Sidney, Nebraska itchiest place in US

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SIDNEY, Neb. - People in this western Nebraska city were left scratching

their heads over a recent bit of recognition.

This city of about 6,000 people has knocked Denver out of the top spot as

the " itchiest " city in the nation, according to the Lanacane Dry Itchy Skin

Index. The February study placed Goodland, Kan., second, followed by the

Colorado cities of Colorado Springs, Denver and Pueblo.

" It's a safe bet you won't see us putting up a sign saying, 'Welcome to the

itchiest city in America,' " Sidney City Manager Person said with a

laugh.

The itch index was created by the University of Delaware's Center for

Climatic Research and Lanacane, a manufacturer of lotions and skin cremes.

The itchiest cities are usually in mountainous areas and the high plains,

where dry winds and heavy use of heating systems rob skin of its moisture.

But a dry climate has its advantages, Person said. The lack of humidity

makes for mild summer evenings and winters don't seem as bitter. Besides,

Person said he's never heard anyone complain about the dry climate during

his 25 years in Sidney.

" I don't see that many wrinkled people running around here, " he said.