Man Drowns, Lesbian Couple's Stories, Dog Mystery: Pick of Our Patches

Editor’s Note: Every week we bring you a sampling of stories from Patch sites in the west metro: Edina, Fridley, Golden Valley, Hopkins, Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Shakopee, St. Louis Park and St. Michael. 

Plymouth Man's Body Found in Minnesota River Identified

The body of a man found deceased in the Minnesota River Tuesday in Savage has been identified as  Alan Jacob McMullen of Plymouth who had been missing since July 29. The Medical Examiner’s Office, along with Plymouth Police and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office are investigating.

Residents Kathy Luebbe and Rev. Dr. Robyn Provis say being gay isn’t the most interesting thing about them.

Patch talks with Rev. Dr. Robyn Provis, a Richfield resident and openly gay member of the clergy.

Savage police have completed their investigation into the case of Cesar the pit bull, who's story went viral last week after it was reported he was possibly taken from his yard and then returned, beaten and with a message on his back stating, "Back Off Bob."

Their concusion is that the dog was accidentally hit by a car after he escaped from his fenced yard. The writing on his back, however, remains unexplained.

A week after getting embroiled in controversy with some allegations against Minnesota Rep. Keith Ellison, Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann hopes to team up with the Democrat on Medicaid reform.

After enduring psychological and physical abuse as a child, Linnea Donahue said she is now motivated by giving back.

More than a year after an employee was accused of taking public funds, officials added new procedures and new computer software to prevent abuse.

One residence on the 9700 block of Troy Lane North suffered extensive damages Monday morning from a fire. No one was injured during the blaze.

A four-alarm fire that ripped through a 118-unit building and injured three people in early July appears to have started in the kitchen of a first-floor apartment, according to Fire Marshal Tom Jenson.

Employees and regulars are "floored" that beloved bowling alley will shut its doors after decades. 

Wood Apps—founded by Lily and Graham Wood—has developed apps for major companies across the country.

Southwest Minneapolis' famed Piccolo restaurant won the approval of a citizen commission advising the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on which local restaurant should get the honor of renovating the Lake Nokomis concession stand. Piccolo chef Doug Flicker's proposed menu mixes creative, locally-sourced renditions of snack fare like cheese curds and hotdogs (kimchi and a fried egg, anyone?) with more substantial options that may make it a neighborhood amenity, too. 

On Aug. 1, 2007,  from a work lunch. He was driving over the I-35W bridge when, before he knew it, the road was shaking and his car was falling into the Mississippi River. Ebling, who lived in Minnetonka at the time of the incident, pens "Collapsed: A Survivor's Climb From the Wreckage of the I-35W Bridge."