🌱 Police Investigate Vehicle And Body + Candlelight Vigil Held

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. High: 35 Low: 20.

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Here are the top four stories today in Des Moines:

1. The West Des Moines Police Department, West Des Moines Fire Department, and West Des Moines Emergency Medical Services responded to 8000 Raccoon River Drive to investigate a report of a vehicle and a deceased person being found in a creek bed. The vehicle officers found was a gray 2016 Jeep Cherokee belonging to missing Des Moines man Matthew O'Dell, who was reported missing in January. Identification found with the deceased person belonged to O'Dell. (KCCI Des Moines)
2. On Friday, a candlelight vigil was held for Des Moines murder victim Randi Light at her apartment complex. Loved ones came together, balloons in hand, with fond memories to share. Clarence Reed, her boyfriend, has been charged with first-degree murder. (KCCI Des Moines)
3. Thirteen-year-old Braelyn Ussery is learning to walk again after surviving two invasive brain surgeries to remove a mass on her brain cells. Her journey to recovery is noted as inspiring by the staff at Childserve who are helping her back on her feet. In April, Childserve will hold its annual Bubble Ball, with Braelyn as an honorary guest. (Local 5 - weareiowa.com)
4. The 7th Annual Des Moines County 4-H Community Dinner and Live Auction will be taking place on Mar. 15. Two Buds BBQ will provide their delicious pulled pork and baked beans paired with all the "fixins" catered by 2 Chicks Catering. Each 4-H and Clover Kids Club will use their "Hands to Larger Service" and provide homemade desserts for the evening. Tickets to the dinner are $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for school-age children. (Press Release Desk)

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Today in Des Moines:

• Baby Bounce - Urbandale Public Library (9:00 AM)
• Toddler Time - Urbandale Public Library (9:50 AM)
• Preschool Storytime - Urbandale Public Library (10:45 AM)
• Regular Council Meeting - Des Moines City Hall (5:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• The Des Moines Police Department says if you need to report damage to your property, roads, utilities, or any other storm-related info from Iowa, please use the form provided by Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management. To help volunteer with clean-up or to donate items for those impacted in the Winterset area, please contact the Madison County Chamber of Commerce at 515-462-1185. (Facebook)
• The Des Moines Playhouse 2022-2023 Season announcement is tomorrow night, Mar. 7, at 6:15 p.m.! (Facebook)
• Experience the Garden in a new light at Dome After Dark! Every Friday through Mar. 25, stroll through the lush conservatory and Gardeners Show House illuminated with unique lighting and luminarias. Pre-purchasing tickets is encouraged but walk-ups will be available until capacity is reached. (Travel Iowa)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.