Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a Polk County Jail kiosk quietly helps thousands restart life

And check out 8th Anniversary Party on the Des Moines Patch calendar

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Friday August 28th Patch AM
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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:

  • How a Polk County Jail kiosk quietly helps thousands restart life
  • What a $76,000 theft allegation means for South Des Moines softball
  • How new pasture payments could impact Des Moines-area water bills

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
Today's Des Moines Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. After investing billions to light up their network from big cities to small towns, T-Mobile is America's Best Mobile Network in the US according to Ookla Speedtest®. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Des Moines Patch AM possible.
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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Sun mixing with clouds, with a high of 85 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy and breezy, temps: high: 86, low: 74. 🌶 Hot!
  • Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 75 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

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.
   

📸 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

  • I live on the corner of Bowdoin Street and Tiffan Ave.
    This cat has been hanging out at my house. He comes around in the morning and evenings. He really wants to come inside. I can not care for a cat. … (Nextdoor Highland Park)
  • lost cat
    This is Chickpea. he likes to roam. he has been gone since Sunday. last found close to Forest and Beaver. we live on Beaver Ave (Nextdoor Drake)
  • Many Hands for Haiti posted a job opening for Processor in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • CoStar Realty Information, Inc. posted a job opening for Associate Photographer - Des Moines, IA 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: 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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