Downtown Hays business owners buy Comeau properties

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

A sheriff’s sale of Hays downtown properties ended Friday morning with smiles and hugs as several business owners gained ownership of the buildings in which their businesses are located.

Bank of Hays, Sunflower Bank and Golden Belt Bank were granted foreclosures on multiple properties owned by Chuck Comeau and his holding companies last year.

Comeau’s furniture manufacturing company in Plainville, Dessin Fournir, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April. However, that bankruptcy was dismissed when a judge determined the companies in question did not have enough assets for a reorganization. Comeau tried to find a buyer for the companies without success.

Heather and Shaun Musil won the bid at $211,001 for 1100 Main, which houses their business, The Paisley Pear.

“We’re thrilled,” said Heather Musil. “We are thrilled that the owners all get to keep their buildings and the businesses will continue as normal.”

Shaun added,” We can concentrate on what we do best.”

Sarah Cearley won the bids for two storefronts in which her businesses, Simply Charmed and Bella Luna, are located. She was the high bidder at $75,001 for 1011 Main and $70,001 for 106 W. 11th.

“I am just excited and fortunate that we were able to purchase with no competition,” she said. “We look forward to continuing to be a part of downtown for many more years to come.”

Norman Keller and his wife purchased 1013 Main for a bid of $140,001. The building is home to Regeena’s Flowers & Events. Keller said they were ecstatic and relieved.

The historic George Philip Hardware building, 719 Main, was purchased by Wes Rathbun for $207,001.

Sara Bloom, Downtown Hays Development Corp. director, said, “This is a great day for downtown. The building sales bring opportunities, but it also ensured that our business owners who are so successful already will get to stay in their building and continue their success and help grow and bring our downtown into the future.”

Other properties that sold included:

803 Fort St. — $37,100 to Leroy Riedl

811 Fort St. — $14,000 to Dan and Bob Meckenstock

1008 Main St.— $100,000 to Bank of Hays

1102 Main St. $120,00 to Bank of Hays

1108 Main St. — $5,001 to Leroy Riedl

121 E. 11th St. — $91,000 to Robert E. Schmidt Foundation

1012 Main St. — $70,000 to Bank of Hays

The 2018 taxes on the properties were paid, but the new owners will need to pay the 2019 taxes.

Seven Comeau properties already sold at sheriff’s sale in August.