Forgotten Firearm, Doing Good for Dani and a Big Loser Goes Home: East Metro Rewind

In our latest feature for the East Metro Patch team, we recap a week's worth of news in a quick rundown collected from Hudson Patch, Stillwater Patch, Oakdale Patch and Woodbury Patch. 

Click on the links for the complete story. 

Stillwater Native Denis McDonough Named Obama's Chief of Staff

President Barack Obama has chosen Stillwater native Denis McDonough as his fifth chief of staff.

PHOTOS: Red Bull Crashed Ice Elimination Round

Photos from Friday's Red Bull Crashed Ice Elimination Round in St. Paul. The finals start Saturday at 7 p.m.

Hudson Teacher Lisa Rambo Eliminated From "The Biggest Loser"

In the fifth week of the show, Hudson's "The Biggest Loser" contestant lost only 5 pounds and was voted off the show by her teammates. She left the ranch weighing 209 pounds — down 37 from her starting weight of 246.

Woodbury Resident: Please Clean Up After Your Dog

Sidewalk chalk messages left for neighbors about dog poop along trails in Bailey’s Arbor.

Man Tells Police He May Have Accidentally Donated Loaded Pistol to Woodbury Goodwill

The Wisconsin man told authorities he left the handgun between two pairs of pants that were donated to either the Woodbury or Hudson location.

Plan Commission to Discuss Allowing Microbreweries in Downtown Hudson

Brew pubs, microbreweries, wineries and distillery operations currently are not allowed in the city's G-2 (general business) and G-3 (central business) districts. But a change could be coming soon.

PHOTOS: Rep. Betty McCollum Visits Stillwater

McCollum made a stop at Valley Outreach, took a tour of Lift Bridge Brewery and visited with students at Stillwater Junior High on Thursday.

Family of Missing Oakdale Woman Declares 'Do Good for Dani Day'

In honor of Danielle Jelinek's birthday, her family is asking the community to do small acts of kindness on Feb. 1.