Note: This is the first in a weekly series of articles called “Around the Corner.” Each week the Daily News’ Josh Koehn will call up a Newton resident at random and ask him or her a series of questions, which were also selected at random. This week we will be talking with 45-year-old Aaron Loree.
Q. Where were you born?
A. Lagrande, Oregon
Q. Why did you come to Newton?
A. To be a pastor for First Baptist Church.
Q. How long ago did you come here?
A. Almost four years ago.
Q. Are you married?
A. Married with two Kids.
Q. What are their names?
A. Dylan and Kinzie. And I have one wife, Raquel.
Q. Did you say one wife?
A. Just one. (Laughing) Who I’m madly, passionately in love with.
Q. What do you like most about Newton or Iowa?
A. It’s a great place to raise a family. I love the Midwest feel.
Q. What do you hate most about Newton or Iowa?
A. The winter. Hands down.
Q. What’s your Maytag connection?
A. I don’t have one.
Q. That’s unique in this town.
A. (pause) Yes.
Q. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A. Believe it or not, I wanted to be an athlete. I wanted to be a professional baseball player.
Q. Iowa Hawkeyes or Iowa State Cyclones?
A. That’s a loaded question. I’m an Oregon Duck.
Q. What is the most important thing you have done in your life?
A. Well, becoming a dad, becoming a husband. Obviously, I love my calling as a pastor,.
Q. What were you doing when I called you?
A. I was getting ready to turn on the news and make dinner.
Q. Who was your first kiss?
A. Oh, wow. Let me think. Holly Taylor.
Q. What do you like to do for fun?
A. I love to hunt.
Q. What kind of hunting?
A. Archery, deer.
Q. Why archery?
A. It’s the most challenging, but its also the most enjoyable
Q. If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
A. That’s a loaded question. ... This is a religious thing, but I want everyone to trust in Jesus and experience his love.
Q. If it wasn’t religious, what would it be?
A. Just learn to love people and live with each other. That’s the base of my belief system.