Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What Waukee officials haven’t said yet about the coach’s future
Spotted on the Waukee calendar: Football: Winterset vs ADM (Varsity)
Hello again Waukee! We're bringing you the latest town highlights. Don't miss out, keep going! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What Waukee officials haven't said yet about the coach's future
- What Waukee's new superintendent says he'll change this school year
- Meet the Waukee teen headed to Iowa's big talent stage
Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Waukee 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 Waukee Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Waukee. 
- Friday: Sun mixing with clouds, with a high of 84 and low of 66 degrees.
- Saturday: Humid; breezy in the p.m., temps: high: 85, low: 71.
- Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m., with a high of 94 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
📰 News we're reading
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.
📸 Around Waukee
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Waukee
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Football: Winterset vs ADM (Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
7:00 pm - Volleyball: Harlan Tournament (Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
8:00 am - Boys Cross Country: ()
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
8:00 am - Boys Cross Country: Johnston Sunrise Invitational (Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
8:00 am - Girls Cross Country: Johnston Sunrise Invitational (Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
8:00 am - Member Orientation
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Adel City Hall 301 S 10th Street Adel, IA 50003
10:00 am - Volleyball: ADM JV1 & 9A Quad (Junior Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
5:00 pm - Football: ADM vs Winterset (Junior Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
6:00 pm
Friday August 28
Saturday August 29
Monday August 31
📣 Waukee 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
- Football: Des Moines Christian vs Van Meter (Freshman)
Van Meter Comm School District Van Meter School Bulldog Stadium
4:30 pm - Staff and Family Picnic
Valerius Elementary School Urbandale, IA 50322
5:00 pm - Football: Des Moines Christian vs Van Meter (Varsity)
Van Meter Comm School District Van Meter School Bulldog Stadium
7:00 pm - Winterset Varsity Football @ A-D-M →
Adel DeSoto Minburn High School, 801 Nile Kinnick Dr S, Adel
7:00 pm
Friday August 28
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Their first daughter was born with a silver spoon in her mouth.
Now they're hoping for triplets so they can have a whole set. (Nextdoor Legacy Pointe) - The Park Road and Warrior Lane intersection is reopen.
You can travel north on Warrior Lane from Park Road/Ford Lane. Warrior Lane south of Park Road is still closed. (Nextdoor )
- City of Waukee posted a job opening for Field Crew Lead - Seasonal in Waukee. Apply here.
- Bridgestone Corporation posted a job opening for Automotive Maintenance Technician in Waukee. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Waukee here.
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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