Gun in School, Price Lab, Sexual Assault and Helmet Law: Pick of the Patches

The Patch community includes nine sites in Iowa. Here are some of what was shared on our Iowa Patches over the past week.

Marion Local Editor Scott Raynor followed up the reporting of resident Matthew Dunkel's death while riding his motorcycle with a poll. He asked readers if motorcyclists should be required to wear helmets; 

In the continuing coverage of cuts to University of Northern Iowa programs, Cedar Falls Local Editor Alison Gowans told readers that  caught the attention of UNI administrators as they made plans to announce their recommendation to close Malcolm Price Laboratory School.

Over in Urbandale, Local Editor Anne Carothers-Kay followed two incidents in schools that had parents buzzing. On Monday  returned to his elementary school, which worried some parents. That was followed a day later by after a student with behavioral problems was found to be armed with nothing more deadly than a pair of rounded-edged school scissors. 

The Valley Junction shopping district earned national honors this week, and West Des Moines Local Editor Beth Dalbey who salvaged the area swamped by flooding nearly 20 years ago.

In Ames, conservative  that his race against Democrat and former Iowa First Lady Christie Vilsack for the state's new 4th District will be the most expensive congressional race in the history of Iowa, reports Local Editor Jessica Miller.

Usually, Iowa City Local Editor Stephen Schmidt unearths some quirky stories in his police blotter. But this week the troubling case of an who had intended to show him her apartment for a potential sublet rental drew readers.

(While we're at it, thanks to all the businesses and all the voters taking part in our Readers' Choice polls across the Iowa Patches. Weigh in on your Patch site.)

Readers love to share their recommendations on favorite businesses — from gyms to restaurants to boutiques — and nearly 1,400 votes have been tallied so far in the . There's a week left to tell Local Editor Megan VerHelst which place is your fave.

Waukee Local Editor Jody Gifford is asking readers to choose their favorite chiropractor and nearly 200 votes have been cast so far.

Who knew there were so many ailing backs in Johnston? Local Editor Ashlee Kieler also asked readers to vote for their favorite chiropractor and almost 900 votes are in with a week to go. .