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

Fond Farewells For Quicke, Anderson-Faden

Goodbye To Two Special County Officials

Many tears of joy and sadness filled the Kimball County Commissioners room Tuesday, Dec. 18, as county staff members said their goodbyes to two women who have went over and beyond their call of duty for the county over the past years.

A presentation to recognize the outgoing officials was on the agenda for the regular meeting, honoring Diana Quicke, county treasurer, and Daira Anderson-Faden, county commissioner.

Quicke, who has served the county for just more than 40 years, will be retiring at the end of this month.

Anderson-Faden has served on the Kimball County Board of Commissioners since January 2015.

Darcee Wheeland, county Veterans Service Office administrative assistant, presented the board with an update on the office.

Wheeland reported that in October there were two new veterans, in November four, and in December to date there have been six new veterans who have come in for services. They have either moved to Kimball or already reside here and have yet to come into the office.

Wheeland continues to work hard on the cemetery project, placing medallions on the graves of service members.

"I think Darcee has done a great job. She has been above and beyond her job duties. The bottom line is to help the veterans and families, and she has done great work with that in mind," said Commissioner Larry Engstrom.

Over the past week, county officials attended a two and one half day conference. The state workshop conference was Dec. 12-14 for Nebraska county officials. Those in attendance included such elected officials as Commissioner Tim Nolting, Commissioner Larry Engstrom, County Clerk Cathy Sible, Clerk of the District Court Deb Diemoz, County Assessor Sherrie Winstrom and Sheriff Harry Gilway.

Appointed officials in attendance included County Highway Superintendent Dave Hottell and assistant Randy Bymer, and County Weed Superintendent Rick Wangler.

The annual conference, attended by approximately 800 county officials and employees, is part of a continuing education and leadership development series sponsored by the Nebraska Association of County Officials.

The conference updated county officials on recent changes in state laws and provided extensive training on the responsibilities of their respective offices.