New city councilman takes his seat

SIDNEY -- The Sidney City Council meeting started with three of five seats filled. Mayor Brad Sherman was excused and the council had filling a vacated seat on the agenda.

The vacant seat occurred when councilman Paul Strommen was elected to the Nebraska Legislature, representing the 47th District formerly held by Steve Erdman.

Brett Kerkman was chosen to fill Strommen's seat. The announcement was made by vice-mayor Brandon Bondegard.

"On behalf of Mayor Sherman, a recommendation has been made to have Brett Kerkman fill the vacant seat for city council," Bondegard said.

Kerkman said after the council meeting he is a native Nebraskan. He and his family recently moved to Nebraska from Colorado. He took the oath of office before Sidney attorney Kendra Strommen. It was later announced Strommen is transitioning into J. Leef's position as City Attorney.

"I've lived here in Sidney for about five years now. I'm super excited to serve the community here. I think maybe I can help out with certain aspects be it budgetary or planning wise, so, I was really excited. I'll be here to listen, learn and do the best I can," Kerman said. 

He said his family, and his history in Nebraska, is what brought them to Sidney.

"It's really the daycare. I mean that's really, like if you get down to the absolute brass tacks, it is daycare," he said.

Kerkman was born and raised near Burwell, Neb. He and his family moved to Sidney from Colorado Springs, Colo.