SIDNEY - The town of Sidney and Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) Kosciusko invite community members to a groundbreaking and ribbon-cutting for broadband internet for the town of Sidney.
The celebration will take place June 27 at 4 p.m. at the Sidney-Jackson Township Fire Station, 103 E. Center St., Sidney, according to a news release from HELP Kosciusko.
Members of the Sidney Town Council collectively expressed, "This opportunity will help bring our town into the 21st century while providing reliable service for both businesses and educational needs."
The project originated from a HELP Kosciusko committee dedicated to advancing e-connectivity (electronic connectivity), consisting of volunteer community members.
"The idea for the Sidney broadband project was originally developed by a HELP Kosciusko committee focused on advancing e-connectivity," said committee lead Bill Holder. "We identified five or six different potential project areas but this one just rose to the top because it really filled a great need in the Sidney community. It’s gratifying to see our idea become a reality."
Along with the efforts to bridge gaps in internet connectivity, the town of Sidney is making great strides with revitalization and infrastructure efforts, the release states. The county recently invested in a 180-foot communication tower that integrates with the tower at the Claypool site, enhancing communication for local public safety professionals like police, fire and EMS.
"There were communication gaps with our public safety professionals in Sidney, especially in low-lying areas where the signal is weakest," said Kosciusko County Administrator Marsha McSherry. "This was a critical investment, and the project has been instrumental in completing upgrades to the county’s public safety communication system."
The project has generated excitement and a positive ripple effect, inspiring further revitalization initiatives in Sidney, the release states.
The town recently enhanced several main roads, completed curb painting and is seeking grants to transform a blighted property into a new park. Additionally, the town is exploring the acquisition of a second blighted property and the best ways to use it.
Kosciusko Connect will lead the broadband installation project and anticipate getting some residents connected by the end of the month.
"We are excited to work with the county and the town of Sidney to bring our broadband services to the community. Our world-class internet and telephone services will improve the quality of life and encourage economic development in the area," said Curt Barkey, Kosciusko Connect vice president of technology and broadband.
The town of Sidney invites community members to an ice cream social the following weekend, Saturday, June 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Sidney-Jackson Fire Station. Kosciusko Connect will be present and ready to help residents pre-register to get connected.
"It is such a joy to finally celebrate one of our ‘brick and mortar’ HELP projects cross the finish line," said Kosciusko County Community Coordinator Amy Roe. "This project is truly the epitome of enduring legacy. With this broadband project, Sidney now has a chance to pursue more growth and attract both new families and businesses. I am proud of our team who worked through multiple obstacles to make this happen!"
For updates on HELP Kosciusko, visit www.kcgov.com and follow HELP Kosciusko on Facebook @HELPKosciusko.