Saying Goodbye, and Thanks, Cedar Falls Patch

Almost two years ago, Patch started an experiment in local, online news coverage in Cedar Falls. It's an experiment I feel incredibly lucky to have been a part of.

I have gotten to be part of your lives, telling your stories, and that has been an incredible honor. And there have been some big stories, from the closure of Price Lab and budget cuts at the University of Northern Iowa to the arrest of Russell Wasendorf Sr. and the collapse of Peregrine Financial Group to the horrific tragedy of the abducted Evansdale cousins.

Of course there have been happy stories as well. I've loved covering small business successes and taking photos at Sturgis Falls, ARTapalooza and the College Hill Arts Festival. And even in tragedy there have been positive threads. The way the community rallied around the Collins family after Elizabeth and Lyric disappeared gave a ray of hope in a dark time. One of my favorite ongoing stories has been the Cedar Valley's support for injured sailor Taylor Morris. 

I've gotten to talk with so many of you and learn what makes you love this community. And I want to say thank you for that honor. I wouldn't trade the last two years for anything.

Oct. 15 will be my last day with Patch. I hope you stay in touch - you call follow me on Twitter @alison_gowans or send me an email at alison.gowans@gmail.com.

Thanks, Cedar Falls, and stay well!

-Alison