Delbert Reiss Passes At 89

Delbert LeRoy Reiss of rural Dorchester passed away July 19 at The Monarch hospice center in Lincoln after a long battle with kidney and heart disease.

Del was born February 17, 1935 in a farmhouse in Lancaster County to parents, Edwin and Irma (Schlichtemeier) Reiss. He had one brother, Richard, who died at the age of 70 due to complications of diabetes.

Del was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church of Kramer NE. He attended parochial school there as well. He also attended a rural school, District 130, north and east of Crete NE. When he was a senior in high school he joined the Nebraska Air National Guard Unit in Lincoln, working his way up to the rank of Tech Sargent with the airplane mechanic division. He attended the Guards on weekends and spent summer months in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He continued this career for 9 years. 

He graduated from Crete High School in 1953. Del was granted a football scholarship to Doane College in Crete where he attended college. He was married to Irene Kay Yost on September 16, 1956 at St John’s Lutheran church in Kramer. Together they purchased a farmhouse west of Crete and took up farming. They had four children, Mike, Robin, Randy, and Dave. He was injured in a combine accident which almost severed his arm. This forced him to take a less physical job as head of maintenance at the Crete Municipal Hospital where he worked for several years. He also worked part time as a butcher at Blue River Meats in Crete. However, his heart was always in farming. 

Del was on the Dorchester Co-op board for many years. He was a member of a barber shop quartet that recorded a cassette of gospel songs. He also sang in the church choir. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing at weddings and funerals. He was a very active member of the church in Kramer his entire life.  

Del was preceded in death by his wife Irene, son Michael Reiss, brother Richard Reiss and parents Edwin and Irma Reiss. Del is survived by his children, Robin and Kent Grotelueschen of Octavia, Randy and Annette Reiss of Denton, David and Julie Reiss of Waverly, daughter-in-law Sandi Reiss of Crete, grandchildren Macy Scheffler, Jesse Runge, Kaitlin Peterson, Tom Reiss, Colton and Justin Reiss, Tanya Bush, great-grandchildren Olivia Runge, Katie and Kimmi Bush and great-great-grandchild Oliver Bush. 

Services will be held on Friday, July 26 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Kramer. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 - 7 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete. Memorials are designated to St. John Lutheran Church. Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.

What Could Have Been: Major Business Ideas That Failed In Dorchester

From time to time, this blog has examined Dorchester's business history.  For example, we took a look at Dorchester's business scene in the post-World War II years.

Dorchester history is replete with hundreds of mom-and-pop businesses and other small operations. Some thrived for decades. Some still exist today. Others didn't survive more than a few months. 

Many of our readers could name some of those former businesses right now.

But did you know at the turn of last century, Dorchester was on the brink of being home to some major businesses -- at least in concept? Had those businesses been successful, they would have turned into major area employers.

In the publication "Obsolete American Securities and Corporations, Volume 2," the Times has located the following proposed business from Dorchester that didn't quite get off the ground in the first decade of the 1900s:

• Dorchester Butter and Cheese Co.
• Dorchester Grain and Live Stock Co.
• Dorchester Telephone Co.
• Buntin Mining and Coal Co.

While the history books make us wonder what might have been, we also take time to give thanks for the success stories Dorchester has produced and all of its current businesses. After all, being home to one of the nation's largest cooperatives isn't too shabby for our humble hometown.

Strong Numbers At Dorchester's 2024 Football Camp

The future of Dorchester football looks very strong. 

This week, more than 20 Dorchester boys participated in the school's youth football camp, where the school's football talent pipeline was further developed. 

Volunteers, including Brent Zoubek and Spencer Kotas, made the camp a success.

Observers contacted by the Times say that the talent level in Dorchester boys athletics is rising quickly. A few of those residents note that if Dorchester were to attract more housing options, the talent would be even more impressive in the near term.

With numbers like these, could 8-man football return soon to Nerud Field? 

