Goodbye and Thank You, Mehlville and Oakville
Local Editor Sarah Flagg starts a new adventure with Patch and moves deep into Chicago Cubs' territory.
It’s time to start a new adventure.
Last week, I accepted a position in Chicago to help open five new Patch sites on the North Side. I’ll be starting Lincoln Square Patch from scratch, just like Mehlville and Oakville in Nov. 2010 (has it really been almost 2 years?).
I purchased my first one-way ticket and it leaves on Saturday.
My only hope with this new venture is that the community there is as open and wonderful as you all have been.
Your comments, emails and phone calls have turned this site into a truly valuable resource. I can’t thank you enough for all of the support and feedback—both good and bad.
You’ve made my job a joy.
Some of my favorite moments have been on the sidelines of Mehlville and Oakville athletic games. I remember tearing up when Oakville soccer got into the state finals, and cheering my head off when senior-forward Mandy Fox made a 3-pointer at her last game.
Many thanks go out to the St. Louis County Police and Mehlville Fire Protection District. They answer my phone calls at all hours of the day and night when news breaks.
The same goes to Mehlville School District Superintendent Eric Knost, members of the school board and local politicians (especially on Election Night).
I’ll truly miss South County and covering the stories that shape it.
But this site doesn’t belong to me; it belongs to you, the community. Use it to make your life easier. Sign up for our newsletter, upload events/photos and post a blog when you have thoughts.
Patch is built for community information and interaction.
My last day is Thursday, so for news tips and questions after that, please contact Associate Regional Editor Ryan Martin. Don’t worry; you’ll be left in good hands. We both appreciate your patience during this transition time.
Thank you all and please keep in touch,
Sarah
Richard zinselmeier
7:01 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Sarah thank you for all your help over the years I wish you the best in your new adventure
Denise Bayer
7:47 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Sarah...you will be greatly missed as you have BECOME our local Mehlville-Oakville Patch.
My thanks to you for your support and recognition of the many outstanding students within our Mehlville School District. You have highlighted their accomplishments and validated their character thereby giving our community the awareness in recognizing the value in our youth.
To me, you are our Patch and your presence within the community will be greatly missed. Best of luck to you Sarah!
Lemay Chamber of Commerce
7:59 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Thank you so much for all you have done for our community - and for being such a great person! You will be missed. Good luck on your new adventure!
Mary Jo Wich
10:05 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
What wonderful news for you! Obviously, you have made a positive impression on the Patch folks – and that’s no surprise. You’ve done a great job with the Mehlville-Oakville Patch. Thanks so much for publishing the many things we have sent you from St. Anthony's Medical Center. You have helped us get the word out to the community on many important items. It has been a pleasure working with you! Chicago is such a fun and fabulous city. I’m sure you will love it there. Best of luck to you, Sarah, as you take on this new challenge and embark on your Chicago adventure!
D Seidel
10:21 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Congratulations, Sarah! You'll do great (and have a blast) in Chicago. Thanks for great coverage and being a source of unbiased news. We will miss you in Oakville. Best wishes!
Lee Williams
11:28 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Awww Sad.... though, CONGRATULATIONS Sarah on your new adventure in Chicago!You have been the face, voice and invaluable words of the Mehlville-Oakville PATCH these past couple years and you will surely be missed! Enjoy Chicago and show them your great style in reporting and professionalism as you have in St. Louis! We will miss you, don't forget us and be well friend! Lee
Terri Stoner
11:37 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
Many blessings and congratulations! Thanks for all your work here. Have enjoyed reading the Patch.
Tom Diehl
2:42 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
I would say congratulations, but you are now stuck with the Cubs. :) Going to miss having you report on South County issues. Best of luck up in the Arctic Circle.
Sarah Flagg
2:48 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
Thanks so much, everyone! I'm really touched by all of the well-wishes and support. You're so great!
Terri
3:49 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
Sarah, I can't tell you how proud I am of you. Seeing all of these comments, just reinforces the pride I feel for you as your Mom. While I will miss the heck out of having you around town, I know that the People of the Chicago area are getting one heck of a journalist, with true journalistic values. It seems like just yesterday that you were scared to death to launch the Mehlville site!! Love Mom
Karl Frank Jr.
4:05 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
So long Sarah!
Jason Wescoat
5:31 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
Say it ain't so, Sarah!! Thanks for all you did for the area. Congrats and good luck in your new adventure.
Andrea Bosco
5:48 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
Best of luck in your new Chi-town adventures, Sarah! That community is lucky to have you introduce them to a wonderful resource with a fabulous editor! Keep on keepin' on! xoxo
Gene Koziatek
7:55 pm on Monday, September 10, 2012
Sarah, CONGRATULATIONS! I know this is a repeat, but thanks again for your great contributions to South County. I have enjoyed reading your work. But, nothing is forever and this is a great opportunity for your career. Best of Luck, Gene Koziatek
patrick martin
2:05 pm on Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Sarah:
Good luck in Chicago. You'll do great and you'll love that town, despite all those irritating, foo-foo Cubs fans. There is a great Cardinals bar in Lincoln Park and many Mizzou Mafia throughout Chi-Town.
Go get 'em!
Pat Martin
Marea Kluth-Hoppe
9:27 am on Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Good Luck to you as you start another Patch in Chicago. Good Luck in all your future career and life choices. Thanks for your contributions and reporting of the news & events in South County.
nancy fletcher
11:32 pm on Saturday, September 15, 2012
Good Luck Sarah...Chicago is a great city, love to visit as often as we can but you will be missed in the Lou, especially South County.
Nancy, Oakville Resident
Myra Lopez
5:22 pm on Sunday, September 16, 2012
Sarah, congratulations on your new adventure!!