Ten-And-Under Softball Team Captures Third Place

Congratulations are in order to the 10-and-under Dorchester softball team.

The 10-and-under girls squad defeated Exeter on their home turf on Sunday at the season-ending tournament.

The win ensured that the Dorchester 10-and-under girls took third place, ending a season of hard work on a high note. 

"The Dorchester girls beat some impressive teams in a very talented league," one parent told the Times in an e-mail.  

"Participation was good, which signals the girls program is on the rebound.  We are so proud of the girls for their strong effort."

Congratulations, Dorchester girls.  

You represented your town well.

Dorchester Softball Tourney, July 3-4

What goes better with Independence Day than a little ball on the diamond?

The Dorchester Times has learned of a Dorchester co-ed softball tournament that will be held July 3 and 4.

The entry fee is $125 dollars a team.  Each team must be composed of at least five girls and five guys.  For all you math wizards out there, that means a minimum of 10 players per team.

Half of the proceeds will go to Dorchester's baseball/softball programs, while the other half will go to the winner of the tournament. 

To register your team or for more information, call Jared Jensen at (402) 641-1154.

City Slickers Takes Over For Joe's

The Crete News has published a story about the transition of Dorchester's west side tavern as the new owners look to establish their own traditions to keep customers coming back for more.  

About a month ago, Joe's Place -- located at 703 Washington Ave. -- became City Slickers Bar & Grill.  The new owners, Jason and Kathy Duhrkop, purchased the establishment from Rob Parks, who had owned Joe's since 2009.

The Crete News article details the history of the bar.  In 1952, Joe Ladman bought the building and started Joe's Place, which operated until 2004 when Ladman's son-in-law, Dewayne Schmale, sold the bar to Verna Lewis.  From 2004-2006, the bar was known as the Blue Moose.  When the bar changed hands again in 2007, under Sheryl Olson, it was known as the West Side Saloon until 2009, when it again became Joe's Place.

City Slickers owners say "their goal is for customers to come in hungry and leave satisfied."  The Duhrkops want the establishment to remain a staple in the community for many years to come.

Area Could Get Hit With Big Storms Tonight, This Weekend

Southeastern and eastern Nebraska are in the bulls-eye of a unstable weather system settling in for the next 48-72 hours.

A 3 p.m. Friday, radar showed a rotation of precipitation over Saunders County, producing strong thunderstorms in northeast Nebraska and northwest Iowa.  Meanwhile, thunderstorms have developed in southwestern Nebraska, moving towards Dorchester and Lincoln as they gain intensity.

Here is the Dorchester forecast for Friday night through Sunday:

Tonight ...Chance of thunderstorms 40 percent.

Saturday ... Partly sunny. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning...Then a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. West winds 5 to 10 mph shifting to the southeast in the afternoon. Chance of thunderstorms 50 percent.

Saturday Night ... Chance of thunderstorms 40 percent.

Sunday ... Partly sunny. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the morning...Then a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Highs in the mid 80s. Northeast winds up to 5 mph shifting to the southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon. Chance of thunderstorms 30 percent.

Sunday Night ... A 50 percent chance of thunderstorms.

Break-Ins Reported Around Town

The Dorchester Times has learned of at least three break-ins and burglaries this week, occurring at three separate residences in town.

According to several reports e-mailed to the Times, the break-ins took place in the early hours of Wednesday morning.  Damage to personal property was reported, along with the theft of money, alcoholic beverages, food and other goods.

One e-mail sent to the Times speculated on possible suspects, including their names.  The individual with that information has been encouraged to contact the Saline County Sheriff's Department at (402) 821-2111.

The Times has also learned of a drug-related arrest made in Dorchester in recent days.  No other information has been released and the Times will not publish information that has not been confirmed by law enforcement.

We urge all area residents to stay vigilant while those who committed this week's break-ins are still at large.  Please report any suspicious activity to the sheriff's department or call 911 if a crime is occurring.

Jerri Nelsen Passes At 82

Geraldene "Jerri" Nelsen, 82, of Friend, passed away Sunday, June 9, 2013 in Crete. She was born February 9, 1931, on the family farm near Dorchester to Frank and Ina (Jack) Parks. Jerri attended country school and graduated in 1948 from Dorchester High School. She married Dwayne Nelsen March 26, 1949 at the Dorchester Methodist Church. They were blessed with two children, Sandra and Douglas. In 1980, they moved into Dorchester and in 2009 they settled in Friend. Jerri worked at Penney's in Crete and Lincoln and sold Avon. She drove the Dorchester Public School van for special needs children. Jerri had an outgoing personality and enjoyed playing cards including bridge and 500, socializing and dancing. She loved to crochet and was a wonderful cook. Jerri enjoyed taking care of and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is a former member of the Dorchester United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, taught Sunday School, Bible School and sang in the choir. She currently was a member of the Friend United Church of Christ and Women's Fellowship.

