The Kimball Fire Department and Kimball Police Department were the guests of honor at the Kimball-Banner County Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet and Awards Presentation held at the Event Center the evening of Mar. 26.

The fireman were spiffy in their handsome blue blazers. The police were in plain clothes. Both departments were lauded for their work in reporting and containing the Corner Bar fire early this past January. But for their action, an entire downtown section would have been lost.

Governor Dave Heineman spoke briefly and reminded the audience of the good life in Nebraska. He said Nebraska is a big state and small towns are its backbone.

in: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9.0px; line-height: 11.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica;">He spoke of the quality of life.

Heineman said, “ Kids in small towns get to do everything and they develop into well rounded young people.”

Heineman said he has been asked by governors of other states just how Nebraska has maintained its financial solvency.

Heineman answered them, saying, “We don’t spend money we don’t have.”

He complimented the legislature’s response to the economic downturn, which was to cut $335 million from next year’s budget in a 12 day special session without a single dissenting vote.

District 47 State Senator Ken Schilz congratulated the community on its 125th  anniversary.

Attorney General Jon Bruning was also in attendance.

A near capacity crowd dined on prime rib or shrimp and was then entertained by comedian Sam Adams. Adams is a former Denver sports writer turned stand up comic.

He delighted the audience with a variety of ethnic humor. His punch lines ranged from “Hershey doesn’t know chocolate” to his sports writing days interview of Mike Tyson. He said Tyson had the demeanor of a pit bull and the voice of a poodle.

Chamber Executive Director Rod Horton presided over the evening.

Horton recognized the businesses which have opened during the past year. Those businesses are: K9 Time to Shine, Perfect Turning, Goodhand Theater, Grass Movers Lawn Care, SER Electric/Longhorn Facilities & Material Company, Kimball Plumbing Sewer & Drain Company and Jim’s Home Remodeling & Repair.

He presented nine awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the community.

TeamMates was given the Community Youth Project award for the group’s mentoring work with high school students.

Greg & Nora Robinson were recognized with the Volunteerism for Youth award. The Robinsons have spark plugged the Longhorn Booster Club program for a number of years.

The Community Development Award went to the Board of Education of Kimball Public Schools for their outstanding work in guiding the school program.

Shawn Nagel was given the Youth Achievement Award for his outstanding record in sports and scholarship at Kimball High School. Nagel has lettered several times in track and cross country in addition to being repeatedly on the honor roll and a member of the National Honor Society. Even more, Nagel won the state Class C-1 wrestling championship three years in a row.

John Morrison was recognized as the Community Volunteer of the Year. Morrison has headed up the Farmers Day celebration for ten years and is leading the way on this year’s event. This will be the 84th Farmers Day Celebration, as well as the 125th Anniversary of Kimball. Morrison is also active in many community organization and efforts.

Cathy Sibal was recognized as Citizen of the Year for her outstanding work as Kimball County Clerk.

The Community Cornerstone Award went to Sue Leininger, the owner of the former Corner Bar, the stone building that was a landmark in the heart of Kimball for over 100 years. This unique structure was a favorite gathering place for many over the course of years until the recent fire was the demise of the building.

Leininger said,” I miss the Corner Bar very much and I miss all of you more.”

Bob and Jean Barrett were given the Heart of Kimball Award.

Three members of the Chamber Board of Directors were elected to fill expired terms.  Brian Williams, Tiffany Anderson and Duane Keller are the winning candidates.

The evening was a ringing success and left a favorable impression all the way around.