Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will three new Des Moines prosecutors tackle Medicaid fraud locally?

And on the Des Moines Patch calendar - Shih Tzu Sprint

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Wednesday August 19th Patch AM
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Good morning to you Des Moines! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will three new Des Moines prosecutors tackle Medicaid fraud locally?
  • Could this abandoned rail line become Des Moines' next big trail link?
  • Meet the Des Moines-area teens leading Iowa's next disability rights wave.

Also on today's calendar: Shih Tzu Sprint and 5 more events.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Humid with periods of sun, with a high of 77 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Thursday: Times of sun and clouds, temps: high: 81, low: 66.
  • Friday: Humid with a stray t-storm, with a high of 84 and low of 64 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Iowa Attorney General receives three-year grant focused on Medicaid fraud (kttc.com) — Des Moines is getting three new federal prosecutors focused on Medicaid and major financial fraud, thanks to a nearly $4 million U.S. Department of Justice grant to the Iowa Attorney General. Based in the southern district centered on Des Moines, they'll also be able to pursue drug and human trafficking cases through May 2029.
   

2. Windsor Heights explores converting abandoned rail corridor into trail along 73rd Street (kcci.com) — A potential new trail along an abandoned rail corridor could eventually link Windsor Heights' 73rd Street with Des Moines, West Des Moines, Clive, Urbandale and Grimes, creating a major metro connection for walkers and cyclists. Windsor Heights officials favor the trail concept, which might save money over a sidewalk-only plan, but they still need agreements for corridor access and regional cooperation before construction expected around 2029–2031.
   

3. Iowa DD Council confirms 13 teens, young adults completed virtual Youth Leadership Academy (cbs2iowa.com) — Thirteen Iowa teens and young adults, including several from Des Moines and West Des Moines, have just graduated from the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council's virtual Youth Leadership Academy. The free program builds leadership and self-advocacy skills, capped by a recognition ceremony at Des Moines' Blank Park Zoo and participation in a Disability Pride celebration. Sponsors included several Iowa disability-rights organizations.
   

4. USS Iowa crew visits Iowa to share submarine experiences with veterans (who13.com) — Eight crew members from the USS Iowa submarine are in Des Moines this week, meeting veterans and residents while sharing what life is like aboard a fast-attack sub. During stops including Camp Dodge's Gold Star Museum, they described cramped berthing areas—some named after Iowa cities like Des Moines—and the challenges of long, secretive deployments, while local supporters work to keep the boat closely tied to the state.
   

5. Davis County solar microgrid powers measles vaccinations (kcci.com) — Health officials say recent measles exposure sites include locations in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Clive and Bloomfield, and they're urging unvaccinated residents to seek the MMR shot. To help, Davis County schools are sending a solar-powered mobile microgrid to run a vaccination trailer in southern Iowa, supporting an emergency response to the growing outbreak.
   

📸 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

    Wednesday August 19
  • Speed Networking →
    Luana Savings Bank, 9321 Market Pl Dr, Norwalk
    3:00 pm
  • Junior High Meet & Greet
    Southeast Polk Comm School District Southeast Polk Jr High School
    4:00 pm
  • Middle School Meet the Teacher Night
    Southeast Polk Comm School District Southeast Polk Middle School
    4:00 pm
  • Johnston Middle School - Open House
    Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
    4:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Charitable Organizations' Alert! —Viking Foundation Read on Patch
  • Good morning, Happy August 17th
    Look at the sun and you will never see shadows. Helen Keller (Nextdoor Fairmont Park)
  • If your looking for work.
    Come out on the last day, to help the vendors tear down to get paid (Nextdoor River Bend)
  • PM Hotel Group posted a job opening for Housekeeping Room Attendant | Hampton Inn Des Moines Airport | Des Moines, IA in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • Planet Fitness, Inc. posted a job opening for Part Time Cleaner 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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