Help Children, Special Projects Around Twin Cities via Patch and GoFundMe

Twin Cities Patch is teaming up with GoFundMe and our users to give a handful of projects each week a much-needed boost.

5 Things to Know This Week

Man Steals from Coffee Shop—and You’ll Never Guess What Happened Next

Who says the punishment always has to fit the crime?

Second Grader’s “Buddy Bench” Goes Viral

Christian Bucks’ idea to foster friendship spreads to 32 states—and counting.

David Gerson Challenges Kline for Republican Endorsement

Gerson made the announcement on Monday.

What Do I Say?

Best Maps of 2013: Obama Won the 'Starbucks Counties'

Strange Fact: The more Starbucks cafes there are in town, the more likely that county voted Democratic last election.

Holiday Recipe: Fall-Inspired Banana Bread

Filled with extra goodies like cranberry, nuts and chocolate, this banana bread is the perfect addition to a holiday or weekend brunch.

Former St. Olaf Teacher Passes Away at 84

A memorial service for Paul Fjelstad is set for Saturday, Dec. 14.

Retired and Feeling Restless? Consider a Second Career as a Professional Pet Sitter!

Controller, Optical Screen Press Operator and Sales Support: Northfield Job Openings

Check out the latest job openings for positions in and near Northfield.

Bridge Square Planning Open House Set for Monday Night

The city is looking to make eventual improvements to what is affectionately called "Northfield's Living Room," and public input is desired.

Northfield's 15th Annual Winter Walk Set for Thursday

And other things the people of Northfield should know this week.

Winter Weather Advisory Now in Effect for Northfield

The advisory warns against dangerous wind chills this evening.

Santa for hire....

Best Maps of 2013: Local Obesity Rates

While obesity is still prevalent in the U.S., for the first time the number of poor children who are obese dropped.

School Shift Completely Repaid Thanks to Improved Budget Outlook

Yesterday, Minnesota Management and Budget announced a projected budget surplus of $1.08 billion for the current biennium (fiscal years 2014-15).

Take Caution on Ice, Dakota County Reminds Residents

"Ice is unpredictable and never 100 percent safe," says the Minnesota DNR.

Eclectic 887

When to Ship Your Packages for Christmas

Use the interactive calendar below to make sure your gifts are sent in time for delivery by Dec. 25.

Northfield Promise receives an inaugural Bush Foundation Community Innovation Grant

Real vs. Fake Christmas Trees: Best of the Blogs

Check out the best blogs in the Twin Cities.

BCA Says Prison Inmate Strangled to Death: News Roundup

The top stories from our Patch sites in the Twin Cities include a shout out to a local snow plow driver.

Cinema Siren's Best Actor Oscar Contenders for 2014

Is '12 Years A Slave's' Ejiofor staying strong or will 'The Wolf of Wall Street's' DiCaprio steal the spotlight?

Dec 5 Photos - Cedar Ave

Lakeville North Student Killed in Crash: Crime Roundup

The top police, court and fire stories from our Patch sites in the Twin Cities include more information on a fatal crash into a pond, a stabbing and a prisoner escape.

Former Northfield Priest on List of Clergy Accused of Abusing Minors

Jerome Kern served as a temporary administrator at St. Dominic's in Northfield in 1995.

Winter Caught on Film: Share Your Photos, Please!

We want to fill our community photo gallery with your winter-themed and Christmas-themed photos. Post them to Patch.

Holiday Gifts for the Gourmand [SPONSORED]

We rounded up the must-have items for the chef or food lover in your family.

5 Great Holiday Crafts to Do With Kids This Weekend

Keep kids busy with these festive and fun activities.

Wonderful Winter (ages 3-6)

Wonderful Winter (ages 3-6)

Broomball (ages 6-9)

Broomball (ages 6-9)

Wee Broomball (ages 3-5)

Funeral for Former Mayor Arnie Nelson Set for Friday

Services will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield.

St. Olaf Graduate Passes Away at 78

John Edward Swensen's funeral is set for Friday in Fargo, ND.

Gerald G. Grant Passes Away at 90

Services are planned for Saturday, Dec. 7.

Meander In St. Paul or Party Like An Alien: Regional Weekender

Three things to do in the Twin Cities area include holiday music concerts on Saturday.

Expect More Economic Progress in 2014

Minnesota recently received more positive news about our economy from the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).