- Marcos Gonzalez

- Jacob Hatfield

- Ashton Jirsa

- Quinn Kasl

- Stephanie Korinek

- Amber Kotas

- Victoria Leavitt

- Addison Lehr

- Elsy Loarca

- William Paiz

- Mitzu Real

- Owen Real

- Makayla Schlueter

- Hailey Schweitzer

- Bryer Shaw

- Veronica Tercero

- Madison Theis

Our heartiest of congratulations to DHS' Class of 2024. Make Dorchester proud -- and do all you can to improve our society, economy, and quality of life.

Old Howlett Produce Building Is Torn Down

Dorchester's Howlett Produce Station, under owner Bill Howlett, operated from 1948 to 1968 just south of the city park. Whether you needed feed or eggs, you could find it at Howlett's store.

Even today, you can still find some of the promotional goodies that Bill and his family gave to customers.

The structure that housed Howlett's historic business no longer stands as of this week. It was razed after decades of neglect and disrepair. 

Owner L.J. Barley, owner of Barley Specialties, is making business-related plans for the land where the Howlett building stood.

Readers are welcome to leave their memories in the comment section below. 

Dorchester Home For Sale: 306 W 11th Street

Dorchester's real estate market remains strong despite the days of easy, cheap money -- following nearly years of money printing necessitated by massive government spending -- are coming to a close.

Many homes in large cities, as well as most acreages, have become unaffordable for the average buyer. Dorchester looks even more appealing now to most folks in the market for a home. Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A newer K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. This means individualized attention for your child.

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

• LOWER COSTS: Affordable living costs with lower property taxes compared to surrounding school districts.

• KEY BUSINESSES 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 12 minutes to I-80. Yet all the advantages of a small, close-knit community.

Here's a Dorchester home that just hit the market:

306 W 11th Street: Built in 1992, this charming 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home is located on a large corner lot. Primary bedroom has 3 closets and primary bath. All appliances included. Informal dining room opens to family room. Laundry room connects to an oversized utility room. This property boasts an attached double garage that is both heated and cooled. A heated shop and a detached single garage, providing ample space for cars, storage and hobbies. Enjoy nights on the covered porch, or in the backyard. Everything you need on one level! $3,000 flooring allowance provided by seller. Open house Sunday, April 14, at 3:00 p.m. See the listing.

Ten Ways To Ruin A Small Town

(Editor's Note: This post was originally published in July 2007.)

Recently, a Times reader sent us a thought-provoking piece that appeared in the Keith County News. Since both attitudes and actions play an important role in community development and prosperity, we thought it would be worthwhile to share this list of "ways to ruin a town" with others. Regardless of where you live, we think the following list serves as a good reminder of what not to do if you want to improve your community.

'Ten Ways to Ruin a Town'

1. Never attend public meetings. Criticize the way “they” do things.

2. Always remind others about the cold winters, hot summers and general tough conditions for those who live here.

3. Complain about community groups, volunteers, etc.

4. Keep convincing yourself that it’s not important to attend town board meetings, school board meetings, school programs, church services, concerts, ballgames, etc. You won’t be missed.

5. Knock your public officials, including teachers and administrators. Talk about the “kickbacks” that the city council and school board must be getting.

6. Stay away from church. You might attend on Easter or Christmas to re-assure yourself that all who attend are hypocrites.

7. Make purchases out of town or through catalogs or internet sites. These firms will give back a lot to your community.

8. Remind others that your local newspaper and other communications are no good and have less local news than out-of-town media.

9. Remember: All kids are delinquents, all businessmen are crooks, and bad remarks about your town are the order of the day.

10. Above all, always be skeptical, cynical, and negative about anything designed for the community’s progress and betterment.

If any of this sounds like something you do, even occasionally, change your behavior. Build your community. You can make a difference. (This list originally appeared in "101 Ideas on Economic Development" by Cal Clark.)

Larry Kaspar Celebration Of Life, April 27

Larry C. Kaspar, age 80, of rural Dorchester, passed away on Thursday, March 28 in Lincoln following a long battle with cancer. He was born on Nov. 19, 1943 in Friend to Bernard and Helen Kaspar. 

