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

A discussion has raged all week on Local Editor Jessica Miller's Ames story about a presentation by experts and Gov. Terry Branstad explaining the science behind lean, finely textured beef, otherwise known as pink slime; activists rallied outside the hall against the ammonia-treated meat scrap process. You can join the conversation here.

The Patch mayor with the most colorful name, Marion's Allen "Snooks" Bouska, donned a helmet made of folded newspapers as part of his presentation about the time he spent as an aviator, both in the Navy and as a crop-duster. His informal speech was focused on humorous anecdotes and the culture of the age he started his career in aviation, beginning in 1966.

Women from Cedar Falls and Waterloo were among more than a dozen people charged last week in an eastern Iowa prostitution sting.

Over in Urbandale, Local Editor Anne Carothers-Kay reported that calls from residents helped police identify a man suspected of taking sexually suggestive photographs of a girl under the age of 10. Authorities filed a felony charge of inappropriate contact with a child against 43-year-old Mark Allen Barber. 

Local Editor Beth Dalbey ventured into a seedy part of West Des Moines to cover the arrest of 28-year-old Alex Edward Currie in connection with a stabbing at a residence on the property where a strip club is located. 

As always, Iowa City Local Editor Stephen Schmidt unearthed a quirky case in the police blotter. A University of Iowa student allegedly threw items out into the street, smashed articles and threatened to blow up his apartment building last week. The meltdown began after police found him lying in the middle of the street.

Waukee Local Editor Jody Gifford told the story of a unique business. HappyFeet is a mobile soccer clinic for children ages 2 to 6 that brings the basics of the sport to the player by offering the sessions at child-care centers and preschools.

Johnston readers were enthralled by police news compiled by Local Editor Ashlee Kieler. Tops in views was the misstep by two teens facing drug and traffic charges after police were told to check out their suspicious behavoir.

Ankeny Editor Megan VerHelst captured the excitement of kids thrilled when Tony Moeaki, former Iowa Hawkeye football player and current tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, visited Terrace Elementary.