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Local business owners are preparing for a sales tax increase, accepted in exchange for improved roads. Residents voted to pass a city wide sales tax increase last November. The increase will raise the local sales tax from 1.5 percent to two percent. This will increase the overall sales tax, combined with a state rate of 5.5 percent, to 7.5 percent. The tax hike is set to take effect July 1. Half of the funds collected from this increase will go toward street repair and construction. The remainder will be split among various projects, including... Full story
During hot summer days when a cold glass of water sounds particularly enticing, water safety might be the last thing on the minds of Sidney residents. While no violations were reported in the city's 2012 annual water quality report, which was published earlier this month, one sample last September tested positive for coliform bacteria, which is sometimes naturally present in the environment. The presence of coliform bacteria can be a sign that other harmful bacteria might also be in the water. "They only thing that can get us health-wise is... Full story
In Mark Twain's hierarchy of misinformation, statistics occupy the bottom rung, lagging behind lies and "damned lies." It's no wonder America's most revered humorist cast doubt on the validity of numbers. Those who study such data can't even pin down Sidney's exact population. The Census Bureau's head count puts it at 6,748. Yet survey-based research from the same organization bumps the figure above 8,000. Meanwhile, Sidney City Manager Gary Person considers both numbers low, estimating a population of up to 12,000. Why the confusion? "It...
Who can resist the saucier side of a major news story? Not us, apparently. Just look at what captivated audiences over the long weekend. Edward Snowden, of NSA leak fame, played peek-a-boo with authorities, traveling on a revoked passport from Hong Kong to Moscow. He then failed to hop on his scheduled flight to Havana--leading to speculation about his nefarious goals, or at least his taste in safe havens from American authorities. At least we were treated to several colorful photographs of his empty seat. Meanwhile, the outrage over... Full story
It was difficult to squeeze through the main doors as the gym filled with former students. People paused for hugs and handshakes with friends that some had not seen in many years. Some 275 graduates and supporters converged on the old Gurley High School this weekend to reminisce about their days in class. In 1979 the Gurley and Dalton schools were combined to form Leyton schools. Alumni from 1932 through 1978—the last class to graduate from Gurley High—returned to celebrate the school, as wel...
The town of Gurley celebrated its centennial birthday on June 22. The town began life as a train stop for the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1913. The celebration started on an overcast morning, with some 20 participants hitting the road on a 5K run. People then lined the streets for the parade. watching as the Boy and Girl Scouts, with flags in hand, led the way. There were horse drawn wagons, antique cars, motorcycles, riders on horseback and fire trucks, bringing up the rear with their... Full story