High Plains PAW Rescue makes presentation to commissioners

A local animal rescue organization made a presentation during Monday’s Cheyenne County Commissioners meeting.

Sybil Prosser, representing High Plains PAW Rescue, explained the mission of her organization.

“We take all the dogs and cats brought in as strays or found,” she said.

This week alone, the rescue is set to receive four dogs.

Animals under the care of the organization are thoroughly checked out by a veterinarian, then moved to a foster home while awaiting adoption.

The program hopes to find its own facility within five years.

Prosser said the rescue offers a service that is lacking in Cheyenne County.

While the majority of the group’s work is helping find homes for unwanted pets, Prosser said its goal is to help people keep their pets.

“If we can help people do that through giving them some dog food, that’s something we’re going to be looking to do,” she said.

The rescue currently operates on a $15,000 yearly budget, raised entirely through contributions.

Veterinarian bills consume the largest part of the budget, Prosser said.

“We’re just looking for some help from the county,” she said. “Whatever you decide, if anything, we’d be grateful – just so we can keep helping the way we are.”

Commissioner Steven Olson asked how many dogs are on hand right now.

“About 30 dogs,” Prosser replied.

Commission chairman Darrell Johnson said it’s a well-need program, but added money is always an issue.

Prosser responded the rescue can help the county save money by taking in unwanted dogs instead of sheriff’s deputies having to respond to dog calls.

Besides seeking support from the county, she added, the organization will be making presentations and putting out calls for financial assistance to local village and city councils and some of the larger corporations in town.

No contribution was decided upon during the meeting.

Also at the meeting:

• Sealed bids for a 2008 homemade 4-wheel trailer and a 2002 Polaris 4-wheel ATV were opened. After a brief discussion, the commissioners voted to reject the three offers. The top offer for the ATV was $1,187.05.

“It’s not enough for the 4-wheeler,” commissioner Philip Sanders said.

Cheyenne County Attorney Paul Schaub said the items had been advertised twice.

“If you don’t think those bids are sufficient, you are within your discretion to reject them,” Schaub said.

Johnson made a motion to reject the bids, which passed.

“I’m not sure we can’t use the equipment somewhere in the county,” he added.

• A claim was submitted on behalf of Sioux Valley Estates asking for reimbursement of attorney fees. Johnson asked if anyone was present to discuss the request – to which there was no response.

Schaub explained commissioners never authorized the expenses, and additionally, under statute, claims for service and labor must be filed within 90 days of the rendering of service.

“My recommendation is to reject,” he said.

The commissioners voted unanimously to deny the request.

• Cynthia Gill, from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Office in Cheyenne County, updated the commissioners on summer plans for the 4-H program. She said two summer interns would be hired to help program delivery. The interns are an upper-level high school student and a college student.

“As long as it’s in the budget, I don’t have a problem with it,” Johnson said.

The interns will work from June to July.

• A special designated liquor license was unanimously approved for the upcoming Sidney Volunteer Fire Department’s Firemen’s Ball. Stacey Handley said the event will take place on May 15.

“We’re asking for a one-night license, requesting this from 8 p.m. to midnight,” Handley said. “I have talked with the sheriff and he gave his approval on the liquor license as well.”

Olson asked what the firemen’s ball entails.

Handley said there’s live music and alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

A motion was passed approving the special liquor license.

• The next Cheyenne County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 20, at 8 a.m. in the commissioners’ room at the Cheyenne County Court House.