NEWS ROUND-UP: Memorial Day Program Details

Memorial Day Program Details: The Dorchester American Legion's Memorial Day program is set. The Dorchester Cemetery program will begin at 10 a.m. and last roughly 30 minutes. The Pleasant Hill Cemetery program will start at 11 a.m. Following the Pleasant Hill ceremony, there the traditional covered dish luncheon will take place at the Dorchester Legion Hall.

Dorchester Foundation Receives Park Improvement Grant: The Dorchester Community Foundation Fund recently announced that it was awarded a $7,500 matching grant for new investment or improvements to the village's park facilities. According to the Foundation's social media, it will deposit $15,000 in the village government's park account shortly. We specifically addressed park benches and shade structures, picnic tables for the small shelter, and a shade structure for the playground equipment. Local youth will be involved in the design, the Foundation says.

Preparing for Next School Year: Now that school's out for the summer, it's time to start preparing for Dorchester's 2022-23 school year. If your child needs transportation to school beginning in August, call Superintendent Daryl Schrunk at 402.946.2781 or email daryl.schrunk@dorchesterschool.org. Also, there will be back-to-school immunization clinics every Tuesday and Thursday in July from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 830 E. 1st St., Suite 300 in Crete. (Call 402.826.3880 to make an appointment.)

Alumni Golf Tourney Is Almost Here: The ninth annual DHS Alumni Golf Tournament is almost here, set for Saturday, June 4, at the Friend Country Club. If you still have interest in participating, contact Dorchester Schools Athletic Director Brent Zoubek at bzoubek@dorchesterschool.org or (402) 946-2781. 

Texas School Shooting Serves as Tragic Reminder: Today's school massacre in Texas -- committed by another teenage nut job -- is a reminder that every school in America needs to have a single point of entry, as well as armed faculty. (If that requires more male presence in our schools, so be it.) Evil is spreading throughout the world. It cannot be eliminated, only countered. In addition to bringing back state-run mental institutions and renewing a very broken culture, the country must ensure all schools are taking proactive steps to guard against sicko copycats.

OUR VIEW: Dorchester Needs Goals To Secure A Brighter Future

Ask any self-help expert or "life coach" and they will tell you to set goals if you want improvement.

The same holds true for communities, big and small.

Our village is full of helpful, caring residents who donate their time and resources. From our volunteers, to our businesses, to our school employees, to our elected leaders -- we have it pretty good.

But are we on the same page about our future? 

Our main street needs TLC and a vision. Our housing situation hasn't improved in recent memory, especially with an aging population. Some neglected properties are only getting worse.  Our streets -- well, we won't go there in this post.

The bottom line: Dorchester needs some public goal-setting. If that is occurring somewhere -- maybe the town board or the school board or both -- it isn't being shared publicly. 

That said, it is not the job of our town board, county, state, or federal government to create a vision of what Dorchester should look like 5, 10, or 20 years from now. That job belongs to you -- the residents of Dorchester and its surrounding area. 

Dorchester has all the right building blocks in place: The community foundation and various other volunteer organizations and clubs. But these strengths must be aligned with a plan that will start moving Dorchester toward a brighter future.  

As a community, let's set a handful of goals with firm deadlines.

For example, community groups could ask area households to submit their improvement ideas for future projects, then select the most feasible ideas, then set a finish date so that funding and operations could be initiated. These goals would provide focus; allow us to measure progress; and give motivation.

Without a doubt, Dorchester could benefit from a healthy dose of goal-setting. But this will only work if the goals are those of the community at-large.

Home For Sale: 502 W 11th St.

Dorchester's real estate market is booming -- even as the days of easy, cheap money following two years of money printing and government handouts are coming to a close. 

More and more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, common sense, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. On the rare occasion a Dorchester home is listed, most are sold within a week to 10 days. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. 

• 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 BUSINESS 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.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available.

502 W 11th St.: Take a look at the square footage in this nice ranch style home! Main floor offers 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, large living room, dining area, kitchen, laundry and a lovely sun room. The full basement has two more non-conforming bedrooms, 3/4 bath, family room and lots of storage space. This is located on the NW side of Dorchester and is all vinyl sided and has a two-stall attached garage. See the listing.

