Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Laundry Facility For Jail Also OK'd
Here is a photo of the motocross practice track on the property of Michael and Melissa Caldwell located 9 miles south of Kimball on Road 16.
During the Kimball County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 1, two public hearings were held regarding conditional use permits.
The first hearing involved the renewal of Real Western Wings' conditional use permit for indoor and outdoor recreational facilities. With no public comments either for or against, the commissioners renewed the permit for another five years to align with the Nebraska Game and Parks contract, which also operates on a five-year basis.
The second public hearing concerned a conditional use permit, which was approved, for a motocross practice track proposed by Michael and Melissa Caldwell. The 40-acre track is 9 miles south of Kimball on Road 16.
During the hearing, the Caldwells gave a brief overview of their plans, emphasizing that the track would be used solely for practice with no organized meets. They assured the commissioners that the track's design minimizes noise impact on surrounding properties and noted that parking, camping and first-aid kits would be available on-site. Additionally, all participants will be required to sign a release of liability.
Kiara Wells, a nearby resident living 2 miles from the track, spoke against the permit. Wells expressed concerns about noise pollution, stating that she only learned about the track through a newspaper article in the Western Nebraska Observer. Under state law, only neighbors within 500 feet of the site were required to be notified by certified mail. In response, the Caldwells clarified that the track would operate only two days per month to limit any disruption.
After the discussion, the commissioners unanimously approved the conditional use permit for the motocross practice track.
Following the hearings, the commissioners met with county officials for the remainder of the meeting, covering updates from various departments, including the sheriff's office, KCTS (Kimball County Transit Service), and building and grounds maintenance.
Sheriff Dave Hottell presented his quarterly report and received approval to move forward with the installation of a laundry facility at the courthouse for inmate laundry use. Hottell explained that, to cut costs, he has been doing the jail's laundry at home until the facility is operational. Previously, KCTS handled inmate laundry, but increasing service costs prompted the need for a more budget-friendly alternative.
Hottell also provided insight into the third-quarter statistics for 2024. He reported an increase in paper service fees, VIN inspections, and text messaging from prisoners. Total calls for service decreased from 2,517 in 2023 to 2,251 in 2024, and quarterly 911 calls fell from 463 to 408. However, arrests rose from 55 in 2023 to 67 in 2024, with a notable increase in jail days, which climbed from 782 to 1,177.
KCTS director Christy Warner updated the board on transit operations, reporting boarding numbers for July (3,315), August (3,039), and September (3,515). Warner also highlighted ongoing reimbursements the transit service is waiting on, totaling $774,538.09 for the July-September period. Additionally, the board was informed of facility repairs and maintenance costs for the fleet of 21 vehicles, which amounted to $14,541.94.
The next Kimball County Commissioners meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 15, at 9:00 a.m.
