The Heartbeat of Our Community

“In a world saturated with information, The Cresco Times Plain Dealer and other local community newspapers are more than just newspapers; they are an integral part of the community’s fabric.”    

 

   As the new News Editor of the Cresco Times Plain Dealer, my journey into the world of community journalism has been both eye-opening and inspiring. Each day presents an opportunity to learn more about how our local newspaper serves as the lifeblood of Cresco. Through conversations with our publisher, Dan Evans, and long-time Sports Editor Nate Troy, I have gained valuable insights into the newspaper's role in shaping our community, fostering connections, and preserving our collective history.

   The history of our paper provides a strong foundation for understanding its significance. As Dan explains, "the Cresco community actually had two newspapers at one time." The merger of the Plain Dealer and the Times created our vibrant platform for local storytelling—an essential archive of history that has documented the lives, events, and changes within our community for generations. Dan reminds us, “newspapers record history in your communities,” emphasizing that local journalism isn’t just about today’s headlines; it’s about building a record of our past and present for all those who come after us.

 

The Benefits of Local 

   At its core, the Times Plain Dealer is a vital resource for the Cresco community to both share and receive information. One of its most significant contributions is its ability to keep residents informed about the happenings that matter most to us that live in the community. Dan states, “letters to the editor are such an important piece in allowing anyone in our area to voice their opinion.” 

   By covering local events, sharing announcements, providing a public space for local opinions, reporting on city council and school board meetings, our newspaper ensures that the community stays engaged and informed. This transparency is essential for fostering trust and accountability among local leaders and community members.

   Moreover, the economic impact of a local newspaper is profound. Dan emphasizes, “We still are a great value for advertising, and even Google states that your weekly newspaper is still your best advertising dollar spent!” This is invaluable not just for promoting local businesses but for sustaining the economic health of Cresco as a whole.

 The newspaper provides an  avenue for significant community events, local sales, and important changes happening within the county, ultimately helping to bolster the local economy. Without ads being placed in the newspaper or people getting yearly subscriptions, we would not be able to continue in print; making ads not only beneficial for the companies that place them but also for the community by getting information to our readers and keeping our local paper in production. 

 

Fostering Community Spirit

   Community newspapers also play a crucial role in building social ties. The stories we publish resonate because they reflect the lives and experiences of our readers. People appreciate seeing their friends, family, and neighbors in the paper, cultivating a sense of connection and pride. When local achievements are chronicled, whether in sports, one’s personal endeavors, schools or community service, it becomes a celebration of shared values and experiences.

   Dan shares a little bit about his background, “Growing up in a family of 14 kids and in the weekly newspaper business, I’ve learned a ton when it comes to local (reporting) from both of my parents and my siblings – 11 of us were either graphic artists, publishers or printers.” Dan adds. “Also, my father told me this years ago, you should rarely put negative things on the front of a (local) newspaper”. He adds, “If someone is passing through town, they should never see the negative, but the positive of our community, hopefully seeing our area as a great place to live, work and play.” While the Times Plain Dealer does see the importance of covering as much local news as we can, both good and bad, we do try to keep the paper as much of a positive experience as possible due to Dan’s philosophies and the importance of fostering community spirit.

   Dan recounts how the newspaper participates in highlighting various community projects, noting that we help to promote fundraisers for new developments like the local Scene Shop or the RHS Clinic. "We're always the first to report on it and the one who directs individuals and businesses on where and how to give toward that project," he notes. This active engagement helps mobilize community members, encouraging them to contribute to causes that enhance the overall quality of life in our area.

   Nate, though primarily focused on sports, echoes this sentiment when he reflects on the journeys of local athletes and their families. "There are many times people have come into the newspaper office to get extra copies of a specific issue because of a story or photo that was in the newspaper," he shares. These anecdotes reveal the impact that our reporting has on individuals and families, making the newspaper a cherished product in the community.

 

  The Role of Local Sports Coverage in Fostering Community Spirit

   One of the most impactful areas of our coverage is local sports, expertly managed by Nate Troy, who has dedicated an impressive 28 years to sports journalism across five different newspapers. A graduate of Loras College, where he earned a B.A. in Journalism, Nate began his journey in 1994, working at the college’s student newspaper, the Lorian. Since then, he has worked as a sports editor for various publications, including the Mobridge Tribune in South Dakota before returning to the Times Plain Dealer a few times, the latest starting in March 2011. The Times Plain Dealer is his home and where he always has returned to.

   Nate’s philosophy around sports coverage underscores the importance of portraying local athletes positively. “I know that people enjoy seeing their kids, grandkids, relatives and friends in the newspaper,” he explains. This approach not only nurtures the athletes but also fosters a sense of pride and community connection among readers. By focusing on the efforts and experiences of student athletes, Nate emphasizes the supportive nature of our local newspaper.

   Dan, too, recognizes the role of sports coverages in uniting the community. He asserts, “As for a weekly newspaper, we are truly the heartbeat of the community. We report on our schools, our councils, our communities,” Sports often serve as a crucial intersection for community pride, with local teams embodying the spirit and identity of Cresco. By celebrating both victories and learning moments, Nate’s coverage becomes a part of the community narrative that reminds us that everyone is striving to do their best, no matter the outcome.

   Nate and the TPD’s commitment to covering local sports creates moments that resonate with the community. He recalls, “In 1995, the Crestwood football team won the district championship and qualified for the playoffs for the first time in school history.” The excitement was palpable, with packed stands at games and fans rallying around the team. “During the playoffs, there were at least two or three full buses of fans and students who went to the game to cheer on their Cadets!” In an era before social media, this engagement served to unite the community, with individuals turning to the Times Plain Dealer to follow their team’s progress. Even now, post social media and the ability to share information quick and easily – the paper serves as the foundation for statistics and photos from the sidelines providing another view of sports you would not otherwise receive.  

   There is something special about seeing yourself, your loved one or friend in the paper, it’s a keepsake for a lifetime. How many people have news clippings somewhere either out on display or packed away being saved to look back on at a later date, to reminisce on times gone by? 

 

  The Power of Collaboration

   The collaborative nature of our team further enhances the quality of journalism we provide. As Dan points out, “We have approximately 6,000 readers each and every week... our subscribers truly care about the community, seeking what's important.” This relationship between the paper and its readers is built on trust, transparency, and shared purpose. Every member of our team contributes to this mission, ensuring that we produce a well-rounded publication that serves Cresco’s diverse needs.

   “We’re fortunate to have an excellent staff in place right now and I’m just looking forward to the years ahead”. Dan shares. Also adding, “Nate Troy has been a mainstay for the TPD with his sports coverage – offering some excellent photography and coverages. He’s also been instrumental in our entire operation, from laying out legals and pages, to helping with the office waiting on customers. Rachel Riley is a very welcomed addition to our operation and has the work ethics and skills of becoming a great editor. Our part-time bookkeeping person, Amanda Henkes, is also a big part of our establishment and a very welcomed person to have back to do our billing. Plus, Beki Gronwaldt (in Le Roy) does a great job with our ads.”

   Dan emphasizes the role of local newspapers in providing oversight, stating, "Without a newspaper, councils and schools can spend freely without anyone questioning as to why." Our reporting holds those in power accountable, ensuring that tax dollars are spent responsibly and that the community remains informed about local governance. This contributes to a healthy democracy where citizens feel empowered to engage with their local government and advocate for their interests.

 

  Looking Ahead