NEWS ROUNDUP: Longtime DPS Educator Announces Retirement

DHS Alum Elected to Statewide Leadership Spot: DHS graduate Mike Feeken (Class of 1996) was recently installed as the 2022-2023 president of the Nebraska Economic Developers Association. Feeken has worked in the economic development field for many years and is currently an executive with First Five Nebraska, an advocacy organization that urges support for early care and learning opportunities for Nebraska’s youngest children. 

DPS Educator Theresa Johnson Is Retiring: At the end of this school year, longtime Dorchester Public School educator Theresa Johnson is retiring after 36 years of teaching. Her friends and family are throwing a retirement party at the Dorchester Legion Hall on Saturday, June 4 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone who has been impacted by Mrs. Johnson is invited to stop by and say "congratulations!" This is not a surprise party, we are told. Food and drinks will be provided. No gifts requested.

DHS Freshman Qualifies for State Track Meet: Baylor Behrens this week finished second in the 300M hurdles at district, finishing with a time of 51.74. Her impressive time means she qualified for the 2022 State Track and Field Championship next Friday and Saturday late next week at Omaha Burke. See the schedule of events.

DHS Students Keep Bringing Home Journalism Awards: Several DHS students recently placed in the Nebraska Press Women High School Communications Contest. Those bringing home awards included Madison Sherwood; Jacob Cerny; Ashton Rasplicka; Mitzu Real; Hailey Schweitzer; and Danni McKnight (who graduated last year).  

DPS Looking for Paraeducator: Dorchester Public School is looking for a paraeducator for the 2022-2023 school year. Click here for more information and how to apply.

Home For Sale: 703 Jefferson

Dorchester's real estate market is booming -- especially as the days of easy, cheap money following two years of money printing and government handouts are coming to a close. 

More and more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, common sense, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. On the rare occasion a Dorchester home is listed, most are sold within a week to 10 days. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. 

• 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 BUSINESS 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.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available.

703 Jefferson Ave.: For sale by owner. Two-story house with basement. Three bedrooms plus one non-conforming bedroom in basement. One bathroom on main floor and one bathroom in basement. Over-sized two-stall garage. New roof on house and garage in 2020. See the listing.

DHS Alumni Banquet Set For May 28

It's that special time of year when Dorchester alumni -- young, old, and in-between -- will gather to catch up with classmates and recall the good ol' days.

The 2022 Dorchester Alumni Banquet is set for Saturday, May 28. 

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

Classes ending in "2" will be honored.

On the menu for this year's banquet is roast beef. 

A special tribute will be paid to the class of 2002. Longtime DHS educator Terry Gautreaux will be the guest speaker.

Tickets are $20 per person. You should reserve your spot by May 20.

For questions on the banquet, contact Linda (Kahle) Woolsey at linda.woolsey@dorchesterschool.org or call Ross Havlat at 821-7702.

Click here for DPS' social media post and the reservation form.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Cruise Night Is Monday, May 2

Cruise Night This Monday: There will be a cruise night on Dorchester's main street (Washington Ave.) this Monday, May 2. Cruising begins at 5 p.m., according to organizers and continue through the evening until sundown. The Dorchester American Legion bar and grill will be serving drink specials. (Be sure to have designated drivers!)

Dorchester Baseball Schedule Released: The crack (or ding) of the bats will soon be heard once again at Nerud Field! Here is the 2022 Dorchester PeeWee and American League baseball schedule. The first game of the season will be in Friend on May 10.

Junior High Quiz Bowl Team Scores 4th Place Finish: Dorchester's Quiz Bowl Team A (Bailey Theis, Eva Elkins, Mishaela Church, and Thomas Ziemann) took home a fourth place trophy from the AMI Middle School Quiz Bowl April 27 at Seward Civic Center. The team missed third place by only five points.

