Ban on New Water Wells, Expanded Irrigation Goes Permanent

Recent tests conducted by the Lower Big Blue Natural Resource District -- the NRD that contains nearly all of Saline County -- found that groundwater levels remain at record lows. 

Last fall, the NRD measured the static water level of 172 irrigation and dedicated monitoring wells all across the district. The results were eye-opening.

From spring 2023 through late autumn 2023, groundwater levels in Saline County wells had declined an average 4.32 feet. This followed the results of 2022, when Saline County wells recorded their lowest levels since the NRD started measuring groundwater.

Results were even more dire in surrounding counties. 

From spring 2023 to fall 2023, levels in Gage Country plummeted nearly 6 feet. In Jefferson County, levels fell nearly 6.5 feet. 

The staggering drop in groundwater levels is due to irrigation and drought. As a result, the NRD has imposed a permanent moratorium (or stay) on the construction of new wells and increase in irrigated acres in the district.

See the NRD's groundwater monitoring page. 

For Dorchester-specific information, the NRD, in cooperation with UNL School of Natural Resources Conservation and Survey Division, has outfitted a dedicated monitoring well in with a real-time data logger. 

Dorchester's water level information is available online. 

At last check, Dorchester's water level is significantly below its traditional levels, as this graphic illustrates.

NEWS ROUND-UP: 6-Month Ban on New Water Wells, Irrigation Expansion

Local NRD Imposes 6-Month Ban on New Water Wells: Tests conducted by the Lower Big Blue Natural Resources District -- the NRD that contains 95% of Saline County -- recently found that groundwater levels in several wells at record lows. As a result, at its Dec. 8 meeting, the NRD board imposed an immediate 180-day moratorium (or pause) on the construction of new wells. This includes halting any increase in irrigated acres in the district. A total of 45 wells recorded their lowest levels since the district has been measuring them. See the NRD's report here.  

Dorchester Legion Open Friday Morning, Dec. 23: The Legion Bar and Grill will be open tomorrow (Dec. 23) from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. for coffee and donuts. Be safe if you venture out in the sub-zero temperature. But if you're going out anyway, you may as well come over and enjoy the warmth, TV, and good company.

Crete to Get Pump and Pantry Travel Center: Approximately three decades after Crete lost its Highway 33 truck stop on the west edge of the city, a new one will soon appear. Pump and Pantry will build a new travel center near the intersection of Highways 103 and 33. Construction will begin this spring. (We still think Dorchester would be a great spot for a long-haulers' stop since our community is nestled between Highways 33 and 6.)

Longtime County Treasurer Lila Witt Passes: Lila Witt, who served as Saline County treasurer for two decades and worked in the treasurer's office for nearly four decades, passed away Dec. 12. Her obituary is available here.

Looking Back: The Oil Wells Of Dorchester

Can you imagine oil prospectors drilling in Saline County?

It has happened before.

As petroleum power became a reality early last century, there was active exploration for oil in the Dorchester area. 

Pictured at the right is an oil well drilled just outside Dorchester in August of 1925. The well proved unsuccessful and was discontinued in 1927. But the search for an oil field continued for several years, including a 3,500-foot prospect well on the William Mumma farm in 1933.

You may be asking: Nebraska an oil state? According to the Nebraska State Historical Society, the first publicized report of oil in Nebraska was an 1883 newspaper account of a "vein of petroleum" discovered in Richardson County. Over the next 57 years, the search for oil consumed thousands of dollars, and hundreds of wells were drilled throughout Nebraska. Traces of oil were reported at various locations across the state, but Nebraska did not have a producing well until 1940.

In 1940, the Pawnee Royalty Company reported that one of their wells began producing and averaged 169 barrels daily for the first 60 days. The well easily qualified for a $15,000 bonus offered by the Nebraska Legislature for the first oil well in the state to produce at least 50 barrels daily for 60 consecutive days. Interestingly, the well was located about five miles east of the "vein of petroleum" reported in 1883.

Nebraska's crude oil production peaked in 1963. So it's clear that with high oil prices, our state offers oil resources if the Biden administration stays out of producers' way. 

