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Kids & Family

Founding Editor Micheal Foley Bids Farewell to Hudson Patch

I started this journey known as Hudson Patch back in late 2010, and now it's time to step aside and let you all move forward with another steward for your community's news and information website.

This is my last day with Hudson Patch. 

It's a bittersweet occasion for me. It's sad to leave the community news and information site I launched and fostered for more than two years. On the other hand, reflecting back on all the great moments I've shared with the community leaves me with a warm and rewarding feeling.

So, here's what I have to say on my last day:

GOODBYE...  SORT OF


Those of you paying close attention know that my name and face haven't been on the top of Hudson Patch since March. That's when I took on a more regional role producing content for multiple Patch sites in the Twin Cities region.

But, now I'm leaving Patch altogether. I'm headed back to the traditional newspaper world, and later this summer I'll take over as editor of the New Richmond News. You may even see my byline on RiverTowns.net and the Hudson Star-Observer from time to time. 

And, I'm still living in Hudson. Feel free to say hi when you see me out and about at the grocery store or at a restaurant. 

THANK YOU SO MUCH!


When I first hit the scene in November 2010, I wasn't sure how I'd be received by the Hudson community. I spent six weeks gathering information about local businesses and institutions before we flipped the switch and launched Hudson Patch on Dec. 15, 2010. 

I was immediately embraced by the new mayor, the police chief, the fire chief, several other government officials, many business owners and a handful of nonprofit organizers.

After launch you all made it fun for me to cover your stories, and you spread the word about Patch. It didn't take too long for us to build something special together here in Hudson, and I'm so glad we did!

MEMORIES WERE MADE


I've got to cover a lot of great stuff, including the important, the interesting, the routine, the fun and the random. Here's a sampling:
  • Hudsonites competing on The Price is Right, American Idol and The Biggest Loser
  • Hot Air Affair, Booster Days, Raise The Woof, Yellowstone Trail Heritage Days, Spirit of the St. Croix Art Festivals, countless 5Ks and, of course, Pepper Fest
  • Homecoming, prom, sports events, music concerts and graduation ceremonies
  • Fires, thefts, assaults, burglaries, floods, severe weather and sad, unfortunate fatalities
  • New main street businesses, new chain retailers, new factories and even a couple new craft breweries
  • Political outrage, recall petitions, recall elections and recall defeats
  • Important School Board issues, important Plan Commission issues, important Common Council issues, and one issue that spanned all three
  • Live blogging, live streaming video and live election results
  • Lost dogs, lost cats and even one lost walking cane
  • Bell-ringing marathons, girl scout cookie peddlers, Christmas dinner at church, filling the truck for Sandy relief and dozens of other fundraisers
Most people may take this sort of stuff for granted, but I was in the unique position to rediscover every day how awesome the Hudson community is. Thank you for providing the stuff for me to cover.

YOU'RE IN CAPABLE HANDS


Shawn Hogendorf, who is the founding editor of Stillwater Patch, took over the main duties for Hudson Patch back in March. He's a top-notch community journalist, and as he learns more Hudson, I'm sure you'll find that he's more than capable of keeping this great thing going — especially if you welcome him and embrace him the same way you all did for me when I was new to Hudson.


Thanks again, Hudson. I'll never forget you!


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