🌱 Historic East Side Building's Fate + Push To Rename Flagg Pkwy

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:

Cloudy, a little rain; cooler. High: 51 Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories in Des Moines today:

1. Des Moines city officials will soon decide whether to preserve a 134-year-old building on the city's east side or allow the owners to demolish it. According to Michael Ludwig, Des Moines' deputy director of development services, "it has been made known to the city that it is the current owners' intent [...] to demolish the building" at 2951 East Walnut Street. However, city regulations require a review to determine the historic, cultural, or architectural significance of the structure before any demolition can begin. (Business Record)
2. After a proposed realignment of George Flagg Parkway was unveiled, several Des Moines residents are calling on the city to rename the roadway. Supporters have expressed concerns about Flagg's views and actions while serving on the city council. The longtime councilmember stated to the Des Moines Register in 2001 that he voted against liquor licenses of retailers with "ethnic-sounding names," defending doing so because he "couldn't be certain that the retailers were living in the country legally." (Axios)
3. A West Des Moines resident is charged with second-degree sexual abuse of a child under 12 years of age. 34-year-old Dakota Daniel Stevens allegedly molested a nine-year-old girl two weeks ago. He was arrested on a Dallas County warrant and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Mar. 25. (theperrynews.com)

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Today in Des Moines:

• Air Plant Homes Drop-In - Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (10:00 AM)
• Pre-School Storytime - Pleasant Hill Public Library (10:30 AM)
• 3rd Thursday At Hoover's: The Progression of America's National Parks - Urbandale Public Library (6:00 PM)
• Plan And Zoning Commission Meeting - Des Moines City Hall (6:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• According to police, a shooting in Des Moines over the weekend started with an argument about shoes. (KCCI Des Moines)
• Des Moines city crews say they plowed just over 30 inches of snow this winter, only 86 percent of the 10-year snow average. The reduced plowing has translated to nearly $2 million in savings for the city. (KCCI Des Moines)
• Looking for a new home or just like to keep on top of the housing market? Take a peek at these four open houses coming up in the Des Moines area. (Des Moines Patch)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with another update!

— 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.