So Long, Cuyahoga Falls — It's Been Fun

Good news is: Cuyahoga Falls Patch will remain open to anyone in the community who wants to share a blog, post an event, celebrate an announcement or promote a small business.

Bad news is: Due to restructuring, Ohio’s 17 Patch sites (and scores of sites across the country) will lose their editorial staffing and the hyper-local coverage that came with it.

During my last two years at Falls Patch, I met some amazing people, shared some stories that caught the nation’s attention and covered more breaking news than any reporter east of the Mississippi.

I worked six to seven days a week, 50-70 hours a week. I worked in my car, my bed, in coffee shops and libraries.

It wasn’t easy, but your devotion to the site was inspiring and you motivated me to keep plugging away.

It was overwhelming to watch the site’s readership and Facebook following flourish, as I received a steady flow of tips, comments and questions from residents deeply interested in their city.

I’m thankful for each and every reader who tuned in everyday, and I’m grateful for all the support as I move forward with my career.

In the last few weeks, you probably noticed the coverage tapering off as editors prepared for the transition, so my apologies to any new readers. Just a couple months ago the site was brimming with vitality and relevance. 

It can once again serve as that connection point if readers keep on contributing and engaging with one another.

Take care and remember: it’s never too late for good news.

Best regards,

John R. Deike