Our view

Five cubic yards of sand.

It hardly seems like much to talk about—common grit moved from one spot in Sidney to another.Earth movers accomplish this simple task at just about every construction site.

At the end of April, however, the folks at Peeley Landscaping & Irrigation donated that small but significant amount of sand—with the full support of Milestone Ready Mix—to complete the playground at Here Wee Grow Child Development Center. Not only did they donate the material, Peeley staff members moved, poured and spread everything.

This is just an example of the giving hand of businesses in the Sidney area.

No one has tabulated the amount contributed to the community by mom and pop shops to Cabela’s through programs and one time donations. But consider Sidney without simple acts of charity.

The high school’s post prom party was a tremendous success, ensuring kids remained safe and supervised thanks to big screen televisions and other prizes sent from local businesses. The American Legion baseball team exists thanks to fundraisers, providing young people with summer-long activity and the chance for achievement. On Saturday, volunteers from the community take part in the trash race, a clean up activity promoted by Keep Sidney Beautiful.

The list goes on and on.

While some may consider these programs quaint and small town, we see them as Sidney’s strength. As long as businesses and residents are willing to contribute time and sweat for the small things, for five yards of sand, the city remains strong and committed to progress.

We understand this is not a risky stand, but we applaud and support all who volunteer their work or wallet for the betterment of Sidney and its residents.