Top 9 of Iowa: Steve King Riles Left - Again, Suicide Note Explains Missing Money, Drought 2012 Spreads

Why nine? Because the Patch community includes nine sites in Iowa: Ankeny, Ames, Cedar Falls, Iowa City, Johnston, Marion, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines.

Quiet summer? Not in Iowa. Lots happening, but what made our list. Read on to find out.

9. In eastern Iowa, Marion Patch reports that local Republicans , who unexpectedly quit the race against Democrat Liz Mathis for the district 34 Iowa State Senate seat.

8. Are you talented enough to keep up with these kids photographed competing in the at Ankeny SummerFest?

7. The great drought of 2012 is spreading. While Iowa has not been declared a disaster zone like some parts of the country, it's been extremely dry and 21 counties in , including recently added Johnson County, Iowa City Patch reports.

6. Third time wasn't the charm for a Des Moines man who really, really wanted to see a woman staying at Motel Relax in Urbandale. 

5. In West Des Moines, locals have grocery store that's due to open. The store focuses organic, natural and locally produced foods.

4. The story of a Johnston woman who has passed away was featured on . Karen Coaldrake was a member of the Johnston school board and active with the Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club when she died unexpectedly in 2008. The program gave a glimpse of Coaldrake's lasting memory and how the work she did continues to live on in the form of the .

3. Iowa Rep. Steve King, R-Kiron, is no stranger to controversy. And, he was back at it again, as were his political adversaries in condemning him, when, Ames Patch reports.

2. Two Waukee police officers were awarded that saved a life. Read about the officers, their award and what they did during the fire on May 22 to earn the city's gratitude.

1. A Cedar Falls businessman's fall from grace is being documented nationally. Russell Wasendorf Sr. has recovered from his suicide attempt only to be arrested after detailing in a suicide note how he stole from his company and clients and meanwhile deceived everyone. His company is missing $220 million. Perhaps no outlet has done as fine a job as Cedar Falls Patch in explaining what it means to the community. .

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