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In today's newsletter:
Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Waukee Football Coach Gabe Bakker Charged With OWI After Police Say Breath Test Showed a 0.23 BAC, Nearly Three Times Iowa's Legal Limit (centralrecorder.com) — Waukee residents should know that Waukee High School head football coach Gabe Bakker faces an OWI charge after police reported a 0.23 blood alcohol level, with questions still unresolved about his status for the upcoming season opener. Court records outline the arrest and alleged test results, but school leaders have not yet announced any employment decision.
2. Central Iowa superintendents set goals for school year (kcci.com) — Waukee families are getting a new school year under a new superintendent, Andy Crozier, who's been meeting parents and plans to be highly visible at school activities. The story also spotlights fresh leadership and priorities in nearby Southeast Polk, Ottumwa, Perry and Des Moines, from safety planning to facility upgrades and more hands-on learning.
3. 2026 Iowa Rocks Talent Youth Competition Announces 12 Finalists for Live Competition at Pearson Lakes Art Center (dmcityview.com) — A young musician from Waukee is among 12 finalists headed to Okoboji for the 2026 Iowa Rocks Talent Youth Competition, giving local families someone to cheer for on the statewide stage. The Labor Day weekend event at Pearson Lakes Art Center will showcase teen performers from across Iowa, with recording opportunities on the line for top winners.
4. Ankeny holds steady on Flock cameras for now (axios.com) — Waukee has paused its use of Flock license plate cameras while awaiting clearer rules from the Iowa Legislature, but nearby Ankeny is keeping its system in place for now. Ankeny officials say the cameras help police work more efficiently and solve cases, while civil liberties advocates warn the technology can threaten privacy without strong, consistent safeguards.
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Ok Waukee! 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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