“Running Commentary”
Good People In Town
I’ve spent a considerable amount of time in Concordia this past year. And, during my extended stay, I’ve spent time with some really nice people. Good people.
Look no further than the publisher and owner of this very newspaper, Brad Lowell. I reached out to Brad when I became disillusioned with all the upheaval at The Salina Journal where my weekly column had appeared each and every Sunday for over seven years.
I decided it was time for a change, and Brad welcomed me into the fold with open arms. Next month will mark my one year anniversary on Page 2, and I have enjoyed the times Brad has shared with me, talking about this paper’s long and rich history of family ownership.
Folks, the business of publishing a newspaper ain’t easy these days. It’s a labor of love and wouldn’t be possible without the great staff and crew who put the Blade-Empire together. I am blessed to work with some of them.
More good people in Concordia? How about that dynamic duo of Brenda and Neil Losh. Brenda is the owner and RE agent for Coldwell Banker, Kaleidoscope Realty, while Neil is the local agent for American Family Insurance.
Our meeting was somewhat serendipitous. Two years ago, they saw an investment opportunity in an old house that was condemned as uninhabitable and scheduled for demolition. Despite its dilapidated condition, the house had “good bones,” and Brenda and Neil purchased it with the intent of rehabbing the house and flipping it for a small profit.
I happened to be running past the empty house several months ago and peeked through the windows, curious to see the ongoing work-in-progress. I’ve always been interested in architecture and old houses and didn’t hesitate to go inside and take a private tour when I found the backdoor unlocked. (Sssssshh!)
I was amazed. On the outside, the old 1940’s house is modest and inconspicuous. Inside, Brenda’s vision and Neil’s hard work had transformed a condemned house into quiet little gem. There isn’t anything in the house that isn’t new, and Brenda’s plan for a farmhouse with sliding barn doors, wide-planked floors and recessed lighting has given an old house modern conveniences and oodles of charm.
Love at first sight? Pretty close to that. I thought, “Wow! I would love having a place like this to crash whenever I return to Concordia to see family.”
Upon learning Brenda and Neil were the owners, and I asked them to give me first option to buy the place when completed; and, as they say, the rest is history. Settlement is scheduled sometime in August.
It takes a lot of hard work and time to flip a house. I’m still agog realizing how fast and how much my entire life has flipped in the past month. In Colorado, I rescued a condemned puppy. And now, I’m about to become the proud owner of a rescued and modernized farmhouse.
Two major life changes in three weeks.
Faster than you can say, “Boulder McGraw!”
I’ll continue to vote and pay state taxes in Colorado, but I’ll be a proud new homeowner in in Cloud County. And, let me add something on that point – you know that spanking, new track facility and football field the city built a couple of years ago near the high school? That factored into my decision to buy a house here, as did all the recent renovations to the city park tennis courts.
Along with other residents, I work out at the track regularly, and I’m amazed that a small town like Concordia has made that kind of investment in the community. Never underestimate the value of investing in facilities and parks that benefit children, seniors and everyone in between.
Now, having mentioned a couple of good and decent people, let me tell you about a guy I can’t stand. Someone who annoys the heck out of me. You probably know him – Rod Imhoff? The owner, cook and bottlewasher at Rod’s Thriftway Market? The guy who sleeps in the produce section every night to ensure you get fresh vegetables?
Mr. Imhoff bugs the heck out of me. For one thing, he always has a smile on his face. You gotta be suspicious or people that congenial and friendly. Seriously, what’s his motive? How come he’s so nice? Here’s my take … I think he’s sending a subliminal message to shoppers: “Eggs … eggs … you’re getting low … buy another carton.”
OK, I get it – the guy is a tireless worker with a great team that worked hard when everyone got their panties scrunched-up over toilet paper. But here’s the main thing I find annoying about Rod, and it’s a little secret few people know … every bleepin’ morning, he eats three donuts for breakfast.
Day in, day out, summer, winter, spring and autumn. He sits in that cozy little office and snarfs down three donuts … and still manages to stay in great shape.
Every day? The nerve!
Friends, that isn’t fair. If I so much as sniff a donut, I gain two pounds.
Now you know why Rod is always smiling. Heck, if I could eat three donuts every day, I’d be smiling too. And if Mr. Imhoff happens to read this?
Thank you, but I don’t need another carton of eggs.
But, I would like another donut.
R Michael Owens has flipped and is now available for adoption. He has had all his shots and wouldn’t bite anyone unless cornered.