HR1399 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1399 LRB095 21698 KXB 51908 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to congratulate Art Kimball on the occasion of being the recipient of the Illinois Broadcasters Association Pioneer Award; and

WHEREAS, Art Kimball was born on May 22, 1932 in Peoria and was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana; and

WHEREAS, Art Kimball's voice has been synonymous with high school sports for two generations of radio listeners in the State of Illinois; he began honing his craft at Indiana's DePauw University; after a stint in Korea as a member of the United States Army, his professional career commenced in Carmi; from there, he traveled to Ottawa (WCMY), Peru (WLPO), Bloomington-Normal (WJBC, WMLA), Peoria (WHOI-TV), and Mendota (WGLC AM/FM), before moving back to Bloomington-Normal to work for WJBC/Cable Channel 5; and

WHEREAS, In his broadcasting career, Art Kimball has covered football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and just about any other activity on a field, floor, or track; the "IHSA Sports Report", which features stories and interviews from schools big and small, was heard in every corner of the State; his telecasts of the State basketball tournament from 1980 until 1992 were considered "must-see TV"; not limiting his scope to high school games, he also broadcast Illinois State University, Illinois Wesleyan University, and University of Illinois games; and

WHEREAS, Art Kimball has devoted 53 years to his career on the airwaves; he has broadcast more than 3,500 games and has gained the devotion of thousands of listeners; and

WHEREAS, Throughout his career, Art Kimball has drawn strength and inspiration from his loving family, including his wife of 53 years, Mary Lou; his daughter, Kathy Allemang; his son-in-law, Greg; his grandson, Brad; his granddaughter, Lindsey; his son, Steve; his daughter-in-law, Laurie; his grandson, Jacob; his granddaughter, Abby; and his grandson, Joe, who passed away in infancy; and

WHEREAS, Art Kimball's tireless efforts, skill, professionalism, mentorship, and passion for sports and broadcasting make him a model for the people of the State of Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Art Kimball on being the recipient of the Illinois Broadcasters Association Pioneer Award and wish him continued success and happiness in the future; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Art Kimball as a symbol of our esteem and respect.