County Commission passes plan for joint law enforcement facility

The Cheyenne County Commissioners met on Monday, and considered a feasibility study for a joint law enforcement facility.

The Sidney City Council discussed this matter last week, with one of the biggest issues of concern was where the funds would come from. Sheriff John Jenson appeared before the commissioners to make a case for the move.

“The jail is the biggest liability this county has,” Jenson said. “Just by shear history, it shows that we’re outgrowing what we have and we’re at a maximum point.”

The growth of the county, just as in many issues pertaining to Cheyenne County, is an issue that worries Jenson and his colleagues, he said.

“I’ve had the opportunity over the last couple of weeks to talk to some of the business leaders of our county, and the growth that we’re seeing is not going to slow down,” Jenson said. “It’s kind of like being a surfer. We have to stay on the wave, because if that wave ever comes over us, all we’re going to be doing is trying to play catch up. The long-term goal is to try to plan for the future.”

Commissioner Ken McMillen made a motion that 50 percent of the funding would come from the sheriff’s department budget and the other half would come from the county’s budget. The board passed the motion.

“It’s going to be at least the first of the year before we have a complete setting. We’ve got a tremendous amount of meetings to get everybody on the same page,” said Jenson.

Another agenda item brought to the board was a report on the possibility of adding a Pony Express museum to the city of Lodgepole.

The Pony Express, a service that opened in 1860, consisted of relay men riding horses equipped with bags of mail across a nearly 2,000-mile treacherous trail. It was the blue print of the modern day U.S. Postal System.

Gordon Wilkins made a presentation to the board stating the importance of the museum and its possible affect on the community.

“This won’t only be a Lodgepole monument, but a Cheyenne County, Western Nebraska and national monument,” Wilkins said.

Apart from being a tourist attraction, Wilkins feels this museum could be a a great addition to the Cheyenne County community.

“What’s driving me?” Wilkins asked rhetorically. “Lodgepole and Cheyenne County have been a great part of my life while raising my family. If I could bring this to them, that’s my pay.”

The next commissioners meeting is Monday, Nov. 17.