Goodbye and Thank You Patch Readers

I've been struggling to write this story, not knowing what I wanted to say and how I wanted to say it. Tuesday, Oct. 15, is my last day with Patch. It is the last day for all of the editors in the St. Louis area.

The University City Patch and Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch sites will remain up for the foreseeable future, as will 21 other sites in the St. Louis area. Maryland Heights Patch and Webster Groves Patch closed last week.

I don't know exactly what will happen with the site. My friend and Creve Coeur Patch Editor Gregg Palermo put it better than I could:

"You're still encouraged to write a blog if you choose, or post an announcement or an event on our calendar as a way to get the word out to your friends and neighbors.... And you'll still receive daily newsletters. Beyond that, I don't have a whole lot more to say as far what will happen moving forward."

I have spent nearly three years with Patch, from starting Wentzville Patch in 2011 to taking over University City Patch from Myra Lopez in early 2012 and adding Clayton-Richmond Heights Patch in 2013.

I've loved being a part of the University City community, meeting many of you while working in coffee shops and restaurants in the Delmar Loop. I've loved reporting on the news that matters to University City, from telling you how city council actions impact residents to sharing the successes of our local students.

Good journalism doesn't exist in a vacuum. Patch readers have been quick to share their opinion, let me know if I didn't have the whole story or express thanks when they thought I got it right. Thank you for that. 

Local news is important. I hope Patch has served you while I've been here and I'm sorry I won't be able to be here to cover the next city council election or to see the completion of the all the new construction work in the Delmar Loop. How will the Loop Trolley construction impact residents? I will be watching on the sidelines with the rest of you.

The best part of being a part of Patch is without question the people. That starts with the amazingly talented people I've had the great privilege of working with over the past few years and the wonderful people I've met as a Patch editor. You have made this job rewarding and challenging and I will treasure my time covering the news of University City, Clayton and Richmond Heights.

Thank you for reading and supporting Patch over the past three years. I appreciate your contributions, blog posts, emails and thoughtful comments. Thank you for making me a part of this community and for embracing local news coverage. 

All the best,
Maggie Rotermund