Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How a West Des Moines resident filmed a surprise backyard bobcat
Also, don't miss City Buildings Closed - Labor Day on the West Des Moines Patch calendar
Good morning to you West Des Moines! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How a West Des Moines resident filmed a surprise backyard bobcat
- Want sharper ag marketing skills at a West Des Moines workshop?
- Confused about e-bike rules on West Des Moines trails?
Today's riddle: Where do math teachers go on vacation? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near West Des Moines. 
- Saturday: Near-record heat, with a high of 95 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Sunday: A stray t-storm; not as hot, temps: high: 86, low: 69.
- Monday: Humid with periods of sun, with a high of 88 and low of 70 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Viewer shares video of bobcat spotted in West Des Moines (kcci.com) — A Jordan Grove resident in West Des Moines spotted and filmed a bobcat playing with its prey in his backyard, and state wildlife officials confirmed the sighting. Experts say bobcats and other wildlife are increasingly common near Jordan Creek and encourage residents either to enjoy watching them or use simple scare tactics if they'd prefer the animals move along. 
2. Iowa Farm Bureau's Farm/Ag Business Marketing + Branding Workshop Series December 2-3, 2026 (iowafarmbureau.com) — Iowa Farm Bureau is hosting a two-part marketing and branding workshop series this November and December at its headquarters on University Avenue in West Des Moines. The sessions will help farm and ag business owners sharpen their branding and digital marketing strategies, with registration covering both multi-day workshops for Farm Bureau members.
3. Iowa E-Bike Laws: Classes, Helmets, Sidewalks, Trails, Cities, and Campus Rules (electricbikeexplorer.com) — If you ride an e-bike in West Des Moines, this guide explains how Iowa's updated 750-watt limit works alongside the city's more restrictive trail rules, including its 20 mph cap on motor-assisted speed. It breaks down statewide e-bike classes, helmet and age rules, and where you can legally ride, while urging riders to double-check local trail and campus policies before heading out.
4. See the best moments from Dowling Catholic vs Johnston football (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Dowling Catholic High School, based in West Des Moines, hit the road to face Johnston in a Friday night football matchup, and this piece showcases photo highlights from the game. Fans can scroll through images of key plays, touchdowns, and spirited student sections that capture the energy of central Iowa high school football.
5. Hy-Vee raises more than $295,000 through back-to-school food drive (whig.com) — Based out of West Des Moines, Hy-Vee reports raising nearly $296,000 through its Back-to-School Community Food Drive to support food banks and pantries across the Midwest, including those serving central Iowa families. Shoppers helped by rounding up purchases, buying pre-packed food bags, donating online, and dropping off items, while the company itself kicked in $100,000 toward the total.
📸 Around West Des Moines
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
📣 West Des Moines Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
- City Buildings Closed - Labor Day →
Grimes, IA Calendar Grimes, IA 50111 - Labor Day →
Urbandale, IA Calendar - All City offices CLOSED in observance of Labor Day →
Waukee, IA Calendar Waukee, IA 50263
8:00 am - Splash Pad Closed for the Season →
Grimes, IA Calendar Grimes, IA 50111 - Girls Tennis: Southeast Polk vs Waukee (Varsity)
Van Meter Comm School District Waukee High School
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 - Girls Tennis: Southeast Polk vs Waukee (JV)
Van Meter Comm School District Waukee High School
4:00 pm - Music at the Market - Chris Powell →
Johnston, IA Calendar Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Boys Cross Country: Winterset Cross Country Invitational (Junior High)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
4:15 pm - Girls Cross Country: Winterset Cross Country Invitational (Junior High)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
4:15 pm - Girls Cross Country: Winterset Cross Country Invitational (8th Grad
Van Meter Comm School District Lakeview Country Club
4:15 pm - Girls Swimming & Diving: Johnston vs Waukee (Varsity)
Van Meter Comm School District Waukee CSD Natatorium
5:00 pm
Monday September 7
Tuesday September 8
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making West Des Moines PatchAM possible:
- Tech Stack Digital Solutions — (515) 855-6499
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Hi neighbors!
Looking for quotes to replace our fence. Please share your recommendations! Thank you! (Nextdoor Coachlight/Raintree)
- Hubbell Realty posted a job opening for Accounts Payable Specialist in West Des Moines. Apply here.
- Walmart posted a job opening for General Merchandise Team Associate in West Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Des Moines here.
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: Times Square (Thank you Jean K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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