Good morning Des Moines! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
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In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Shih Tzu Sprint and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. 42 years later, paperboy Eugene Martin's family still searching for answers (who13.com) — Des Moines residents are reminded that Eugene Martin's disappearance, following fellow paperboy Johnny Gosch's case in West Des Moines, remains unsolved 42 years later. His sister, still living in Des Moines, continues to seek answers while police keep the case open and encourage any new leads from the community.
2. Windsor Heights explores converting abandoned rail corridor into trail along 73rd Street (kcci.com) — Windsor Heights is exploring a shared-use trail along the soon-to-be-abandoned Grimes Line, which runs between Des Moines and Grimes and through several metro suburbs. The project could replace a planned sidewalk on 73rd Street, save money, and eventually link into a larger regional trail network, but depends on securing rights to the railroad corridor by 2027.
3. Marine Corps veteran and family receive new vehicle at Iowa State Fair (bluewaterhealthyliving.com) — An Iowa Marine Corps veteran was surprised with a free Nissan Murano at the Iowa State Fair, easing travel for his family after years of service and injury. With roots that include marrying in West Des Moines and coverage by the Des Moines Register, his story connects statewide gratitude to local communities.
4. Iowa State Fair attendance tops 443,000 after four days (cbs2iowa.com) — Des Moines is buzzing as the Iowa State Fair draws more than 443,000 visitors in its first four days, with Sunday setting a new first-Sunday record. Attendance is running ahead of last year, underscoring the fair's pull as Iowa's biggest annual gathering through August 23.
5. Federal Housing Changes, Innovation Take Center Stage at 2026 HousingIowa Conference (rcreader.com) — Housing and community leaders will gather at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines September 9–10 for the 2026 HousingIowa Conference, focused on federal housing changes and innovation. Sessions will dig into the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, affordable housing finance, homelessness, rental issues, and more, with awards and pitch competitions highlighting new ideas from across Iowa.
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Ok Des Moines! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
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