Crash Victim Identified and Athletic Director Resigns: Pick of Our Patches

Editor's Note: Every week we provide a recap of the top stories from the following Patch sites: Edina, Fridley, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Lake Minnetonka, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Southwest Minneapolis, St. Louis Park and St. Michael.

Plymouth Woman Identified in Golden Valley Pond Death

The Golden Valley Police Department confirmed the identity of the woman who died in the car that plunged into a pond on Sept. 6. Chief Stacy Carlson told Patch that she was Plymouth resident Danielle Brousseau.

Edina Athletic Director John Soma Resigns Following Allegations

Athletic Director and Assistant Principal John Soma has resigned from his position at Edina High School, following a district investigation into undisclosed allegations.

Plymouth Teen Wins State Fair Talent Contest

Kaeli Patchen, 17, of Plymouth won the teen division of the 2012 MN State Fair talent contest. The aspiring singer-songwriter hopes to have a future in singing, song writing and musical theater.

Federal Judge Tosses Church's Petition to Reopen Lawsuit Against Wayzata

Judge: "It is the court’s sincere hope, with this litigation put to rest, that the parties will stop viewing each other as adversaries, put aside their differences and be...good neighbors to each other.”

Fridley High Teachers Don Red to Support Striking Chicago Teachers

Ripples from the first Chicago teachers strike in 25 years reached all the way to Fridley Monday as Fridley High School teachers wore red in a show of solidarity.

Burger King Shutters Doors

The long-time restaurant calls it quits. While Richfield Patch couldn't get confirmation on the exact reason, recent events including a dispute with a neighboring business and a suit against the City of Richfield could shed some light.

Dayton Approves $2 Million for SW Light Rail

Gov. Mark Dayton on Thursday approved $2 million in grant funding for Southwest Light Rail, just days after the project received a low score from the state's economic development department. 

On September 11, Organizers Launch Program to Support Service Members

Organizers hosted an event Sept. 11 at the Hopkins VFW. But the event wasn’t just about remembering the World Trade Center tragedy; it marked the kick-off of the Southwest Twin Cities Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Coalition. 

Bachmann Challenger Jim Graves Sits Down to Discuss Bipartisanship, Business and the Basics

Once considered a long shot to knock off Rep. Michele Bachmann, a Republican stalwart in Minnesota’s conservative Sixth Congressional District, businessman Jim Graves is making headlines by keeping the race close.

Minnetonka Artist Chalks Mona Lisa on Driveway

David Holmes created a giant version of the famous painting just for his neighbors' enjoyment. Usually, he shows his paintings in more romantic places such as New York and Los Angeles, not his own driveway.

New Eastman Nature Center Opening Date Announced by Three Rivers Park District

A grand reopening is scheduled for October.

Lynnhurst Shop Takes Visitors On International Adventure

Anne Damon of Southwest Minneapolis' Zinnia Folk Arts sounds almost like a latter-day Indiana Jones. She's just returned from southern Mexico with a horde of beautiful, handcrafted pieces, from exquisite silver jewelry to exuberant ceramics.