Small But Effective

There is always a need for those who think big. Several of Kimball’s prominent, vocal residents and a few of its civic leaders, however, have made a point of the little things people can do to improve the community’s outlook.

From clean up events fueled by volunteer labor to city grants to help with signage or beautification, small steps eventually work to ensure that shops and families thrive.

So we believe a nod of thanks is due to Ken Smith, activities director at Kimball Junior-Senior High School.

Smith spent months over the last school year piecing together a two-day basketball tournament set in Kimball. As a result, three teams and their fans descended on this town to cheer for their kids—and to spend a little of their money.

Those visiting from distant Dundy County-Stratton booked hotel rooms and ordered from local restaurants. Some of the students and fans from nearby Morrill and Southeast (Yoder, Wyoming), stopped at Main Street Market or other outlets, as well. A few families certainly bought gas or coffee for the drive home. And pizzas were delivered to the school for those who wanted to stay close to the basketball action.

The economic impact? Small, to be sure. But small steps are part of survival, progress and eventual improvement.

We do not know if Smith considered any of this when he conceived of the tournament. But Kimball’s victories on the court were also wins for the town.