Friends of the Goodhand Theater experience much local support

According to Mayor Keith Prunty, the recent response from Kimball and the surrounding communities to reopen the Goodhand Theatre, has been very positive. The first informal meeting was held on Dec. 3, and the hopes are to have a functioning digital theater for the community to enjoy, stated the mayor.

Although they are only in the beginning stages of trying to put together a non-profit in the name of Friends of the Goodhand, a board of directors and officers for the board are now in place. An agreement is being drawn up between the “Friends of the Goodhand” and Forward Kimball Industries.

“Insurance to indemnify FKI and the city is ready to be implemented,” stated Prunty, “These will allow us to conduct our business in a legal and professional manner.”

He adds that once the agreement and insurance are in place that they will than begin to contact all of the many volunteers who have offered to help with the project. The City has offered to cover all utilities through the May 31, according to Prunty.

Prunty says the group hopes to show there first movie by early Spring.

“We are in the process of prioritizing projects. Removing the sign by the city was more of a safety concern and hopefully we can preserve the original sign,” shared Prunty. “A Blu-Ray projection system is currently being researched, and this would allow us to also show movies at an outdoor location during the summer months.”

“I’d say a lot of people are supportive of this. We have 221 likes on our FB page ‘Friends of the Goodhand’ in a week,” commented the director of the Kimball Banner County Chamber, Jo Caskey.

“People are stopping me in the grocery store to ask me for updates. I’ve talked to a couple of other towns who have done this and they are very supportive. Kimball wants to keep the theater and see it operational, again. We need lots more support and donations are greatly appreciated.”

“I, as well as the city board members have been contacted by many citizens wishing to help,” stated Prunty, “the support has been tremendously positive. That is our driving force.”