Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What’s next for Urbandale’s controversial license-plate reader program?
You won't want to miss 4word: Des Moines 2026 Morning Gathering on the Urbandale Patch calendar

Good morning Urbandale! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What's next for Urbandale's controversial license-plate reader program?
- How Urbandale's star pitcher became Oklahoma softball's top 2028 prize
Also on today's calendar: Storytime Explorers and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: When geese fly, one side is longer than the other. do you know why that is ? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Thursday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 75 and low of 65 degrees.
- Friday: Humid with a thunderstorm, temps: high: 82, low: 68.
- Saturday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 80 and low of 62 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Urbandale residents question license-plate reader program at city council meeting (kcci.com) — Urbandale's automated license-plate reader program is under scrutiny after residents and a Des Moines attendee pressed the city council for more transparency and proof it works. Council member Bridget Carberry Montgomery requested a clear summary of what's already public, following April changes that tightened Urbandale's contract with Flock Safety on data use and sharing.
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• Oklahoma Softball earns commitment No. 1 2028 pitcher Sophia Schlader (usatoday.com) — An elite softball talent from Urbandale, pitcher Sophia Schlader, has committed to powerhouse Oklahoma, choosing the Sooners over Texas after high-profile campus visits. The two-time Iowa state champion and Gatorade Player of the Year is ranked the nation's top pitcher in the 2028 class, giving Urbandale a direct connection to one of college softball's biggest programs.
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📸 Around Urbandale
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 Urbandale
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- 4word: Des Moines 2026 Morning Gathering →
Twisted Bean Coffee - Urbandale, 4504 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale
Friday September 18
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Storytime Explorers →
3520 86th St, Urbandale
10:00 am - Baby Bounce →
3520 86th St, Urbandale
9:30 am - Family Storytime →
3520 86th St, Urbandale
10:30 am - Adult Recreational Chess →
3520 86th St, Urbandale
1:00 pm - Block Party →
3520 86th St, Urbandale
9:30 am - I am Uniquely HER: We Mean Business! →
Location Holiday Inn & Suites | 4800 Merle Hay Rd., Urbandale, IA 50322 4800 Merle Hay Rd Urbandale IA 50323, 4800 Merle Hay Rd, Urbandale
8:00 am - Afterschool Fun Board Games! →
3520 86th St, Urbandale
4:15 pm - The Kind of City We Want: Roundtable Discussion →
7111 Aurora Ave, Urbandale
5:30 pm - Civility Dialogues →
7111 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale
6:00 pm - Block Party →
3520 86th St, Urbandale
6:00 pm - Adult DIY: Elderberry Syrup →
3520 86th St, Urbandale
6:00 pm
Friday September 18
Saturday September 19
Monday September 21
Tuesday September 22
📣 Urbandale Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
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 Urbandale PatchAM possible:
- Levels Family Chiropractic — (515) 461-9738
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Lifetime Fitness - Life Time, Inc. posted a job opening for Facility Operations Team Member in Urbandale. Apply here.
- New Horizon Academy posted a job opening for Childcare Teacher in Urbandale. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Urbandale here.
🗞 Nearby News
Clive
- Corn, soybeans both a little behind last year (greenecountynewsonline.com)
Grimes
- Reaching new heights; how Iowans with Parkinson's use rock climbing to help (who13.com)
- Black student enrollment in Polk County totals 9,989 in 2024-25 school year (desmoinessun.com)
West Des Moines
- Few Snaps, Big Impact: Penn State WR Zay Robinson Impresses in Limited Role (statecollege.com)
- 5 Des Moines-area hibachi restaurants worth trying right now (desmoinesregister.com)
- Local residents and hardware stores scramble for supplies amid unexpected September floods (weareiowa.com)
Ok Urbandale! 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: because there are more geese on that side (Thank you jo L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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