Farmer's Day Honorees Deserving

Kimball’s annual Farmer’s Day celebration is set to promote the spirit of community and dedication to growth and agriculture with a lineup of distinguished dignitaries. This year’s celebration, always a special event for locals, will honor several pillars of the community whose contributions have left a lasting impact.

Paul and Jacque Whiting, selected as Grand Marshals for the parade, have played a vital role in Kimball’s development over the past 25 years. Paul, a senior-level manager at Clean Harbors, has been a driving force behind community projects, including preserving the Maginnis Irrigation Flumes, which earned national recognition.

His dedication goes beyond his professional work. Paul has been an active member of the Kimball Rotary Club, frequently seen giving back to the town through cleanup efforts and community service.

Paul’s wife, Jacque, has supported him through the years, often moving with him to accommodate his work while fostering deep community ties. Together, they have spearheaded fundraising efforts, raising over $32,000 for the Four Winds Golf Course. Their love for Kimball, demonstrated through decades of unwavering support, has earned them the respect and admiration of many.

This year’s Outstanding Entrepreneur honor will be awarded posthumously to Dar Stahla Gardner, a woman who left an indelible mark on Kimball’s business community. Dar worked in her family’s business, Henry Stahla Mobile Homes, for 45 years, eventually rising to ownership in 1990. Under her leadership, the business flourished, and her contributions helped grow the Clean Harbors community.

Beyond her professional success, Dar was a dedicated volunteer, serving as president of the Nebraska Manufactured Housing Association for four terms. Her community service extended to helping others through the Bargain Basement, a project close to her heart. In 2023, Dar was elected to the RV/Manufactured Home Hall of Fame, a testament to her lifelong dedication to her industry and community.

While she may no longer be with us, her legacy of hard work, integrity and community service continues to inspire. The award will be accepted by her children Spencer, Amanda, Laura and Scott.

Receiving recognition as Outstanding Farmer/Rancher is the Travis and Blythe Diamond family. Travis embodies the next generation of agricultural leadership in Kimball County. Travis moved to Kimball six years ago and has built a successful hay farming operation, Double Diamond Farms.

With a small team of hired hands, Travis works tirelessly to ensure his farm thrives in the often unpredictable world of agriculture. His resilience, optimism, and strong work ethic make him a leader in his field and a model for others.

Alongside his wife, Blythe, a Kimball native, and their two children, Travis is deeply connected to the local community. His contributions extend beyond the farm, reflecting his desire to see Kimball thrive agriculturally and socially.

The 2024 Outstanding Volunteer is Amber Sweetland, whose creativity and energy have revitalized Farmer’s Day itself. Amber has brought fresh ideas to the celebration, including the now-popular Mario Kart tournament held at the Goodhand Theater, which has become a crowd favorite.

Her dedication doesn’t stop there; as a key figure at the Kimball Public Library, Amber helps create meaningful experiences for residents year-round. Her involvement in both Farmer’s Day and the library speaks volumes about her commitment to Kimball’s cultural and community enrichment.

Farmer’s Day Queen is Gabriela Cruz-Melo. Her attendants are Renee Murdoch and Josephine Perry.