Looking forward to exploring new home

Good afternoon Dexter and Southeastern Missouri. It's a pleasure to be the newest member of your community.

The picture with this column is of someone you've probably never met so let me introduce myself. My name is Chris Pruett, and I'm the new publisher of the Dexter Statesman.

I also will serve as publisher of the Poplar Bluff, Puxico and Doniphan newspapers.

For the past 36 years I've been in the newspaper business in Indiana, working in Linton, Greencastle, Brazil, Terre Haute, and Vincennes. For 28 of those years I lived and worked in Linton.

I cut my teeth in the newsroom, serving as an editor and sports editor for many years. Since 2004 I've served as a general manager or publisher as I transitioned to the business side of the newspaper world.

I have been married to the most wonderful woman in the world -- Debbie -- for almost 34 years, and the decision to move to Poplar Pluff was a decision we made together. She's an elementary school teacher and has worked at one school for many years. When we visited the area she noticed there were many elementary schools, and she's looking forward to working at one of them.

After many hours of soul-searching and praying we both agreed to this new chapter of our lives.

Deb will finish the current semester with her students and join me in Poplar Bluff after Christmas. That means a few long drives back to Indiana on weekends for visits for me or the same for her to Poplar Bluff.

Deb and I have a daughter, Rachael, who is the women's golf coach at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She played her college golf at Ball State University.

With that said, it may be obvious that I enjoy hitting the little white ball from time to time. I've been hampered this summer because of Achilles tendon surgery in early May, but I've been out a few times the past month. I look forward to playing area courses.

Deb and I enjoy antiquing, walking, riding bikes and volunteering. I enjoy most sports, with basketball being at the top of the list. The Indiana Hoosiers and Indiana Pacers are near and dear to my heart. I'm also a fan of the Cincinnati Reds (sorry Cardinal Nation, I grew up with the Big Red Machine) and Bengals.

Deb loves to cook and bake, and she's been known to make brownies, cookies, and dessert bread assortments for me to take to my papers.

We both grew up in the country and would be considered "country folks" by most. Our home in Indiana for the past 20 years sits on a family farm, and everyone affectionately and appropriately calls it "The farmhouse."

Our faith is an important part of our lives, and we look forward to joining our new church community and being involved in helping out where needed.

I know I have some big shoes to fill, and I look forward to the challenge.

The first few days here have been enjoyable. This area has a lot to offer, and Deb and I look forward to exploring the area more in the coming months.

It took maybe an hour or two on Thursday morning to understand how dedicated and loyal the employees are, not only to the paper, but to the community as well. They are members of this community and want what's best for the community.

Deb and I look forward to getting to know Dexter and the surrounding area. Don't hesitate to call, email or stop by the office.