Larry was a DHS graduate in the Class of 1961 -- and a standout athlete in his high school years -- as well as a Navy veteran. He was a valued member of the Saline County community, and a dedicated volunteer in several organizations. 

He was especially active with the American Legion and the Saline County Historical Society, even donating funds for the Kaspar Memorial Building, which was established in recent years.

From noon until 4 p.m. on April 27, a Celebration of Life service will be held at the Dorchester Legion. More details and Larry's full obituary can be read here.

Solar Farm Coming To Saline County?

On Tuesday, April 16, at 7:15 p.m. at the county courthouse, the Saline County Planning and Zoning Board will meet to consider approving an application to construct a new solar energy facility near Tobias.

All interested parties are invited to attend this meeting for a chance to be heard regarding this proposed project. Written testimony and phone calls will also be accepted by calling (402) 821-3326 or emailing lweber@salinecountyne.gov.

According to public notice, the new solar generation farm would be on roughly 10 acres, which is about the size of 10 football fields.

The solar facility is being proposed by a company called Today's Power, along with Norris Public Power. It would generate only 992 kilowatts, which would only be enough to power a small handful of homes, according to our research.

This project is among the hundreds or thousands across the country using taxpayer funds to build renewable energy projects, in most cases with materials or finished goods from China. Funds include the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Energy for America Program, a program created through the so-called Inflation Reduction Act, a priority of the Biden administration.

A separate meeting regarding this proposed solar project will be held 9:30 a.m. on April 30, when the Saline County commissioners will take up the plan.

Vil Dweller's Note: The agendas for these upcoming meetings were taken from notices published in The Crete News. The county has not yet posted them on the official county website, which is a shame when considering how much residents are paying in property taxes for local government services. Property taxes are levied locally by local schools and governments, not the state; this is something the current governor of Nebraska and many in the Legislature have yet to grasp.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Spring Clean-Up Time In Dorchester

Spring Community Clean-Up, April 6-13: Dorchester Community Spring Clean-up will be from Saturday, April 6 to April 13. For Dorchester residents only, the village dump site will be open that week from Monday through Friday from 1-7 p.m. and Saturday 9-5 p.m. Accepted items: Furniture, televisions, carpet, mattresses, metal, appliances, batteries, wood without nails. (No pallets, wet pain or hazardous waste, or you will be fined. Also no tires or garbage.) The attendant on duty has authority to accept or reject items.

Volunteer Fire and Rescue to Host Brisket Sandwich Meals, April 6: On Saturday, April 6, from  4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., the Dorchester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will have brisket sandwich meals to go at the fire station. Drive-thru or pre-order. Free-will offering. Proceeds to support Dorchester Fire and Rescue expenses and equipment. Order by phone at 402-946-4641 or you can text: 402-826-7346.

Hoffman Set to Appear in District Court, April 3: Matthew Hoffman of Dorchester will appear in district court Wednesday, April 3, after a Saline County Court judge ruled earlier this month that the state had met its burden of proof for charges that Hoffman stole more than $22,000 as an employee of Fritz's Bar and Grill in Wilber. Hoffman, who has had legal troubles before, faces up to 20 years in prison if found guilty.

DeWitt Woman Charged After Contraband Found in Inmate's Feces: Straight from the "Ewwww!" files, a 23-year-old DeWitt woman, Aubree Vculek, has been charged for attempting to pass drugs to a Lincoln penitentiary inmate, according to court documents. Vculek passed the narcotics onto the inmate via a kiss; the drugs were later found inside the inmate's feces. Like Johnny Cash, that stash has been everywhere, man.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Nearly 2,000 Visit Dorchester This Weekend

Big Turnout for Dorchester's Annual Spring Activities: The 30th annual DHS Alumni Basketball Tournament, the Dorchester Community Foundation's annual steak feed, the 11th anniversary of City Slickers Bar and Grill, and karaoke at East Side Bar and Grill brought tons of visitors to Dorchester this weekend. At any given time Saturday evening, there were between 100-200 vehicles down town. Based on headcounts and car counts conducted by Times staff, we estimate nearly 2,000 people were either at the school to watch the tournament or to participate in downtown activities. Impressive numbers for the village.

