Des Moines
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City of Des Moines takes first steps to tighten rules on camping in public to curb record homeless numbers
DES MOINES, Iowa — Joshua Woodworth is right at home, tucked along the banks of the Raccoon River. “It’s a hole opening up in the ground that looks like a pyramid,” Woodworth said. He’s called this current, small cavern cut into the limestone his residence for over a year. “I came back to Iowa about […]
Things to do in Des Moines this weekend: Shakespeare, Christmas in July, Cornbread Festival and more
DES MOINES, Iowa — Looking for something to do this weekend? Or, want to try out a new place to grab a bite to eat?. Check out these events and activities happening across the metro, July 19-21. Previous video above: Des Moines Biergarten returning to Water Works Park. Friday,...
West Des Moines indoor waterpark project plans moving forward
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — A new West Des Moines attraction featuring an indoor waterpark took another step forward this week. The “Grand Experience” project has gained the approval of the West Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission. The idea for the half-billion-dollar entertainment and commercial development was introduced nearly two years ago. Developer Jim […]
First-time voters react to Democratic ticket change during unprecedented election cycle
DES MOINES, Iowa — It's been a presidential race with a lot of twists and turns, making this an unprecedented election. Especially for first-time Democratic voters. 'Excited' and 'motivated' are two words first-time Democratic voters used to describe their feelings towards voting this November. However, those words come after President Biden's exit from the race.
Des Moines' iconic cow sculptures get a new coat of paint
Annie and Eric have been sanded and repainted just in time to welcome visitors to the Iowa State Fair, which starts Aug. 8.Catch up quick: The iconic fiberglass cow sculptures are the mascots of Anderson Erickson Dairy and the informal ambassadors of Des Moines' fairgrounds neighborhoods.Annie, who is 14 feet and weighs around 2,500 pounds, has been in place since 1966.Her calf, Eric, is just under six feet and joined her in 1977.The intrigue: A "cow caper" in 2007 ended in a stolen Eric and a damaged Annie.Police soon located the stolen sculpture and both were restored.
'Sky's the limit': Des Moines Public Schools superintendent has big hopes after first year
Within the first few months of his first year as superintendent, Ian Roberts managed to visit every school in the Des Moines school district. It was a feat some longtime school board members have not accomplished. ...
Lawsuit claims Des Moines Christian ignored bullying, asks court to order school to act
A former Des Moines Christian School family is suing to force the religious institution to address what they say is unchecked bullying. Mark and Jana Scharnberg of West Des Moines filed suit last week against the Urbandale-based private school and several of its administrators and employees. They allege that the school failed to take action in response to serious bullying against their children and other students. ...
RAGBRAI passes through Des Moines metro for 2nd year in a row, attracting more riders
INDIANOLA — Day 4 of RAGBRAI took riders the closest they'll come to Des Moines on this year's route and gave them a smorgasbord of sights and bites to experience on stops. It's the second year in a row that metro residents could easily hop on the ride; last year's historic 50th anniversary route stopped in Ames and Des Moines before passing through other central Iowa towns. Wednesday's route felt busier than other days so far this...
More Iowa John Deere layoffs announced
DES MOINES, Iowa — Last week John Deere announced it would be cutting some salaried positions due to a decline in agricultural equipment sales, and Wednesday, those employees learned their fate. According to a WARN notice on the Iowa Workforce Development website, John Deere let go of 69 employees in Waterloo and 34 employees in […]
U.S. Humane Society wants investigation into West Des Moines zoo
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — The Humane Society of the United States is raising new concerns about a West Des Moines zoo after an animal caretaker was injured on the job. According to the Blue Zoo Aquarium, a Bamboo shark bit an animal caretaker on the hand on Monday. Medics treated the victim and the […]
Beshear to headline Liberty and Justice Celebration in Des Moines
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)- Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear is set to headline the Iowa Democratic Party’s Liberty and Justice Celebration in Des Moines this weekend. Organizers for the event say that it was scheduled prior to President Joe Biden’s withdraw from the 2024 Presidential race. Beshear had been expanding his name recognition prior to Sunday’s shakeup […]
New City Claims Title of Iowa’s Safest in 2024
Nestled in the heart of Warren County, Iowa, lies Norwalk—a quiet suburban gem known for its friendly community and family-oriented atmosphere. With a population of over 14,000 residents, Norwalk combines small-town charm with proximity to the amenities of nearby Des Moines. Its well-maintained parks, top-rated schools, and low crime rate make it a sought-after destination for those seeking a safe and welcoming place to call home.
What's new in retail? Meet 14 new or soon-to-open stores in the Des Moines metro
The retail scene in the Des Moines metro continues to expand, bringing everything from first-to-market stores and national retailers to the community as well as boutiques and shops owned by locals. Jordan Creek Town Center in West Des Moines continues to dominant the retail landscape with its focus on 12 anchor tenants such as the newest, Davenport-based department store Von Maur, and a tenant since Day One, Fargo, North Dakota-based sports retailer Scheels. ...
Historic front page from the Des Moines Register, Nov. 21, 1997: McCaughey septuplets born
Featured front page Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey of Carlisle welcome their septuplets into the world. Two days after their birth, the Register on Nov. 21, 1997, reports that the...
Des Moines solar field to begin operations on former landfill site
Des Moines' first municipal solar field is expected to begin generating power Friday.Why it matters: Harriet Street Solar Field will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of about 570 homes, bringing the city closer to a carbon-free electricity goal.Zoom in: The $2 million project will provide renewable energy to DSM animal control and greenhouse facilities.The intrigue: The site — near the corner of Southeast 15th and Harriet Streets — was previously a landfill, making it difficult to redevelop for most other uses, city architect Ann Sobiech Munson tells Axios.The city is planting about 17 acres of pollinator habitat and native grasses around the site.Worthy of your time: Polk County's new solar projects.
Des Moines hopes road construction helps long-term infrastructure goals
DES MOINES, Iowa — Construction season is well underway and that means roads across Des Moines are under construction. Many of the road construction projects require a complete replacement of the roads due to age. Tom Vlach, the Deputy City Engineer for Des Moines, said that the city is able to replace more than just […]
Polk County K-9 to receive new body armor in memory of fallen DMPD K-9
DES MOINES, Iowa — A Polk County K-9 now has its own body armor, thanks to a donation in memory of a Des Moines police K-9. K-9 Bax received the present from a nonprofit group whose mission is to protect K-9s. Vested Interest in K-9s is giving the department a protective vest for Bax. It will be embroidered with "In Memory of K-9 Hobbs."
West Des Moines P&Z takes steps to move the Grand Experience forward
The West Des Moines Planning and Zoning Commission took steps this week toward the realization of the Grand Experience, a planned $500 million entertainment and commercial development. The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted Monday to recommend approval of an amendment to the city’s planned unit development concept plan and...
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