Kids' Easter Egg Hunt Set For Saturday, April 3

Hey, kids! The Easter Bunny is planning to drop by Dorchester. And this time, he won't let the China virus keep him away.

So mark your calendars and practice your egg hunting skills.

The Dorchester Easter Egg Hunt will take place this Saturday, April 3. 

For pre-kindergarten through second grade students, the event will begin at 2 p.m. at the high school football field.

For third and fourth graders, the hunt will be on the practice football field just off 12th Street.

Be part of this special holiday tradition in our community.

The hunt is held by the DVFD and sponsored by the Dorchester American Legion Post 264 and First State Bank.

For those kids who want to have fun getting Easter eggs ready for the big hunt, all children are invited to help color the eggs on Friday evening, April 2, at 7 p.m. at the Dorchester Fire Hall.

DHS Alum Becomes Voice Of Nebraska High School Championship Basketball

When it's state basketball tournament time in Nebraska, Dorchester is well represented.

That's because Drew Denker, a 2003 graduate of DHS and a Dorchester native, has become a statewide favorite as an announcer at both the girls and boys basketball tournaments in Lincoln as he calls the shots from Pinnacle Bank Arena.

Here's a sample of Drew's work.

The DHS alumnus is also the voice of Nebraska softball and Husker swim and dive -- and he has announced the state high school swimming championships.

Nebraska Preps website recently profiled Denker's rise to prominence as a championship announcer. The article, which mentions Dorchester several times, notes that Drew received his big break when "our principal let me do the announcements the last day of my senior year." (Some who heard Denker's DPS broadcast said it reminded them of this movie.)

Following graduation from DHS, Denker attended Southeast Community College and loved working on the radio. He then went on to get his bachelor's degree at Doane, where he announced volleyball games while majoring in broadcast journalism.

It's great to see this Longhorn excel by using his announcing talents. It's just as great to see him make the experience for Nebraska's student athletes even more memorable.

Free Drink Alert: Dorchester Legion Hall, Monday Night

Earlier this year, we reported that the Dorchester American Legion was filling a void in our community by providing a place to socialize on Monday evenings, a day when Dorchester's two restaurants are closed.

Dorchester's Legion hall -- located on main street -- is open every Monday evening from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for refreshments, providing an opportunity for community members to catch up and for new community members to introduce themselves. All are welcome!

Now we have learned that Tyser Auto Sales will buy your first drink tomorrow night (Monday, March 22). Screwdrivers and fuzzy navels will be on special. Five point pitch will be played. And yes, this is all open to the public.

Also, delicious pizzas from the Legion's brand new pizza oven will be on sale.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Starr Moore Celebration of Life This Friday

Starr Moore Celebration of Life is This Friday: Dorchester's Starr Moore passed away last week. According to her son, Jeff Stilwagon, a celebration of life gathering will be held at 6 p.m. this Friday, March 19 at the Dorchester Fire Hall. Memorials can be brought to this event.

Dorchester Preschool Taking Applications: Dorchester Public School's preschool program is taking applications for the 2021-22 school year. The preschool is at no cost to families and will be open to children who have reached their third or fourth birthday by July 31. For details or the application form, see page 16 of the latest DPS newsletter.

Last Day to Order DHS Track and Field Apparel: Now that high school basketball season is over, it's time to turn the page to spring athletics. Noon Wednesday, March 17, is the deadline to order Dorchester Longhorn track and field apparel. Be sure to show your Orange and Black fighting spirit this spring. Order here.

Severe Weather Week, March 22-26

Winter weather is still fresh in our minds -- and it continues to hit parts of Nebraska this weekend.

But severe thunderstorm season is just around the corner. And it's time once again for Dorchester-area residents to become better informed on how to protect themselves.

According to Jefferson/Saline County Emergency Management Director John McKee, Severe Weather Awareness Week in Nebraska is March 22-26.

The National Weather Service says that on Wednesday, March 24, communities should test their tornado drills/warnings at 11 a.m. This is a change from past years. Outdoor warning sirens will sound when the test tornado warning is issued.

Now is the time to go over family and business plans on what to do if a tornado is headed your way. What do you do if you're caught while traveling in you automobile?

Knowing the difference between a watch and a warning is crucial to understanding the information being issued by the NWS. A watch means severe weather is possible. A warning means severe weather is imminent and one should take action. This involves seeking shelter immediately, seeking further information about the nature and duration of the threat and as always, getting forecast updates from a reliable source.

