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  • Cancer survivors enjoy free spa day at WNCC

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 22, 2015

    The cosmetology department at Western Nebraska Community College's Sidney campus was plastered with pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month as well as their annual free spa day to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors as well as those still fighting the disease. The cosmetology students in the program provided pedicures, manicures, facials and scalp treatments to pamper their special guests. Some of those attending had never experienced the services offered at the event. Bev...

  • Annual Hay Day Festival on tap for this weekend

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 21, 2015

    The 12th annual Hay Day Festival will be a free night of fall fun at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. The festival will be held on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. It started 13 years ago when a day-care provider in Sidney hosted the event at the Shelter House in Legion Park. However, the event turned out to be more chaotic than planned. According to Cool Kids program director Coleen Landon, the next year Cool Kids was invited to sponsor the event and the Hay Day Festival was born. As the festival...

  • Meals on Wheels looking for volunteers

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 20, 2015

    The Meals on Wheels program in Sidney helps feed between 40 and 50 locals each day. The volunteers for the program not only deliver healthy meals, but make sure that the person they're delivering to has a home that's in a safe condition. The carriers are trained to deliver and report any issues that they see to let family members or officials if the person they're delivering to is sick or hurt. According to Kim Langley, the head coordinator for Sidney's Meals on Wheels program, there are 34...

  • Free Hugs

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 20, 2015

    Sidney High School students in Brett Avila's psychology class performed a social experiment outside of Safeway on Tuesday afternoon. The students held "free hug" signs to see who would participate and apply what they have been learning in class. From the parking lot, the class monitored the gender as well as the age of those who were accepting and refusing the "free hug" offer....

  • Physical Therapy Today: October is National Physical Therapy Month

    Courtney Fletcher, Licensed Physical Therapist|Oct 20, 2015

    Starting healthy habits early can help stave off many age-related health conditions. In addition to 9 things physical therapist want you to know about healthy aging, here are some decade-based tips from physical therapists: 2 Tips for 20s: 1. Be active 30 minutes per day to make it a habit for life. Regular exercise in the present is a great way to keep serious health issues such as heart disease and diabetes out of your future. 2. Did you realize bones begin losing density in your mid-20s? Then put down your smartphone and get up and move!...

  • Cancer survivors, patients invited to enjoy spa day at WNCC

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 19, 2015

    October is a time to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and celebrate the lives of those who have overcome the disease or are still battling it. Alice Macht, a cosmetology professor at Western Nebraska Community College's Sidney campus, found a way to give back to the community by hosting a free spa day for cancer survivors, as well as those still going through treatment. The cosmetology program at WNCC in Sidney will be hosting its second annual cancer survivor spa day. Macht started the...

  • Multi-instrumentalist Todd Green to perform in Sidney

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 15, 2015

    One-man-band Todd Green will transform the Sidney High School Auditorium into a tour of several different countries and their diverse styles of music. Green will perform original music on more than 30 acoustic string, flute and percussion instruments from all over the world, inspired by many different cultures in the Middle East, Central Asia, the Far East and South America. He will also be using a custom built electronic system that allows him to layer instruments as he performs. The concert...

  • Kid's Fitness & Nutrition Day

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 15, 2015

    Third graders from across the Nebraska Panhandle had the chance to learn about health and wellness at the annual Nebraska Kids Fitness and Nutrition Day that was held at the Cheyenne County Community Center on Thursday. Physical activities included stretch bands, Tae Kwon Do, boot camp, tumbling, Zumba, an obstacle course and yoga. Nutrition stations were also set up to teach students about hand washing and healthy snacks....

  • 'Activate Sidney'

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 14, 2015

    Several locals met at WNCC in Sidney on Wednesday morning for the "Activate Sidney" meeting. A panel lead by Tom Von Seggern, Daniel Benett, Jessica Davies and Brian Coyle kicked off the community-wide meeting. The main purpose of the meeting was to build a common understanding that embraces opportunities and overcome obstacles for Sidney to increase being active and overall health....

