By Kansan Staff

This week the Newton Kansan “Community Conversation Initiative” interview, part of the 5 Questions/5 Answers series, looks a little different.

Sal Lujano, a lifetime Newton resident who serves as a banker and business owner, sat down for the interview at HC Talk.

Before taking on an abbreviated five questions, Lujano spoke about growing up as part of Lujano family – which founded the Acapulco Restaurant downtown. Lujano founded his own eatery, Del Puente Cafe, with his wife and mother in law.

Lujano told the story of his family moving to Newton in 1989 to fulfill his father’s dream of owing a restaurant. Lujano has recently helped open his own restaurant downtown while working in banking in Newton.

“I have been in banking for about 15 years now. Helping people out with loans is a passion of mine,” Lujano said. “… Someone buying their first house, that is an emotional process.”

Lujano spoke about his role at the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, and why he launched efforts to have banners supporting Newton High School and Bethel College downtown.

In addition to being available at thekansan.com, the interview can be watched at https://youtu.be/AbP7g3zQRMg?si=XNI52-WTh0NKCuYr

The five questions of the Kansan series include:

What are the most pressing challenges facing our community at the local level right now?

Considering the evolving media landscape, what role do you see local newspapers playing in the community five years from now.

In your opinion, what role should our newspaper play in promoting civic participation and community involvement?

What community events or activities do you believe do you believe we should cover to better connect with our residents?

Considering the current economic landscape, how can our publication support local businesses and contribute to economic growth in the community?

To find the interviews online simply look for the “Conversations” category on the front page of thekansan.com.

A community survey will be launched in the weeks ahead as well.