Hi there, Des Moines! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Community Leaders Coordinate Conversation About Water Quality (dsm.city) — Des Moines residents are invited to a detailed water-quality conversation at the Des Moines Central Library on Tuesday, Oct. 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Experts from Des Moines Water Works, the city, Drake University, and statewide organizations will explain how local drinking water is treated, current challenges like nitrates, and what's being done to protect central Iowa's water supply.
2. Des Moines Water Works closes flood gates at Fleur Drive Treatment Plant (weareiowa.com) — Des Moines Water Works has closed the flood gates at its Fleur Drive Treatment Plant as the Raccoon River is forecast to crest around 17.4 feet, near the level where water can reach the facility. Officials say the move is a precaution within a broader flood-protection system strengthened since the 1993 flood, aiming to keep city water service safe and reliable.
3. St. Theresa Catholic School's new library dedicated to late student Ava Vaske (who13.com) — St. Theresa Catholic School in Des Moines has opened an expanded, woodland-themed library dedicated to the memory of former student Ava Vaske, who died of cancer in 2022. With help from her family, grants, and volunteers, the space now offers cozy seating, a small stage, and faith-inspired touches that students are already embracing with excitement.
4. Man beaten in downtown Des Moines this summer died from head trauma, report shows (weareiowa.com) — Two men have now been charged with second-degree murder in the July 5 beating of 26-year-old Des Moines native Dimitri English in downtown Des Moines, after a medical examiner ruled he died from blunt-force head trauma. Police say up to five people kicked and punched him while he was defenseless, and investigators expect to charge additional suspects as they work with Minneapolis authorities.
5. More details on the future of Valley West Mall and the developer (kcci.com) — A West Des Moines developer has purchased Valley West Mall and is asking a court to change JCPenney's long-term lease so the aging property can be transformed into a mix of housing, retail, entertainment and recreation. With only about a dozen tenants left, including the Des Moines Children's Museum, city leaders hope redevelopment will revive tax revenue and keep the area economically vital.
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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: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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