Good morning Des Moines! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: 8th Anniversary Party and 5 more events.
Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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1. St. Vincent de Paul reentry kiosk serves nearly 2K people in 1st year (kioskmarketplace.com) — If you or a loved one is leaving the Polk County Jail in Des Moines, a St. Vincent de Paul kiosk there has already helped nearly 2,000 people connect to housing, food, transportation, clothing and Medicaid. Staffed by local employees, the service now offers expanded hours and transportation help, giving residents a practical first step toward stability right as they walk out the door.
2. Over $75k stolen from softball club, as families continue to spend on youth sports (who13.com) — Families involved in the South Des Moines Girls Softball Association are grappling with news that a former treasurer is accused of stealing nearly $76,000 from the organization. Current board members say they're focused on protecting the league's future and players while an investigation continues. The case also underscores how much money local families now pour into youth sports and why tighter financial safeguards matter.
3. Iowa expands pasture program to nearly 30 counties as runoff strains drinking water costs (thecooldown.com) — A state program paying farmers to convert marginal cropland to pasture is expanding to 28 counties, including many in the Greater Des Moines watershed, to cut nutrient runoff and protect drinking water. By reducing pollution that drives up treatment costs, the effort could ultimately affect what Des Moines-area households pay on their water bills while keeping land in productive use.
4. Central Iowa superintendents set goals for school year (kcci.com) — Des Moines Public Schools enters a new year still led by interim superintendent Matt Smith, who's focused on healing the community and rolling out more hands-on, engaging classroom experiences. Nearby districts in Southeast Polk, Waukee, Ottumwa and Perry welcome new superintendents, each outlining goals on safety, facilities, and student opportunities that will shape education across central Iowa.
5. CEMA hosts conference in Iowa (mypmp.net) — Entomologists from across the Midwest gathered in Des Moines earlier this month for the Certified Entomologists of Mid-America annual meeting, including a tour of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Attendees learned how the garden uses integrated pest management to protect its exhibits and then wrapped up with a board meeting, strengthening professional ties that support regional pest management work.
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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: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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