  • Cool Kids Club celebrates 'Lights on Afterschool' event

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 13, 2015

    Sidney's Cool Kids Club/No Limits celebrated its 14th annual "Lights on Afterschool" event at North Elementary on Monday evening. Lights on Afterschool is a nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs. The event was organized by the Afterschool Alliance in October 2000, to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things. Sidney's Cool Kids Club originated in October 2001 after school administrators from Sidney and...

  • Twin City Development hosts local job fair

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 13, 2015

    Twin Cities Development in Scottsbluff will be hosting a job fair at Western Nebraska Community College’s Sidney campus this Thursday for locals interested in networking with businesses in the Nebraska Panhandle. According to coordinator of special projects for Twin Cities Development, Samantha Rottinghaus, there will be a wide variety of businesses from the Scottsbluff area. “Ashley Furniture, the hospital, Vertex and SWBC will all have a table at the fair,” Rottinghaus said. “There will be a lot of different jobs in customer service, sales a...

  • Local town celebrates 'For Peetz Sake Days'

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 12, 2015

    PEETZ, Colo. – Several locals from Peetz and plenty of visitors turned out Saturday for the annual "For Peetz Sake Days" celebration. With a parade, games, food, crafts, football, volleyball and dances, there was something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. For Peetz Sake Days was also a time to celebrate Peetz High School's Homecoming. Each class was able to decorate a float for the parade as well as come up with games for the community to play before the football game. A dunk tank, mini t...

  • Sidney launches effort to encourage walking, boost overall health

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 12, 2015

    An “Activate Sidney” community-wide meeting will be held at Western Nebraska Community College’s Sidney campus this Wednesday to bring together locals interested in creating a more walkable, bikeable and runnable Sidney. The meeting will be hosted by the Cheyenne County Chamber, Cheyenne County Community Center, the City of Sidney, Panhandle Area Development District, Sidney Regional Medical Center and WNCC. According to the Panhandle Health District, Sidney is part of a select group of cities across Nebraska that will gather input from resid...

  • Pre-K students tour fire department

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 9, 2015

    As part of Fire Prevention Week, the pre-kindergarteners at the Learning Korner Preschool took a field trip to visit the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department on Thursday afternoon. "It's really just a reminder for parents and families to check their fire alarms and change the batteries," said pre-school teacher Cassie Challburg. "We wanted to bring the pre-kindergarteners just because they never get to see this kind of stuff and be up close to all of the trucks." Volunteer firefighter David Sanders...

  • Applebee's is coming to Sidney

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 8, 2015

    Area residents looking for a new place to dine will have another option in the coming months when an Applebee's will open for business. The future location for the new business is located on Cabela Drive across from Buffalo Point Steakhouse & Grill and adjacent to Hampton Inn. According to Brad Rowan, Sidney's chief building official and zoning administrator, framing of the restaurant will begin next week. The 6,025-square-foot building will have the typical Applebee's layout, but will also...

  • 'For Peetz Sake Days' ready to get underway

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 6, 2015

    The town of Peetz, Colo., will be celebrating the community's annual For Peetz Sake Days this weekend in conjunction with the high school's homecoming. A pep rally, food, games and a parade are on tap for the event. Serving as the 2015 Parade Marshals are August and Marlene Buss. The couple has lived in the Peetz area for most of their of lives. August was born on the family farm at Peetz and graduated from Peetz High. Marlene was born on her family farm two miles south of August, but moved to T...

  • Annual Oktoberfest event celebrated without a hitch

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 5, 2015

    Sidney's 41st annual Oktoberfest celebration attracted locals and out-of-towners for hometown fun this past weekend. With a parade, entertainment, food and brew, a car show, crafts, horseshoes, a farmers market and wiener dog races, there was something for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Hundreds of people attended each event despite the cold and rainy weather. According to Judy Harris, president of the Oktoberfest board and entertainment chair, this year's event was a success. "It was a little...