The most recognizable phenomena of severe weather is a tornado. In Nebraska, the months which see the most tornadoes are May and June.

If you haven't already done so, sign up for free weather alerts sent to your email or your mobile phone.

Several Dorchester Lots Remain, Waiting For New Homes

This blog has repeatedly reported on the establishment of a new residential area in a north addition of Dorchester. 

A couple years ago, lots went up for sale -- and construction started last year on the development's first home. (Another new home has also been built across the street.)

Several lots are currently on the market, ready to be purchased and built on.

As annexed by the village, the new development is in the northwest corner of Dorchester, just north of 12th Street and bordering the spur between Highways 6 and 33 to the west.

The official name of the development is Northview Estates. Rumor is it will eventually contain a new 13th St. and 14th St., as well as a continuation of Colfax Ave. Also, a short span called Code Ave. will connect 13th and 14th streets.

You can see the list of lots that are currently for sale here. 

Prices range from $15,000 to $17,000 per lot. (This compares to $75,000 to more than $100,000 for lots throughout much of Lincoln.) Dorchester water, sewer and electricity will be provided to the lots in this area.

Those wanting more information about lots on which to build in the new housing division should call W.J. Plouzek at 402-587-1803 or contact the listing realtor.

Dorchester Community Foundation's Steak, Hamburger Feed Is Saturday Night

It's happening a little earlier than normal this year -- but at least it's happening.

The Dorchester Community Foundation's Annual Steak and Hamburger Feed will be held Saturday evening, March 13, at the Dorchester American Legion Hall and Community Building. Take-out will be available by calling (402) 641-1241, or you can choose to dine in.

The feed will take place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Those who have been to this event in the past know it's some of the best beef available anywhere, and in a small-town, friendly environment.

Diners can choose a 16 oz. rib-eye steak meal, which comes with a salad, choice of potato or chips, Texas Toast, drink, and dessert -- all for $19 (tax included).  

Alternatively, diners may choose the hamburger meal for $10, which includes all the aforementioned side dishes.  Or just get a hamburger and chips basket for $7.

Take-out or delivery are available by calling 402-641-4075.

This event has been one of the most popular in Dorchester for the past decade. The food always gets top-notch reviews, and the funds raised will help support the Foundation's many good initiatives. 

Come out, get a great meal, meet up with friends, and support Dorchester!

NEWS ROUND-UP: Bob Kasl Turns 90 Years Young

Bob Kasl Celebrates 90th: We're informed by inside sources that Dorchester's Bob Kasl just turned 90 years young. Happy birthday to one of Dorchester's most active community members and engaged residents.

Village Sales Tax Being Kept in Money Market Account: According to the February minutes from the Village of Dorchester board, Dorchester's 1.5% local sales tax is being kept in a money market account to ensure its safety. The local tax was approved last May by voters, making Dorchester one of the last communities statewide to impose a sales tax to build and repair infrastructure and make other improvements.

Dorchester Renews Crackdown on Negligent Property Owners: Last month, the Village of Dorchester's board discussed a renewed focus to crack down on property owners that aren't following the village's code. According to the board's February minutes, Dorchester leaders appear to be ready to hire a professional clean-up crew to take care of properties when owners ignore code violation letters -- and then stick the bill to the owners -- or pursue criminal charges. Our advice: Don't ignore those clean-up notices. 

DPS Seeks Food Service Worker: Dorchester Public School is looking for a food service employee -- or a cook, as we used to call them in normal times. Preparing and serving meals, along with general kitchen duties is the job description. Interested? Call (402) 946-2781.

DHS Alumni Basketball Tourney Is March 19-20

After taking a year off due to the China virus, the Dorchester High School Alumni Basketball Tournament is just around the corner. School officials are reminding alumni that if they want to play, teams will need to register soon.

Dates for this year’s tournament are Friday and Saturday, March 19-20 at the Dorchester School gym.  

If you have any questions regarding the tournament, please contact DHS Activities Director Brent Zoubek at: bzoubek@dorchesterschool.org or call the school at (402) 946-2781 or (402) 418-1019. 

There is a $30 per player entry fee. Teams may combine players "in any manner that promotes fairness, equity and good-natured competition.  The tournament director reserves the right to make changes or adjustments as he sees fit to allow these rules to be followed."

