The county planners office is happy to have Stacey Schmitt from the VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) program. She grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, and is a recent graduate of the University of Iowa with a degree in political science.

Her decision to join VISTA was made a year ago because she did not want to continue her education without checking out what she could do with it. Working in Sidney has allowed her to explore county planning, her primary area of interest.

Schmitt chose to work in Sidney because so many VISTAs come here, providing a supportive environment. Sidney is also one of the few places that has opportunities outside of education for people to work.

Schmitt

She is currently working to put together a community conference as a follow-up to the city and county growth policy, to discuss goals and objectives and to keep the project moving forward.

“I like Sidney,” Schmitt said, “there are so many activities to get involved in.” She has found it to be friendly, helpful and very accepting of the VISTA program.

Schmitt is an avid bicyclist, finding it to be a source of fun and relaxation. She drove into town with two bikes strapped to the roof of her car and loves being able to get in, out and around town quickly.

While here, she hopes to go camping, agate hunting and hang out at the river and lakes.

“I think I’d like to fish too, if I had someone to touch the fish for me,” she said.