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

The presidential campaign began in earnest in Iowa this week with President Obama's visit to the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He made a pitch in the battleground state to prevent a federal student-loan rate increase; a couple dozen protestors outside the event criticized the president's policies. On Tuesday, the first lady was in the Des Moines area for a fundraiser and to thank volunteers for their efforts.

A Wisconsin teacher, Shannon Cardinal, 43, was arrested on multiple charges for an alleged sexual relationship with a 17-year-old Marion boy. If convicted, Cardinal faces up to 186 years in prison. The charges include six counts of sexual assault and six counts of child enticement. 

More than 100 protesters shared their dissatisfaction with planned budget cuts at the University of Northern Iowa by attending a Thursday Iowa Board of Regents meeting on the UNI campus in Cedar Falls. Many of the protesters were connected to Malcolm Price Laboratory School, which is slated for closure, or cuts in faculty positions.

In Waukee crime news, Matthew John Olcott was charged with third-degree sexual abuse, according to authorities. Olcott, 26, reportedly had inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old girl.

West Des Moines readers joined with the friends and family of Valley Southwoods freshman Carson VandeVenter in mourning his death. At his funeral Tuesday, the 14-year-old was described as having a "big heart" who radiated "life and love." 

VEISHA celebrations in Ames were marred by the accidental death of a man who fell from a fourth-story balcony. Mitchell Odell, 21, Cedar Rapids, was visiting Ames and died in a fall at Chamberlain Lofts, an office and apartment complex in Campustown just a block from Iowa State property. 

Ankeny readers are split for their favorite photographer as our Readers' Choice contest wraps up. The voting is nearly a tie between Kampens Creations Photography and Ashes Photography. There's still time to cast your vote.

Readers have been keeping two Urbandale animal experts busy with questions about their pets. They Patch Pros have tackled questions on how to calm dogs with anxiety problems, those who jump up on visitors, and canines who eat poop. You can check their advice and pose your own questions.

Johnston kids and parents will turn out Monday for a fundraiser by the Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club in honor of Karen Coaldrake, a school board member who died in 2008. The proceeds from the event at Okoboji Grill will assist youths who want to play soccer.