Our view

May marks the 140th anniversary of this newspaper.

The Sidney Telegraph began publication this month in 1873. Although archival examples from the early years of the Telegraph are sketchy, staff reporters back in those days had plenty to keep them occupied.

Apart from the movements of cavalry and the Union Pacific railroad, chugging along the Transcontinental line, the Sidney to Deadwood trail brought loads of gold--or sometimes empty stagecoaches--into down. Wild west shootings filled Boot Hill Cemetery. The likes of Wild Bill Hickok, Whispering Smith, Buffalo Bill Cody, Sitting Bull and Butch Cassidy passed through or stuck around for awhile.

Sidney was known for a time as the “wickedest town in the west.”

Yes, the atmosphere has changed quite a bit since then, although remnants--such as the old cemetery and the post commander’s home--still exist. Over those years, the newspaper has told the story of this community.

We consider ourselves fortunate to continue in this role, passed down from the panhandle’s pioneering journalists. Sidney has a proud and interesting tradition. It thrives because of a Nebraska ethic that may seem unusual elsewhere, combining a strong work ethic with a willingness to pitch in and help others.

Over the course of this month we will publish tales of Sidney in 1873, bringing to the page once again the news and features those original writers must have covered.

Sidney continues to fascinate, to draw residents from around the country. This paper is privileged to be a part of the community, past, present and future.