DHS Journalists Shine at State Competition: The Nebraska School Activities Association State Journalism was held in Norfolk April 25. Several DHS students took home state journalism medalists, continuing Dorchester's longstanding tradition of being a bastion for developing journalism talent. DHS placed fifth overall in Class C. Longhorns who placed in this year's state journalism contest were: Gabby Theis (freshman): 1st in news/feature photography; Ashton Rasplicka (senior), 7th in photo illustration; Madison Sherwood (senior), 3rd in news/feature photography, 5th in yearbook theme copy writing; Tyler Sysel (senior), 7th in yearbook feature writing, 4th in yearbook theme copy writing; Jacob Cerny (junior), 6th in yearbook sports feature writing; Mitzu Real (sophomore): 8th in advertising, 4th in sports/action photography; Hailey Schweitzer (sophomore): 6th in photo illustration, 5th in yearbook layout, 3rd in yearbook sports feature writing, 3rd in yearbook theme copy writing;  Andrea Pavlish (freshman): 4th in newspaper feature writing. The team of Madison Sherwood, Tyler Sysel, and Hailey Schweitzer took 8th in Yearbook Theme Development. The DHS team is advised by Mrs. Sandy Severance.

DPS School Bus Drivers Wanted: Dorchester Public School is looking for bus drivers for the 2022-2023 school year. Contact the school for more details if you're interested in this part-time job.

Herbster Earns Times' Support: With former President Donald Trump visiting Nebraska today, five of the six Dorchester Times staff members are supporting Charles Herbster for governor. (The other staff member supports Jim Pillen.) Trump will speak in Greenwood today (Sunday, May 1) at 5 p.m. 

Drought Buster? Rainfall Comes To Dorchester Area

Rain has finally come to our area, with more on the way. As much as another half inch of moisture may be coming over the next two days.

The Times has received reports of anywhere from 1 to 2 inches from area readers from overnight rainfall.

The precipitation will help alleviate drought conditions -- see the latest UNL drought map above.

As of Friday morning, April 29, heavy rain and lightning look likely across central and eastern Nebraska this afternoon and evening.

Here's the forecast for the next 36 hours:

A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 4 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 74. Breezy, with a southeast wind 13 to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10 pm. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 48. Breezy, with an east northeast wind 10 to 15 mph becoming west 17 to 22 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Saturday: A 30 percent chance of showers, mainly before 1 pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 58. Windy, with a west wind 24 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 44 mph. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Looking For Work In Our Area? Jobs Are Here

Nebraska’s unemployment rate is currently the lowest in the nation. Despite that good news, many folks are still looking for a job in this inflation-affected economy. 

The post-COVID era has made this much clear: The more technical and vocational skills you have, the better your chances of being hired for a well-paying job. The world doesn't need another sociology or psychology major with $100,000 in debt; it needs men and women who have in-demand skills to make things, fix things, and solve real-world problems.

There are great jobs in our area available right now. And the Times is determined to help our readers find a rewarding career. (Besides, most of us realize that our broke federal government and a global economy that is less willing to buy more U.S. debt mean that welfare options are going away -- soon.) 

The Times has reviewed numerous sources for career opportunities. Here are some of the best we've found in our area:

• Farmers Cooperative in Dorchester -- Currently, there are job openings at the Co-op in Dorchester for safety coordinator, operations specialist, and general duties.
  
  
• Dorchester Public School Preschool Para -- Qualified applicants must obtain (or be able to) a degree or endorsement in early childhood/child development. Call the school at (402) 946-2781 if interested.
  
  
• Tuttle Inc. in Friend -- From project manager to fabricator/welder to equipment installer, there are great jobs at this business.
  
  
• Sunrise Country Manor in Milford -- From RNs/LPNs to CNAs and MedAides, this employer is hiring multiple positions.

• NE Works -- Administered by the Nebraska Labor Department, this site is currently displaying more than 500 job opportunities within 25 miles of Dorchester.
  
  
• Aqua Plumbing and Heating LLC in Crete -- HVAC technician with experience is wanted at this business. HVAC techs are one of the most in-demand careers available.

• Indeed.com -- More than 370 jobs within 15 miles. 

If you are an employer in the Saline County area and your business has a job opening, let us know at dorchester.times@gmail.com. We will add it to this list.

