Kimball’s many physical changes in 2005 (continued from last week)

• In August, Lampi Auctioneers of Annandale auctioned off concrete statues, molds and equipment at Anthony’s Lawn Statues, along Highway 55, in Kimball. Owners Tony and Paula Bollman had decided to retire, and Tony died several weeks later after a long battle with cancer. Renovations are being made on the property for a business to be announced later. • In September, Hilltop Care Center in Watkins celebrated the addition of a new patio, thanks to contributors and volunteers. More than $24,000 was donated by individuals, organizations and area businesses, in addition to the 200 hours of volunteer landscaping labor for the project. • On Oct. 8, Fair Haven Farm held an open house to show off its new kitchen and brick bread oven, and patio area outside constructed for diners. The farm is owned and operated by Masha Anklam and husband David McGregor. Also this past year: • Arnold’s of Kimball Inc. removed three of its buildings and added a larger one – 15,000 square feet – to be used as a technician’s shop. • Willow Creek Lions Park Shelter was weatherized (insulated and plans are to heat the building), the garage doors were removed and windows installed in their place. Most of the labor for the project was donated. • Frederick A. Metcalf American Legion 261 in Kimball expanded its facilities and updated its interior and exterior. • Tom Crouch, owner of TNC Inc. and Eliason Inc., moved forward with plans for his Heritage Park housing development with townhomes and single family homes between the Kimball Cemetery and Hwy. 15. • Dale’s Rapid Lube, added a new building to the existing auto workshop last year. Located behind Stanley’s Family Restaurant, the new building offers drive-through oil changes and auto detailing. Also offered is brake work and exterior and interior vehicle cleaning. Dale’s Rapid Lube, owned by Dale Kirkpatrick, opened for business in mid-September 2004. Dale also owns Stanley’s Family Restaurant and leases Blue Knight Car Wash in Kimball, taking over its management last year. • Torn down this past year was the building that housed Eddie Hoefer’s rock shop along Highway 55. Eddie Hoefer, who died March 9, 2005, at Hilltop Care Center in Watkins at age 85, owned various small businesses in Kimball throughout the years, including rock and coin shops. • Bill and Toni’s Cafe was up for sale over the summer months, but has been taken off the market and back in business most evenings. Owner Dean Stewart now does computer repair there as well. • Gohmann’s SuperValu chang-ed its name to Gohmann’s Foods. • A.M. Maus & Son got a new sign. • Kimball Veterans Memorial Field got a face lift last fall. Members of the Kimball Express baseball team ripped up the existing infield and brought in some fill to level off the playing surface and also got the mound and home plate area rebuilt with special material that will hold up over the long haul of a high school, legion and amateur baseball season. Slated for the next few years for the park is a new backstop, new dugouts, new fencing down the foul lines, concession stand and bathrooms along with a grandstand and press box, lights and landscaping around the ballpark to finish it off. In all, the donations the team has made to the City of Kimball for renovations on the field are close to $36,000.