Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Decades later, what’s still being done in Eugene Martin’s disappearance?

Also, don't miss Shih Tzu Sprint on the Des Moines Patch calendar

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Tuesday August 18th Patch AM
Tuesday August 18th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Good morning Des Moines! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

Before we get to what's happening, a big thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Des Moines PatchAM possible. Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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In today's newsletter:

  • Decades later, what's still being done in Eugene Martin's disappearance?
  • Could this abandoned rail line become Des Moines' next major trail link?
  • How a veteran's Iowa State Fair surprise traces back to West Des Moines.

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!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Humid with heavy t-storms, with a high of 81 and low of 65 degrees.
  • Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 80, low: 63.
  • Thursday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 81 and low of 63 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

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📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Lost cat.
    My friend's cat got out when all the doors of the house were left open after a medical emergency three days ago. Black, short hair, blue-green eyes,… (Nextdoor Beaverdale)
  • Anyone know any reliable licensed plumbers in the area?
    Who's everyone's goto? I just need some new hookups installed for water softner with shut-off valves. (Nextdoor Douglas Acres)
  • Hotel Equities posted a job opening for Executive Housekeeper/Mgmt Staybridge Suites Des Moines, Iowa in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • Fareway Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk (Euclid Avenue) in Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Des Moines here.

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!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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