Survived by husband, Dwayne, Friend; daughter, son-in-law, Sandi and Eugene Witkowicz, Lincoln; son, daughter-in-law, Douglas and Shari (Beckler) Nelsen, Dorchester; nine grandchildren and spouses, Paul Dwayne Muff, Lincoln, William Douglas and Stacey Muff, Springfield, Scott James and Kristin Muff, Omaha, Christopher Michael and Melinda Witkowicz, Fremont, Calif., Shawny and Tommy Hicks, Dorchester, Dusty and Laura Nelsen, Pilot Point, Texas, Lacey and Matthew Rinlee, Mansfield, Texas, Caley Nelsen, Columbus, Tana Nelsen and Bart Miller, Kearney; 11 great grandchildren, Jacob and Tate Muff, Scotty and Paul Muff, Gracyn and Cort Hicks, Emmersen and Dempsy Nelsen, Cutter and Lucchese Rinlee, Trigg Miller; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Virgil Nelsen, Friend, R.D. Flannigan, Tremont, Ill., Marion Nelsen, Houston, Texas; nieces, nephews. Preceded in death by parents; sister, brother-in-law, Donna and Robert Schweitzer; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, Bonnie Nelsen, Fern Flannigan, LuElma and Earl Ferguson, Melvin Nelsen, Ardis and Lloyd Noeller, Jim Nelsen.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Thursday, June 13, at United Church of Christ, Friend, Rev. Ken Leischner. Visitation: Wednesday, noon-8 pm, with the family greeting relatives and friends, 6-8 pm, Lauber-Moore Funeral Home, Friend and one-hour prior to service at church. Memorials designated, directed to family. Full obituary, condolences at www.laubermoore.com.

Countywide Flag Retirement Set For Friday Evening

The Dorchester American Legion, Post 264, will hold its  annual Saline County flag retirement ceremony Friday night, June 14.

The ceremony will begin at 6 p.m., with a covered dish dinner following the services. 

All area residents, color guards, Legion Auxiliary units and Sons of American Legion members are welcome and urged to attend this very patriotic event.

Plan on coming early and bringing your unserviceable U.S. flags.  

More than 700 flags are expected to be retired.

For more information, call Larry Kaspar at (402) 946-6711 or Rich Kasl (402) 946-7651.

Dorchester Man Wins $1 Million Powerball Prize

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that Darold Kempston of Dorchester recently won $1

million playing Nebraska Powerball.  See the Nebraska Lottery's release here.

According to the Journal Star article, Darold purchased his winning ticket at Casey’s General Store, 301 W. 13th St. in Crete. The five-play ticket contained one play with all five white ball numbers (2, 11, 22, 26, 32) from the June 8 drawing.  He wasted no time claiming his prize, arriving at Nebraska Lottery headquarters on Monday morning after the drawing.  Darold told lottery officials that he purchases the same Powerball numbers each week.

“First thing Sunday morning I checked the website, and there were my numbers,” Kempston said. “Then I got my tickets out of the car to make sure I’d bought one with those numbers. It was quite a surprise.” He plans to pay bills, purchase a new truck and save what's left.

The odds of winning $1 million playing Powerball are 1 in 5,153,633. The overall odds of winning any prize are 1 in 31.8.

UPDATE: New Village Logo Now On Water Tower

Crews have finished painting the village's logo on Dorchester's new water tower.  

Those driving west on Highway 33, as well as those in town on on south on Highway 6, have a clear view of the logo and lettering.

"This will be a great first step in re-branding Dorchester's public image for the new century," said one community leader earlier this spring.

The new village water tower is located in the southeastern corner of town near the rail line. 

The new tower offers a much more modern appearance compared to the older structure.

Records show that Dorchester's old water tower has been in its current location since the late 1880's. 

The old tower's appearance has changed little since the turn of last century, according to research by the Times staff.

When the old tower is removed, it will certainly mark the end of an era.  

Dorchester's modern-day water system was established in 1914 after citizen's approved a $15,000 water works bond.  It is surmised that the old tower was erected prior to that time, although the structure has undergone several upgrades and renovations.

Area Rainfall Totals Over 24 Hours

Our community may soon be renamed Lake Dorchester.  

Several inches of rain have fallen over the past week. Here are the precipitation amounts for our area over the past 24 hours (May 29-30):

Western 4.80" 
Wilber 2.92"
Dorchester 2.42"   
Friend 1.39"
Tobias 0.92"
DeWitt 0.90"

Flood warnings are in effect for both the West Fork of the Blue River north of town, as well as the Turkey Creek basin south of town.  

Both flood warnings are likely to remain in effect for at least the next 24-36 hours.

See the warnings here. See the area radar here.

The picture (left) accompanying this post was taken on the south side of Dorchester on Washington Ave. around 7 p.m. Wednesday. 

The picture above was taken Thursday afternoon.  

We thank the readers who sent them to us at Dorchester.Times@gmail.com.

