The Sidney Sun-Telegraph - Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper

While Sidney and Cheyenne County fared pretty well during last week's blizzard, its affects on the state have been devastating.

With many of the state's rivers already being watched for flooding due to the buildup of ice, the storm's added moisture and wind resulted in severe flooding across nearly two-thirds of the state.

As of Monday, 65 of the state's counties had declared emergencies due to flooding, with more than 70 towns or cities affected.

Some, like Niobrara, no longer exist. Others, including Freemont, were cut off from the outside by flood waters surrounding their towns.

According to NEMA (the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency) 29 counties have had mandatory or voluntary evacuations across the state since flooding began last week.

On Monday, the Nebraska State Patrol, working with the Nebraska National Guard and the Nebraska Department of Transportation, led three convoys of semi-tractor/trailers and fuel tankers from the Omaha area to Fremont.

Agriculture producers who have been impacted by the blizzard and flooding and are now in need of hay, feed stuffs, fencing materials, volunteer help, equipment, etc. should call the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) at 1-800-831-0550.

Those with hay, feed stuffs, fencing materials, equipment, etc. who are willing to donate, please contact NDA at 1-800-831-0550.

Of the calls that NDA received Monday, about a third were from farmers and ranchers in need. Two-thirds were from people offering supplies and assistance.

A number of local organizations have established drives to collect goods to help those in need. Those with supplies for residents can donate by contacting DP Electronics in Sidney. Sidney Seed and Feed is also collecting relief supplies for animals affected by the flooding.