Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How the Southwest Mixmaster overhaul will change your West Des Moines commute
Happening soon: Music at the Market - Patricia Holly on the West Des Moines Patch calendar
Morning West Des Moines! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☕️️
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In today's newsletter:
- How the Southwest Mixmaster overhaul will change your West Des Moines commute
- What West Des Moines experts say about CTE risk in school football
- Which West Des Moines high schools made Iowa's top-25 list?
Today's riddle: What is the 1 way to guarantee winning a small fortune at the casino? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near West Des Moines. 
- Tuesday: Partly sunny, a t-storm; hot, with a high of 94 and low of 73 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Wednesday: Toasty conditions, temps: high: 95, low: 74.
- Thursday: Hot with sunshine, with a high of 94 and low of 72 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Construction begins on $146 million Southwest Mixmaster project in West Des Moines (kcci.com) — Drivers in and around West Des Moines should prepare for years of changing traffic patterns as a $146 million overhaul of the Southwest Mixmaster gets underway, including overnight lane closures on I-80/35. The Iowa DOT will add a new flyover bridge, widen lanes, and eventually build a diverging diamond at Hickman Road, all aimed at easing congestion and improving safety. 
• Iowa sports doctor, coach weigh risk of CTE as fall sports begin (kcrg.com) — With high school football underway in West Des Moines, a local sports doctor and Valley High School's longtime coach are explaining what new research on CTE means for young athletes. They highlight improved concussion protocols, safer practice limits, and better equipment, while urging families to talk with primary care doctors before kids start contact sports.
• Best high schools in Iowa (voiceofalexandria.com) — Two West Des Moines schools, Valley High School and Dowling Catholic, earn spots on a new list of Iowa's top high schools, highlighting strong academics and activities close to home. The statewide ranking lets local families compare nearby options with other highly rated public and private schools across Iowa.
📸 Around West Des Moines
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🗓 Events Nearby
- Music at the Market - Patricia Holly →
Johnston, IA Calendar Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Girls Tennis: Waukee vs Ankeny (JV)
Van Meter Comm School District Prairie Ridge Sports Complex Prairie Ridge Tennis Courts
4:00 pm - Girls Tennis: Waukee vs Ankeny (Varsity)
Van Meter Comm School District Prairie Ridge Sports Complex Prairie Ridge Tennis Courts
4:00 pm - Adel Farmers Market
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Beginning at 2pm through 8pm, the following intersections will be affected: Main St & N 9th St Main St & N 10th St Court & N 10th St Road closures will remain in place throughout the market event. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.
4:00 pm - Volleyball: Earlham vs Van Meter (Freshman)
Van Meter Comm School District Van Meter School South Gym
5:00 pm - Waukee Walkers - Community Walking Group →
Waukee, IA Calendar, 700 NW Douglas Pkwy., Waukee
5:00 pm - Volleyball: Earlham vs Van Meter (Junior Varsity)
Van Meter Comm School District Van Meter School North Gym
5:00 pm - Planning and Zoning Commission →
Grimes, IA Calendar
5:30 pm - Volleyball: Earlham vs Van Meter (Varsity)
Van Meter Comm School District Van Meter School North Gym
6:30 pm - Morning on the Bricks
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Raccoon Valley Community House 1016 Main Street Adel, IA 50003
8:30 am - Waukee Farmers Market →
Waukee, IA Calendar Waukee, IA 50263
4:00 pm - Girls Cross Country: Kirk Schmaltz Invitational (Varsity)
Van Meter Comm School District Iowa State University (ISU) Cross Country Course
4:00 pm
Tuesday September 1
Wednesday September 2
Thursday September 3
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Update: REUNITED!
Senior tiny found near Windsor Heights crossing 63rd street near the interstate approx 4:45am Sunday 8/30. Please dm if this is your pup. (Nextdoor Golf and Country) - Can anyone recommend a handyman in West Des Moines for exterior work?
I need someone who is comfortable doing a repair on a high ladder. (Nextdoor Glen Oaks)
- Nordstrom, Inc. posted a job opening for Beauty Concierge - The Plaza at Jordan Creek Rack in West Des Moines. Apply here.
- Cadence Education posted a job opening for Preschool Teacher in West Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Des Moines here.
🗞 Nearby News
Clive
- Candidates make policy pledges at AMOS convention in Clive (kcci.com)
- 'These people are certifiable': Ted Cruz complains of 'communists and Islamists' taking over at Hinson event in Clive (littlevillagemag.com)
- Hinson rallies Iowa Republicans at sixth annual BBQ Bash in Clive (kcci.com)
Urbandale
- NFL roster shakeup: Tracking players with Iowa ties (who13.com)
- Northwest Iowa Receives More Than $16 Million in FEMA Funding for Storm Recovery and Mitigation (siouxcountyradio.com)
- Joyce Ellen Nafzinger Hitch, 90, Mountain Home (Conner) (ktlo.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: By starting with a large fortune. (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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