Your trusted source for local Des Moines, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Colfax-Mingo Community School District is collaborating with the Colfax Economic Development Corporation to establish a new childcare center, supported by a $1.7 million state grant. To unlock the funds, the community must raise a matching amount by spring 2025, emphasizing the urgent need for local support. The center aims to accommodate 100 children and provide essential preschool and after-school care services.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced a statewide cell phone ban policy for schools and the establishment of a new DOGE task force during her Condition of the State speech. The proposed legislation aims to reduce distractions in educational settings and enhance efficiency in state and local government operations. Reynolds emphasized the importance of these initiatives in addressing challenges faced by Iowans, particularly in education and public safety.
The Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines has recently expanded its offerings by adding two new restaurant/bars: Work In Progress and Tom Archer's Poor Man's Country Club. With a focus on local history and dining roots, Chef Ryan Skinner is excited to debut menus that celebrate the area’s culinary culture. The new venues aim to enhance the concert-going experience by providing dining and drinking options before and after events.
Lincoln High School in Des Moines, Iowa, celebrates the improved FAFSA application process following last year's issues that caused significant delays in financial aid packages for students. The new application, streamlined from over 100 questions to around 40, has made it easier for seniors to apply for financial aid and achieve their college aspirations. Students and school officials alike have praised the smoother application cycle, allowing them to focus more on their academic goals.
The Des Moines City Council has approved the construction of the 33-story 515 Walnut apartment tower, marking a significant development in the downtown area. This project will introduce 390 residential units and numerous amenities, addressing the city's growing housing demand and revitalizing the urban landscape. Anticipated to create over 700 construction jobs, the project is set to begin in early 2025 and aims for completion by 2027.
Metro communities in Iowa, including Des Moines, have decided to move Trick-or-Treating to Halloween on October 31, 2025, following strong resident feedback. This change may mark the end of the traditional Beggars' Night held on October 30, as local officials seek uniformity in celebration across the metro area. Community leaders emphasize the importance of maintaining Halloween traditions, such as children sharing jokes while trick-or-treating.
Brenton Skating Plaza in Des Moines, Iowa, has officially opened for the 2024-2025 season, offering a festive outdoor ice-skating experience along the Principal Riverwalk. Special programming, including discounted sessions for seniors and students, and free "Learn to Skate" sessions beginning December 7, 2024, are set to enhance the winter fun for all ages.
Sixteen recruits graduated from the Des Moines Police Academy on November 22, 2024, marking a significant milestone as the first class under Police Chief Michael McTaggart. The ceremony highlighted the academy's commitment to diversity, featuring recruits who collectively speak at least six languages. This new cohort will undergo field training as they begin their careers serving the Des Moines community.
Water levels on the Des Moines River will temporarily decrease starting November 21, 2024, as the City of Des Moines removes flashboards from the Center Street Dam to mitigate flood risk. Boaters and residents are advised to prepare for this change, which is expected to last 24-36 hours. The process will be weather-dependent and may be rescheduled to November 26 if conditions are inclement.
The City of Des Moines is hosting its third community meeting on November 18, where residents can provide input on the preliminary design concepts for the new North Side Community Recreation Center. This meeting aims to recap feedback from earlier sessions and engage the community in the planning process, emphasizing local involvement in city development projects.