Second grade students learn new tips during annual Safety Day in Sidney

SIDNEY - Nearly 130 second grade students from Cheyenne and Deuel Counties participated in the annual Progressive Agriculture Safety Day at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney Thursday.

Students from Sidney, Potter-Dix, Leyton, Creek Valley and South Platte rotated through nine different stations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Program Coordinator, and UNL Extension Office Manager, Lynn McKinney says the event has been held for over 25 years.

"It's known that every three days a youth days from some kind of a safety issue, so we're trying to prevent that here in our county," McKinney said.

21st Century Equipment advised students on tractor safety, Sidney Regional Medical Center presented on swimming safety, and the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office brought their K-9 unit. Students learned power line safety from WheatBelt Public Power District, took notes on severe weather from Katie Haas State Farm Insurance, and received sun safety tips from the Panhandle Public Health District.

Kids were able to take a tour of a Regional West Emergency Medical Services ambulance and take a look inside a Sidney Police Department cruiser. The Sidney Police Department also presented students with bike safety tips. 

4-H Extension Educator in Cheyenne and Deuel Counties, Laura Narjes, says the program is designed to help keep kids safe at home or on the farm. 

"Getting them a little more used to all the police force and EMTs," Narjes said. "Just knowing that they're here to help us and help us stay safe."

McKinney expressed her appreciation for all the volunteers that help during the event.