 

Here are the Nebraska counties where most production occurs today. Nebraska's oil production is now largely centered in the southwestern panhandle, although a sustained resurgence in oil prices would certainly rekindle interest in continuing oil production in other areas of the state, if it exists.

We are interested in what our readers know regarding Nebraska's oil production history and capacity.

Drought Continues; Now Covers Nearly All Nebraska

Nearly all of Nebraska is currently experiencing some form of drought. This includes Saline County, which has just been moved to the moderate drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Keep in mind this is occurring at what is traditionally a wet season for the Cornhusker State. Earlier this week, it was reported that Nebraska's topsoil moisture is rated at 72% short-to-very short and subsoil moisture is 79% short-to-very short.

Meanwhile, a report from the University of Nebraska shows groundwater levels continue to decline in parts of the state following several years of on-going drought. 

Due to increased irrigation use and lack of rainfall, the Nebraska Statewide Groundwater-Level Report -- which looks at nearly 5,000 irrigation wells -- show 61% of the state's wells showed declines with an average statewide drop of 0.52 feet in 2024.

Fortunately, it appears moisture is on the way. This Sunday -- Easter Sunday -- our weather models show a 95% chance of rain. The Times combines several different forecast platforms on behalf of our readers. Sunday will see increasing winds with periods of rain and a thunderstorm; chilly; storms could bring damaging winds, large hail, and even a tornado.

Next Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will also bring reasonable chances for rain.

Our models show multiple chances for rain the first week of May, as well. Beyond that, the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts a generally warm and wet spring for Nebraska. May is forecast to have above-normal temperatures and rainfall across the southern half of Nebraska.

Report: Nitrates Causing Problems for Nebraska's Drinking Water

 

 

Some 40% of private wells in Nebraska -- tested over the past two years -- contained nitrate that exceeded 3 parts per million, which medical experts consider safe for children. That's according to a new state report. 

About 15% of those private wells exceeded the federal drinking water standard.

Nebraska Public Media reports nitrate levels are also rising in roughly a third of the 444 public water systems analyzed, according to the study, which was ordered by the Legislature at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen. 

Nitrates in water are linked to a variety of diseases, pregnancy complications, birth defects and various cancers. 

According to Nebraska Public Media, nitrate in Nebraska largely stems from agricultural practices. 

"It forms when soil bacteria break down nitrogen, often from commercial fertilizers and animal waste. When fertilizer is sprayed on cornfields and not used up by the crop, the excess nitrate can leach into the soil and eventually the water supply, especially when applied excessively. The over-application of manure on fields can do the same."

Nebraska has the highest pediatric cancer rate west of Pennsylvania.

If you have a private domestic well on your farm or acreage, and want to test your well for nitrate and/or bacteria, request a kit from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services’ Public Health Environmental Lab. Nitrate sample kits cost $16, and coliform bacteria sample kits cost up to $17.

Lisec, Zahourek, Duchek, Wells, Baehrens Honored For Artwork

Dorchester student Cole Lisec has been recognized for his art talent.

The Times has learned that a water droplet painting that Cole created last year when he was in the 8th grade has been selected by NebraskaLand Magazine as part of the Nebraska Statehood display. 

Cole's artwork is in very select company.  In total, there were only 12 student artworks from across the state selected for this honor.  

We are told that Cole's parents accompanied him to the capital last month for an awards presentation.  

Meanwhile, DPS junior high student Lena Zahourek's and elementary school student Jayana Duchek's state fair artwork was included in a photo presentation that won first place in the category of "Seasons in Nebraska."

In other art news, DPS students Lydia Wells (12th grade) and Baylor Behrens (3rd grade) currently have artwork on display for Youth Art Month at the State Capitol. They have been invited to a reception at the capitol this Saturday.  

The Times has been informed that March is "Celebrate the Arts Month in our schools.  The artwork of DPS students may be viewed online at Artsonia.com (search for Dorchester Elementary).  To see DPS artwork in person, check out the school hallways for current art projects, as elementary students are getting to create their clay projects this week.

