Cheyenne County Commissioners vote to close courthouse to public at emergency meeting

SIDNEY, NE - The Cheyenne County Courthouse and other County-operated buildings will close until further notice beginning Monday, March 23, at 5 p.m.

The decision came during an emergency meeting of the Cheyenne County Commissioners on Monday.

Citizens are asked to conduct business by mail, online or over the phone.

Certain functions that cannot be accomplished in those ways, such as issuing a marriage license will be done in purpose, but people must call ahead of time and make an appointment.

The Commissioners say they want to be proactive with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's just important that we protect the employees of Cheyenne County and the people that live in the county," Commissioner Philip Sanders said. 

The courthouse and other county operated buildings must remain unrestricted to those participating in early voting and elections.

Events at the Cheyenne County Fairgrounds will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Only 10 people were allowed into the meeting. All others called in via teleconference.

The courts will still operate. Those required to make a court appearance or are authorized by the court to appear will be allowed access to the courthouse.

Contact information for the departments at the courthouse can be found at this website: https://www.cheyennecountyne.net/shop