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.)

Proposed Name Change Stirs Up Hornettes Nest

A move to unify Edina High School's spirit programs has thousands of local residents upset.

GOP State Sen. Claire Robling Will Not Run for Re-election

She says it is very difficult to pass common sense measures into law these days.

Albertville Mayor Asks for Administrator's Resignation

In what city staff and a council member are calling a "shocking" development this week, the mayor of Albertville has asked for that city's top staff person to step down from his position.

Should Plymouth Make Changes To Hotel Registration?

At a recent meeting, the City Council discussed an amendment that could make it a misdemeanor crime to falsely register at a hotel/motel.

Franken on Winning Ultimate Bracket: 'It's Secretly Gratifying'

Patch readers recently named the Minnesota senator St. Louis Park's most famous person.

Area Schools React to Brooklyn Park Deaths

In the aftermath of three deaths in Brooklyn Park on April 9, several buildings in the Osseo School District and nearby Hennepin Technical College reacted quickly.

Voter ID Would Cost County, Cities Thousands

Hennepin County estimates the measure would have cost an extra $550,000 countywide during the 2008 election.

City Officials ‘Offended’ By Ron Clark Presentation

Representatives ask the city for continued support of the Pillsbury Commons affordable housing development.

Golden Valley Mayor Talks About DMV Reopening

State lawmakers have passed a bill that will allow the Golden Valley Motor Vehicle Licensing Department to reopen in August.

A Phone App That Does What?

Local realtor Bill Pauling and his buddy created the Bikesavr app to stop bikes on racks from becoming victims to the garage.