Beaver Crossing Residents Billed For Nine Months Of Water Use -- At Once

We recall a few years ago when Dorchester residents started receiving water bills.  

There were a lot of complaints -- because for years, Dorchester water was free.  But most residents realized that to pay for new wells, a new water tower and other new infrastructure, someone has to pay for it.

Now count your blessings that Dorchester has been managed well.

We have learned from a story in the Friend Sentinel that Beaver Crossing residents weren’t receiving water bills for more than a year, and now the village is back billing residents for nine months of water use.  It appears a mistake was made following the town's tornado that hit in the spring of 2014.

Imagine getting a bill for nine months of water use at once!

Beaver Crossing charges a flat rate of $50/month for water and sewer fees, according to the story.

The newspaper notes that Beaver Crossing is currently running at a $72,000 deficit, including the cost of $26,000 for a sewer re-lining project.

See the story here.

'Reminds Me Of Those Dust-Bowl Days'

It's not your imagination. Nebraska is in a severe drought and it's only April. 

In fact, much of Nebraska is drier in April 2026 than during any other April in our recorded history.

Over half of the state, 56%, is now experiencing extreme drought, according to the newest measurements, according to Nebraska Public Media.

One area old-timer, who just turned 96, told us: "This reminds me of those Dust-Bowl days."

NPM reports that the National Weather Service confirmed in early March that Nebraska recorded its third-warmest winter since the Dust Bowl years in the 1930s. 

But when looking at both temperature and moisture, the 2025-26 winter is worse than the "Dirty Thirties."

And even the Dust Bowl days didn't feature the level of destruction seen this year from prairie fires that have burned around 1 million acres in western and central Nebraska. This has destroyed pastureland needed to feed cattle this summer and uprooted entire cattle operations in the midst of a beef supply shortage.

The Times talked to three Dorchester-area farmers, all three of who said the drought is among their biggest concerns.

These producers also said that businesses serving agriculture -- those that traditionally benefit from farmer dollars, including lenders and cooperatives -- must share in the pain as drought and depressed crop prices continue to impact the sector.

"It can't be status quo," one of the producers said.

Area producers are going to have to alter some of their practices, another farmer told us. He said some producers were running pivot irrigation as early as April 20 or before, and that such practices would lead to "crackdowns" and "water restrictions" by the state or local NRD. (Note: NRDs in recent years have restricted the drilling of new irrigation wells.)

The only good news is the weather models used by the Times shows between a 50% and 88% chance of rain Saturday, April 25, and 80% to 96% on Sunday. Even Monday brings a 25% to 50% chance of precipitation, while Tuesday offers up to a 60% chance.

DHS Set To Graduate 17 This Saturday, 3:30 P.M.

On May 14, Dorchester High School will hold graduation ceremonies for 17 Longhorn seniors.

This Saturday's graduation ceremonies begin at 3:30 p.m. at the DHS gym.

Here are the members of DHS' Class of 2016 and their post-graduation plans:

• Avery Ann Behrens: Northwest Missouri State University; Animal Science.
• Isabell Blechner: Return to Germany to finish her formal education.
• Anthony Taylor Bonilla:  SCC.
• Clarissa Rose Kasl Bors: Doane University; Exercise Science.
• Audra Rae Bulin: Bryan College of Health Sciences; Nursing.
• Anthony Abel Calderon Cardona: Concordia University.
• Marcelina Diaz: Joseph's College of Beauty and CCC; Mortuary Science.
• Georg Jartveit: Return to Norway to finish formal education.
• Jessica Lynne Kalkwarf: SCC; Business.
• Jordan Christine Keller: SCC; Business Administration.
• Brittany Clair Knorr: SCC; Early Childhood Education.
• Marivelle Lorena Magana: Peru State College; English.
• Christopher Dean Nelson: Doane College; Exercise Science.
• Mario Augustine Perez: SCC; Fashion Merchandising.
• Bryce Alan Rockenbach: SCC; Auto Body and Collision Repair.
• Thomas Frank Vavra: Enter the workforce.
• Lydia Kay Wells: SCC; Early Childhood Education.

