House Fires, 'Judgmental Maps' and Cyber Attacks: Pick of Our Patches

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

Two Escape from House Fire Caused By Tree Falling on Power Line

One person had to be rescued from a back bedroom during the 4:30 a.m. incident while snow was falling.

Fire Destroys Maple Grove Home Wednesday Evening

No one was injured in the fire on the 7700 block of Chesshire Lane North

Lake Minnetonka Woman Was Caught in 'Grey Area' Near Boston Marathon Finish Line

Elaine DeVries: “People were saying there could be a terrorist there or more bombs. I did see people go down. I did see blood. I saw things flying and what I think was a leg or something.”

'Judgmental Maps' Applies Labels to Southwest Minneapolis Neighborhoods

Linden Hills is 'skinny women pushing strollers in designer jeans.'

Shops at West End Getting Several New Tenants

A ballet-themed fitness studio, two clothing boutiques and a frozen yogurt shop are coming to St. Louis Park.

Vernon Avenue Townhouses Receive Edina City Council Approval

A 16-unit residential development between West 49th Street and Vernon Avenue cleared the Council on a 4-1 vote.

Gov. Dayton Coming to Shakopee High School Monday

The governor will come to Shakopee for a "Meetings with Mark" town hall event Monday evening.

How a Local Man and Iraq War Vet Helped Police Subdue an Armed Suspect

Plymouth resident and U.S. Air Force Vet helped subdue an armed suspect last fall and will be presented with a Citizen Award of Valor by the Minneapolis Police Department next month.

Beard Backs Bill to Slash State Share of Vikes' Tab

Rep. Mike Beard is one of a host of GOP legislators that has put forward a measure to cut the state's contribution to the Vikings new stadium by half.

New Uses Prepares for Maple Grove Opening

The new business will be located next to Kyoto Sushi.

Wayzata Woman Recounts Her Harrowing Experience at Boston Marathon Finish Line

Patty Hicks had just finished the 26.2-mile course when she found herself in the middle of a national tragedy.

VOTE: Support Minnetonka's Eric Sargent on MPR

During a concert at Fitzgerald Theater on April 28, audience members and radio listeners (via the web) will have the chance to participate in the “Encore Vote,” with the winner performing the encore at the concert.

New in Otsego: Pour Wine Bar & Bistro

The wine bar's back room has the feel of a California wine tasting room, according to the Star News.

Re-Writing History? Climatologists Question Lake Minnetonka's 1856 Ice Out Accuracy

Data from the spring of 1856 has been temporarily removed from the historical record while climatologists and researchers investigate the accuracy of May 8 ice out date.