🌱 2M Wastewater Gallons + Teen Shooting Victim Leaves Hospital

Hello again, Des Moines! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Des Moines Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Des Moines Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Des Moines long term. So if you're interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

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First, today's weather:

A snow shower in the morning. High: 43 Low: 34.

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Here are the top three stories in Des Moines today:

1. A crack along a wastewater force main near Birdland Park Marina caused a break, causing nearly 2 million gallons of wastewater to spill into the Des Moines River. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) stated the repairs were made and discharge stopped on Tuesday night. Though there were no visual impacts on the river's aquatic life, DNR advises anglers to be careful of any potential contamination. (KCCI Des Moines)
2. Yesterday, classes at East High resumed for the first time since a drive-by shooting on Mar. 7 that killed one and injured two others. Concurrent with the start of classes, 18-year-old Kemery Ortega, who was shot in the head during the incident, left the hospital. Ortega is currently staying at ChildServe in Johnston for rehabilitation services; the senior's ultimate goal is to return to East High and graduate with her class. (KCRG)
3. The 80/35 Music Festival has announced its second wave of artists headed to Western Gateway Park this Jul. 8-9. 80/35, presented by the Greater Des Moines Music Coalition, aims to "foster a stronger and more diverse music community in Des Moines." 19 additional acts, including Des Moines hip hop act B.Well and Iowa-native American Idol winner Maddie Poppe, join the lineup. A full list of performing artists thus far can be found at the link. (80/35)

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Today in Des Moines:

• Pre-School Storytime - Pleasant Hill Public Library (10:30 AM)
• North Side Community Recreation Center (Grubb YMCA) Open House - Des Moines City Hall (5:30 PM)
• Libby App Demo - Urbandale Public Library (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Des Moines Public Schools reminds students that face masks are now optional at ALL grade levels, including DMPS preschools serving students under the age of five. (Facebook)
• Find out what's happening this week with Catch Des Moines! Click to view the full video, featuring Greg Edwards and guest host Terry Rich. (Local 5 - weareiowa.com)
• Did you know a small 8×10 foot area can generate 50 gallons of water during a one-inch rain event? Learn how to capture that rainwater and put it to good use in your garden during the Greater Des Moines Botanical Gardens' Rain Barrel workshop Thursday, Apr. 14. (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you around.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.