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Lowell Jost
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
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April 13, 2003--Remember, when your grandparents used to talk about full-service gas stations. In Hillsboro Lowell Jost still has one. There, a one-man gas station fulfills a need. |
"It's just a plain old-fashioned gas station. It's got a couple of pumps and a building that was built back in the '50's."
Lowell Jost continues a Hillsboro family tradition.
"This place has been my life with my dad starting it in 1946." |
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At the corner of 13-Mile Road and 'D' this station has been a community fixture. Prominently displayed is the sign that screams: "No Self Service".
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"If you put in a self-service island, you don't get to see the ladies vehicle that comes in that may have a low tire."
Lowell only charges a couple of pennies more for the full service. What he likes is feeling like he's doing something for the people who stop by.
A woman had a tire problem and came to pick up her truck. Lowell explained what happened.
"I pulled the object out and it did end up sealing itself. Let me charge you about five dollars for my time." |
| Inside, you seen these places before, a coffee cup that was once washed, the usual cartoons tacked to the wall, a gumball machine waits, rags overflow on a shelf. |
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| Keys wait for eager owners and on a top shelf, a few jars of local honey. It's home to Lowell and it is still one of those places where the teenager can come in and say "charge it to dad". |
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"But I guess that's all part of being a small town, because you know most everybody who comes in."
Another man and his wife who are regular customers drive up. Weather is always part of a conversation.
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"Hi John, how come you let it get cold?"
Another man, a local car dealer stops by to get gas and chat. He looks at the TV camera and then says that Lowell is a pretty good guy.
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"He's one of the few guys around that I like."
Lowell explains their relationship.
"He's a K-State fan and I'm a KU fan and we still get along." |
It's a small town station that holds onto old-time ideals.
"You know you kind of have that feeling that we're all part of family when they come in here, they end up sharing and you able to share things with them."
So from his dad's station of the '40's to Lowell's station of another century -- some things never get old. Service, and small-town caring.
"All right, thank you, you come again." |
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