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

Sporting a Fake Nose, Man Robs SLP Bank

The U.S. Bank branch at Byerly's in St. Louis Park was robbed Wednesday morning for the second time in four months. And the robber—who wore a fake nose and facial makeup—could be a man suspected of several other area bank robberies in recent months.

Possible Cougar Sighting in St. Michael, Albertville

Maralee Sjerven of St. Michael has lost close to 25 chickens and several turkeys to what she believes to be a cougar recently. 

'Crazy John,' Child Sex Offender Seen at Fridley Pumpkin-Carving, Set for Release

A man convicted of second-degree criminal sexual conduct with children is set for release from prison Aug. 30. People who know him say "Crazy John" entertained kids at a pumpkin-carving event last October at Springbrook Nature Center in Fridley.

What Does it Mean to Have a Level III Sex Offender Move Into Hopkins?

Level III predatory offender Kenneth Edward Dean, 25, moved into Hopkins last week. In 2008, Dean was convicted of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, a felony for which he was sentenced to 90 months in prison. In order to help residents understand Minnesota's sex offender laws, Hopkins Patch compiled this FAQ on the relevant processes and procedures.

New York Men Charged with Swindling $44,000 From Apple Stores in Edina, Minnetonka

Eli Halabieh, Gozif Halabieh and Zouki Srugo are charged with theft by swindle after police say they got away with more than $44,000 worth of merchandise from Apple computer stores in the Twin Cities.

19-Year-Old Arrested in Connection with Edina Burglaries

Quinndarius Marquinn Jackson was arrested Aug. 10, after Minneapolis Police apprehended him as a witness to a crime. Police believe he is responsible for more than 25 burglaries and thefts from automobiles in northwest Edina.

Juveniles Found With Marijuana, Stolen Items in Plymouth

Several juveniles and young adults were caught violating a city parking ordinance and police also found marijuana and stolen items with them.

Power Outage at Valleyfair Leaves Riders Stuck

Instead of people lining up to get into Valleyfair Amusement Park Tuesday afternoon, they were clamoring to get out. The power went out at Valleyfair at about 4:30 p.m., leaving some rides stuck and riders stranded.

Minneapolis Precinct Registers Zero Votes

While Minneapolitans were relatively lackadaisical in their voting habits this primary election—total numbers of voters dropped by about 30 percent from the 2008 elections by Patch's count—one part of a precinct in Southwest Minneapolis registered precisely zero votes in Tuesday's balloting. That's because fish can't vote.

Twins Catcher Drew Butera Visits Animal Humane Society

Fans gathered at Golden Valley's Animal Humane Society on Wednesday night to meet Twins player Drew Butera. Butera signed autographs and smiled for photos during the event in an effort to promote the Law of the Paw—a program aimed to help reduce pet homelessness.

Developer Unveils Initial Lyndale Garden Design Plans

For more than a year curious residents have been waiting to catch a glimpse of the Lyndale Garden Center property plans and the future downtown center of Richfield. During a community event with the Richfield Farmers Market Thursday night, the developer unveiled renderings of what could be in store.

Former Maple Grove Library Has New Possible Buyer

The Hennepin County Board approved a $1.5 million purchase agreement at its Aug. 7 meeting.