Top 9 of Iowa: Educator Dies, Obamacare Job Cuts, Shawn Johnson DWTS Season Ends, K-9 Finds Cash

Why nine? Because the Patch community includes nine sites in Iowa: Ames, Ankeny, Cedar Falls, Iowa City, Johnston, Marion, Urbandale, Waukee and West Des Moines.

9. When it comes to giving back to those less fortunate, there is no age limit. Just ask Jon Shelton, a second-grader at Ankeny’s Prairie Trail Elementary School, who went above and beyond this month for a food drive held in his classroom, led by teacher Katie Hall.

8. An Urbandale Police officer and his in hidden cash that led to the seizure of 250 pounds of marijuana as part of national case, according to a news release from the police department.

7. Johnston seniors enjoy center stage at the Madrigal Feaste.

6. A house fire over the of damage and displaced the residents of the two-story Ames home.

5. Did gymnastics fans from across the country give West Des Moines-native Shawn Johnson another mirror ball trophy in Season 15 finale of Dancing With the Stars: All-Stars?

4. A longtime guidance counselor at Marion's Linn-Mar schools has passed away. Mary Griswold, 62, of Cedar Rapids, died peacefully on Nov. 19, while on leave for health reasons, according to the school.

3. This summer, the University of Iowa in Iowa City broke ground on the first new residence hall to be built on campus since 1968. Take a closer look.

2. A goodbye in Waukee where editor Jody Gifford said adieu. Read it in her words. 

1. The City of Cedar Falls is cutting the hours of 59 part-time employees in order to avoid having to pay for their health insurance after the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - commonly known as Obamacare - goes into effect in January 2014.

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