NEWS ROUND-UP: Village Clean-Up Period Begins Saturday

Here's a look at what's happening right now in and around town:

Village Clean-Up Period Set for April 23-May 14: Time to clean up those yards! The Dorchester Community Clean-up will be from Saturday, April 23 to May 14. Enforcement of village code will be especially strict during this period -- so clean up your property. By the way, the village dump site will be open during regular business days/hours, so no excuses. (The dump is now open on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. , as well as Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Special Village Board Meeting Is Friday Night: Dorchester's village board will conduct a special meeting at 5 p.m. Friday evening, April 22, at the Dorchester Community Building. We are told by inside sources that the purpose of this "housekeeping" meeting is to review the village employee handbooks.

Dorchester Students Prepare for Upcoming Quiz Bowls: Dorchester's junior high students are preparing for an April 27 quiz bowl at the Seward Civic Center, while DHS underclassmen are getting ready for their quiz bowl on May 4. The competition has been put on alert. After all, DHS' "A Team" tied for third in the ESU 6 quiz bowl held last month (team members were Blake Hansen, Ashton Rasplicka, Sawyer Hanson, and Andrea Pavlish), while Team B placed fifth (Addison Lehr, Amber Kotas, Ashton Jirsa, Victoria Leavitt, Jacob Cerny, and Owen Vyhnalek).

This Wind Blows: Omaha, Lincoln and Norfolk have all set records this year for the number of days with wind gusts in excess of 40 mph, according to reports. And wind speeds have been increasing globally in recent years, as researchers say the increase is due to natural climate cycles. (In preceding decades, wind speeds globally were lessening.) Whatever the case, increased winds and the return of widespread drought are reminders that even in the era of pivot-based irrigation and ditch-to-ditch row crops, our part of the world needs plentiful pastures, tree cover, and cover crops to prevent what could become another Dust Bowl natural disaster. Otherwise, it will happen again.

FLASHBACK: Fundraising Ideas For Dorchester Improvements

(The following article and comments were published in July 2008. The Times staff believes the time is right to run this again.)

Any Dorchester resident can name a project or two or three that would improve the quality of life in our community.

In a Times' poll conducted last month, 62% of respondents said improving Dorchester's streets was the community's most immediate need. 

Other projects cited in the Times' survey included improving the town water system; enhancing the appearance of main street; and making needed repairs and upgrades at the ball field. (Note from 2022: The last item has been accomplished in several ways, from new lights to new bleachers to a newer concession stand and restrooms.)

The problem, of course, is how to pay for such efforts?

We are all aware of the economic downturn plaguing the U.S. and most of the rest of the world. This has made some belt tightening necessary for the average American.

But does that mean we should halt all community improvement efforts? 

There are options for raising revenue. Back in March, we explored options to pay for street paving. The most viable option -- raising property taxes via bonding -- isn't appealing.

So today we are asking readers for their ideas on how best to raise the funds to pay for Dorchester's most-needed community improvement projects.

Aong with Dorchester's civic and government leaders, we look forward to hearing from you.

DHS Journalists Earn Several Awards In Statewide Competition

Dorchester is known to have one of the top small-school journalism programs from the state. (Experts say this is likely because Dorchester kids grow up reading the Times. Who are we to question the experts?)

Recently, DHS students competed in the Journalism Education Association's winter competition. Exactly 650 entries were submitted statewide by 23 schools. Most of the schools were Class A schools; Dorchester was the smallest represented. The competitors received certificates for entries judged either superior or excellent, or worthy of honorable mention. Only the best entries received awards.

Here is how Dorchester's budding journalists fared:

• The team of Madison Sherwood, Tyler Sysel, and Hailey Schweitzer received an excellent in Yearbook Theme Development.
• Madison Sherwood received an excellent in Yearbook Theme Copy Writing, and honorable mention in Sports/Action Photography.
• Tyler Sysel received an honorable mention in Advertising and Yearbook Theme Copy Writing.
• Jacob Cerny received honorable mention in Yearbook Sports Writing.
• Ashton Rasplicka received an honorable mention in Photo/Artistic Illustration.
• Hailey Schweitzer received an honorable mention in Yearbook Layout.

