When Bhavesh Darji and his wife Darshna saw the ad for a motel for sale in Newton, they had to check it out. After visiting Newton, they were impressed with the reception they received from residents here.

“We like this town. The people are friendly and business is good,” said Bhavesh, also known as “Bob.”

The couple from Monee, Ill., purchased the Mid-Iowa Motel last November and moved to Newton to take over operations of the motel June 15. The couple are in the process of renovating each of the 18 units, and currently have two completed.