KIMBALL'S LEGACY ICONS

The definition of legacy is something that can be passed on.

But legacy can take many forms.

It may be one’s faith, ethics or core values. It also may be monetary or asset gifts. Legacy may come from one’s character, reputation and the life they lead, setting an example for others and to guide their futures.

There are many people in Kimball County who left a legacy – not necessarily monetarily or with property, but by their character, reputation and leading by example.

I think of Gotte Park. It was started by a man who loved trees and wanted to leave something for the people to enjoy, such as a park.

Oliver Lake was started for irrigation for the farm area by using the Lodgepole Creek and making a dam. It would help with irrigation as well as provide a place for relaxation.

I also think of Bill Batterton and Larry Stahla, who are among those who worked on saving Oliver Lake. The state was not going to keep Oliver Lake as part of its parks system. But Batterton and Stahla thought that Oliver Lake was worth keeping. So they started a fundraiser and with the good help of many raised enough money to repair the dam and have it as an area for relaxation.

I also think of Harry McNees, who the auditorium at Kimball Jr/Sr High School is named after. He worked with band students to teach them about music and how it enriches their lives. Dave Hickman was one of his students who became famous with his own triumph.

Then there is Keith Staehr, whom the high school football field is named after. He coached football at the high school, taught the boys how to play very well, and was inducted into the Nebraska High School Hall of Fame. Some of the boys went on to the University of Nebraska. I also think of the Daums, who were very good at what they did in Kimball.

What are you doing to make people remember what you did?

Is there a neighbor who is elderly who needs their snow removed from their sidewalks? Do they need help with lawn care or repairs to their property?

Do you have a neighbor who is a single parent and needs time to get away, and you could babysit for an evening?

Do you have a passion about something that could help the community? Are you an artist, a gardener or anything else that could help the community be a better place to live?

You don’t have to leave any property or money, just be a person who is willing to help your community improve. Each person has something different that they can do to improve the community.

Our shuttle buses are a good examples of things that can help the community.

There are more examples.

Planting a community garden, giving lessons in something of interest that people would enjoy, dancing, singing and providing music lessons are other things that could help the community just to name a few.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO IMPROVE YOUR AREA?

Karen Bivens’ “Remember When” coloumn appears regularly in the Observer.