SIDNEY — The Sidney City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Jeremy Lee on Tuesday to fill the remaining term of former Mayor Brad Sherman, who resigned last month after more than five years of public service.

Lee, a longtime Sidney resident who works for Black Hills Energy, was nominated by interim mayor Brandon Bondegard. His appointment passed with a 4-0 vote. Lee’s term will run through January 2027.

“I love Sidney. I like being here. I want to help,” Lee said after the meeting. “I've done some other stuff in town, helping with fundraisers. I think this is the next step to help and encourage people with those things.”

Lee grew up in Dalton and moved to Sidney in 2005 to work in construction. He’s spent the last decade with Black Hills Energy and has been active in local efforts, including volunteering for the Sidney Park Project at Legion Park, fundraising with school lunch programs and assisting with the Sidney Elks Lodge renovation project.

He and his wife, Rachel, have three children: an 18-year-old who will be a senior at Sidney High School this fall, a 13-year-old who runs a landscaping business, and an 8-year-old.

Lee said one of his goals on council is to support local businesses and economic development, especially efforts to revitalize the former Cabela’s corporate campus.

“I truly believe the only way we’re going to see tax relief and help is to bring in more people here to split the costs up," Lee said. "Things keep going up, up and up. The only way to get those costs down per individual is to get more people here. I’m hoping to help with that part of it.”

Looking ahead, Lee said he’s optimistic about the community’s future.

“To grow. To be a big family,” he said. “We're small town, and when people work together, I think you really see how good Sidney is. We're a good town and I believe we can continue to be.”

Lee told council he applied for the position because "if you’re going to sit back and complain, you may as well step up." He's looking forward to listening to Sidney residents and work on things together. 

The council also reorganized its leadership, officially naming Bondegard as mayor and Councilman Brett Kerkman as vice mayor.

Bondegard has served on the Sidney City Council since November 2022 and has lived in Sidney since 2012. A lifelong Cheyenne County resident and Lodgepole High School graduate, he works as a grain inspector and remains active in agriculture, firefighting and community organizations including the NWTF Boss Gobblers. He and his wife Amy live in Sidney with their pets and enjoy golf and Husker football.