We say yes.

FLASHBACK: Bowling Alley Rumors

During spring 2014, rumors were circulating throughout our village that Dorchester might soon be getting a bowling alley.  

While a bowling alley in downtown Dorchester never came to fruition, the community feedback received by the Times a decade ago indicated strong interest in such a venue. Just read the archived reader comments at the bottom of this article.

According to the rumor mill at that time, a Dorchester bowling alley might be built in the two buildings north of City Slickers Bar and Grill, or perhaps the former Sehnert Ford Garage, if either of those buildings to be made available.

The Times wrote this in late March 2014: "Of course, a future bowling alley is currently in the speculation stage but it appears there is strong demand for such a social and entertainment venue. As readers know, Friend and Crete both lost their bowling facilities in recent years. As a result, individuals who want to bowl on league teams must wait years before they can bowl in nearby towns like Wilber or Seward."

One town resident who e-mailed the Times wrote: "If Dorchester residents were willing to contribute their own money towards a bowling alley, this community would have real ownership. It would finally give local residents a place to come together and share good times, just like social clubs used to provide years ago in the '40s, '50s and '60s."

Happy thoughts. Maybe one day.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Confirmed Tornado Near Dorchester

Confirmed Twister Near Dorchester: The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down near Dorchester on Monday evening, July 1. Preliminary damage surveys identified an EF-0 tornado in the Dorchester area. The Dorchester tornado occurred between 10:46 and 10:47 p.m., featuring estimated peak winds of 74 mph. This tornado’s path stretched 0.26 miles with a maximum width of 80 yards. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Wenz Resigns From Village Board; Replacement Needed: Sarah Wenz, member of the Board of the Village of Dorchester, has resigned from the term elected effective June 10. A qualified registered voter -- meaning a resident of Dorchester -- must now be nominated, as provided by law, by the Board Chairman, for approval by the Village Board, to fill the vacancy created. The remainder of the four year term will end December 14, 2026. The next village board meeting is Monday, July 8 at Farmers Cooperative, entrance door No. 2, at 6:30 pm.

Community Foundation Awarded $5K Grant for Shot Clocks: The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund has been awarded a Youth Engagement Grant, facilitated through the Nebraska Community Foundation. The matching grant for $5,000 will go to the Dorchester Schools athletic department to purchase a shot clock for the school's gym.

Dorchester Alum John Stern Passes: John Arthur Stern was born on July 6, 1971 to Ray and Dorothy (May) Stern in Crete. He attended Dorchester High School graduating in 1989. John worked for Tenneco Automotive Company for 18 years. In his free time, he loved fishing and watching the Dallas Cowboys and Nebraska Corn Huskers play football. John passed away on May 23 in Lincoln at the age of 52. He is survived by his son Alex Stern, brother Rayfred “Butch” Stern, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Dorothy Stern. 

BREAKING: 6 Injured In Crete Shootings, Shooter Dead

A shooting in Crete has left six people injured and the suspect dead on Friday evening, according to news reports. (Disregard the linked story's headline, which claims six have been killed. More proof that headline writers sensationalize and don't read the story carefully. They're often the least experienced personnel in the newsroom.)

Nebraska State Patrol said multiple reports were called in about the shooting around 4:30 p.m.

After law enforcement arrived at the residence, they found the victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

Three of the victims were children, and three were adults.

Police said shots were heard from the residence across the street, and officers breached the home, finding the suspect suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The six victims all suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Here is the video report from KETV in Omaha.

Developing...

Happy 143rd Birthday, Dorchester!

Later this month, on June 23, the Village of Dorchester will celebrate its 143rd anniversary of its incorporation. Yes, that means our 150th is only seven years away.

Because Dorchester's founding is a big deal, here's a look at how our community gained its official status 143 years ago:

• As Dorchester's population grew to nearly 300 by the early 1880s, it was 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.

May the next 143 years bring our community joy and prosperity!

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.