Citizens and local organization focus on park and rec improvements

The Lions Club of Kimball is taking major steps to make improvements to the ball fields this summer, with president, Sonny, and secretary, Kathy Porter leading the way.

The Parks and Recreation Board could not make needed improvements within their budget, so Kathy and Sonny, along with the Lions Club, took it upon themselves to attempt raising the funds.

"We want people to want to come into Kimball to play ball, we are hoping this can aid in the want to put on some more tournaments in the summer," said Sonny. He added that the more teams we get coming into town the more funding can go back into the fields to keep up with the improvements.

Auto-Lok, the Porter's business, is donating a custom-built .308 "Frost Warning" rifle to raffle off on Friday, June 15. The gun will be a red and black distressed rifle with white frost on the top and it will bear the saying "Frost Warning" with a Nebraska Logo, as well as, a one-of-a-kind serial number, number 7. All big-time Nebraska football fans will get a kick out of that.

The rifle will also come with a Nikon scope and bi-pod.

In addition to the Grand Prize .308 rifle, there is a $100 gift certificate to Wolf Auto and a .25 Auto Pocket Pistol with a range bag, ear plugs, shooting glasses and a box of ammo.

All proceeds from this raffle will go towards improvements at the local ball fields, including new clay and break-away bases for all four fields. Additionally, funds will be raised for a water drainage project.

Many in the community are donating time and equipment for the projects, and local Lions Club members hope to raise enough money to erect score boards on all the fields and work on the lights for the fields.

Because the Porters purchased equipment to lay the new clay on the fields, and with their equipment donation, the upcoming maintenance should be less costly than in prior years based on several factors.

Because the infield will actually be raised up higher than the outfield, the water run-off will actually go to the grass instead of creating mud holes in the infield.

New clay, the same clay used in Major League Baseball and other high-end fields, will be purchased from Beam Clay at a cost of about $3,400 per field.

Though there are high hopes that this project will be completed prior to the kick off of this summer's baseball and softball season, nothing is currently in the works.

Anyone interested in raffle tickets is urged to contact Kathy or Sonny Porter, with just 500 tickets available and nearly 150 tickets pre-sold, time is running out.