Back to school!

A total of 341 students entered Kimball Elementary School for the first day of school Tuesday, Sept. 7. With 357 at the high school, Kimball's total enrollment is 698. (In case anyone's counting already, there are 173 school days until June 2, the last day of school.) Wednesday, September 08, 2010

KAHS Band Booster meeting

The Kimball Band Boosters will have a meeting at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, in the KAHS band room. This is an important meeting for trip discussions. From Keith Haake, Band Director Tuesday, September 07, 2010

MSA Scholarships available

Sheriff Jeff Norlin of Meeker County announced Friday, Aug. 20, the commencement of the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association Scholarship Program for 2010. Sheriff Norlin proudly announced that the MSA has established a scholarship fund totaling $9,000 for the awarding of 15 $600 scholarships for this year. This is possible because of the coordinated efforts of the 87 sheriffs of the state of Minnesota. Sunday, September 05, 2010

Welcome new school staff

The Kimball Area Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Business and Education Breakfast Monday morning, Aug. 30. Pictured above are new staff at the elementary and high school: Kathryn Winkelman (high school F.A.C.S.), Hannah Wruck (ECFE School Readiness), Stacy Helgeson (Kindergarten), Karla Kaiser (Elementary EBD), Kim Thomes (Elementary Special Ed.), Tara Otteson (Elementary Special Ed., and Marie Bauerly (high school business). The elementary principal also is new, but he was already back at the school working when this photo was taken. Staff photo by Jean Doran Matua. Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Foundation awards $132,000 in scholarships

The Central Minnesota Community Foundation (CMCF) has awarded $132,000 in academic scholarships for the coming school year to 100 students from around the region. "These scholarships are providing students the financial resources and community support they need to attend college and pursue their dreams," said Susan Lorenz, CMCF Director of Programs. "By awarding these scholarships, our donors are saying 'We're behind you. We're rooting for you.'" CMCF administers 79 separate scholarship funds established by individuals, families, and businesses to support area students to reach their educational pursuits. Sunday, August 29, 2010

Holy Cross School opens Sept. 7

Holy Cross School announces that the school year begins at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7. Dismissal will be by 3:30 p.m. This Catholic grade school offers Pre-K through sixth grade and is located in Marty (Pearl Lake). An Open House is planned for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2. The public is invited to visit and check out this wonderful school. The address is Holy Cross School, 10672 County Road 8, Kimball MN 55353; phone (320) 398-7885, fax (320) 398-7873, e-mail info@holycrossmn.org, website is www.holycrossmn.org. Thursday, August 26, 2010

KAHS Class of 1975 reunion

The Kimball class of 1975 held their fourth reunion Saturday evening, Aug. 21, at Triple R Grill & Bar in Kimball. Twenty-five class members attended, along with 15 spouses and guests. Front row: Mark Marschel, Doug Knaus, Marlys Gregory, Lisa (Lochen) Linde, Deb Kunkel, Joan (Pramann) Heinen, and Virgil Truenow. Middle row: Brian Kuechle, Randy Capes, Linda (Heid) Plamann, Pam (Thurber) Engen, Gale Tinglov, Wanda (Johnson) Olk, Jean (Doran) Matua, Art Rothstein, and Richard Garding. Back row: John Erger, Joe Arnold, Rick Schiefelbein, Sharon (Scheeler) Torberg, Joyce (Kuechle) Mueller, Kate (Krippner) Adams, Kathy Hokkala, Chad Weber, and Mark Donnay. Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Lexvold to receive Eagle Scout Award

Marlowe Lexvold, age 13, of Kingston Township, has earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offer to Scouts, The Eagle Award. Lexvold will be recognized in ceremonies at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 23, at the Lions Shelter in Willow Creek Park in Kimball. A member of Troop 357, chartered by the Kimball Rod and Gun Club, and led by Scoutmaster Bill Liedman, Lexvold is one of approximately 4 percent of all Boy Scouts who attain the Eagle rank, according to BSA statistics. Thursday, August 19, 2010

Primer on school financing: Part 1

By Jean Doran Matua, Editor If you've already made up your mind to vote against any school levy, no matter what, then I suggest you go now to the story about Mike Schultz on page 3. Reading this article won't change your mind, and it'll just waste your time. However, if you're curious about how Minnesota schools are funded, and how the Kimball schools in particular use their funds, then please read on. This will give you a beginner's view of how it all works. There are similarities between a school budget and a home budget. There are significant differences too. Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Note from new KES principal

The excitement of school starting is right around the corner. We are busy here at the elementary, preparing for our students' return and we look forward to getting the school year started. Please make sure to stop by for Open House from 4-7 Tuesday, Aug. 31. This is a great opportunity for new and returning families to connect with staff and form positive relationships. Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Have you seen this man?

