Commissioners Approve Replatting Sioux Industrial Park

The Cheyenne County Commissioners Monday approved a request to replat Lots 5 and 6, Block 1 and Lots 6 and 7, Block 2 of the Sioux Industrial Park located northwest of Sidney.

The commissioners also tabled a decision on tourism funding supporting the public transit Stage Line. At issue is if the Stage Line truly supports tourism, while admittedly being an asset for the community.

Cheyenne County Tourism Director Kevin Howard said in other communities the cost of public transit is shared with private businesses. Howard also suggested Stage Line could sell advertising space on its bus. 

Commissioner Phillip Sanders said he is not in favor of shutting down the bus service. He said it is a vital part of the community. However, he also admitted tourism funds are not part of the bus service. He again mentioned the possibility of expanding the service to Cheyenne County communities.

“I don’t think it is up to us to expand the service,” Howard said. “It is up to them.”

Commissioner Randal Miller said the bus routes to county’s small towns won’t promote tourism.

“I don’t want to leave them hanging, but what is right is right,” Sanders said.

“To go forward any more would be an error on our part,” said Tourism Committee chairman Hal Enevoldsen.

The commissioners agreed to table the decision on funding the bus route, allowing time for City representatives to meet with Howard and or Tourism Committee representatives.

The commissioners also met with Buildings and Grounds Superintendent Roger Conley regarding the water system at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds. The commissioners are looking into upgrading the water pipes and hydrants at the fairgrounds. Research will include what water lines need replaced, how many water hydrants are needed and where. 

The board also considered a proposal to purchase the Elks building at the fairgrounds by James Lenzen. Lenzen wants to use the building as his base of operation for his catering business. The concern of the commissioners is if he would directly compete with nonprofit efforts such as the Boy Scouts. Lenzen said in the Fair Board meeting Monday night he is not interested in competing with nonprofit agencies or cooking for them unless asked. 

The agreement would be for purchase of the building and a five-year lease of the land.

The commissioners also reviewed and approved a contract with OHD for cleaning services at the Fair buildings. The commissioners were scheduled to open bids on a 2000 16-foot by 56-foot Aspen manufactured mobile home located at the fairgrounds. However, since no bids were submitted, it will be included in the next surplus auction.