Our heartiest of congratulations to these fine Longhorns in the Class of 2016!

NEWS ROUNDUP: DHS Shines At CRC Track And Field Meet

It's time to get caught up with the latest news from Dorchester and the surrounding area.  Here's what's trending:

DHS Shines At CRC: At this week's Crossroads Conference track and field competition, the Dorchester girls finished fourth out of the 13 teams competing.  Leading the way were Maru Ruiz who took second place in the 100 meters with a time of 13:20; Lydia Wells who took second in the discus with a throw of 98-2; Bailey Velder who won the shot put with a toss of 38-3 1/2, followed by third-place finisher Avery Behrens who had a toss of 35-0; and Jacee Weber who won the long jump with a finish of 16-4, and won the triple jump with a mark of 36-7 3/4.  Impressive performance ladies. Now if you can just convince more DHS boys to go out for more sports.

Legion Club To Open On Sundays?: At this point it is still hearsay, but the Times has received word from a reliable source that the Dorchester American Legion, along with the Sons of the American Legion, is looking at opening the Legion club on Sundays to serve beverages and food since City Slickers is closed that day of the week.  According to the reports we've received, there have been discussions of the idea at recent Legion board meetings and there appears to be support among the members since opening the Legion club on Sundays wouldn't hurt City Slickers financially.

Crime Stoppers Signs Go Up:  The Saline County C/URB Coalition unveiled new county Crime Stoppers signs at their regular meeting in April.  You may have seen the new sign on the Dorchester population sign on Highway 33.  These signs are part of the group’s latest project to raise awareness of safety and the prevention of underage risky behaviors.  Crime Stoppers county number is 1-800-345-3361. The signs were delivered to the Nebraska Department of Roads shop in Dorchester for placement.  If community members wish to become involved with this group, or simply wish to be added to the “C/URB” mailing list, please contact the coalition through its chairperson, Tim McDermott, Saline County Commissioner, District 4, at 402-821-3581, or via email, nebraskatim@gmail.com.

DHS Girls Advance To Subdistrict Finals

The Lady Longhorns' basketball team cruised to an easy victory in their first game of the subdistricts Tuesday night, taking their first step towards a state tourney appearance.

By a score of 69-43, DHS whipped the Meridian Mustangs at the D1-2 subdistrict tourney at Fillmore Central. The Lady 'Horns now advance to the subdistrict finals set for 7 p.m. tomorrow in Geneva.

From the early moments of the game, DHS (18-3) left little doubt which team would control the contest. Meridian, which had easily handled McCool Junction the previous evening, could not contain the Orange and Black Attack of the DHS offense.

DHS held an 18-11 lead after one period and a 38-22 lead at halftime. Charity Springer led all scorers with 24. Other DHS scorers were: Lawver 15, Pracheil 11, Havlat 7, Boller 6, Spanyers 4, Wells 2.

A contender in this week's Lincoln Journal Star Class D1 rankings, the DHS girls are carrying a win streak of seven games.

DHS Announces Impressive List Of Boosters

The Dorchester High School Athletic Department has announced the names of this year's DHS Booster Club members. An impressive list of area residents, businesses, alumni and other DHS supporters comprise the Dorchester Booster Club's ranks. The 2008-09 Booster members are:

