Your trusted source for local Des Moines, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The City of Des Moines plans to remove flashboards from the Center Street Dam on April 14, 2022, which will temporarily lower water levels in the Des Moines River. Boaters and marina users are advised of the change, with adjustments made to the Saylorville Reservoir dam to restore water levels afterward. Contact details for the Parks and Recreation Director are provided for further inquiries.
Des Moines Public Works Department achieved significant savings of over $1.94 million in its snow and ice removal budget for the winter season, with a total snowfall of 30.1 inches, which is 86% of the average. The department's efficient operations, led by over 200 dedicated employees, focused on major snowstorms, allowing for effective resource allocation towards road repairs. Public Works Director Jonathan Gano emphasized the team's commitment to maintaining safe driving conditions for the city's residents.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation has released its "2021 Report to the Community," highlighting significant achievements such as increased recreational program participation and volunteer contributions. The report reflects the department's commitment to enhancing community engagement and facilities, showcasing the positive impacts of its programs on local residents.
Warmer weather in Des Moines is expected to lead to a surge in pothole reports, prompting Public Works to mobilize crews for repairs. Residents are encouraged to report potholes via phone or the MyDSMmobile App to expedite the response. Public Works aims to address reported issues within 24-48 hours, although delays may occur during peak reporting times.
The Des Moines City Council has approved a $10 million project to repair the 2nd Avenue bridge and fully replace the bridge over Birdland Drive, vital connections for over 20,000 vehicles daily. This initiative addresses the city's ongoing infrastructure concerns, with 13 out of 18 structurally deficient bridges already repaired since 2011. The project is part of a broader five-year Capital Improvement Program aimed at enhancing the city's transportation network.
Des Moines will observe the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on January 17, 2022, with city buildings closed but no delay in garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection. The annual celebration will take place virtually, featuring artist Jill Wells, who will present her mural _Future_ at the Evelyn K. Davis Center.
The City of Des Moines announces public building closures for New Year's Eve on December 31, 2021, reopening on January 3, 2022. Garbage, recycling, and yard waste collection will continue as scheduled, with special tips provided for holiday waste disposal, including Christmas tree collection and recycling guidelines.
City administration buildings in Des Moines, Iowa, will close from December 23 to December 27 for the Christmas holiday, with no delays to garbage and recycling collection. Residents are encouraged to follow their normal collection schedules and report missed pickups to the Public Works Customer Service Center. For more details on holiday schedules, visit DSM.city/HolidaySchedule.
The Des Moines Public Library has launched a new program allowing cardholders to check out wireless internet hotspots, funded by a $164,000 federal grant aimed at closing the digital divide. With 500 devices available, the initiative seeks to provide essential high-speed internet access to residents lacking broadband, facilitating opportunities for education and employment.
The Des Moines Police Department (DMPD) has joined the national 30x30 Initiative, aiming to elevate the representation of women in law enforcement to 30% by 2030. Currently, women comprise only 13% of sworn officers in the DMPD, prompting the department to implement targeted recruitment and mentoring programs to foster an inclusive culture.