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.)

Waterfall Wishes Become a Reality for Autistic Maple Grove Girl

A Bloomington business owner gave Maple Grove parents a special gift for their autistic daughter.

Vigil Held in Shakopee for Jordan Family Members Killed in Motor Home Crash

Dozens of friends and family showed up to a prayer vigil last week night in Shakopee for a family involved in a deadly crash in Kansas.

Motorcyclist Was Wearing A Helmet in Plymouth Accident

A Minnetonka man died in a motorcycle-vehicle accident April 4 in Plymouth. He was wearing his helmet.

Edina's Roehl One of 10 Teacher of the Year Finalists

Jackie Roehl, English teacher at Edina High School, is among 10 finalists for Minnesota's 2012 Teacher of the Year.

Podein Helps St. Louis Park Hockey Go Global

St. Louis Park’s well-traveled varsity coach, Shjon Podein, invited Japanese youth hockey players to the school for the second year in a row.

Richfield Dog Lover Shows Her Appreciation in Print

In "Sundogs," Richfield resident Kay Elliott pays tribute to the six dogs that have passed through her life.

Just How Much Value Has Redevelopment Brought to Hopkins?

When the Marketplace & Main project is fully online, Hopkins should have about a 600 percent increase in values for its six tax increment financing districts, according to the City Council.

Construction Planned at Starbucks in Golden Valley

The local coffee shop will serve customers out of a trailer for a few weeks so a new entrance can be built.

Former Cinemagic Site Gets First Look from St. Michael Planning Tonight

The new tenants are a mystery, but they want to add some signs to the former movie theater.

Minnetonka Parents Rally For Immersion Teachers

Some parents believe the level of English proficiency required in the test for Chinese and Spanish immersion teachers is impractical, and they're looking to legislators for help.