* Randy & Kelly Brummett

* Brian & Colleen Schwisow

* Joyce Karl

* Wayne & Cindy Havlat

* Matt & Donna Hansen

* Brad & Donna Havlat

* Roger & Lisa Wells

* Ron & Joyce Kahle

* Dave & Donna Parks

* Carol Schnell

* Rich & Deanna Sand

* John & Rochelle Bruha

* Dennis & Lori Pracheil

* Scott & Nancy Pohl

* Jennifer Feeken

* George & Jen Kasl

* Dale & Deanna Bird

* Russ & Tish Hewitt

* Matt & Donetta Hoffman

* Ron & Michelle Barak

* Eric Plonkey & Corby Aaberg

* Shaun & Annette Walton

* Toni Ladley

* Joel & Amy Weber

* Allen & Kellie Moyer

* Marvin Kohout

* Deb Spanyers

* Scott & Lori Vyhnalek

* Todd & Donna Jensen

* Terri Carroll

* David & Darlene Rasplicka

* Leornard & Jan Stehlik

* Dale Kasl

* Ron Velder

* Jerome Schnell

* Matt Carroll

* Aaron & Missy Stutzman

* Galen & Maurine Johnson

* Kevin & Carol Olson

* Loren & Judy Vyhnalek

* Jack & Dorothy Beekley

* Eric Stehlik

* Don & Louis Williams

* Michael & Lynn Feeken

* Bill Moser

* Larry Kaspar

* Earl & Karen Parks

* Peg Bergmeyer

* James and Daniel Sehnert

* Mr. & Mrs. Alden Johnson

* Doug & Kelly Feeken

* Tina Axline

* Jack & Ann Bruha

* Dorchester Times Staff

* Terry Gautreaux

* Bob & Judy Weber

* Rosie & Shelley Bruha

* Lowell Kotas

* Lori & Marc Cerny

* Wal-Mart

* Farmland Foods

* Farmers Cooperative

* Crete Area Medical Center

* Pepsi Cola

* Ben's Iron Salvage

* Dr. Kubicek/Friend Denatal Clinic

* Pinnacle Bank

* Bors' Tree Transplanting

* Dorchester Grocery

* Weber Feed Yard

The DHS Booster Club is comprised of Dorchester supporters of all DHS sports teams, raising money for much-needed supplies, equipment, uniforms, and/or capital items beyond what the school budget can provide. Through such financial support, the Booster Club enriches DHS' extra curricular activities for both students and community members.

It's not too late to become a DHS Booster. Your contribution of $10, $25, $50 or whatever you can afford will remind all Dorchester youth that self-motivation, the desire to excel, good health habits, and interscholastic competition are critical to the overall educational experience. Moreover, a DHS student will never forget the level of support shown by fellow community members during his/her school days.

If you would like to become a DHS booster, send you contribution of $10 or more to:

DHS Booster Club
506 W 9th St., Box 7
Dorchester, NE 68343

Next Week's Election Will Narrow School Board Race

Next Tuesday, May 13, is Nebraska's primary election day, and much is at stake for Dorchester School Board applicants.

There are seven candidates, including two incumbents, vying for three open school board seats. Current board member Lori Pracheil is not seeking another term.

The following individuals will appear on next week's ballot for Dorchester Board of Education:

• Bill Boller (Incumbent)
• Kelli Burkey
• Mikki Hoffman
• Jeff Jacobson
• Ron Kahle (Incumbent)
• Lisa Wells
• Lindsey Zoubek

The primary election will narrow the field of school board candidates to six, meaning one less applicant will appear on the general election ballot on Nov. 4. (The publishing of this information is neither an endorsement of current officials, nor of any challenger.)

In the race for Village board, five individuals are running for the two open seats. However, no action on that contest will take place until the November's general election. The five village board candidates are:

• Todd Jensen
• Jeff Jacobson
• Brandon Koll
• Dean Pracheil (Incumbent)
• Lyle Weber

DHS Boys Win 87-22; Lady 'Horns Nearly Fall

One game was a rout; the other was nearly an upset in Class D1.

The DHS boys basketball team on Friday night had no problem handling a young, shorthanded Rising City team. The Longhorns (8-2) simply overpowered the Terriers in an 87-22 victory at DHS. Dorchester led 47-6 at the half, ensuring plenty of quality minutes for every substitute player. Dorchester scorers were: Zoubek 23, Bruha 20, Walton 10, Lee 7, Palky 7, Kotas 7, Kalkwarf 4, Morris 6, Kliment 3.

On a side note, the Lincoln Journal Star this week gave "extra credit" recognition to DHS' big man Alex Walton for his 54 blocked shots in eight games (6.75 per game). Walton added to those totals Friday night.

Before the game, the DHS boys had slipped to No. 17 in the Nebraska School Activities Association point standings for Class D1. Friday's win will likely not move the Longhorns too far in the standings, considering Rising City's 0-9 record.