This is James Houseman, the new principal at Kimball Elementary School (as of August 1). Mr. Houseman was principal at West Central Area District which includes five small communities. The school is about the same size as Kimball. The Housemans have not yet sold their home in Hoffman, so Jim and wife Deb and their children Ryan (12) and Anna (10) are staying with relatives in Hutchinson for the time being. He'll be out and about during Kimball Days, so please introduce yourself and help him feel welcome! Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Kimball plays 12U softball tournament

By Mary Libbesmeier, coach Kimball girls age 12 and under softball team advanced to the 12U Rec State Tournament this past weekend in Cloquet. Their first game was against Northwoods, the number one seed coming out of the North Central League. Northwoods was a good team with a challenging pitcher and Kimball struggled to get the offense going. Kimball lost 1-9 and headed to the loser's bracket. Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Kimball Elementary School 2010

Supplies needed for students for the upcoming school year. The list is published by grade Saturday, July 31, 2010

District News - Community update - Kimball Schools

By Kurt Helgeson, School Board Chairman It seems hard to believe that summer is more than half over. It won't be long and you will see the school busses driving around the community and students walking to school. Who doesn't look forward to Friday night lights, a good volleyball match, and all of the other activities that come with the start of school? Even though the school is quieter in the summer, there were several activities and changes taking place at the school that I wanted to share with the community. The elementary is undergoing some major changes. Mr. Jon Clark took a new principal position in Brainerd. We wish him well in his new position and thank him for his eight years of service to Kimball. The school board approved the hiring of Mr. James Houseman. He is coming to us from West Central schools. We look forward to him and his family coming to the area. Friday, July 30, 2010

U of M August starwatch

By Deane Morrison August opens with Lammas, or the festival of loaves, an ancient Celtic celebration of the season's first harvest. The Aug. 1 holiday was one of four cross-quarter days falling midway between a solstice and an equinox. The Celts divided the year into light and dark halves, with the switchovers happening on the dates we call Halloween and May Day. By this reckoning, Lammas marks the halfway point in the light half of the year, an occasion to rejoice in its bounty. Its opposite is Imbolc, or lamb's milk, Feb. 2, which we now know as Groundhog Day. Thursday, July 29, 2010

Blue Ribbon 4-H'ers

The countdown is on ... The 2010 Meeker County Fair will soon be upon us! Our 4-H'ers are busy putting the finishing touches on their projects for entry day, Wednesday, Aug. 4. Between 2:30-6:30 p.m., almost 300 4-H members will be tightly packed into the 4-H building waiting to participate in 4-H General Project Conference Judging. Some of these 4-H'ers will bring only a couple of projects, while others will bring more than you can count on two hands. Either way, the judging experience is similar and extremely important to our 4-H'ers. Thursday, July 29, 2010

Scouts return from Medicine Mountain

Eight Scouts and three adults from Troop 357 returned from Medicine Mountain Scout Ranch at Custer, S.D., in the heart of the Black Hills. Thirty-six merit badges were completed at the week-long camp. The swim beach was not too crowded as the water temperature peaks around 60 degrees. Wildlife abounds in and around the camp. Submitted by Carl Liedman. Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Because Our Kids Matter:

A YES, YES vote for our children and community A group of concerned parents and individuals have met several times over the last two months to discuss the need for a Kimball Area Schools operating levy and to explore how best to promote and preserve a quality education for Kimball area children. Out of these initial meetings, a committee was formed and this week the group announces a campaign effort entitled "Because Our Kids Matter Ð A YES, YES Vote for Our Children and Community." Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Local students graduate SCSU

St. Cloud State University (SCSU) conducted spring 2010 commencement ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. and at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at the National Hockey Center for approximately 1,300 undergraduates and graduates. From Kimball: Angela Cecilia Garding, Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, summa cum laude. From Saint Augusta: Elizabeth Joy Hallermann, Bachelor of Science, Elementary/K-8 Education, cum laude. From Watkins: Joshua Alan Eisenbacher, Associate in Arts; and Andrew Nelson Likens, Bachelor of Science, Mass Communications. From South Haven: Tammy Jo Oseid, Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Sciences, summa cum laude. Sunday, July 25, 2010

2010 activities meeting Aug. 9

The activities meeting for students and parents in grades 7-12 will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, at the Kimball Area High School. Students who plan to participate in activities for the 2010-2011 school year school year should attend this meeting. Students will be able to sign up for 2010-2011 school activities and fill out all necessary forms. Parents and students may also purchases activities passes and meet the fall coaches and advisors. There will be a general meeting with an individual sports meeting to follow. Varsity, JV and 9th grade practices for football, cross country and volleyball will start on August 16. Information on junior high practices will also be given out at this meeting. Saturday, July 24, 2010

Mackereth receives scholarship

Joyce Quast, LPN/Mgr. at Heritage House of Kimball, presented a scholarship check for $500 to Kristina Mackereth (left) , daughter of David and Missy Mackereth of Kimball. Kristina has worked as a Home Health Aide at Heritage House since November 2008. She plans to major in pre-med at Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Okla., and hopes to become a pediatrician. This scholarship is available each year to any Kimball Area High School senior who is pursuing a career in the medical field, preferably in nursing. Staff photo by Jean Doran Matua Saturday, July 24, 2010