A Letter from the Editor

Dear Readers,

 

My name is Rachel Riley, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new editor of the Cresco Times Plain Dealer. It is an honor to join this wonderful newspaper and community as well as share in the stories that make Cresco and the surrounding areas such a special place to live. I hope you excuse my informal letter format, I felt as if this would be the best way to introduce myself vs. a classic story.

 

A little about me: I’ve called Cresco home for the last 6 years, and I’m proud to live here with my husband Chris and our two children – my son, who is freshman, and my daughter who is in the 7th grade, both students attending Crestwood. I also have a step-daughter named Kaitlyn, a young adult living in Florida who is thriving, living her own life. My kids are my pride and joy, all three of them. My parents, Steve and Karen Carter, also made the trek out to Iowa shortly after my family made the move. We all relocated to the area to be closer to my brother Kevin Carter, his wife Julie, my niece Kristina and two nephews, Chance and Connor. The kids aren’t really kids anymore though, time just moves so fast. 

 

So to answer the question I have been asked so many times since I’ve moved here, we moved here to be closer to family but after some time, we found home. We are all excited to be part of this community and are grateful for the warm welcome we have received since we moved here.

 

I’ve already had the pleasure to meet many faces from the community as I have enjoyed freelance writing and providing photographs to the paper for about the last year. It has been a joy and I am excited about this opportunity to continue to provide news in a new capacity.

 

I was born and raised in Gloucester, Massachusetts, a seaport community probably most known for the movie, “The Perfect Storm”, although that is definitely not the best thing about the City. I grew up enjoying fresh seafood, playing competitive sports (Softball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Diving Team and Candlepin Bowling — look it up), as well as having a love for the arts — playing in school band, community band, and singing in multiple choruses. We got just about as much snow in Gloucester as we get here in Cresco (sometimes more), but the negative windchills here in Iowa, I’m struggling to get used to. Five winters here and I’m still not a fan of the cold.

 

I’ve always loved the close-knit sense of community where I’m from and I have found a very similar spirit of community here in Cresco, which is one of the reasons why I love it. I was fortunate enough in my younger adult life to be able to move around to different parts of the country to experience a lot of what America has to offer, I’ve previously lived in MA, WI, FL, LA, and AL. I think my life experiences along with my love for community landed me in the perfect place, at the right time here in Cresco. This community is such a great place to raise a family, and I am forever grateful to be right here in the heart of the country.

 

In addition to my role as editor and office manager at Cresco Times Plain Dealer, I have a passion for photography—both people and nature. Capturing moments through my lens is not just a hobby; it’s a way for me to connect with the beauty around me and to share the stories behind those moments. I also love cooking, and I am proud to share that I won first place in the appetizer round at this year’s Mighty Howard County Fair with my own recipe for chicken taquitos, a family favorite in my house! Cooking allows me to explore creativity and there is nothing better than the feeling you get when you feed someone and see a smile on their face. I hope to bring that same spirit of appreciation and creativity to the pages of this newspaper.

 

I am excited to take on this position, as I believe there is so much to celebrate in our community. From the remarkable individuals who contribute to our vibrant local culture to the events and initiatives that showcase our town’s character, there are endless stories waiting to be told. I’m learning about Cresco and its surrounding areas as a write and I am enjoying every moment. My goal is to highlight the great things and people our community has to offer and to leave a positive footprint on our town’s history through the narratives we share together.

 

I welcome your feedback, suggestions and contributions. Whether it’s a community event, a local achievement, or a story about someone who has made a difference, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we can create a newspaper that reflects the voices and vitality of Cresco and its surrounding areas. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to getting to know all of you better as we move forward together.

 

Warm regards,

Rachel Riley

Editor

Cresco Times Plain Dealer