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Newspaper
Sidney Telegraph
Location
Sidney, Nebraska, United States of America
Date
Jul 23, 1940
Page
1
The Sidney city council adopted a strict garbage disposal ordinance with licensing for haulers and giving the city physician power to act against violators. It also passed a trailer parking regulation, revised fire zone limits, and approved the annual appropriation ordinance. A downtown garbage lapse prompted the crackdown.
Nebraska 4 H club boys and girls from across the state wrapped up their sixth annual conservation camp at Chadron State Park. Lt Frisbie led the event with a focus on individual conservation and activities included an early Indian village find by the state historical society and a weather history display in tree rings. Wildlife technician G W McCullough from Minneapolis gave an illustrated lecture while Adelaide Miller highlighted AAU Olympic tests through art and photos.
County officials testifying before the state board of equalization urged tax relief amid drought drove down crop production and farm incomes. Boone county cut land values by 51 percent and argued further cuts are possible if valuation reductions are sustained. They warned farmers sell land below assessed values and census declines reflect displacement. Tax Commissioner Smith urged consistency, linking county cuts to proportional levy reductions if state board approves.
Nebraska's unofficial 1940 population figure shows a net loss of 2,444 across the 11 Panhandle counties, with Scotts Bluff the sole county to gain. The 1930 total was 103,748 and 1940 drops to 101,204, while Jefferson county reports 15,547 up from 16,049 a decade earlier. County results reflect broader rural declines amid drought and crop failures, with 191,959 farms listed in 1940.
Mayor Roche announced the city will break ground in about two weeks for a new swimming pool at the city park south of the stone foot-bridge over Lodgepole Creek. Architects McClure and Walker delivered completed plans to the city, with WPA handling construction and a skilled foreman to direct work. The estimated cost is about $30,000 with funds left for park landscaping nearby.
Jess Tompkins manager of The Sidney Implement Company was injured Saturday night when his car was struck by a truck on the road north of Potter. He sustained a badly sprained arm and other injuries but returned to work yesterday with his arm in a sling.
Don Swenson pled not guilty to assault and battery before County Judge Robert A Barlow. A hearing is scheduled for Wednesday. Complaining witness is Margaret Highland.
Notices detailing 1941 wheat acreage allotments, yields and premium rates were mailed to Cheyenne county farmers and landlords well before planting. The information helps producers plan 1941 plantings to remain within allotments and qualify for benefit payments under the Agricultural Conservation Program and related provisions. Appeals may be filed in writing to the county committee within fifteen days.
Charles D Green of Sidney, a former state senator, details traffic census findings over recent weeks. He notes California cars dominate morning traffic on highway No 30, and Nebraska’s 1940 plates blend into dark backgrounds, making them barely visible beyond a block.
Three break ins were reported to the sheriff's office Saturday morning, two at Potter and one in Sidney. The Texaco bulk station was entered Friday night with three coupon books missing. About $20 in cash was taken from Brady Hardware Co. and Nelson Implements Co. at Potter. Deputies Barton Taylor and Sheriff Schulz investigated all three cases. no arrests made and one lead yielded nothing.
The Panhandle County Commissioners association adopted a resolution urging legislative action to restrict fireworks sales through county licenses. Chairman Joe Leedom noted Nebraska towns faced issues as sales occurred outside village and city limits. The plan calls for county boards to issue licenses for selling fireworks outside corporate limits, with public hearings before licensing.
Western Nebraska endures ten days of temperatures near 109 degrees with no moisture harming spring grains and stressing ditch irrigation in the North Platte Valley. The entire state swelters while eastern Nebraska receives light moisture and forecasters warn there is little relief ahead.
Sidney taxpayers will see reductions in city county and school district levies this year, promising about 209 dollars saved per thousand dollars of valuation. County levy may drop a full mill, with city and school district cuts smaller. total valuation dips slightly from 1839 to 1940, and railroad valuations drive most changes.
Red Cross will mount a final fundraising drive in Cheyenne County from August 5 to 10 led by County Chairman L C Barstow. All communities will be canvassed with shares allocated to Sidney 50 percent Dalton Guffey 15 Potter 15 Lodgepole 15 and Sund 5. County has raised $101.50 toward a $700 goal. A Sunday meeting outlined plans to reach everyone and emphasize a moral obligation to give a little.
Cheyenne County is named one of 27 Nebraska counties to plant 100 farmers wheat test plots this fall. The program tracks seed purity and varietal naming, with samples planted at Lincoln and Cheyenne County and an official state yield test alongside. Farmers urged to submit a one pound seed sample by August 10 to county agents.
Farmers in Lodgepole Valley near Sidney run pumps from 960 to 1900 gallons per minute to irrigate sugar beets beans potatoes corn oats barley and more. Twenty five pumps operate this year with most installed in last five years amid drought. Irrigated crops surge while dry land withers. A hail storm in June caused only temporary damage. A field of irrigated wheat near Sidney attracts interest for possible irrigation future. Water remains the lifeline for Potter to Sidney Draw farmers as drought lingers.
Rushville native Guy E Ellsworth arrived in Dalton last week and became executive officer of Dalton State Bank after buying stock. Cashier George W Barlow retires to pursue personal interests after five to six years in service. Ellsworth led a Rushville bank for 23 years before retiring last year and seeking a new location. Mrs Ellsworth will join him soon once a home is secured.
Kepler says the contest of the late Frank Knight’s will will be carried to the supreme court if necessary. In Box Butte county court Judge Romig sustained demurrers from the heirs’ side, while R P Kepler of Sidney and Sidney Grossman of Denver represent Myrtle E Hicks who claims she was not properly notified and could not enlarge her objections. An amendment is to be filed at once.
The Farm Security Administration will release crop income to help borrowers cover current harvesting expenses. County FSA Supervisor H. K. Bond said sound business practices guide the program’s operation as government loan policies receive approval from higher officials. He noted that overhead reductions help farmers maximize crop returns and retire obligations, with funds from crops and livestock treated as farm income.
Western Nebraska reports indicate harvest at peak pace with 15 to 20 bushels per acre expected overall. Many farmers store grain to secure federal loans while 80 percent may be sealed, as A J Jorgenson predicts. storage crowds locals, with some grain sent to Omaha and Kansas City terminals.
The chamber of commerce discussed a new community trade promotion idea via the merchants committee. No decision was reached but a trade day is viewed as a promising project. A. E. Wright noted the committee will meet with the board on August 6 to continue consideration. Attendance at civic club meetings waned, with 23 and 25 members present in recent sessions.
Mrs. Ora Fay Curley of Hollywood California was cited for speeding 75 mph on the open highway and 69 mph through Lodgepole. She pleaded guilty and paid ten dollars and costs after a brisk chase by a state patrolman, before County Judge Robert A. Baron.
Ogallala resident Arthur C. Norcutt appealed to Gov. Cochran after state health chief Dr. P. H. Bartholomew refused to order an inquest into the 1937 death of Roger Norcutt, a COC enlistee. Norcutt alleges an unauthorized operation, fraudulent death certificate, and improper shipment of a decomposing body, and cites three army inquiries. He seeks state action to obtain evidence from nonwar department individuals.
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