Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First

Articles from the May 16, 2024 edition


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  • Hottell Appears To Win Commissioner Seat

    Daria Anderson-Faden, The Observer|May 16, 2024

    The primary election results from Tuesday, May 14 had only one race of local importance. Four individuals filed for Kimball County Commissioner on the Republican ticket and Tuesday determined the next commissioner because no Democrats sought the seat. In the commissioner race, David R. Hottell had 218 votes while incumbent Carl Stander had 197 votes cast in his favor, Hottell will serve as commissioner for the next four years beginning in January 2025. Matt Bright had 147 votes cast for him,...

  • Increase In School Expenses Explained

    Daria Anderson-Faden, The Observer|May 16, 2024

    Superintendent Trevor Anderson informed the Kimball School Board on Monday evening at the school board meeting that expenses are up mainly due to salary increases and benefits, which were necessary to retain and attract quality staff. The superintendent’s financial update stated that 51.41% of the budget had been spent, with 67% of the fiscal year completed. At the end of April 2024, 51.41% has been spent compared to 49.18% in 2023 and 2022 45.84% was spent. Anderson mentioned that the property tax draw to date is about half of previous y...

  • KIMBALL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2024

    May 16, 2024

    The Kimball Longhorns Class of 2024 gathers before Saturday's graduation ceremony for this group photo on steps in the high school. Below: Valedictorian Grace Anderson delivers a powerful speech. Her exceptional academic performance was recognized with a multitude of awards. See other Kimball graduation photo, Page B6....

  • 'LIVING IN THE MOMENT'

    Daria Anderson-Faden|May 16, 2024

    The Kimball High School Class of 2024, a group of individuals with some remarkable achievements, celebrated its graduation on May 11. The ceremony began at 11 a.m. with 29 individuals, each with unique accomplishments, receiving their long-awaited diplomas. The National Anthem was sung by Rachel Berger, Amber Childers, Carlee Murdoch and Rene Murdoch. Special recognition was given to former elementary guidance counselor Mr. Jim Reeves, who unexpectedly passed away five years ago. Mr. Jim Reeves...

  • Child Sex Charge For Kimball Man

    May 16, 2024

    Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol arrested a Kimball man following an investigation into a reported sexual assault of a child. In early April, the Nebraska State Patrol was made aware of a reported assault of a young child that had occurred in Kimball County in 2019. The initial report came to the Keith County Sheriff’s Office, which referred the case to the state patrol because of the location of the assault. Upon investigation, patrol investigators obtained an arrest warrant for the subject, identified as Chris Wilson, 46, of K...

  • A BANNER DAY FOR ELITE ELEVEN

    Daria Anderson-Faden, The Observer|May 16, 2024

    The Banner County Wildcat Class of 2024, the 104th graduating class from Banner County School, has shown resilience. In her welcoming remarks, Superintendent Dr. Evelyn Browne acknowledged the class's struggle through the pandemic, a time period that tested their strength and determination. The 11 graduates will head off in a variety of different directions after graduation. Nathan Clement will attend Southeast Community College in Milford to study Automotive Technology in the Ford ASSET...

  • Busy Days As School Year Comes To End

    Barb Cross, The Observer|May 16, 2024

    Good morning! Here is trusting you had a great Happy Mother’s Day! Beautiful weather this week and lots of pictures on the aurora borealis – all of them beautiful. Busy week as we are finishing up the school year and looking for the summer to come. Here at the school house, May 16th there will be an AR party, the fourth and last one of the year, the pre-k will have a field trip to the zoo and then graduate at 1:30 p.m. followed by kindergarten graduation at 2:30 p.m. Wow. The next day the kindergarten through 2nd grades will have their fie...

  • POTTER-DIX CLASS OF 2024

    May 16, 2024

    Here's to the Potter-Dix High School Class of 2024: Jaxen Buettenback, Caden McConnell, Brayden Kasten, Hannah Kielian, Sabrynn Bogert, Jacina Wilbur, Madison Williamson and Gavin Williams (not pictured). Potter-Dix graduated eight seniors at the 2 p.m. May 11 ceremony. Brayden Kasten was salutatorian and Jaxen Buettenback valedictorian....

