Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
- Cedar Falls, IA
Local Editor, Cedar Falls
Patch Email: alison.gowans@patch.com
Facebook.com/CedarFallsPatch
Twitter.com/CedarFallsPatch
Phone: 319-850-3474
I'm a born and raised resident of this town.
After graduating from Cedar Falls High School, I studied journalism and international studies at the University of Iowa and spent some time as a reporting intern at The Gazette in Cedar Rapids. After a brief stint in Minneapolis, I took off for the Peace Corps.
Two years as a community health education volunteer in Swaziland, a tiny country in Southern Africa, broadened my horizons and my perspective. But I missed home - the green summers, vibrant fall leaves and the promise of spring after a long winter. (Not so much the winter itself.)
I missed the people of this place, family and friends and neighbors. It was time to come home, and what better way to reintegrate into my community than through Patch? So here I am, wondering what the next few years will bring.
Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise 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 simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.
Politics
The current acerbic political climate disheartens me. At this point I'm less concerned with parties and labels than with intent and ideas. If someone can convince me they have the country's best interests at heart and of the merit of their policies, they'll probably have my vote. I'm a registered Independent.
Religion
I believe in God. I'm still working out the details of what that belief entails and probably will be for the rest of my life.
Posting Activity
Cedar Falls|News|
Sheriff's Deputies Will Cook Steak Dinners to Raise Funds for K-9 Program
Loki, a 2 year old Belgian Malinois, has already demonstrated his outstanding capabilities and is recognized as one of the best “dual purpose” K-9’s in the state of Iowa.
Cedar Falls|News|
Daniel Morrissey Pleads Guilty to Meth Charges
Daniel Morrissey, the father of slain Evansdale girl Lyric Cook-Morrissey, has pleaded guilty to numerous drug charges authorities said took place between December 2012 and February 2013.
Marion, IA|News|
Marion Home of the Week: 80 Wooded Acres and 3 Fireplaces for $525,000
This week's featured home: 1909 Bloomington Road in Marion.
Cedar Falls|News|
Cedar Falls House of the Week: Gas Fireplace and Open Main Floor for $395,900
This week's featured home: 1720 Quail Ridge Road in Cedar Falls.
Cedar Falls|News|
Volunteer Opportunity
Cedar Falls|News|
Public Intoxication and Drunk Driving Charges: Cedar Falls Police Blotter
The following information was provided by the Cedar Falls Police. It does not represent a conviction.
Cedar Falls|News|
Having a Cedar Valley Garage Sale? Post it on the Map
Add your Cedar Falls yard, garage or estate sale to Patch's list, and we'll post them all in a map before the weekend.
Cedar Falls|News|
Flood Warning Issued for Cedar River in Black Hawk County
The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning the Cedar River at Cedar Falls until Sunday morning.
Marion, IA|News|
Operation Quickfind: Missing Teen Last Seen in Marion
Adrianna Alexis Ramsey, 17, was last seen Sunday at 840 Keyes Court in Marion.
Cedar Falls|News|
Drunk Driving, Assault and Theft Charges: Cedar Falls Police Blotter
The following information was provided by the Cedar Falls Police. It does not indicate a conviction.
Cedar Falls|News|
Job Opening
Cedar Falls|News|
Community Update
Cedar Falls|News|
Evansdale Cousins Investigation Update: Authorities Seek Information on SUV
Investigators have received witness information that white older-model full-sized SUV-type vehicle, such as a Chevy Suburban, Ford Bronco or similar vehicle, was parked near the lake along Arbutus Street on July 13.
Cedar Falls|News|
Hartman Reserve Announces 2013 Artist-In-Residence
The Hartman Artist-in-Residence program offers resident artists the opportunity to pursue their artistic discipline while being surrounded by Hartman Reserve’s inspiring landscape.
Cedar Falls|News|
UNI Dance Marathon and Relay For Life Receive Prestigious Volunteer Award
Several hundred volunteers are recognized each year with awards in one of four categories: Individual, Group, Length of Service or Disaster Volunteer.
Cedar Falls|News|
Hartman Reserve Seeks Public's Input on Nature Center Building Project
The public is invited to an open house tour of the east wing structure on June 23 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Cedar Falls|News|
Cedar Falls House of the Week: Deck Overlooking Huge Backyard for $264,900
This week's featured home: 1819 Erik Road in Cedar Falls.
Cedar Falls|News|
Where in Cedar Falls is This?
Can you guess where this week's mystery photo was taken?
Cedar Falls|News|
National Professors' Organization Defers Censure of UNI
The AAUP had been formally investigating the university after budget cuts led to the closure of dozens of academic programs and Malcolm Price Laboratory School.
