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|
Ask the Patch Pros: About Cooking and Preserving Fall Vegetables
As summer winds down, the vegetables are ramping up.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Drunk Driving, Theft and Public Intoxication Charges: Cedar Falls Police Blotter
The following information was provided by the police. It does not represent a conviction.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Weather Alert: Cedar Falls
Don't let that blue sky fool you - Black Hawk County is under a severe thunderstorm watch.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Price Lab Parents File Appeal With Iowa Supreme Court
The legal fight against Price Lab's closure continues even as its students integrate into new schools.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Patch Poll: Go Hawks! Go Cyclones! Which Team is the Best?
Forget Romney versus Obama, the biggest rivalry in Iowa this week is the University of Iowa Hawks versus the Iowa State Cyclones.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Iowa's Missing Children: 17 Cases in Black Hawk County
In Black Hawk County, 17 people who went missing as children are being sought.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Thousands Line Streets of Cedar Falls to Give Injured Vet a Hero's Homecoming: Photos
Navy petty officer Taylor Morris, a Cedar Falls native, was injured in Afghanistan. This weekend's visit is his first trip home since January.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Local Republicans Gear Up for Final Campaign Stretch as Victory Office Opens in Cedar Falls
The grand opening celebration featured speeches by local Republicans running for office, including Iowa's first district Congressional candidate Ben Lange.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Drunk Driving, Public Intoxication and Theft Charges: Cedar Falls Police Blotter
The following information was provided by the police. It does not represent a conviction.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Members of Public Sought for UNI Presidential Search Committee
Three members of the public will be appointed to the search committee that will chose UNI President Ben Allen's replacement.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
UPDATE: Cedar Falls, Waterloo Schools Dismissing Early Friday
With temperatures expected to near 100 degrees Fahrenheit Thursday, some area schools have already decided to dismiss class early.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Antiques & Stuff Closing Doors After 13 Years on Downtown Main Street
The store's owners said they have mixed feelings about the decision to sell their business after over a decade downtown.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
All Cedar Valley Reads Series Kicks Off With Discussions of African-American Migration to Waterloo
The community discussion sessions start tonight, Aug. 28, and last through January.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
New Wife Paladino Seeks Annulment from Jailed Peregrine Financial's Wasendorf
Nancy Paladino married PFG CEO Russell Wasendorf Sr. less than two weeks before he attempted suicide and allegedly admitted to years of fraud.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Taylor Morris Coming Home Today; Friends Plan Surprise Cedar Falls Welcome Parade
The Cedar Falls sailor who was injured in Afghanistan today will make his first trip back to his hometown since his injuries.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Update: Fourth Cedar Falls Man Arrested in Waterloo Stabbing Incident
The men said they were stabbed while walking in Waterloo early Tuesday, but police said the wounds were inflicted in self defense after the men allegedly broke into a home.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
Cedar Falls|News|
Updated: Labor Day 2012: What's Open, What's Closed in Cedar Falls
Labor Day, everyone's favorite first Monday off of the school year, is coming up next week. See how it affects life in Cedar Falls.
Alison Gowans, Patch Staff
