J.O.’s story has a ‘good things’ ending

The Parkermobile, just after the fire.

You’ll remember late May, when J.O. Parker of Montezuma drove to work in Grinnell, and emerged from the building minutes later to find his van engulfed in fire.

Barber Ron Hensel wondered out loud on social media if Poweshiek County residents might help out the former newspaper editor.

That spread to print media – The Record, and also to online Montezuma Magazine – where the situation was subject of a 50171 column.

J.O. and his “replacement ride.

A special “replacement van” fund was set up at Capra Bank, and cards and well-wishing letters started rolling in.

The story has a happy ending. Debbie and J.O. Parker have a “replacement vehicle,” thanks in large part to local helping hands.

The couple has a 2005 Chevy Suburban, complete with Vannoy plates on it when one of the photos for this story was taken.

Debbie and J.O. Parker are busy spreading profuse thanks to all who helped out, proving J.O.’s philosophy that “Good Things are Happening.”

And Ron Hensel, you’re “Lookin’ Good!” too, come to think of it.