Editorial: Finally, Some Action

In just over four months, celebrants in dozens—if not hundreds—of automobiles will pass through Kimball, Bushnell, Dix and Potter on their way to the Lincoln Highway centennial festivities in Kearney.

Only four months in the future, participants in the annual Bike Ride Across Nebraska will stop in Kimball before embarking upon their cross-state excursion.

These deadlines have been looming for some time. While the organizers of BRAN met with city representatives to discuss needs and amenities, community response to the 100th anniversary drive along what is now Highway 30 (as well as 1st, Chestnut and 3rd Streets in Kimball), depends upon local organizers.

Since the summer of 2012, we have on occasion questioned government and business entities regarding their plans for the event. Despite some empty—and we mean empty—protests to the contrary from one office, little has been done or even discussed, other than some advertising in Lincoln Highway related publications.

Sure, the historic society intends to hide one landmark behind a fence in time for the procession. If there are more positive plans to collect images of old Kimball, say, or direct passers-by to nearby sights or even dress up the roadscape along the historic highway, they have been locked under double-secret probation—until now.

Kimball tourism director Jo Caskey understands that a welcome for riders on either the Lincoln Highway or BRAN can neither be ignored nor slapped together without consideration. She hopes, as a first step, to clean the town’s entrances and greet travelers. Other ideas may come from the new office soon.

We applaud her initiative and urge those interested in the area’s economy to support these first moves and approach her with thoughts on these matters.

Sure, the boost to Kimball County’s income may be brief, but if promoted correctly, it will be tangible.