Living History Day At Saline County Museum, August 24

We now have it from official sources. The annual Living History Day festival will be held at the Saline County Museum in Dorchester on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This free, family-oriented event has become a favorite in southeast Nebraska. It features roughly 25 historical demonstrations and a showcase of old-timer skills. Food will be available, including homemade ice cream. 

The food court will be serving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their family members, friends, and lawn chair. Donations will be accepted.

Don't miss the end-of-summer highlight. 

In the meantime, the museum is open every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Crete Solar Project Part Of $30M Government Giveaway

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has just announced the agency is sending nearly $30 million in taxpayer money to a Nebraska company, which is planning a solar energy project in Crete as well as seven other Nebraska communities.

SE Municipal Solar LLC, based in Omaha, is receiving the money through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program, which is part of the federal Inflation Reduction Act. The program is essentially a grant in the form of "forgivable loans" if used for renewable energy projects powered by wind, solar, hydropower, geothermal, or biomass, as well as for renewable energy storage projects.

The company plans to build eight solar photovoltaic generation facilities totaling 18.72 megawatts, about enough electricity to power 1,700 homes. Projects will be located in Alliance, Gering, Sidney, Imperial, Ansley, Pender, Crete, and Stuart.

Last summer, the Crete City Council voted to authorize citing the eight-acre solar farm near the intersection of highways 33 and 103, south of the former Schwan's facility.

Keep in mind that China owns the vast majority of the world’s solar panel supply chain, controlling at least 75 percent of every single key stage of solar photovoltaic panel manufacturing and processing. That makes the United States over 3 times as dependent on China for solar power than the United States was ever dependent on the Middle East for oil, according to experts.

Longhorn Football Kicks Off August 30

It's time to break out your orange and black! 

Dorchester High School's 2024 football season kicks off next Friday night, Aug. 30 in Sterling. 

The mighty Longhorns will do battle with the Jets at 7 p.m.

This is the seventh year of six-man football at Dorchester in the modern era. In recent years, DPS revamped Nerud Field with a new lighting system. Last season, a new field box was added to the friendly confines.

After last year's 1-7 record, insiders say this year's DHS team seeks to start a new chapter of Longhorn football as numbers begin to return. 

 

Sources say DHS' experience in coaching and game planning will start to pay dividends.

Here is the 2024 schedule:

 

 

Dorchester's football program has shown signs of strength after returning to Nerud Field seven years ago and going to six-man. DHS was 4-4 in its 2019 campaign and 3-5 in 2018.

 

In 2020, DHS finished the year at 6-3, making the state playoffs. But in 2021, the Longhorns stumbled, going 1-7 due to injuries and low participation numbers. 2022 was another tough sled with a 2-6 record.

To be competitive this season, DHS will need to stay healthy. Stand by for season seven of Longhorn six-man ball.

 

Looking Back: Dorchester's Main Street, Circa 1910

Today, let's go back in time -- way back to 1910.

Thanks to a loyal reader who sent us an image via e-mail (you may do the same at dorchester.times@gmail.com), we were provided this glimpse of the Bank of Dorchester and corner drug store just after the turn of the 20th century.

The image is from a vintage postcard. (Click on the pictures for a closer view.)

Notice the patriotic display in drug store window. A postcard rack can be seen through the storefront window.  

Much different times indeed.

According to our research, and some help from the 1981 Dorchester centennial book, the two businesses were housed on the southwest corner of 7th Street and Washington Avenue (Main Street).

Notice the windmill behind the building. This supplied water since it sat where Dorchester's old water tower stood prior to its removal in 2013.

Today, First State Bank resides at this location, but the building has long had a much newer front.

The Bank of Dorchester operated from 1913 through 1930, when it fell victim to the Great Depression. To the south of the bank was Randall's shoe shop, owned by William Randall from 1888 through 1917. The space separating the bank and the shoe store -- the public library today -- was there even in the early 1900s.

It is unclear which former Dorchester drug store is pictured, since Dorchester had at least a half-dozen drug stores from 1900 through 1920. Our best guess is that the pharmacy pictured belonged Dr. J.E. Waller, who owned and operated this store from 1909 through 1915. 

The Times would love to hear about any history our readers can share regarding these businesses.

$10K In Funds For New DHS Shot Clocks

It's the final countdown as the shot clocks go up this season in Nebraska Class D high school basketball.

