News

Snowfest brings winter fun to Cresco

HOWARD COUNTY - Snowfest, arguably the biggest winter event of the year in the area, returned once again thanks to the hard work and creativity of the Cresco Driftrunners. While Mother Nature didn’t cooperate this year, the popular winter celebration still delivered a full weekend of fun, food,...

Donna Thomas ready for retirement after 45 years of banking

CRESCO - After 45 years, Donna Thomas is finally seeking the good life . . . retirement! Having worked in the banking business since the early 80s and spent 30 of those years serving as Market President of Cresco Bank & Trust Co., Thomas will be leaving the day-to-day responsibilities at the...

The Original Snow Festival

In 1971, the first-ever Snowfest, originally called the Snow Festival, was held in Cresco, marking the beginning of a now 55-year tradition hosted by the Cresco Driftrunners Snowmobile Club. Despite bitter cold, fierce winds, and challenging weather conditions, the inaugural event laid the...

Piecemakers Stitch up Friendship, One Quilt at a Time

CRESCO — On any given second Monday afternoon at the Cresco Community Chapel, the room fills with conversation, laughter, and the excited buzz of quilters gathering to learn and share. Tables are covered with colorful quilts, notebooks, and works-in-progress as members settle in to hear guest...

HC Community Foundation Awards $143,857.87

LIME SPRINGS - The Howard County Community Foundation (HCCF) held its 2025 Grant Award Celebration at the Lime Springs Community Center on January 5, 2026, announcing the distribution of $143,857.87 to 20 organizations serving Howard County through its 2025 grant cycle. Grant recipients,...

Winner announced for First Baby Contest

The tiny newcomer who will be snagging a stack of prizes and a lot of smiles arrived in Howard County just after New Year’s — a joyful second-born of 2026 Howard County resident who became the TPD “first baby” winner after the actual first family politely declined. Parents Nic and Courtney Rose...

A sweet fundraiser for a good cause

CRESCO - In a follow-up to a story published in the December 17th edition of the Times Plain Dealer, the candy cane tree on North Elm Street in front of Fareway in Cresco has now been taken down. What began as a seasonal decoration became a visible, interactive campaign that drew families, shoppers...

Operation Santa brought a little bit of the North Pole to Cresco

The Cresco Police Department’s Operation Santa jingled through town again this year, delivering cheer, laughter, and gift bags to nearly 60 delighted children. Kris Kringle rode along with his very own police escort elves, Officers Sam Fotiadis and Dalton Rush, turning routine patrol routes into a...

A Visit Back to our Favorite Stories - Part 1 January through June

Highlighted below are some of the stand-out stories from our community each month of 2025, selected by the TPD staff. These pieces — chosen from a year rich with local achievements, service, and heartfelt farewells — showcase leaders, neighbors, and organizations that shaped the first half of 2025...

Churches Unite to Illuminate the Road to Bethlehem in Cresco

CRESCO — What began as a single, meaningful woodworking project more than five years ago has grown into a powerful symbol of faith, craftsmanship, and unity among Cresco’s churches. Immanuel Lutheran Church’s woodworking ministry, Hands of the Master, has completed a stunning community...