Good morning West Des Moines! 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:
Also on today's calendar: Blue Plate Mystery Dinner & Auction and 10 more events.
Today's riddle: Why should you never iron a 4-leaf colver? 🤔 (Answer below!)
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1. Westbound I-80 ramp at Jordan Creek Parkway to close overnight (qctimes.com) — Drivers in West Des Moines should plan for the westbound I-80 on-ramp from southbound Jordan Creek Parkway to be closed overnight from Friday evening, Oct. 2, through late Saturday morning, Oct. 3. Crews will be doing asphalt overlay work, with a marked detour using Ashworth Road and Grand Prairie Parkway, and officials warn to expect delays and use extra caution in the work zone.
2. RTX unit Collins Aerospace expands Iowa engine components plant capacity (tradersunion.com) — Collins Aerospace is enlarging its West Des Moines engine components facility by 14,000 square feet and plans to add jobs through 2027 as it boosts production of fuel systems and engine nozzles. The company recently finished a separate $14 million expansion at another West Des Moines site, reinforcing the city's role in its global manufacturing network and local employment base.
3. Collins Aerospace will expand West Des Moines plant, add jobs (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Collins Aerospace is planning a multimillion‑dollar expansion of its West Des Moines jet engine components plant, adding 14,000 square feet and new jobs through 2027. The project upgrades fuel‑distribution and nozzle manufacturing at the Fourth Street facility and follows a recent $14 million expansion at the company's other West Des Moines plant, underscoring its growing local footprint and employment impact.
4. Valley West Mall sold, JCPenney lease still poses legal issues (weareiowa.com) — Valley West Mall in West Des Moines has been sold to local firm Threshold Capital, which is now asking an Iowa court how JCPenney's lease might limit redevelopment plans. The company says it doesn't intend to push JCPenney out but wants clarity on what changes can move forward as it works to revive the long‑struggling property for the community.
5. Fighting Hawks Finish Tied for Seventh at Badger Invitational (fightinghawks.com) — College golf fans in West Des Moines can look ahead to the Zach Johnson Invitational at Glen Oaks Country Club on Oct. 19, where North Dakota returns as defending champion. The Fighting Hawks just tied for seventh at the Badger Invitational and will try to repeat last year's title run on the local course.
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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: You don't want to press your luck! (Thank you Tee E. for sending it in!)
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