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.
The drama that has enveloped their school was pushed to the background as Price Lab's teens danced with their friends April 21.
Who doesn't love a good dance party? These neon glowing dance parties are growing in popularity at UNI.
Forty-two area churches banded together Saturday to blanket Cedar Falls and Waterloo with love and volunteers in an annual event.
Could America become the Capitol? Is Peeta too perfect? Emily discusses these questions and more in her review.
The YouTube videos by Cedar Falls citizens continue to impress and amuse us.
The Cedar Falls Comprehensive Plan will guide city development for the next 20 to 25 years.
The Board of Regents will meet on the University of Northern Iowa campus next week.
Residents should avoid the portion of the creek downstream of 15th Street.
Here are the top five movies rented from Redbox in Cedar Falls, according to www.redbox.com, in the last week.
As part of our effort to feature the creation of Cedar Falls people on YouTube, we offer this video from local band Grinning Match.
It's spring, which means beautiful flowers and growing things. A local teacher captured some on camera.
A Cedar Falls kid explains why renting a plot in the Cedar Falls Community Garden is a fantastic idea. Also, what's with tomatoes?
Need a job? Look here. Have a job? Let us know!
The ceremony at the University of Northern Iowa gave 61 Iowans their citizenship.
The ceremony at the University of Northern Iowa gave 61 Iowans their citizenship.
The following information was provided by the police. It does not represent a conviction.
The following information was provided by the police. It does not represent a conviction.
Featured YouTube video of the day, highlighting the drumming skills of a Cedar Falls teen.
Featured YouTube video of the day, highlighting the drumming skills of a Cedar Falls teen.
Featured YouTube video of the day, highlighting the drumming skills of a Cedar Falls teen.