Today I’m lifting up two friends who are at different places in their careers. Karen Sommers is retiring from ESB after over 50 years while our Chuck Samples was honored at Saturday’s ESU football game as a “Hometown Hero.”
ESB’s new Marketing Officer has a big challenge following two icons in Karen and Carolyn Davis who retired from the marketing position in 2001.
Karen and I were classmates at Emporia High and to say we were competitive for attention would be an understatement. She probably won as it was better to be a cheerleader for a bad football team than play on it.
Karen’s career has been amazing and her saying about seems accurate, “I never worked a day.”
She and her late husband Stan were so reliable as travel agents we hated to see the demise of that industry.
Following Carolyn was a big challenge, but Karen nailed it!
Emporia State Bank is truly a senior’s best friend with their trips and events galore.
Karen has two brothers and two sons. That’s a challenge for a sister and mom, but she’s a role model at both.
Her weekly “Managing Your Money” spots Wednesday mornings on KVOE will be missed.
Best wishes Karen, you truly are an Emporia icon.
Chuck Samples has been a KVOE News anchor for 18 1/2 years. It seems longer because so many people ask me “what does Chuck think?”
Chuck was recognized as a “Hometown Hero.” Don’t know who nominated him, but they were right on.
Chuck’s schedule is so loaded I’m almost embarrassed to share it. He arrives most days hours before the sun is up and stays until all is covered. His greatest responsibility is severe weather coverage for which he’s been recognized by the KAB several times. Bottom line: Chuck is better than good at his job!
Chuck and Ginny his wife who works for the Kansas Children’s League, will celebrate their 16th anniversary in December. They have 4 children – one of their own and three adopted. Health issues with their kids are significant, but the way they deal with them makes them heroes at home too.
Chuck’s from Omaha so he’s cursed with being a Corn Husker fan. When asked about hobbies he answered: chasing our 3 youngest kids, severe weather, writing music, the Royals and Chiefs and he is thinking about writing some short stories.
We are very proud of Chuck at KVOE and applaud ESU for honoring him.
Emporia is a better town because Karen and Chuck live here.
I’m Steve Sauder
