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
Iowa City, IA|News|
Iowa City Man Injured in Accident Involving Ambulance, Motorcycle and Truck
Two related accidents snarled traffic on I-380 Friday, killing an Illinois woman and injuring seven other people.
Cedar Falls|News|
Woman Dies In 2nd of 2 Major Accidents on I-380 in Black Hawk County Friday
Several people were injured in the accidents, which involved an ambulance transporting a patient, a truck, a patrol car and two motorcycles.
Cedar Falls|News|
Community Update
Cedar Falls|News|
Community Update
Cedar Falls|News|
Movie Reviews: The To Do List, Smurfs 2, Blue Jasmine and More
Movie reviews and movie times for theaters in Cedar Falls, including "The Wolverine" and "The Conjuring." Let Patch help you decide what you're going to see this weekend.
Cedar Falls|News|
7 People Running for 3 Cedar Falls School Board Seats
The election will be held Sept. 10. All school board seats are at-large, meaning the entire school district will be able to vote for each seat.
Cedar Falls|News|
Report: 'Widespread Violations' of Child Labor Laws at Hy-Vee, Fareway, Other Grocers
The U.S. Department of Labor found violations in 51 stores in Iowa and Nebraska and assessed more than $128,500 in fines, according to the report. Hy-Vee in Waterloo is among the stores found in violation.
Cedar Falls|News|
Iowa Sales Tax Holiday 2013 Starts Friday: Today in Cedar Falls
The state's sales tax holiday is great for back-to-school essentials.
Cedar Falls|News|
Would Amber Alert Language Change Have Made a Difference in Evansdale, Gosch Kidnappings?
Evansdale Police Chieft Kent Smock, Elizabeth Collins' family and Noreen Gosch, mother of kidnapped West Des Moines boy Johnny Gosch, weigh in on changes in Iowa's Amber Alert criteria language.
Marion, IA|News|
Operation Quickfind: Marion Teen Missing Since Wednesday
If you have any information on her location, call the Marion Police Department at 319-377-1511.
Cedar Falls|News|
Job Opening
Cedar Falls|News|
Community Update
Cedar Falls|News|
Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band Concert for Taylor Morris: This Weekend in Cedar Falls
What's going on in Cedar Falls this weekend? Here are some highlights.
Cedar Falls|News|
Gary Sinise & the Lt. Dan Band Concert for Taylor Morris: This Weekend in Cedar Falls
What's going on in Cedar Falls this weekend? Here are some highlights.
Cedar Falls|News|
Irish Fest App Available: Thursday in Cedar Falls
Also: Cool weather continues, there will be a CNG gas station grand opening and the College Hill Farmer's Market, and stop by The Lampost for hand ground, microbrewed coffeed.
Marion, IA|News|
Marion Home of the Week: Geothermal and Stone Fireplace for $439,000
This week's featured home: 845 Creekbend Circle, Marion.
Cedar Falls|News|
Iowa AMBER Alert Criteria Broadened After String of Kidnappings
The AMBER Alert Criteria Group met in response to a series of kidnappings in Iowa, including the still unsolved murders of Evansdale cousins Elizabeth Collins and Lyric Cook-Morrissey.
Cedar Falls|News|
Artist Completes Giant Flag Painting in Cedar Falls
Cedar Falls|News|
Iowa Sales Tax Holiday 2013 Starts Friday; What's On Your Shopping List?
The state's sales tax holiday is great for back-to-school essentials.