Kevin Nickell

Every week the Mt. Pleasant News will feature a Henry County resident in a profile snapshot. The questions will appear in bold.

This week's Friend on the Front Page is Kevin Nickell, who you may know from the print shop at Innovairre.

Are you originally from Mt. Pleasant/Henry County? If not, what brought you here. I grew up in Middletown. I graduated Burlington High School, where I had taken graphic arts classes and vocational printing my senior year. I began my career in printing when I went to work for a small printing company called Alaniz & Sons.

What is your favorite part of living here? I love volunteering for Midwest Central Railroad during the Old Threshers Reunion. How many towns the size of Mt. Pleasant have such a large annual event drawing people from all over the country and even from around the world? My main volunteer work is conducting on the railroad.

What is your favorite local hang out? The Press Box is a great place to hang out on Friday night with co-workers after the workweek is over. The main reason I like going there is because the grill stays open long after most other places have stopped serving food. I really enjoy shooting a game of pool with friends after work.

What do you like to do in your free time? Most any summer day when I'm not at work you can find me on the golf course getting in a round or two.

What is your favorite spring activity? When spring arrives, I enjoy going down to my sister's farm and hunt for Geodes in the creek she owns. For many years, I would sell dozens of small to mid-size beautiful rocks at my parents produce stand in Middletown.

What is one thing you've not tried that you would like to do? I have never tried snow skiing. I have always had strong knees and ankles and thought it might be something I might do well if I ever got the hang of it. At my age, I might just have to stick to the bunny slopes.

Is there something Mt. Pleasant doesn't have you would like to see? Sure wish our golf club could grow to an 18 hole course. I realize, however, the logistics and the desire to keep the membership cost down so people living here can afford to join keeps this from a realistic vision.

What is one dish or drink that reminds you of Mt. Pleasant? Every year during the Old Threshers Reunion my son and I have to have the delicious pork burgers from the Pork Producers of Henry County. I couldn't imagine the reunion without it.

Tell us something interesting about you. Growing up, my parents always had a knack for gardening. While I never quite had the same enthusiasm, it was a big part of my young adulthood days. They eventually bought land and opened a produce stand. I remember tending five acre gardens with them and several hired hands. It was so successful that to this day I can meet people and if I mentioned the business it seems more times than not they know exactly where it was and many of them had even been there a time or two.