Game on!

NEWS ROUND-UP: Longhorns Head To State For Speech, Duet Act

Cerny, Nigh Headed to State Competition: Congratulations are in order for DHS' Jacob Cerny, Holly Nigh who are headed to Nebraska's statewide competition in speech and acting. In district competition, under the instruction of Karen Hrdlicka, Nigh finished first at districts in informative speech, while Nigh and Cerny finished second in duet acting.

Fundraiser for Deputy Jennifer Warning: It's time to show our support for a fellow citizen and Saline County Sheriff's Deputy Jennifer Warning who is battling breast cancer. Take part in this "Sweets for Support" fundraiser to support Warning, who is also Dorchester's school resource officer, as she undergoes treatment.

Blood Drive at DHS This Wednesday: The American Red Cross will be coming to Dorchester Public School this Wednesday, March 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Nebraska is facing a shortage of blood. Now is the time to donate blood if you can. Call the school at 402-946-2781 to schedule an appointment. 

Donna's Hair Creations Gets Interior Updates: Donna's Hair Creations has undergone some recent interior renovations. Be sure to check it out and show support for our community businesses that constantly improve the appearance of our community, both indoors and outdoors.

Regene Beggs Passes: Dorchester's Regene A. Beggs, 96, passed away Feb. 20, 2021, in Crete. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Clifford, 1990, Lyle, 2011, sons, Steve and Mike, stepson, Gary Beggs, several infant grandchildren, sister, Frances Leinberger, brothers, Joseph, Linus and Raymond Vrbka. Memorial Services were held March 1 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friend.

Dorchester Baseball, Softball Sign-Up Is Monday, 6 P.M.

Counting down the days until spring? 

Here's a sign that warmer days are fast approaching.

On Monday night, March 1, at 6 p.m. in the Dorchester School cafeteria, baseball and softball sign-up will be held.

All Dorchester area boys and girls (ages 6-15) are encouraged to join the team and be part of Dorchester's proud baseball and softball traditions.

If you cannot make the Monday night sign-up, you'll have until March 15 to get registered.

For questions on girls softball, call Brent Zoubek at 402.418.1019 or email brent.zoubek@dorchesterschool.org.

For questions about boys baseball, call Julie Behrens at 402.826.7260 or email julie.behrens4@gmail.com.

NEWS ROUND-UP: COVID-19 Variants, DVFD Meal, Pitch Nights At Legion Hall

U.K. Variant is Here: KFAB reports that Nebraska’s first case of the U.K. variant of COVID-19, known as B.1.1.7, has been confirmed in Douglas County. Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “This strain is more easily transmitted, but the available vaccines have shown to be effective against it.” This strain is expected to be the dominant strain in Nebraska by the end of March or first week of April.

Area Risk Meters Are at 'Moderate': The COVID-19 risk meters for Dorchester Public School and Public Health Solutions (serving Saline County) are both currently at the "moderate" level. Things look positive as trends improve, but that could change as variants spread or if people let down their guard.

DVFD Serving Brisket Sandwich Meals: Next Saturday, March 6, the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department will be serving brisket sandwich meals to go. Meals will be served from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and can be picked up at the fire station. This is a free-will donation event. Call 402-946-4641 to place an order, or text 402-826-7346.

Pitch Nights at Dorchester Legion: The Dorchester American Legion will be hosting five-point pitch card nights on Monday evenings. The games will begin at 5 p.m. Munchies and refreshments will be served. This event is open to everyone, so come on down.

Anti-Wind Bill Introduced in Legislature: State Sen. Tom Brewer, a western Nebraska Republican and decorated war veteran, has introduced a bill to force counties to enact zoning regulations before authorizing wind energy projects. According to News Channel Nebraska, LB 424 would help control the development of wind energy projects that Brewer says have torn the fabric of communities. He even mentioned the division in Saline County caused by the roughly 100 wind turbines scattered across central and western portions of the county.

DHS Girls Conclude Season; Boys Prep For Meridian In Sub-District

(Update 2-22-21: The DHS boys lost their sub-district contest to Meridian, 42-48. The team concludes its season at 5-17.) 

Earlier this week, the DHS girls basketball team saw their 2020-21 campaign come to a close, falling to Lincoln Parkview Christian, 31-34, in the sub-district D2-2 tournament at Exeter.

Unfortunately for the Lady Longhorns, this was seen as an upset considering DHS had defeated Parkview by double digits earlier this month.