Class D1's No. 3 Lady Longhorns, on the other hand, had to work for their victory against a 1-8 Rising City squad, squeaking by with a 54-52 victory. DHS was hesitant throughout much of the game and led by only one point at both halftime and the start of the final period.

Rising City was powered primarily by one player, Kovar, who accounted for 33 Terrier points. Still, DHS held off the feisty Terriers to garner their ninth victory of the season. Dorchester scorers were: Wells 10, Boller 4, Havlat 8, Pracheil 11, Springer 7, Lawver 14.

Before the game, the Lady Longhorns had advanced to No. 3 in the NSAA point standings, trailing only Deshler and top-seeded Bancroft-Rosalie.

(CORRECTION: Thanks to numerous readers who corrected this post. Only the Lady Longhors will travel to Giltner Tuesday, Jan. 20 to battle the No. 10 Hornets (8-2), who walloped High Plains by 29 points Friday night. Both DHS teams will travel to McCool Junction on Friday, Jan. 23, where the boys will take on the No. 8 Mustangs (8-2). The Lady Mustangs are 4-7 on the year.)

Dorchester Residents Face Election Day Choices

Election Day is less than 48 hours away. As we reported last month, residents of Dorchester and the surrounding area face some tough choices Tuesday, including deciding who will represent them on the village and school boards.

A near record voter turnout is predicted this year, thanks largely to the hotly contested presidential race. Here in Dorchester, however, local races dominate much of the current political talk.

For those who cannot get enough of local politics, the Times is running two separate online polls in the left column of our Web site. The online polls will end at 5 p.m. on Election Day.

In the comments section of this story, we want to hear which candidates you are supporting and why. (Please, no negative campaigning. Tell us why we should be voting for someone -- not why we should be opposing others And keep it civil.)

Once again, here is a recap of the school board and village board races.

RACE FOR DORCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION

Three seats are open on the Dorchester Board of Education. The primary election last spring eliminated one school board candidate, while allowing three others to emerge as popular choices among the voters.
The results of the May vote were as follows:

• Kahle (incumbent) -- 170 votes;
• Zoubek -- 131 votes;
• Boller (incumbent) -- 120 votes;
• Wells -- 92 votes;
• Burkey -- 79 votes;
• Jacobson -- 66 votes; and
• Hoffman -- 32 votes.

All the school board candidates listed above, except Mikki Hoffman, will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. The top three vote recipients will go on to serve four-year terms.

When asked last spring which single issue was most important when voting for school board members, a Times' poll found that nearly half (48 percent) of respondents said student performance. Other key issues cited by readers were teacher/staff evaluation (16 percent); cooperation with the village government (15 percent); and new spending (14 percent).

RACE FOR DORCHESTER VILLAGE BOARD

In the race for Dorchester Village Board, six are running for two open seats. The condition of Dorchester's streets seems to be the issue atop the minds of most voters. A June poll conducted by the Times showed that 62 percent of readers said town streets should get immediate attention by the village board. Other top concerns were unkempt yards/homes (12 percent) and the water/sewer system (11 percent).

The six village board candidates appearing on the Nov. 4 ballot are:

• Jeff Jacobson;
• Todd Jensen;
• Brandon Koll;
• Dean Pracheil (incumbent);
• Alan Slepicka (incumbent); and
• Lyle Weber.

At Least Three Challengers File For School Board

Monday, March 3 marks the deadline for challengers who want to run for the Dorchester School Board. (Residents seeking a seat on the Village Board still have until July 15 to file their paperwork.)

Three school board seats are up for grabs this year. And with at least five candidates to choose from, there will be a contest at the ballot box.

According to the Saline County Clerk/Election Commissioner's office, several area residents have filed as challengers for the District 44 School Board.

Incumbents board members Ron Kahle and Bill Boller have both filed for re-election, according to the Saline County Clerk's office. Incumbent Lori Pracheil has not filed and will not seek re-election since the filing deadline was Feb. 15 for incumbents.

