Your trusted source for local Des Moines, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Des Moines Parks and Recreation has announced potential locations for prescribed burns from November 3 to December 31, 2021, aimed at maintaining park ecosystems. The controlled burns will help manage native plant species and reduce wildfire threats, with updates provided through social media and text notifications. Residents are advised to stay away from affected parks during these events to ensure safety.
The Des Moines Food Security Task Force has released its final report, offering key recommendations to improve food security and access in the community. Initiatives include the establishment of the Food Equity and Education for Des Moines (FEED DSM) platform, aimed at connecting residents with resources to support local food production. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to addressing food insecurity through urban agriculture and community engagement.
The City of Des Moines is hosting a series of public input meetings to gather community feedback for the planning of the new North Side Community Recreation Center. With a commitment of $12 million over four years, the initiative aims to create a facility that meets diverse recreational needs and fosters community engagement. Residents are encouraged to participate in these meetings scheduled for October and November 2021.
The demolition of the former Dico site in Des Moines is progressing well, with the city and the EPA collaborating on cleanup efforts at this long-standing Superfund site. Assistant City Manager Pam Cooksey expressed optimism about completing the demolition by November, contingent on favorable weather conditions. This project marks a significant step toward future development in the area.
The Southeast 30th Bridge in Des Moines has reopened after major repairs, just in time for the State Fair. Originally built in 1958, the bridge underwent significant upgrades, including a complete deck replacement and structural enhancements for improved safety and traffic flow.
The City of Des Moines has implemented a face covering requirement in city buildings due to rising COVID-19 transmission rates in Polk County. This mandate, which applies to both city employees and the public, aligns with CDC guidelines and is subject to change based on community transmission levels. Residents are also urged to get vaccinated to help keep the community safe.
The City of Des Moines announces the retirement of SmartCards as it transitions to new parking meter technology, urging residents to use their remaining balances before key deadlines. The phased retirement includes a cap on card replenishment and a complete end to SmartCard use by July 2022, impacting many local residents. Stay informed on these changes to avoid losing any unused funds.
The Scott Avenue Bridge in Des Moines, Iowa, has officially reopened to traffic after extensive rehabilitation work as part of the $22 million Bridges to Opportunity project, which aims to improve four downtown bridges. The rehabilitation included significant structural repairs and enhancements to ensure safety and reduce noise. Residents can visit the City’s project map for more information on ongoing improvements.
The Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission has settled a racial profiling case against a national discount store, requiring the store to pay $8,600 to an African American customer. The incident, involving two African American women who were wrongfully detained and searched, highlights ongoing issues of racial discrimination in public accommodations. The settlement also mandates the implementation of anti-discrimination policies and employee training to prevent future incidents.
Des Moines is implementing a proactive initiative to inspect its extensive sanitary sewer system using remote cameras, aiming to identify potential hazards before they escalate into costly repairs. This effort, led by the Public Works Department, is expected to inspect approximately 100 miles of sewer lines this year, enhancing the city's infrastructure management. By addressing issues early, the initiative seeks to improve the reliability of wastewater management for over 217,000 residents.