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Articles from the December 20, 2017 edition


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  • Commissioners Approve Pay Raises

    Forrest Hershberger|Dec 20, 2017

    The Cheyenne County Commissioners Monday approved a 3 percent pay increase for elected officials, all except themselves. The decision was made following an executive session of about 20 minutes. The increase is for the 2019-2020 period. In addition to the 3 percent increase, elected officials will receive the same benefits as employees. Commissioner Randal Johnson said the commissioners’ salaries are review every two years. According to a 2014 resolution, the County Clerk, County Treasurer and C...

  • Being Blessed While Spreading Christmas Blessings

    Forrest Hershberger|Dec 20, 2017

    The oven is open, expelling heat and the aroma of a freshly-baked turkey. On the other side of the kitchen, Grandma is busy with the finishing touches on her recipe for strawberry rhubarb pie while UncleTed and Aunt Mary are putting the finishing touches on the relish tray and the gravy respectively. Next door lives a family who isn't having roast beast as written in the Dr. Seuss version. They aren't having Who Pudding and may not even have mashed potatoes and margarine. They are thankful to...

  • Visitors Center Takes On New Role

    Don Ogle|Dec 20, 2017

    Beginning Jan. 1, Sidney will begin to play a role in providing tourism information to travelers with interest in western Nebraska. The Sidney Visitor's Center already plays a large role in promoting Cheyenne County and the area in general, but that role will expand when the Visitor's Center becomes the information and call center for the Western Nebraska Tourism Coalition. The Coalition, made up of tourism professionals from 22 western Nebraska, promotes and provides information on activities...

  • City Holiday Schedule and Services

    Dec 20, 2017

    The City of Sidney will be closed Monday, Dec. 25 and Tuesday, Dec. 26 in observance of Christmas. All City Departments will be closed both days, including the Landfill and the Library. The Dial-a-ride Bus and Stage Line Bus will not be running. The Solid Waste Department will be collecting Monday and Tuesday’s trash on Wednesday. According to Tom Von Seggern, Parks Superintendent, City staff will be accepting Christmas Trees for recycling for two weeks following Christmas. Take undecorated trees to the parking lot of the old pool located at t...

  • King's Daughters Distribute Annual Christmas Boxes

    Forrest Hershberger|Dec 20, 2017

    Christmas cheer is being delivered to area residents in many forms via the local King's Daughter's organization. The cheer comes in the form of a sweet treat, warm gloves or a Christmas meal. "About the first of December, we do 'Treat Sacks,' some remembrance of those who have had a bad year or have lost someone," said Machaela Nelson. Earlier this month, treat bags and cookie trays were delivered to shut- ins, elderly individuals, and those in the community who could use a little cheer....

  • PANHANDLE PERSPECTIVES: New Publication Looks At State's Secondary Aquifers

    Dec 20, 2017

    Nebraska's underlying geological formations store more groundwater than any other state, and in western Nebraska groundwater is used for irrigation, livestock, municipal water systems, rural homes, and other uses. Most groundwater users in western Nebraska can tap into the two largest most extensively used aquifers in Nebraska, known as primary aquifers. These include the High Plains Aquifer (sometimes called the Ogallala Aquifer) and the shallow sand and gravel layers common across the state....

  • Accident Report

    Dec 20, 2017

    A Sidney woman escaped injury when the vehicle she was driving Dec. 15 collided with a deer on Highway 30. Ingrid Einspahr, 49, of Sidney, was driving a 2009 Toyota four-door sedan west on Highway 30 when the car collided with a deer between milemarkers 43 and 44 at about 5:40 p.m. She continued driving to Potter where she contacted law enforcement. There was damage to the front of the car consistent with striking a deer, and deer hide was stuck in the hood....

