Byron News: Welcome newcomers

Driving east into Byron, you may have noticed that the old motel, just outside town limits, has undergone a clean-up, having been neglected and become run-down over the past several years.

In the 50s it was a cafe and dinner club, owned and run by Don and Lou Snyder. It was a busy lunch place, serving hamburgers and sandwiches. In the evenings it opened into the back for a nice dining room for dinners. Back then it was a ‘dress-up’ experience to go to dinner there.

Don and Lou lived in the white house next door, nestled in the trees. They were a team and ran the business together. Lois, who lived close by, was married to their son Roger. Over the years, and with different owners, it became quite an eyesore entrance to town.   

I was pleased to visit with Beau and Kirstien Reimink. They are the new owners of the property and moved here from Phenix City, Alabama, on the border of Columbus, Georgia. They have big plans for the place. The main objective is a Christian church to be held in the metal building (former cafe). There will also be a coffee, soda and food area. They plan to keep a few motel rooms and open a thrift store. The corner area of the motel is Beau’s shop. He has a background in carpentry, and his father, who is visiting, is also a carpenter, so they are working together on this big project. 

Beau and Kirstien were both in the Marines for eight years and were deployed to Afghanistan, where they first met.  After returning home, they were reacquainted and married. They have two daughters, Kymber, 17, and Eyda, 11.  Both are homeschooled and enjoy outside activities. Eyda (Ada) has embraced the western life and is enjoying getting to be around horses and playing softball on the Ruby Reds team, as well as the Double Play Divas. Kymber has a job working at the animal shelter in Powell.

A few years after the military, while being involved in working with the youth at his church, Beau felt called to the ministry. He had a bachelor’s degree in project management. In order to prepare to be a minister, he attended Gateway Seminary out of Denver and received his Master of Theological Studies in Pastoral Ministry.

He is looking forward to starting a men’s Bible study Wednesday, June 24, at 6 a.m. It will be held in the shop area.

While the buildings are under renovation, they plan to begin church services in their home at 40 N. Pryor. This will start mid-July, Sunday evenings at 5 p.m. They are connected to the North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Church.

When Beau was asked why he didn’t just tear things down and start over, he said he was following Jesus’ plan, not destruction, but clean out and start over. A new beginning.

We welcome this new family to Byron. They are already volunteering to help with Byron Days. Good people.