Drone Theories Persist

While the talk about drone traffic has decreased, the appearance of drones in the area has continued to a lesser degree. Along with the continued appearance of drones, the theories of who is responsible for these aircraft persists.

Locals in the Banner County area, around Double L County Store, spotted a fleet of 11-13 drones in a group about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15. They reported that the sighting were "very strange."

The latest reported sightings of drones in Kimball County was this past Saturday, Jan. 17. Sheriff Harry Gillway and a deputy reported a line of nine drones heading west to east, close to County Road 24. They appeared to break up when they passed over Highway 71. They were estimated to be about 400 feet in the air.

"It was very peculiar," Gillway said.

He said he didn't think there was any risk to the public.

Another reported sighting came from a Kimball County deputy coming back from Cheyenne on I-80. The officer said the drone wingspan appeared to be 8 feet across.

Gillway's theory is that some company or an agency of the government is testing some new technology and perhaps they are also flying during the day when not as visible.

Scotts Bluff County Sheriff Mark Overman reported that from Jan. 6 to 15 his office had 26 calls of drone sightings. He said some sightings were not drones, but law enforcement confirmed numerous sightings.

Overman said this week that reports definitely had "died down" and the last sighting came Jan. 15.

Overman and his office have been in contact with other law enforcement agencies and the FBI, but he said, "No one knows" and "we can't prove anything."

He said that theories are abounding, but "in my business that is all we have, theories."