A spokesperson for the county clerk's office told the Times that the following challengers had also filed as of 4:30 p.m. on February 28:

• Kelli Burkey
• Lisa Wells
• Mikki Hoffman

Others wishing to run for the school board have until 5 p.m. Monday to file their paperwork with the Saline County Clerk in Wilber.

A Vital Renovation: The Well At The Old Thompson Mansion In Dorchester

The Dorchester Times hereby declares the renovation at 1002 Lincoln Ave. the village's most important renovation of the early 21st century.

Not only did this impressive restoration a few years ago save of one of Dorchester's most historic homes -- the former estate of Dorchester pioneer W.J. Thompson -- it also brought a new business to town.

The 3,000 sq. ft. home, built in 1901, sits on the corner of 10th and Lincoln Avenue and is an intriguing piece of our past as the site of Dorchester's famous Elmwood Pony Farm.

Now the mansion is known as The Well, which will soon complete its third year in business.  Co-owner Julie Holly says the businesses name is short for "wellness" -- and because her husband Joe drills water wells. 

Holly's goal for the area community is wellness -- wellness through massage, eating healthy and exercise.  Over the past three years, the Well has been visited by many in our county.  In fact, this unique business draws people from all over southeast Nebraska.

The Well's customers know that it is there for those who are serious about living a healthier lifestyle.  The Well offers alternative and holistic health, including massages, aromatherapy health, essential oils, soaps and lotions, crafts -- even yoga class.  It also offers healthy snack items, fresh herbs grown at the Holly farm and herb plants started in the Holly green house. 

"One day we  hope to have a bed and breakfast in the upper portion of the house," Holly said a couple years ago, noting that the renovation is ongoing so visitors are able to experience the house as it changes.  

Back in 2014, Holly was quoted as saying, "Joe and I are trying to bring the house back to its early 1900's roots. ... Our hope is to share this house with the community. People are welcome to stop by whenever they see we are there. I post a sign at the door during massages so my clients are not disturbed."

At last check, Julie was in the process of getting the house on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Hours of operation are currently 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tues.-Thurs.; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays; and by appointment.  The hours are subject to change.  Click here for The Well's website.

The Well's phone number is 402-418-1838 or e-mail her at thewell2@hotmail.com.

The Well has a Facebook page, too, where specials are posted.  

FLASHBACK: 12 Years Ago, DHS Students Earned $$$ By Picking Up Corn

A dozen years ago, when corn prices were a bit higher than today, the Times reported on Dorchester High School students who took to the local fields to pick up downed ears of corn. 

Their work paid off, as you'll read in this post from Dec. 10, 2007:

-------------------

We at the Times continue to be impressed by the generosity of those in the Dorchester area community. Last month, Tony and Judy Schweitzer allowed Dorchester High School students to pick up corn that had been toppled by wind and adverse weather. DHS alumni and parents Donna Parks and John Bruha initiated the project as a way to earn money for the DHS juniors and senior classes.

On Nov. 3, the group gathered corn for more than four hours. When all was said and picked, three grain wagons had been filled by the nine seniors and seven juniors who participated.

Following the Nov. 3 corn picking event, DHS senior Andrea Hansen convinced her father, Matt, to donate downed corn in a field west of town. So the group put their corn picking skills to work again on Nov. 9, filling two trailors that day -- and yet one more on the Nov. 10.

Parents and other supporters that helped the juniors and seniors in the effort include: John and Rochelle Bruha, Donna Parks, Judy Bors (along with Clarrisa Bors), Brenda Inderlied, Marvin Kasl, Lisa Wells, Janet Alphabeck, Pam and Larry Burrows. Brad Kasl provided use of his combine so the group could husk the corn.

Nearly $550 was raised by the corn pickers. The profits will be split by the junior and senior classes, based on the number of class members who participated. Photos are courtesy of Donna Parks.