And thanks to donations from the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund, Nebraska Community Foundation, and Farmers Co-op, there's funding to pay for those clocks.

The three entities raised a combined $10,000, according to social media.

While the clocks are supposed to speed up the game and put an end to the type of stall tactics that took down the best-ever Dorchester High School basketball team in 1987, there are concerns about their availability and costs -- especially at a time local school boards and officials are under the gun for spending. 

Also, finding a dedicated person to operate the clock could be a challenge at small schools. 

The estimated costs of the clocks run between $3,500 and $7,100, plus installation costs.

Like them or not, the shot clocks are coming. Get ready for the biggest change to high school basketball since the implementation of the three-point line in the late 1980s.

House For Sale: 712 Stephens Avenue

Dorchester's real estate market remains strong. This despite that easy, cheap money -- following several years of money printing due to massive government spending -- are coming to a close.

Many homes in large cities and rural properties 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:

712 Stephens Ave.: Built in 1900, this charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath home offers plenty of room with 1,025 square feet. It has been fully renovated offering a large kitchen with island, open concept dining area, and modern living. All in one level living, modern features, colors, carpet and tile flooring in the kitchen and dining. Each bedroom and living room have its own mini split for climate comfort. Turn-key, you will enjoy your new home and all the gorgeous fixtures, and natural light from the new windows and throughout. Main floor laundry area, corner lot and one detached garage with a new door. See the listing.

Dorchester's Rib Cook-Off Contest Is August 17

Get ready to end the summer in style -- Dorchester style!

On Saturday, Aug. 17, the Dorchester Community Foundation Fund will host its first annual rib cook-off.

This fun event, which will be held at the Dorchester American Legion building, will feature some of the area's best cooks as they vie to be named the rib cook-off champ.

It will start bright and early at 10 a.m. and continue until 4 p.m. Dinner will be served beginning at 5 p.m.

Best of all, there will be a Legion beer garden following the cook-off. The beer garden will be open well into the evening.

This is a free-will donation event.

For to-go orders, call (402) 641-7050.

Community Development Financing Tool In Danger, Sources Say

In recent years, the Village of Dorchester has advanced plans to redevelop portions of our community and its infrastructure. Relying on cost-benefit analyses and tax increment financing, also known as TIF, to goal of village leaders has been to make the new development and upgrades financially viable.

TIF is an economic development tool frequently used by cities, counties, and authorities to encourage developers to invest in under-performing, blighted areas. TIF financing is only available in TIF districts, which are designated by city or village council members.

However, now TIF is in danger in Nebraska, according to insiders. Nebraska Examiner reports that as the Nebraska Legislature considers property tax relief, TIF projects are in the crosshairs.

Why does that matter?

As the Examiner explains, TIF allows a developer, with approval from city officials, to use the increased property taxes generated by the improvement on a blighted property (the so-called increment) to help finance a redevelopment project -- often times for the infrastructure that is needed to make a project actually happen.

“Tax-increment financing is, frankly, the dominant tool municipalities have for economic and community growth,” said one municipality expert.

Currently, TIF is widely used across the state, in 67 Nebraska counties and 136 cities. Numerous projects representing billions of dollars in investment have tapped into the financing mechanism.

Looking Back: Dorchester's Old Church Was Left To Rot In Field

"And on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

That verse from the book of Matthew reminded us of a Times story from years gone by and the photo at the right of the old Dorchester Methodist Church (circa 2005).

As many of our readers know, Dorchester's original United Methodist Church building was moved in the from Pleasant Hill to the east side of Dorchester, on Lincoln Street, where it stood for more than 110 years. 

As the 20th century came to a close and a new building to house Dorchester's Methodist Church congregation was erected, the old church was taken to a location north of Wilber -- its final resting place. The building had been purchased by a collector whose dream of a museum never reached fruition.

The last we knew, the building had been reduced to a pile of rotting wood. 

Dorchester's current Methodist Church is one of our community's strengths. The church's forward-looking leaders favored reconstruction in the 1990s, which was a practical move, much like the construction of the current school building in 2008.

However, it saddened us to witness the long good-bye of Dorchester's old church. It was not the dignified end we would have envisioned for a building that served the town and its faithful so well for a century.

“...I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…” 

                                                                                              - Philippians 3:13.

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!