Haugen, Stoll join CNA editorial team

The Creston News Advertiser recently added a new reporter and newsroom assistant to its editorial staff.

Kelsey Haugen — a native of Lincoln, Neb. — joined the staff as a reporter Monday. She recently earned her degree in journalism and psychology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Haugen’s primary coverage areas for the CNA will be general news and Southwestern Community College.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to work for the Creston News Advertiser,” Haugen said. “I’m especially looking forward to taking photos to accompany my stories and beginning to explore my new surroundings.”

In her spare time, Haugen, 22, does photography, plays country music on her Epiphone guitar and thinks about returning home to visit “the love of her life,” a black lab named Tyson.

To submit story ideas or welcome her to the community, contact Haugen at (641) 782-2141 ext. 6438 or email her at khaugen@crestonnews.com.

Melody Stoll of Creston also joined the staff Monday. She has degrees from Southwestern Community College, Buena Vista and Northwest Missouri State. Stoll previously worked for nearly 35 years with the United States Postal Service including postmaster duties in Greenfield, Lorimor, Macksburg and Sharpsburg.

Stoll will eventually replace newsroom assistant Courtney Dake, who will leave the CNA in August to attend Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Ill.

“When I saw the ad for this position, I thought it fit my skills perfectly,” Stoll said. “I am really excited about working in Creston and being involved with the local community and with a great team here at the newspaper.”

In her spare time, Stoll, 56, enjoys walking, trying new recipes and playing organ at the First United Methodist Church in Creston.

Stoll is married to Arnold Stoll, production control at Fansteel Wellman. Together they have three children: Nicole who is married to Andy Jennett with a new baby Olivia, Alex who is enlisted in the Air Force and stationed in Charleston, S.C., and Jeremy, a second-year student at ISU majoring in chemical engineering.

Stoll can be reached at (641) 782-2141 ext. 6434 or email her at mstoll@crestonnews.com.