Ten Questions with Ramona Joyce Director of Cheyenne County Visitor's Center

Ramona Joyce has been telling people where to go for nine years. At least that's how long she has served as director of the Cheyenne County Visitor's Center, perched atop the hill across from Cabela's retail store.

Although born in Montana and a longtime resident of the Denver area, Joyce considers Sidney home. She moved to town in 1991, after all, and spent many years with Nienhueser Construction before taking over at the visitors center.

1. What question do you hear most often?

'How do I get to Sterling?'--that would be number one. There is no signage for Sterling. Even people with GPS ask. 'What's there to do?' would be second.

2. So you feel like a traffic cop sometimes?

Yeah. A lot of people ask directions. I even had one lady ask how to get to Best Western. It's right across the street.

3. Why get into the tourism industry?

The main reason is the people that come in here are happy people. They're on vacation. They're having a good time. There are very few grouchy people. You can't say that about most jobs. And I like talking about Sidney--and about other places. People come in and tell me where they've been. It's fun.

4. Where is the furthest place people have come from?

Let's see--China, Germany, Bulgaria, New Zealand, Australia. I don't know which is further. A tour bus of Italians came in the other day. I couldn't speak to them very well, but I did understand 'bon-bon' when they asked about candy. [There is a dish of peppermints on the desk].

5. Do you like to travel?

I do. I like it a lot. I've been to Alaska twice, to England, to Canada, most of Nebraska and most of the U.S. There are still a few places I'd like to see, though.

6. Where?

I want to go to Niagara Falls and the balloon festival in Arizona. San Francisco--I've never been there. And Galveston. That's just a few.

7. Do you have a favorite spot in Nebraska?

I guess I'm partial to Valentine. I love the canoeing and stuff up there.

8. What's the best driving music?

For me, I like oldies--50s, 60s--something I can sing to. But I also listen to public radio.

9. When you drive past a visitors center do you look the other way?

No, I visit a lot of them. I'm interested in what they have to offer, what the building is like. Sometimes when I travel I feel like I'm still working.

10. Are there places in Sidney people should know about?

It would be Memorial Gardens and the Boot Hill Cemetery. Memorial Gardens is a beautiful area and still even some Sidney residents don't know about it. Camp Lookout will be awesome when it's done.