Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Few RVs are left at Ridgewood Mobile Home Park in Kimball as harvest crews have completed local jobs and moved on to the next. These crews may have difficulty finding accommodations in Kimball next year as Ridgewood's future is uncertain.
With harvest nearing completion in the area, harvesters are likely heading out of town, but their stay in Kimball this year differed greatly from years past, City Administrator, Dan Dean, reported to council at the July 17 meeting.
According to Dean, several harvesters contacted the City of Kimball to inquire about accommodations, as Ridgewood, one of two local RV parks, is undergoing a transition, with ownership in question, and has some infrastructure issues.
"They (harvesters) have been used to camping out at Ridgewood and it is in transition," Dean said. "They were not even sure who to pay for their rent, but they wanted to camp out there. They came in and discussed it with me, but I'm not sure what the future of it (Ridgewood) is."
Harvest crews add to the local economy each year and their short stay in town can really add up. Dean said he tried to put them in contact with Stahla's North Court but he is uncertain about arrangements in the future.
"As a community, we may want to cast about for alternatives for them in the future," Dean concluded. "They were really nice people and they do bring quite a bit to the economy locally. If (Ridgewood) is not there we will try to hook them up with others or look for alternatives for future years because I'm just not certain, in the future, of them utilizing Ridgewood."
Dean further reported that the City of Kimball Electric Department erected a Kimball-Banner County Fair banner spanning Highway 30.
The banner hangs from electric poles temporarily until a better solution can be found. Dean added that other banners may be hung in the future.
"I like the idea, we just have to make sure our electric system is protected," Dean said.
Dean further reported that Panhandle Public Health District is pursuing a study for a walking/biking trail through town as part of the Active Kimball initiative. Surveys will be distributed and posted on the City of Kimball website in the near future seeking public input on such a trail.
"They hope to get a good return to help them determine (interest)," Dean said.
Along the lines of increased quality of life that might come with such a trail, Mayor Keith Prunty reported that Kimball now boasts a frisbee golf course in Gotte Park.
The project, made possible with $4,000 in Keno funds, is one of several upcoming projects focused on increasing local quality of life.
Prunty made the announcement to council after working with City crews and volunteers to dig the post holes and get the course set up. It was ready to use, and under budget at $3,750, by Wednesday, July 18, according to Prunty.