Obama, DUI Suspect and Barn Swallows Controversy: Pick of Our Patches

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

(Click on the headline to read the full story.)

Obama urged Congress to pass legislation that would create a Veterans Job Corp, an initiative that would help veterans find jobs as police officers and firefighters, and in other service rolls.

The Robbinsdale Cooper Chamber Singers found out late Wednesday they would sing the National Anthem at the event.

Hopkins police say a drunken Minnetonka man pulled his car over before anyone tried to stop him, got out and then stuck his hands in the air to signal his surrender. He's been charged with two counts of felony driving while impaired.

Sharing her story with the world, Zoe Darling battled through cancer her last year at Maple Grove Senior High.

A local resident says the City of Richfield removed active Barn Swallow nests from a park shelter, possibly violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

The City of Richfield responds to accusations that it illegally removed Barn Swallow nests from a park shelter. The city denies any wrongdoing.

Severe Storms Trigger Sirens – And Some Confusion

Local weather enthusiast Ryan Schwartz was confused by the sirens on Sunday and although he believes 70 mph winds warrant them, he argues this week in a blog post that siren usage policy needs to change. 

Jackson Larson's "survival bracelets" have been popping up around the area. Here's the story behind those braided accessories.

He met with company leaders and watched a casting demonstration of different fishing lures. Fishing brings in $4.7 billion to Minnesota's economy.

Coach Chelsea Duke says, 'This is a young team, but I've watched over the course of the season as they've shown astonishing growth.'

Plymouth Police Warn Against Burglaries

With more residential burglaries and thefts from vehicles in Plymouth, the police want to help residents not become the next target. Some helpful tips include locking the door between the house and attached garage and remove items from being viewed easily in a vehicle.

The City Council toured the new facilities on Tuesday night. Together, the city's two new fire stations cost about $15.5 million and took about a year to build.