🌱 Patch AM: Could an abandoned rail line become West Des Moines’ next major trail?

Coffee in hand, West Des Moines? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Could an abandoned rail line become West Des Moines' next major trail?
• Will West Des Moines rethink its Flock camera contract after Indianola's move?
• Measles exposure may include West Des Moines — are you protected?

Also on today's calendar: After Teaching Through 61 U.S. Colleges, Mr. EWS Returns with Affordable Online Fashion Class.

Today's riddle: What do evil hens lay? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Wednesday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 80 and low of 61 degrees.
• Thursday: Times of clouds and sun, temps: high: 84, low: 65.
• Friday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 86 and low of 62 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

• Windsor Heights explores converting abandoned rail corridor into trail along 73rd Street (kcci.com) — A long-discussed plan to convert the Grimes Line rail corridor into a regional trail could eventually create a continuous path through West Des Moines and neighboring suburbs, but Windsor Heights is taking the lead with a 73rd Street segment. Federal regulators have started the abandonment process, giving cities until mid-2027 to negotiate trail use, which could shape future biking and walking connections across the metro.
   

• Indianola joins police departments removing Flock cameras (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Indianola has shut off its Flock license plate cameras, even as West Des Moines and other Des Moines suburbs continue using the same surveillance technology under existing contracts. The move highlights growing statewide debate over privacy, data retention and whether Iowa lawmakers should set uniform rules for how police use automated plate readers.
   

• Davis County solar microgrid powers measles vaccinations (kcci.com) — Health officials say recent measles exposures may include locations in West Des Moines, and they're urging anyone unvaccinated or unsure of their immunity to contact a doctor or local public health agency. A solar-powered mobile microgrid from Davis County schools is helping power a vaccination clinic in southern Iowa as the outbreak grows to 12 confirmed cases.
   

📸 Around West Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in West Des Moines

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Saturday August 22
• After Teaching Through 61 U.S. Colleges, Mr. EWS Returns with Affordable Online Fashion Class →
  , West Des Moines
  9:00 am

📣 West Des Moines Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday August 19
• Speed Networking →
  Luana Savings Bank, 9321 Market Pl Dr, Norwalk
  3:00 pm
• Waukee Farmers Market →
  Waukee, IA Calendar Waukee, IA 50263
  4:00 pm
• Johnston Middle School - Open House
  Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
  4:00 pm
• Parks and Recreation Commission →
  City of Urbandale - City Hall City Hall - 3600 86th Street Urbandale IA 50322
  5:30 pm
• Board of Adjustment Meeting →
  Grimes, IA Calendar
  5:30 pm
Thursday August 20
• Board of Appeals →
  Grimes, IA Calendar
  12:01 am
• 2026 Board Meeting
  Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Patrick's Restaurant, Teams
  7:00 am
• Hittin' the Bricks
  Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce 301 S 10th St Adel, IA
  7:30 am
• CHOW Chamber Happenings, Opportunities & Wisdom
  Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Country Lane Lodge 29300 Prospect Cir. Adel, IA 50003
  11:30 am
• Excel & Launch - Open House
  Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
  4:00 pm
• Summit - Open House
  Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
  4:00 pm

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

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Fareway Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk (Mills Civic Parkway) in West Des Moines. Apply here.
• PM Hotel Group posted a job opening for Hotel Public Space Attendant | SpringHill Suites DMW | West Des Moines, IA in West Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Des Moines here.

🗞 Nearby News

Clive

• desmoinescosmeticdentistrycenter (wordpress.com)
• Work Contracts Approved For Newton's First Avenue East Stormwater and Cardinal Pond Projects (kniakrls.com)
• State News: Officer Shooting Suspect Arrested, Measles Outbreak Confirmed, Fair Sets Attendance Record (westerniowatoday.com)

Urbandale

• Newton Volleyball Coach Likes The Preseason Resilience This Year's Team Has Shown (kniakrls.com)
• Buc-ee's Files Plans for First Iowa Location (cstoredecisions.com)
• Talented Performers Advance to the Next Round of Bill Riley Talent Search (ottumwaradio.com)

Ok West 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: Deviled eggs (Thank you Karla H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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