  • Sidney Wrestlers Win Bridgeport

    Dec 20, 2017

    1 Sidney 247.0 2 Bridgeport 191.0 3 Sterling High School 175.5 4 Ogallala 175.0 5 Burlington 164.0 6 Hemingford 104.0 7 Mitchell 85.0 8 Burns 84.0 9 Cheyenne East 80.0 10 Arcadia-Loup City 66.0 11 Alliance JV 59.5 12 Kimball 34.0 13 Hay Springs 20.0 13 Minatare 20.0 15 Gering 18.0 16 Scottsbluff JV 9.0 17 Sioux County 0.0 106 Champ. Round 1 - Deekun Cerenil (Sidney) over Christian Gonzales (Scottsbluff) (Fall 0:49) Quarterfinals - Deekun Cerenil (Sidney) over Ian Erickson (Alliance) (Fall 5:52)...

  • Lady Warriors Prevail Over Banner County

    Mike Motz|Dec 20, 2017

    DALTON — The Leyton Lady Warriors defeated the Banner County Wildcats 44-39 in a hard-fought conference game Friday night at home. After pulling ahead 22-13 at the half, Leyton survived a comeback by the Wildcats, and put the game with two key possessions with a basket and a foul, and a layup to put the game out of reach. Banner made the game close in the second half with their pressure defense and some timely three-point shots. “We got a little rattled by their pressure late in the gam...

  • Potter-Dix Falls To Caliche

    Mike Motz|Dec 20, 2017

    The Potter-Dix Coyotes stood no chance against a powerhouse Caliche team, falling 66-9 at home during Friday’s non-conference matchup. The Coyotes were shut out in both the first and fourth quarters of the game and were unable to deal with the Buffaloes overwhelming offense. “They jumped on us early and the team never recovered. I think there was some let down after the emotional win (against Leyton) on Tuesday night”, said Potter-Dix head coach Ryan Mumm. He added, “We just didn’t take care...

  • Peetz Bulldogs Dominate Prairie's Mustangs 56-19

    Mike Motz|Dec 20, 2017

    Peetz — The Peetz Bulldogs won big against the Prairie Mustangs in Friday’s home conference matchup. The Bulldogs opened up the game with a 22-0 first quarter and were never seriously challenged throughout the contest. The Bulldogs played dominant defense allowing the Mustangs only six points in the entire first half. “If we can maintain that same level of defensive intensity throughout the season, I’ll be very pleased,” said Peetz head coach Sean Fehringer. Peetz senior Logan Sircy had an ou...

  • Lady Raiders Power Past Fort Morgan

    Mike Motz|Dec 20, 2017

    The Sidney Lady Raiders defeated the Fort Morgan Lady Mustangs 51-35 Friday with a solid defensive effort that left the Lady Mustangs frustrated and enabled Sidney to pull away in the 4th quarter for the win. The victory improved the Lady Raiders record to early in the season 4-1 overall. The Lady Raiders opened with a fast start, taking good shots from the field and knocking down 3-pointers that had the Lady Mustangs scrambling for a response. Sidney’s pressure defense forced hurried shots a...

  • Lady Storm Powers Past Banner County

    Mike Motz|Dec 20, 2017

    The Lady Storm won their second game of the season over the weekend against the Banner Wildcats, 59-30. The Lady Storm started fast and built a 28-13 lead in the first half with excellent defense and strong rebounding. The Creek Valley girls started the second half in a full-court press that generated quick layups and points from the line. The Lady Storm only shot 41 percent from the line, but it was a big improvement from their previous starts. Creek Valley continued this scheme throughout the...

  • Sidney 1-1 In Weekend Action

    Forrest Hershberger|Dec 20, 2017

    Sometimes building up a big lead can lead to a big letdown. The Red Raiders almost learned that lesson the hard way, but were able to hold on for the win against an aggressive and determined Fort Morgan team Friday. The Red Raiders were the favorites going into this non-conference matchup on Friday, but the Mustangs showed they were up for the challenge and never quit fighting, and almost pulled out the upset. The game started fast for Fort Morgan as they opened up a lead midway through the...

  • Lady Radiers defeated Alliance 48-19

    Dec 20, 2017

    Sidney sophomore MJ Johnstone stretches between three Alliance defenders on her way to a layup Saturday. The Lady Radiers defeated Alliance 48-19....