SPORTS ROUND-UP: DHS Wresters Take Top Spot Again

• Wrestlers Win Another Invite: The DHS wrestling team took top honors again Thursday night, this time at the Turkey Creek Invitational in Friend. Dorchester's grapplers combined for a team score of 169, easily running away with the gold. Second-place Friend managed to score 110, followed by Hastings St. Cecilia with 95, Freeman 92, Meridian 74, McCool Junction 34, Bruning-Davenport 0. Taking first in their respective weight class were DHS' Jeremy Inderlied at 119 lbs., Adam Kahle at 145 lbs., Josh Inderlied at 152 lbs., and Russel Barak at 189 lbs. Thursday's invitational concluded DHS' regular season action.
  

• Lady 'Horns Roll Up Two More Wins: Dorchester's Lady Longhorns basketball team, now 14-3 on the year, breezed past Nebraska Lutheran Thursday evening at home, 50-12. Leading the way for DHS in scoring was Wendy Boller with 17. Other DHS scorers included: Pracheil 9, Springer 6, A. Havlet 5, Lawver 4, M. Havlet 4, Behrens 3, Carroll 2. On Tuesday night, the Lady 'Horns had no problem handling Shickley, outscoring SHS 50-30. Scoring for DHS in the victory over Shickley were: Boller 14, Lawver 9, Springer 7, A. Havlat 5, M. Havlat 5, Wells 2, Carroll 2, Pracheil 2. The girls will battle Clay Center tonight in a home contest.
  

• Boys Snag Ninth Win: The boys basketball team got their revenge Tuesday night by beating Shickley, 57-43. Shickley was responsible for knocking DHS out of the CRC Tourney earlier than expected last week with a one-point upset. In Tuesday's game, DHS scored 21 in the final period to ensure a solid victory, which was produced by the following scorers: Bruha 19, Walton 12, Kotas 8, Zoubek 8, Morris 8, Palky 2. The boys (9-4 on the season) will take on Clay Center tonight at home.

Contested Local Races Await Voters On Nov. 4

Election Day is less than 30 days away. Residents of Dorchester and its school district face some tough choices on Nov. 4, including deciding who will represent them on the village and school boards.

According to Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale, registered voters can vote early at county election offices or by mail. Also, people should update their voter registration if they have moved. The last day to register in-person at county offices is Oct. 24. Registered voters can make requests until 4 p.m. Oct. 29 for early-voting ballots to be mailed. For more information on registration and early voting, contact the Secretary of State's office at (402) 471-2555 or your local county election office.

Here in Dorchester, local races are dominating much of the current political talk -- primarily the races for school board and village board.

THE RACE FOR SCHOOL BOARD

Three seats are open on the Dorchester Board of Education. The primary election last spring eliminated one school board candidate, while allowing three others to emerge as popular choices among the voters.

The results of the May vote were as follows:

• Kahle (incumbent) -- 170 votes;
• Zoubek -- 131 votes;
• Boller (incumbent) -- 120 votes;
• Wells -- 92 votes;
• Burkey -- 79 votes;
• Jacobson -- 66 votes; and
• Hoffman -- 32 votes.

All the school board candidates listed above, except Mikki Hoffman, will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. The top three vote recipients will go on to serve four-year terms.

When asked last spring which single issue was most important when voting for school board members, a Times' poll found that nearly half (48 percent) of respondents said student performance. Other key issues cited by readers were teacher/staff evaluation (16 percent); cooperation with the village government (15 percent); and new spending (14 percent).

THE RACE FOR VILLAGE BOARD

Another key local contest is the race for Dorchester Village Board, in which five residents are running for two open seats.

The condition of Dorchester's streets seems to be the issue atop the minds of most voters. A June poll conducted by the Times showed that 62 percent of readers said town streets should get immediate attention by the village board. Other top concerns were unkempt yards/homes (12 percent) and the water/sewer system (11 percent).

Unlike the school board candidates, village board candidates did not appear on the primary election ballot. The five village board candidates appearing on the Nov. 4 ballot are:

• Todd Jensen;
• Jeff Jacobson;
• Brandon Koll;
• Dean Pracheil (incumbent); and
• Lyle Weber.
  

WHAT'S ON YOUR MIND?

Which candidates will get your vote and why? What issues will drive your voting decisions? And how can candidates win your vote in the weeks and days leading up to the election.

We look forward to your comments.