These Longhorns are advised by Mrs. Sandy Severance.

See the competition's full results here.

Home For Sale: 909 Fulton Ave.

Dorchester's real estate market is booming -- especially as the days of easy, cheap money following two years of money printing and government handouts are coming to a close. 

More and more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, common sense, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. On the rare occasion a Dorchester home is listed, most are sold within a week to 10 days. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. 

• 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 BUSINESS 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.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available.

909 Fulton Ave.: All new and still affordable! Here is a nicely remodeled home that has all you need, offering one bedroom, large bath/laundry, kitchen and living room. Was gutted and has new electrical, plumbing, windows, insulation, sewer line, roof and siding, along with all new interior! Located in nice Village of Dorchester, with a detached garage and storage shed. See the listing.

Dorchester Easter Egg Hunt Set For Saturday, 2 P.M.

Easter weekend is here. Make it special for the little ones in your life.

Dorchester's annual Easter egg hunt will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16. 

For kids in pre-K through second grade, the hunt will be at the high school football field, just northwest of the school. 

For kids in grades 3-4, the hunt will be at the practice football field in north Dorchester.

Sponsored by the Dorchester Volunteer Fire Department, this is a fun activity for kids and parents.

And tonight (Friday, April 15) at 7 p.m., kids can show up at the Dorchester Fire Hall to help dye Easter eggs! Be prepared to get messy. Old clothing is advised.

Happy Easter!

Home For Sale: 308 W 8th St.

Dorchester's real estate market is booming -- especially as the days of easy, cheap money following two years of money printing and government handouts are coming to a close. (Remember this house? Our sources tell us it sold for considerably more than the asking price.) 

More and more people -- especially young families -- want the safety, sanity, common sense, affordability, and quality of life offered in our close-knit village. On the rare occasion a Dorchester home is listed, most are sold within a week to 10 days. 

Consider what Dorchester has to offer:

• TOP-NOTCH SCHOOL: A new K-12 school with smaller class sizes and some of the state's best educators. 

• 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 BUSINESS 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.

Today we showcase the latest Dorchester home available.

308 W 8th St.: A rare chance to own property in Dorchester! This three bed, one bath home sits on a large 0.38 acre lot near the Dorchester school, parks, and the new splash pad. Currently a rental, so great for investors or anyone wanting to live the small-town life. Close to Crete, Friend, Beaver Crossing, and Milford. Open House on Saturday, April 16, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. See the listing.

NEWS ROUND-UP: DHS Track Team Shows Big Improvement

 

DHS Track Teams Show Big Improvement: The DHS boys and girls track and field teams are showing improvement this season. Examples: At the recent Turkey Creek relays, the DHS girls took second place in the 1600 meter relay, second distance medley, and the 240 shuttle hurdle -- finishing third overall to beat six other schools. Three Lady Longhorns took home medals in individual field events. The boys outscored four other schools, including Friend. Earlier in the season, freshman Baylor Behrens broke Carmen Novak's 35-year school record in the 300 meter hurdles at the Thayer Central meet. It appears the new track and field training resources built last year at the practice football field are resulting in more competitive Longhorn athletes.

City Slickers, Eastside Announce Closed Dates: Dorchester's City Slickers Bar and Grill will be closed next Wednesday through Saturday, April 20-23, in addition to its normal days off, according to a social media post. Meanwhile, Eastside Bar and Grill will be closed Easter Sunday.

Could Omaha's Tiny House Village Set an Example for Dorchester?: For years, Dorchester residents have decried the lack of affordable housing for seniors who can no longer take care of their larger properties. Today, we note that Nebraska’s first modern-day tiny house village -- soon to start sprouting in north downtown Omaha -- may serve as an affordable-rent example for smaller communities like Dorchester. The 50 stand-alone homes in Omaha, each about 250 square feet, might be a bit too small for our tastes, but the gated village -- along with its community center, gardens, and common laundry facilities -- would appeal to older residents who want to remain in our village. It's would a larger conversation, especially considering it's being financed via the federal low-income housing tax credit program administered by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority.