Ashlee Kieler, Patch Staff

Hi Everyone, I'm Ashlee, your local Johnston Patch editor.

A little about me...

I grew up in a small community south of Des Moines. I graduated high school with 38 other students in 2004. 

After that, I traveled to Lawrence, Kansas to go to school at The University of Kansas. I spent four years in Lawrence learning the ins and outs of journalism and communication studies. I graduated with two degrees in 2008.

Since graduation, I've worked at the Kansas City Business Journal as an intern, then I spent two years covering education for The Shawnee Dispatch. Shawnee is a growing suburb of Kansas City.

Most recently, I moved back to Iowa to work at the Altoona Herald as a reporter covering Altoona, Bondurant, Mitchellville, Pleasant Hill and Runnells.

Today, I'm loving Johnston, as the local editor for Patch.

At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs. This disclosure is not a license for them to inject their beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: We hope that the knowledge will make us mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.

<b>Politics</b>

Like most of you, I have beliefs. Most of those beliefs are on the left, but a few are on the right. I&#39;m always willing to respectfullly listen to any side of a debate on any issue<b>. </b>We are all entitled to our opinions. <b><br></b>

<b>Religion</b>

I grew up going to a Catholic Church. However, I no longer attend. I think of religion a lot like politics. Everyone has their beliefs, I respect those. I&#39;m constantly curious about different denominations and would like to continue exploring them.  <b><br></b>

<b>Local Hot-Button Issues</b>

One of the most important issues facing Johnston will be growth. The city has doubled in both of the last two census reports. This growth has led to the passage of a new public safety building and fire station annex. The growth has also led the Johnston School District to discuss new facilities.

Johnston Patch will follow these topics diligently to bring you the most up-to-date details whenever possible. <b><br></b>