Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Where might Des Moines’ first neighborhood resilience hub actually open?

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

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Thursday August 20th Patch AM
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What's up Des Moines! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Where might Des Moines' first neighborhood resilience hub actually open?
  • How Des Moines millennials are quietly becoming some of America's top homeowners
  • Thinking about medicine? See how DMU's free Pre-Health Summit works.

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

Today's riddle: Why do fish live in salt water? 🤔 (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:

  • Thursday: Humid with clouds and sun, with a high of 81 and low of 65 degrees.
  • Friday: A heavy t-storm in the p.m., temps: high: 87, low: 65. 🌶 Hot!
  • Saturday: Wall-to-wall sunshine, with a high of 83 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Des Moines Resilience Hub Plan Moves Toward Pilot Site (microgridmedia.com) — Des Moines is working with the Iowa Environmental Council to pick a pilot resilience hub site that would offer electricity, water and other essentials during major outages and extreme weather. Planners will run emergency exercises this year, then deliver guidance that could shape a citywide network of hubs in libraries, schools or community centers across town.
   

2. State News: Iowa State Fair Attendance, Des Moines Millennials and Charity Steer Show Set Records; Cedar Rapids Man Arrested in Sting (westerniowatoday.com) — Record-breaking Iowa State Fair crowds in Des Moines are drawing more than 111,000 visitors a day, while a new report shows six in ten Des Moines millennials now own homes amid relatively slow price growth and strong job gains. The roundup also highlights a record-setting Governor's Charity Steer Show benefiting Ronald McDonald House locations, and a Cedar Rapids coach arrested in a Newton child-exploitation sting.
   

3. Des Moines University (DMU) Hosts Annual Pre-Health Summit for High School Students (rcreader.com) — High school students around Des Moines can sign up now for Des Moines University's free virtual Pre-Health Summit on Saturday, Oct. 17, running from 9 a.m. to noon. Led by DMU admissions staff and students in West Des Moines, the session offers interactive mentoring and a look at health-science careers and graduate pathways, with online registration still open.
   

4. Iowa State Fair's Hat Parade highlights creativity and personal stories (kcci.com) — A West Des Moines resident and other Iowans showed off elaborate, story-filled hats during the Iowa State Fair's Hat Parade on the Bill Riley Stage. From a Hawkeye-themed cap worn to the 1982 Rose Bowl to cookie-and-cow costumes, participants shared personal memories and patriotic tributes, each leaving with a ribbon instead of formal rankings.
   

5. Iowa gas prices jump 34 cents in past week (radioonthego.com) — Des Moines fuel terminal prices for gasoline and diesel have climbed sharply, contributing to Iowa's average of $4.13 per gallon for regular unleaded, up 34 cents in a week. Diesel statewide is now $5.25, while crude oil prices also rose, pushing costs higher for drivers and businesses across the metro and the rest of Iowa.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

    Thursday August 20
  • Summit - Open House
    Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
    4:00 pm
  • Excel & Launch - Open House
    Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
    4:00 pm
  • Elementary Meet the Teacher
    Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
    4:00 pm
  • VAL Open House
    Valerius Elementary School Urbandale, IA 50322
    4:30 pm

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

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Des Moines PatchAM possible:

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Charitable Organizations' Alert! —Viking Foundation Read on Patch
  • Update: Pet Reunited
    Ricky, a dog who went missing in Des Moines, IA, has been safely reunited with their family after 19 hours, 50 minutes. More details here https:/… (Nextdoor Drake)
  • BOJI!!
    Nobody saw him nobody I went everywhere. Nobody has even seen him. I don't know where the heck he could've went. I don't even know how we got out or… (Nextdoor Lower Beaver)
  • QuikTrip posted a job opening for Job Part-Time Store Clerk Fairgrounds 4:45am clerk in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • ITA Group Inc posted a job opening for Manager - Air Operations 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: Pepper makes them sneeze (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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