DPS' Ridpath Named Teacher of the Year: Dorchester educator Karma Ridpath has been selected as the 2024 Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA) Outstanding Elementary Teacher of the Year, according to social media reports. Recognized at the March 14 NRCSA conference in Kearney, Ridpath was awarded the honor for playing "a major part in creating an intervention time for K-6 students to receive what they need to improve their reading skills.  She continues to spark discussion for change to benefit our students in the best way possible." 

DHS Quiz Bowl Teams Take Third: Dorchester's junior high and the high school quiz bowl teams recently placed No. 3 at the Crossroads Conference Quiz Bowl held at Meridian Public School. Coached by longtime DHS educator Sandy Severance, the high school team was comprised of Gabby Theis, Bailey Theis, Addison Lehr, Owen Vyhnalek, Andrea Pavlish (Captain), Ashton Jirsa, Amber Kotas, Victoria Leavitt, Madison Theis, and Baylor Behrens. The junior high team was comprised of Lyberty Bartlett, Ella Vyhnalek, Kendall Kasl, Blake Cerny, Max Novak, Troy Dawes, Faith Elkins, Thor Nerud, Trevin Steuk, and Josh Gordon.

East Side Unveils 2024 Polka Lineup: The East Side Bar and Grill has posted its schedule for this year's polka shows. See it here. Things kick off today, March 17, with a fantastic polka show by Kenny Shuda from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Dorchester Community Foundation Seeks Intern: The Dorchester Foundation and Nebraska Community Foundation is looking for an intern who would be an employee of NCF, and funded by the Dorchester Foundation Fund. This intern will work primarily with the village and be supervised by Jen Kasl. The intern won’t necessarily work 40 hours a week, and they most likely will help us on research for Dorchester's 150th birthday (about seven years away), the community's 4th of July celebration, among many other things. Jen and the intern will attend a day idea sharing/orientation workshop. For more information, call Dale Hayek at (402) 641-4075 or email dhayek@farmersco-operative.com.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Alumni Tourney Time Is Here

It's Alumni Basketball Tourney Time: It's Dorchester's "big dance" -- the DHS Alumni Basketball Tournament, set for Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16. This year marks the 28th year for the popular event, missing only 2020 (thanks, China virus!) over the past nearly three decades. Watch for participating alumni to be in town on Friday and Saturday with action taking place at the DHS gym.

Annual Steak and Burger Feed Is March 16: On Saturday, March 16, the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund's Annual Steak and Hamburger Feed will be held in conjunction with the Dorchester High School Alumni Basketball Tourney. The feed will take place from 5 p.m. until roughly 9 p.m. Read the Times' full story.

Celebrate City Slickers' 11th Anniversary: Come celebrate the 11th anniversary of the regionally famous City Slickers Bar and Grill in downtown Dorchester on March 16, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Live music will be provided by Cole Younger and the Renegades. Drink specials and giveaways, all coinciding with the equally famous Dorchester Alumni Basketball Tournament.

Hailey Schweitzer Earns Statewide Honor: DHS' Hailey Schweitzer was recently honored by the Nebraska School Activities Association when she was presented the NSAA's "Believers and Achievers" award at the Nebraska Girls State Basketball Championships. The Believers and Achievers award was designed to reward high school students for their excellence in academics and participation in NSAA activities. These winning students are involved in both school and community activities along with a commitment to citizenship.

Know of Students Wanting to Transfer to Dorchester?: If you know of any high school students wanting to transfer from another school district to Dorchester for next school year, they should file by March 15. Option Enrollment applications can be submitted after March 15, but after March 15 permission from the student's home district will be required. If students are accepted after March 15, they would still have to meet a May 1 deadline to be immediately eligible for activities in the fall. For more information, call Dorchester Public School at 402-946-2781.

Roesler Is Dorchester Utility Superintendent: Village of Dorchester employee Trent Roesler has been named the village's utility superintendent by the village board, according to the minutes from last month's board meeting. The board meets again Monday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmers Cooperative meeting room for its regular monthly meeting.The meeting is open to the public.

Happy 93rd Birthday, Bob Kasl: Dorchester's Bob Kasl is celebrating his 93rd birthday this weekend. Be sure to tell him happy birthday when you see him.