The girls finished the season well above .500 with a 13-9 record.

The Lady Longhorns will lose valuable seniors to graduation, as the Orange and Black Attack now looks to several young players to take control next season under the tutelage of Coach Brandon Bruha.

Meanwhile, the Dorchester boys team concluded their regular season this week, falling to Exeter-Milligan 31-51. 

The good news is DHS (5-16) will play 1-19 Meridian on Monday, Feb. 22 in the D2-2 sub-district at Diller-Odell High School. Smart money is on the Longhorns. 

Longtime DPS Teacher Doris Kohout Passes

Doris Jean Kohout, 90, was born on a farm five miles northeast of Wilber on June 11, 1930 to Edward and Blanche (Koci) Hronik and passed away on Feb. 16, 2021 at the Wilber Care Center.

Her education started at five when she entered first grade at District 4.  She only spoke Czech since that’s what her parents spoke at home, but quickly learned English with the help of her Czech teacher. She graduated with the Crete High School Class of 1947. Then Doris attended 12 weeks of summer school at Peru State College and received her teaching certificate and taught for three years. On Nov. 21, 1950 she married Adolph J. Kohout, Jr. at the Grace Methodist Church in Crete.  They lived on the farm ¾ mile north of Saline Center Hall. They had two children, Marilyn and Marvin. She returned to teaching in 1957 and continued her education and received her Bachelor’s of Education from Doane College in 1971. She taught twelve years in rural Schools’ Districts 9, 4, 94, 32 and 57 and in 1970 she taught at Dorchester Public Schools as a Kindergarten teacher for two years and 21 years with first graders, retiring in 1993 after a 35-year career. 

Doris enjoyed her retirement, working on her family genealogy, sewing and quilting for her family, gardening, especially flowers that would bloom all summer, raising chickens, ducks, geese and even tried raising turkeys. Her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was a member of ZCBJ-WFLA Saline Center Lodge #389, receiving her 50-year membership pin in 1991, Saline County Educational Association, Dorchester Education Association, Eastern Nebraska Reading Council, Blue Valley Quilt Guild, and a 4-H leader for many years.

She is survived by her daughter Marilyn (Owen) Jensen and son Marvin (Lorraine) Kohout, four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Adolph, sister Betty Favre, and brother Robert Hronik.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 1-7 p.m. at Kuncl Funeral Home in Wilber. Family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. The service will be held the following Wednesday, March 3, at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed via the Facebook icon at the bottom of our website homepage. Memorials have been established to the Doris Kohout Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Dorchester Public School. You can leave condolences here.

Farmers Cooperative Has Seven Job Openings In Dorchester

Looking for a good job (let's call it a career)? One that isn't in Lincoln? 

Farmers Cooperative currently has seven open positions in Dorchester. 

According to the agri-business' website, here are the open positions that are based in Dorchester:

• Commercial Truck Driver
• Custom Applicator
• General Application
• Maintenance and Millwright Specialist
• Refined Fuels Delivery Driver
• Service Station Manager
• Summer Internship

You can see all these job openings here.

With sales of nearly $800 million, 60 locations, and 600 employees, Farmers Cooperative is a full service supply and marketing cooperative. It's also one of the largest cooperatives in the nation, according to the National Cooperative Bank Co-op 100 list.

For a full history of Farmers Cooperative, see this well-done history brochure.

DHS Basketball Teams Pick Up More Victories; Preparing For Sub-Districts

It's mid-February and basketball season is winding down. At Dorchester High School, the girls basketball team is preparing for its sub-district contest this Tuesday, while the boys team will play its final regular season game Friday.

The Lady Longhorns won their last five of six games to conclude the regular season with a solid 13-8 record. On Feb. 5, DHS whipped up on Giltner 51-20. Last week, the girls squeaked past Hampton 55-54, only to lose a 34-35 heartbreaker to McCool Junction a few days later.

This Tuesday, Feb. 16, the Lady Longhorns take on Parkview Christian (8-12) in the Class D2-2 sub-district tournament at the Exeter-Milligan School (in Exeter). It's win or go home for both teams.

Meanwhile, the boys basketball team picked up a win this past week, beating Hampton 36-40 in a road contest. The Longhorns, now 5-15 on the year, will take on Exeter-Milligan (6-14) in Dorchester.

Go 'Horns!