Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
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Discussion of making the Kimball County Annex building into a local Law Enforcement Center was one of the newest topics at the Kimball County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday. A motion was made to engage the city in discussions about the idea. The Extension Office is housed in the annex, but Commissioner Carl Stander spoke with Shane Hays, who said he has considered renting his building to house the Extension Office for $3,000 a month. Talks will be arranged with the sheriff, chief of police,...
QUESTION: Several years ago we voted in a sale tax increase for city improvements. How was this bill written? Can the revenue be used for upgrading our wastewater treatment and other improvements? Or would it have to go back on the ballot? ANSWER: After many phone calls, emails and trips to the courthouse, the Observer has learned that there are three special elections that may help readers understand the topics of the special elections. The special election in July 1998 was the original Kimball City Sales Tax to Fund Economic Development. The...
Larry Brower has been saving Kimball County residents and businesses thousands of dollars annually for the past 25 years. Last year, from Kimball to Alliance to York, he saved folks over $600,000. Anyone on the Choice Gas program can call Brower. He can save you money and does everything for you, including filling out the forms for no charge. Brower said, "No one else can come close to the price. I go with whoever is the cheapest (natral gas provider). He said he can arrange a cost of 45 cents... Full story
Kimball County and Kimball County Transit Service administrator Christy Warner have received recognition for their work and leadership to meet Panhandle transit needs. Nebraska Legislature Resolution 51 – introduced by Brian Hardin of District 48, Steve Erdman of District 47 and Mike Jacobson of District 42 – acknowledges that community transportation is a growing need in the Panhandle and that through the leadership of Warner, the operation has grown immensely. KCTS covers the fifth lar...
Good morning to you and yours. Beautiful clear blue skies here this morning, at least for awhile. The school students have been busy, as always. Today, April 20th, there is District Music at WNCC, an all-day event. Tomorrow through Sunday is the Gering high school performance of “Footloose!” Bet that is a good one. Maybe some of our music students will be able to take it in. Showtime is 7 p.m. There is high school track at Pine Bluffs on the 21st beginning at 9 a.m. and at the school house there will be some fresh new faces as pre-K and kin... Full story
Introducing Potter-Dix Jr./Sr. High School's April Students of the Month. From left are Kennedy Knoll, Jaclyn Worth, Joshua Kasten, Callen McConnell and Jacina Wilbur. Not pictured: Skyler LaBeau....
LINCOLN – The vital role of community newspapers in open government and keeping citizens informed was a central theme of last week's Nebraska Newspaper Annual Convention – and the Observer was rewarded for its commitment to the cause with several awards for excellent work in 2022. The event at the Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel celebrated NPA's 150th anniversary year in grand fashion with three days of festivities, meetings and professional sessions, including the annual Better Newspaper Con... Full story
Both Mary Lynch Elementary School and Kimball Jr./Sr. High School will receive some much needed attention during the summer months. Bids were received, and the Kimball School Board accepted bids Monday for new flooring, asphalt, and an entrance vestibule for the high school. The Mary Lynch Elementary parking and driveway will be repaired and receive asphalt paving, as well as the workshop area at the Jr./Sr. High School. Flooring will be poured in the north and south hallways, art room, and FCS... Full story
The Observer interviewed Paula Tarnago on Tuesday, her second day as Kimball city clerk. Tarnago said she was "excited to make this my long term home." Tarnago was recently hired to replace Kim Barnwell, who is moving. The City Council approved the appointment at the Tuesday evening meeting. Tarnago said she is settling into her new position and "looking forward to being a part of this family." She explained that "I like to learn new things, I like challenges, and I love helping people. I...
Ordinance #814, the Semi-Truck Parking Ordinance, was the main topic of discussion at the Kimball City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 4. The ordinance read that "No one shall allow, permit or suffer any semitrailer or truck-tractor to be parked or stored on public streets or private lots in the City of Kimball Residential Zoning districts R1 and R3 as defined in the City of Kimball Zoning Ordinance #736." When the public discussion opened, resident and over-the-road trucker Dan Schildhauer...
On April 4, after 108 days in jail, a brother and sister from Pennsylvania have been released from jail with time served. Brett Donohue, 22, and Diamond Donohue, 19, were arrested on Dec. 18 and charged with three felonies, including possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of marijuana (more than 1 pound) and no Drug tax stamp. In the case of Diamond Donohue, Count 1 for delivery, distribution, possession of controlled substance was dismissed. For Count 2 for possession of more than 1 pound of marijuana, she...
On a beautiful spring day, Easter egg hunters were out in force at the annual Easter Egg Hunt in Gotte Park. More than 3,000 eggs were prepared for the April 8 event hosted by the New Hope Assembly of God Church Youth Group in Kimball. Numerous prizes donated by local businesses were also won by area kids.... Full story
Banner County High School FFA results from the Nebraska State Convention in late March saw the Meats Judging team placing 10th in the state. The team received a blue ribbon, as well as each member. Team members are Adam Knaub, Brendyn Onstott, Jacob Parsons, and Tobey May. Logan Mason received a red ribbon and was a member of the Agriscience team, which also included Abigayle Jones and Micah Dittbenner. The Environmental and Natural Resources team received a white ribbon at the state contest...
