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

And the rockets red glare

The fireworks display that nearly wasn't went off seemingly without a hitch on Monday, July 4, from Horseshoe Hill in Kimball.

When the Kimball-Banner County Chamber of Commerce ceased collecting donations for the Kimball fireworks display, the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department was left with willing members but no funds for the show.

Enter lifetime Kimball resident, and owner of Larsens Jewelry Store, Karen Robinson. She, alongside her son, Greg, collected funds from local businesses and citizens for the show, with just a couple of weeks to go.

More than $5,250 was donated, including a $1,000 Keno grant. When before the Kimball City Council during their regular meeting on Tuesday, June 21, Robinson was told that her request for $1,000 was less than the council had approved in previous years.

"That is all we need this year," she responded.

Thanks to that dedication, the donations of many and the Kimball Volunteer Fire Department, Kimball once again enjoyed a grand fireworks display to celebrate our nation's long-lasting independence.