  • Health Fair Friday & Saturday At New Hospital

    May 16, 2024

    Kimball's new hospital will be the site of this weekend's Kimball Community Health Fair. A cooperative effort between Kimball Health Services and Wyoming Health Fairs, the health fair offers low-cost blood testing and free vital sign testing as a community service to help residents identify health problems before they become life-threatening. The event runs 7 to 11 a.m. both days. Appointments are highly recommended to minimize waiting time but not required, said Kerry Ferguson, director of Comm...

  • Melvin LeRoy Burr

    May 16, 2024

    Melvin LeRoy Burr, 86, of Gering, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Heritage Estates in Gering. A private family inurnment was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Morrill. It is respectfully requested that memorials in Melvin's honor be made in care of the Morrill Fire Department, cards can be sent to Cindy at 70368 County Road D, Morrill, NE 69358. Online condolences may be made by viewing Melvin's memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff... Full story

  • Cheryl J. 'CJ' Heidemann

    May 16, 2024

    Cheryl J. "CJ" Heidemann, 70, a former Kimball resident, died in Loveland, Colorado on April 1, 2024. Cremation has been held and Graveside Memorial Services will be held in the Kimball Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024. Friends may visit www.cantrellfh.com to share condolences and stories with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family for future project or charity. The services for CJ have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home. Cheryl J. Heidemann... Full story

  • Phyllis Lee Carmichael

    May 16, 2024

    Phyllis Lee Carmichael, 86, formerly of Kimball, NE, passed away peacefully on July 8th, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Phyllis was born on June 21st, 1937, to Gilbert and Maxine Carmichael in Steele City, Nebraska. They moved to Kimball, where she spent the majority of her life. Phyllis graduated from Kimball County High School in 1955. Always a hard worker, she was employed at various places including the ANB, Hik'ry Inn, City of Kimball and GRI. Phyllis had many hobbies, including painting... Full story

  • Larry Anthony Janicek

    May 16, 2024

    Larry Anthony Janicek, 67, of Kimball, died at his home surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Following his wishes, cremation has been held, and a family arranged Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m.on Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the Kimball 4-H Building. Friends may visit www.cantrellfh.com to view his Tribute Wall and share stories and condolences with the family. Memorials may be given to the family for a memorial of their choice. The services for Larry have been entrusted to... Full story

  • SHE'S GOT GAME

    May 16, 2024

    JaLeigh Bohac of Kimball threw the discus 111 feet, 5 inches, to win a state championship and set a new eighth grade record during the state junior high Nebraska Champions Meet in Gothenburg. JaLeigh, who bettered the old record by 6 feet that Laurie Shadegg set in 1972, also plays softball on a Cheyenne traveling team during the summer and fall months. Junior high pole vaulter Brayden Fuss also represented Kimball at the state meet and vaulted 8 feet, 6 inches....

  • STATE BOUND LONGHORNS

    May 16, 2024

    Kimball high jumper Addy Olson, above, cleared her personal best of 5 feet, 3 inches, to win District on May 9 and earn her way to State this Friday and Saturday at Omaha. A formidable Longhorns duo also is headed to State – pole vaulters Trevor Fuss and Peter Russell. Fuss cleared 13 feet, 6 inches to win District and Russell placed second....

  • State Next For Horns, Lusche

    Daria Anderson-Faden, The Observer|May 16, 2024

    In a one-hole playoff, Kyler Lusche took first at the District golf meet Monday in North Platte. And with a third-place team finish, the entire Kimball golf team will play at the State meet next Tuesday and Wednesday at North Platte Lake Mahoney. The Longhorns shot 374. According to Kimball golf coach Chuck Christensen, Lusche shot an 80 on a challenging North Platte course. Christensen said it was "set up really tough." In reference to Lusche, Christensen said he would "practice 24/7. He puts...