Q: How did the town of What Cheer get its name?

A: According to the town's online profile, What Cheer was an Indian greeting adopted by the New England Puritans in the 1600s. The original name of the town was Peterburg, after founder Peter Britton. In 1864, American Civil War veteran and Providence, R.I., native Joseph Andrews took up residence in the town and suggested the name 'What Cheer' for the post office. Petersburg was officially renamed What Cheer on Dec. 1, 1879.

Q: What is monetary value of the gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals?

A: The Olympic Charter states that the gold and silver medals must each be made of at least 92.5 percent pure silver and the gold medal must be gilded with at least six grams of gold. The price of gold changes daily. Assuming there's six grams of gold in each gold medal at the current prices per troy ounce, the gold in a gold medal today would be worth around $160. The remainder of the gold medal is made out of silver. The price of silver also fluctuates, but at an average of $14.50 per troy ounce, the remaining silver in the gold medal hovers around $60. That puts the estimated monetary value at around $220, depending on how the markets are doing on any given day. This year's medals also include Jade for the first time, which could impact the value.

Q. Regarding mobile home shelters: How many residents live in South View, and what is the maximum occupancy of its shelter, including pets?

A. South View Estates, located on East Orange Road in Waterloo, has 339 home sites, according to manager Pat Miller. She estimates the maximum occupancy of her shelter, which is 28 feet by 60 feet, is around 600 people standing up. Pets are allowed in the shelter, she said, but only if they are muzzled or in a cage. "We do not prefer that they bring in animals, but in a lot of cases people feel that that animal is their child," Miller said.

Q. When were the school bus routes for Cedar Falls published?

A. Sunday, Aug. 17

Q. What is the mailing address to get a coupon for a converter box? I don't have a computer.

A. Anyone who wants a coupon for a discount on a digital television converter box needs to fill out an application. To get the application write to TV Converter Box Coupon Program; PO Box 2000; Portland, OR 97208-2000. Send completed applications to the same address.

Q. Which side of the road is a person on a bicycle supposed to ride - with or against the traffic?

A. The Iowa Department of Transportation's Web site states cyclists should ride with the traffic, not against except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding hazards.