Each week, Patch users contribute numerous insights, opinions and observations. The following is a collection of the most thoughtful, moving, controversial or just plain funny comments that appeared on Patch sites in Edina, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Minnetonka, Richfield, Shakopee, Plymouth, St. Louis Park and St. Michael. Click on the headline to read the full story and join in the conversation.

(The comments below are not meant to reflect the opinions of Patch or its staff.)

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Patch Readers Weigh In on DNC's First Night

The Democratic National Convention kicked-off Tuesday in Charlotte, NC with a variety of speakers including Minnesota's own R.T. Rybak, the mayor of Minneapolis, and First Lady Michelle Obama. Richfield Patch asked Facebook fans to weigh in with there thoughts on the first night.

Long-time Richfield resident Mike McLean was quick to respond on Facebook, as well as the reaction article with four detailed comments. When it came to the First Lady's speech, McLean wrote:

Her fairy tale--however well-delivered--was one great, big, colorful lie.

See all McLean's comments here.

St. Michael-Albertville Hears More on Attempted Child Abduction Labor Day Weekend

Readers responded to an update from Wright County when deputies appeared at the Albertville City Council meeting Tuesday to give more information about an attempted abduction in Albertville over Labor Day weekend.

Muskyteeth wondered why the information didn’t come sooner:

Great description of the van and the individuals, especially detailed items about he spare tire in the back and wheels sticking out the side...just too bad its 5 days after the fact. I'm sure these waste of human life are long gone, probably now a threat somewhere else, which is too bad. I'm really scratching my head why this wasn't on the news Saturday night or more was made to get these descriptions out to the public as Wright Co. was on scene around 8 pm. 

Old Chicago's Minnetonka Location Will Close Sept. 14

The Old Chicago restaurant at the intersection of Hwy. 7 and Co. Rd. 101 will close at 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 14 after 16 years in business. A source told Patch staff are being told Wild Bill's has begun preparations to take over the building.

Pat Carpenter was one reader unhappy with the news:

The closeing of OC is terrible news. This is a family restaurant that serves and is needed in Minnetonka. I see our community as growing more mature, we do not need a cowboy bar. The "stop for red light" signs at the intersetion of Hwys 7 and 101 will truly be needed. Not to mention late nite area traffic and the problems that go with it.

Player Departures a Blow to St. Louis Park Hockey

Thirty-nine goals. Forty-eight assists. And plenty of on-ice leadership. That's what St. Louis Park hockey has lost in the last few weeks, as three key players from last year's team—freshman Alec Baer, sophomore Josh Passolt and senior Marshall Tema—told coach Shjon Podein they would not be returning this season.

Dean Ritzman had some words of encouragement for coach Podein:

Tough news coach about the loss of 3 good players. I think it is a move that they will regret as an opportunity lost. Don't let it discourage you coach. You have a community of current and past hockey parents, who strongly support you and the program. Best of Luck. Take Care.

Shakopee Schools In Review

In a review of Patch stories on Shakopee Public Schools during the 2011-2012 school year, the community was asked to share the other stories they thought should be on the list.

Heyitsme had a clear favorite:

Shakopee HS graduation finally moving off campus!

Edina is for Cheaters?

Edina is supposedly the No. 2 community in the Twin Cities when it comes to affairs, according to a KDWB report.

Ashleymadison.com, a website that connects people looking to cheat on their spouses, ranked the metro's top neighborhoods for cheaters—per capita, of course. According to that data, Edinans are a lot less faithful than the vast majority of our Twin Cities neighbors.

Reader Daddy Phantom said the city's alleged infidelity should strike fear in the heart of every Edina man:

I feel sorry for any man in Edina married to a woman who read this article. You may want to cancel those "plans to hang out with the boys" this weekend fellas.

County Wants to Put Social Services Hub in Wells Fargo Building

Hopkins officials worry that a proposed social services hub at the Wells Fargo building could take up valuable parking, stretch local police and go against the image the city has been working toward.

But Emily B said the city shouldn’t just look out for itself:

Hopkins mayor quotes:

Maxwell said it’s not acceptable for Hopkins to be the place for facilities that other communities don’t want.

“There’s no one who’s going to argue with the need. The question is: Why Hopkins and why now?” Mayor Gene Maxwell said at a Tuesday work session. “St. Louis Park looks like it could use the hub just as much as Hopkins.”

Right, so if Hopkins doesn't want it, just dump it on SLP right? As the mayor admits, the need exists. We can't all have the NIMBY attitude folks. Put the facility where it will benefit the most people who need the services.