  • Good News for the Economy

    Adrian Smith, U.S. Congressman, Nebraska|Dec 20, 2017

    This is the season of good news, and the economic potential we are currently seeing in our country is no exception. The unemployment rate has fallen to a 17-year low, a signal of rising opportunity in America. The Trump administration’s commitment to rolling back much of the Obama administration’s red tape has loosened the regulatory stranglehold on the economy and set the stage for more extensive growth through tax reform. As former Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp used to say, “The tax code is 10 times the size of the Bible with none of th...

  • STRAIGHT TALK: Getting Ready for the New Legislative Session

    Steve Erdman, Senator, Nebraska District 47|Dec 20, 2017

    As 2017 draws to a close, I sit by the fire with pen and paper in hand, reflecting on all that has transpired since I first took office back in January 2017. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to represent the good people of District 47 in the Nebraska Legislature. So, I thank you for providing me with this very exciting and wonderful adventure in Nebraska politics. Nebraska really is the good life. So, I went to Lincoln with the understanding that my job is to somehow make the good...

  • Reducing the Budget

    Pete Ricketts, Nebraska Governor|Dec 20, 2017

    Every successful organization and household has to manage a budget. Our farmers and ranchers work to control the cost of inputs so that they operate profitably when it comes time to market their crop. Families watch their spending so that they can meet their household needs. Our Main Street job creators monitor their bottom line so they can deliver value to their customers, attract quality talent to their organizations, and grow opportunities. Just like Nebraska’s ag producers, households, a...

  • Kenneth Casey Nichols - Obituary

    Dec 20, 2017

    Kenneth Casey Nichols, of Creede, CO, passed away suddenly on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at the age of 65. Casey was born to parents Henry and Gaynell Nichols on October 1, 1952 in Flagler, CO. He was the youngest of three and attended Peetz High School. After spending one year in Northeastern Junior College, Casey decided to join the Navy and spent four years perfecting his welding skills as a Hull Technician stationed on a Submarine Tender in Pearl Harbor, HI. He had made the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer when he got out of the Navy. He...

  • June L. Gabor - Obituary

    Dec 20, 2017

    June L. Gabor, 89, of Sinking Spring, PA passed away on December 16, 2017 at her residence. Born in Gurley, NE she was the daughter of the late Arthur Ross Handley and Gladys (Sellers) Handley. June was a foster grandparent for 5 years in Sidney, NE She was predeceased by her husband: Rolf Gabor; four brothers, and three sisters. Survivors include her children: Sharon R. Shearer of Sinking Spring and Jerry L. Tanz, husband of Karen of South Dakota; sisters: Lou Cane, Wanda Eastman, LaDonna...

  • Timothy Haessler - Service Notice

    Dec 20, 2017

    Timothy Haessler, age 59 of Sidney, NE passed away December 16, 2017 at Sidney Care and Rehabilitation. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, December 22nd in the Christian Life Center with Pastor Pete Morgan officiating. Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Thursday from 1-7:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made in care of the family for future designation. A complete obituary will be published when available. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Timothy’s care and funeral a...

  • Marjorie (Devier) Shupe - Service Notice

    Dec 20, 2017

    Marjorie Shupe, age 89 of Scottsdale, AZ and former Dalton Resident passed away, Wednesday, December 6, 2017 in Scottsdale. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, January 26th, 2018 with a wake service at 5:30 P.M., Thursday, January 25th, both services will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dalton with Father Dave Rykwalder officiating. Cremation has been held. Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel to sign Marjorie’s register book and leave condolences for the family. A complete obituary will be published when ava...

  • Marguerite E. Young - Service Notice

    Dec 20, 2017

    Marguerite Young, age 85 of Forest Hills, MD and former Cheyenne County, NE resident passed away in Maryland, Wednesday, November 29, 2017. A memorial graveside service will be held at the Dalton Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in care of the family A complete obituary will be published when available. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Marquerite’s care and funeral arrangements....