Good morning! For the first part of this week we skipped Spring and jumped right into Summer; well, that is OK by me! We had a beautiful day for Easter and I hope you enjoyed it completely. The folks in Morrill are getting into the season mode by having a Spring Craft Show at the Morrill American Legion on Saturday, April 15th between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. They will have crafts, homemade goods, door prizes and lunch available on site. On that same day there will be a late Easter Egg Hunt in the Monument Dog Park, 10 a.m., if the weather is...
The Observer obtained the following program and list of scheduled attendees and speakers for the visit of U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts in Kimball on Wednesday, April 5. U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts’ Visit Wednesday April 5, 2023 2:00 P.M.– 4:00 P.M. Kimball County Transit 233 S Chestnut Street, Kimball, NE Welcome to Kimball Mayor Morrison – USAF Sentinel Projects and its effects on the community. Presentation from Clean Harbors Environmental Services on expansion and future growth: Brad Reader – Plant Facility Manager Lezah Saunders – Facility... Full story
The Nebraska State Patrol is investigating an incident that occurred April 3 in Banner County. At approximately 6:25 a.m., the Nebraska State Patrol was notified by the Banner County Sheriff’s Office of an incident in which a subject had died from a self-inflicted shooting. Investigators responded to the scene. The incident occurred when Banner County Sheriff Zane Hopkins was attempting to serve a protection order and an arrest warrant on a Harrisburg resident, NSP said. After preliminary investigation, NSP investigators said they believe t... Full story
After 48 years, U.S. Army Private Gary Adelbert Barker of Kimball will be honored at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for his service and sacrifice to this country. The pre-acceptance letter to his family reads: "On behalf of the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund, I am pleased to inform you that we would be proud to honor Gary Adelbert Barker at the 2023 In Memory ceremony on the grounds of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D. C." The ceremony will be held June 17 and his widow Barb Barker,...
PlainsWest CASA is planning a fundraising event in Kimball at the Sagebrush on April 27 from 5-7:30 p.m. The event is called “Wine Down with PlainsWest CASA.” More than 50 bottles of wine will be included in the Silent Auction and Wine Pull. One of the bottles of wine donated to the CASA fundraiser is priced at $300. CASA is Court Appointed Special Advocates for Cheyenne, Kimball and Deuel counties. CASA volunteers advocate for abused and neglected children’s best interests. The CASA volunteers are specifically trained for the advocacy inter... Full story
Former Kimball County Sheriff's Deputy Brandon Loy was recognized by the Sheriff's Office for his 14 years of service to Kimball County at the county commissioners meeting on Tuesday, April 4. Kimball County Highway Superintendent Randy Bymer met with the commissioners to seek bids for the Road 59 project. The road south of Dix is scheduled for a double chip seal job but will require four new tubes or culverts and repair of the potholes before the chip sealing. The county road department...
Well, this week we are experiencing winter, spring, and quite possibly summer. Time will tell. I really have the urge to rake the yard and plant some tulips. Even the grass is trying to “green-up,” but there is still winter kill and snow. Bummer. Not much is going on in the Burg this week because we are getting ready for Easter. Last week, Palm Sunday services were conducted in many churches throughout our area, with Easter this week. The Harrisburg Community Church will have breakfast in place of Sunday school this week followed by Easter Sun...
Kimball FFA's welding team contributed to the Kimball chapter's fine showing last week at the State Convention and Contest in Lincoln, placing fourth. Team members, from left, are Justin Klosterman, Landon Norberg, Aaron Gillming and Grace Anderson. See story on Page B5.... Full story
The Kimball FFA Chapter left the State Convention and Contest in Lincoln with impressive wins for teams and individuals. The Food Science team composed of juniors Grace Anderson, Carlee Murdoch, Julia Winstrom and Hayden Sours placed second in the entire state. Grace Anderson took individual honors with first place, while Carlee Murdoch and Julia Winstrom placed third and fourth, respectively. They were just 7 points from first place, which figures out to be only one or two questions...
Stoney Vance, former CEO/manager of Arrow Medical, is scheduled to be arraigned in Kimball County Court on April 26. He is charged with a Class 4 felony theft-receiving stolen property. The value of the stolen property from a Kimball EMS ambulance was estimated to be $2,269. An arrest warrant was issued March 21 for the former CEO. In a joint team arrest, Kimball Police and the Kimball County Sheriff's Office arrested Vance at his home in Bushnell and transported him to the Kimball County Jail....
Kimball’s Hometown Medical Group, formerly Arrow Medical, says it plans “to continue to care for people in the area” following the death of Dr. James Broomfield and arrest of former CEO Stoney Vance. Caregivers there now include nurse practitioners Keri Foster and Holly Dobrinski. Foster and Dobrinski said they will continue on without their colleague and friend, the late Dr. Broomfield. “He is a part of the vision that started this place, and we intend to move forward,” Foster said. She said he genuinely cared for people’s well-being....
While visiting the Kimball County Courthouse for County Government Day, these Kimball High School civics students received a demonstration of the 911 system at the dispatch center. Seated is dispatcher Darlene Tiner. Students checking out the screens, from left, are Kealy Russell, Ethan Evans, Kailynn Allen-Van Pelt, Emma Mielke, Keegan Eertmoed (partially hidden) and Justin Klosterman. Also pictured are 911 Coordinator and Jail Administrator Alisha Downey and Sheriff Dave Hottell (in the... Full story