  • Man, 18, arrested in break-in at local day care

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 5, 2015

    The Sidney Police Department arrested a burglary suspect on Friday, just hours after a break-in at the Kid's Korner Childcare & Learning Korner Preschool located in the Cheyenne County Community Center in Sidney. The day care staff contacted police early Friday morning after noticing the vandalism when they arrived for work. According to Sidney Police Officer Jennifer Woodis in a court affidavit, upon arriving at the community center, she noticed a large spider-web crack to the glass on the...

  • Man nabbed in day care break-in

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 2, 2015

    The Kid’s Korner Childcare & Learning Korner Preschool located in the Cheyenne County Community Center in Sidney was broken into around 2 a.m. Friday. When the staff for work at the day care Friday morning, the called Sidney Police to report the business had been broken into and vandalized . Police estimate damages at several hundred dollars. Police were able to review surveillance footage and recognized the subject. According to acting Sidney Police chief Joe Aikens, the 18-year-old suspect is in custody and the case has been referred to t...

  • A visit from Buck Wilder

    Courtney Fletcher|Oct 1, 2015

    The Sidney Public Library hosted Michigan author Tim Smith, also known as Buck Wilder. Smith spoke to young children about his books to inspire them to read, use their imaginations and to believe in themselves. He also discussed his love for the outdoors and how that reflects in his "Buck Wilder" series. The library received aid from the Western Library System and a Nebraska Library Commission Youth Grant for Excellence to help bring Smith to Sidney....

  • Lodgepole clerk Sherman named Western Nebraska Clerk of the Year

    Courtney Fletcher|Sep 30, 2015

    LODGEPOLE – Tammy Sherman, Lodegpole's village clerk, has been named Western Nebraska Clerk of the Year by the Western Nebraska Rural Development staff and United States Department of Agriculture. The USDA Rural Development State Director Maxine Moul surprised Sherman for her excellence in performance with a plaque. According to Natalie Furrow, USDA Rural Development community programs specialist, the award is given to who they believe did an all around great job. "It's completely up to our d...

  • 'MyMeter' coming to Sidney residents

    Courtney Fletcher|Sep 29, 2015

    In the coming months, Sidney residents will be able to monitor and manage their consumption of household energy through a program called "MyMeter." According to Mike Palmer, the City of Sidney's electric superintendent, customers will be able to use MyMeter to see exactly what their energy use is. By accessing the MyMeter website, customers will be able to create their own login once the city has launched the optional program to the community. The program delivers tools for enhanced customer sup...

  • Neal receives statewide 'Believers & Achievers Award'

    Courtney Fletcher|Sep 28, 2015

    Sidney High School senior Megan Neal is a recipient of the 2015-16 Believers & Achievers Award. To qualify, a student must have a grade-point average of at least 3.75, participate in NSAA-sponsored activities and be involved in school and community service. According to the NSAA and U.S. Bank, there were 442 nominees from NSAA member schools, the highest participation in program history. Neal is an active member of the girls' golf team, One Act, Speech, Musical, Sidney Singers, choir, National... Full story

  • Aliens and Strangers Music lands in downtown Sidney

    Courtney Fletcher|Sep 24, 2015

    Local residents can continue their passion for music or pick up an instrument for the first time at the new store located at 932 10th Ave. in downtown Sidney. The old Salvation Army building has been transformed into a music store with guitars, a practice area and a soon-to-come recording studio. Chris and Amy Dyson relocated the music store from Chappell after being there for four years. "We purchased the building in Chappell four years ago, but we outgrew it due to business in about a year and...

  • Garska completes boot camp, receives high honors

    Courtney Fletcher|Sep 23, 2015

    Lance Corporal Travis J. Garska of Sidney graduated from boot camp Sept. 18 at Marine Corps Recruiting Depot in San Diego, winning a prestigious award at the same time. He is a marine from Platoon 3236, Kilo Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion The new marines endured 13 weeks of training that included rifle and swim qualification, close order drill, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program testing and rigorous physical training. The Marine Corps Association and Foundation hands out the "Chesty" Pul...

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