Welcome To Patch: The Houston Area's New Online News Source

HOUSTON — Hello Houston. Are you ready to get your hyper-local news totally free and totally online? If you are already reading Patch, well then you already know cool it is to get your news for free, and get the news that’s happening right around the corner.

For those who have never heard of Patch, well, you’re in for a real treat. Patch is a hyper-local community-based news platform. What that means is that you, the reader, are also a vital contributor to the news stories in the area. We share the news that is important to you and your neighbors, whether you're in The Woodlands, South Houston, Pasadena, or Katy.

Our wonderful law enforcement agencies in Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Galveston, Brazoria and Waller Counties are always quick to remind all of us to “If you see something, say something,” well the same holds true for Patch. If you see something, say something.

If you're the observant neighbor, the social butterfly, or just someone who loves their community, then Patch is your perfect landing spot each and every day.

If you see a cool news story, or witnesses something really neat or out of the ordinary, let us know. Snap a photo, record a video, send an email or drop us a post on the brand-new Instagram page.

Patch covers the communities in Clear Lake, Conroe-Montygomery County, Houston, Humble-Kingwood, Pasadena, Sugar Land, Spring, and The Woodlands.

Subscriptions are always free, and once you sign up, well you get all the community news that’s fit to read. If we miss anything, let us know.

Of course, subscribing is only part of the fun. If you have a great idea for story that only you can tell, then tell it. All you have to do is sign up for a free account on your favorite Patch site, and you are in. Patch welcomes great user generated content from its readers. You can post directly to Patch. Click here and get started!

Patch also has a special program called the Patch Mayor Program. We've designed a special user role on Patch especially for the community member who wants to use Patch to share their passion about people, events, organizations and issues in town, and interact with other locals through commenting, promoting articles and moderation. After applying and vetting, they get the new Patch Mayor user role and receive training.

Patch Mayor candidates are most likely super involved in clubs or civic activities, booster committees or organization in their backyard.

Perhaps you are one of those who loves to serve on the festival committee, high school sports booster club, or something similar.

Patch Mayor candidates may be retirees, too, looking for a way to stay connected, and some may have a background in writing or publishing. If you really love your town, you're probably a "Patch perfect" for the role.

Whether you subscribe or contribute, we are just really glad you’re here, and that you are using Patch is the go-to news sources in your community. Thanks for checking us out!

(For more news and information like this, subscribe to Patch for free. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

Image: Patch

Send your news tips and story ideas to bryan.kirk@patch.com