Here are the rainfall totals since last Thursday (May 25-May 30):

Western 7.21"
Wilber 6.01"   
Western 6.01"
Dorchester 4.88"
Friend 4.05"
DeWitt 3.95"
Tobias 3.94"
Milford 2.94"
Swanton 2.93"

Pictures Of Dorchester Popping Up On Flickr

On the social media website Flikr, a gentleman named Tom, also known as "The Bouncing Czech," has been busy posting his cache of pictures taken in Saline County.  

Several of Tom's pictures include familiar structures in Dorchester, as well as Pleasant Hill, Friend and Crete.  

We thought Times' readers would like to take a look for themselves. See the pictures by clicking here, then clicking on the arrows located at the side of the screen.

Enjoy!

Nearly 1.5" Of Rain Falls On Dorchester Area In 48 Hours

The drought in our area of the state appears to be history, at least for the time being.

Sunday's overnight storm dropped 0.65 inches of rain in the Dorchester Times' rain gauge as of mid-Monday morning, with more expected for essentially the rest of the week.

In Lincoln, this morning's storm brought more than 2.60" according to the Lincoln Journal Star.  

Closer to home, here are the precipitation totals from the last 48 hours:

• Milford 1.82"
• DeWitt 1.63"
• Dorchester 1.34"
• Western 1.21"
• Tobias 1.12"
• Wilber 0.92"
• Friend 0.81"

There were no reports of significant damage from the thunderstorms, but a line north of Lincoln toppled trees and knocked out power to some residents in the Fremont and Omaha areas.

A 50-70% chance of scattered storms is in Dorchester's forecast through Friday.  See the forecast here.

Ron Kahle Funeral Is Monday In Crete

Ronnie L. Kahle, 53, Dorchester, passed on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at his home near Dorchester.  He farmed with grandfather and father east of Dorchester, and also raised livestock and sheep.  

A 1978 graduate of Dorchester Public School, Ron was a life-long member of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete, where he served as elder.  He also served on Dorchester School Board and coached DHS wrestling.

He is survived by wife, Joyce, Dorchester; children and spouses, Ryan and Svetlana Kahle, Norfolk, Va., Crystal and fiance Aaron Rasmussen, Dannebrog, Adam Kahle, Kearney, Lydia Kahle, Dorchester; three grandchildren, Sonya, Katarina, and Mila Kahle; father, Lloyd Kahle, Dorchester; sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Roger Woolsey, Friend, Donna and Brad Havlat, Crete, Connie Jo and Chris Hiegel, Grand Island.

Funeral service: 10 a.m. Monday, May 20, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Crete. Rev. Nathan Ristvedt. Visitation will be 5-8 pm Sunday, and 1 hour prior to services on Monday, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Interment, Dorchester Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to Lambs of Christ Preschool at Bethlehem Lutheran Church or to the Dorchester Community Foundation. 

Ron Kahle Passes At 53

The Dorchester Times is saddened to report the loss of area resident, farmer and former Dorchester Public School Board member Ron Kahle.

Kahle, 53, had been battling a chronic lung condition for the past two years and had been placed on hospice care in recent weeks.  

Our staff sends our deepest sympathies to the Kahle family on their loss and the community's loss.

Brad Kasl Funeral Is Saturday Morning At School Gym

Bradley Alan Kasl, 40, of Dorchester, passed away suddenly Tuesday, May 14, 2013. Born April 8,1973 to Robert and Marva Kasl. After graduation from Dorchester School and SECC Beatrice, Brad continued to live, farm, and operate a cow-calf operation at the family farm. Brad was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Sheri Mares of Friend, on October 23,1999 at Dorchester United Methodist Church.

He was a member of the Dorchester Methodist Church, Sons of American Legion, Z.C.B.J. #74, Tyser Repair bowling team, Fisherman Club, and a past member of Crete Young Farmers. In his youth, Brad played baseball and loved playing Longhorn football, basketball, tuba in the band, and extra curricular activities. He was an active 4-H member where he showed cattle and excelled in tractor driving competitions. He was involved in Boy Scouts where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

Brad was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Wayne Kasl; grandparents, Lumir & Evelyn Hayek, George & Emma Kasl, George & Elsie Sysel, and Adolph & Helen Mares. Brad is survived by his loving wife, Sheri; special pet Abby; parents, Robert & Marva Kasl; parents-in-law, Joseph & Cheryl Mares; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sandy & Chuck Rains, Paul & Jean Essman, Mark & Judy Bors, Nate and Debra Shaw; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Services: 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dorchester School. Visitation: Friday, 9 - 9 at Kuncl Funeral Home, Crete and 1 hour prior to services at the school. Memorials in care of the family for future designation.

Tragedy Hits Dorchester As Brad Kasl Killed In Collision

DORCHESTER, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a 40-year-old man has been killed in a collision between his pickup and a locomotive.

The Saline County Sheriff's Office says the accident occurred around 5:20 a.m. Tuesday at a railroad crossing north of Nebraska Highway 33, west of Dorchester.

The Sheriff's Office identified the pickup driver as Brad Kasl, of Dorchester. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheriff's officers and BNSF officials are investigating the crash.