Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What’s the latest twist in West Des Moines’ Ashley Okland murder case?
Also check out Isaiah 117 Annual Golf Tournament on the West Des Moines Patch calendar
Good morning West Des Moines! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What's the latest twist in West Des Moines' Ashley Okland murder case?
- Did Pentagon rules get bent in a race affecting West Des Moines voters?
Also on today's calendar: Isaiah 117 Annual Golf Tournament.
Today's riddle: What did the Buffalo say when his son left? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high of 80 and low of 61 degrees.
- Monday: Clouds and sun with a t-storm, temps: high: 77, low: 63.
- Tuesday: Clouds and sun with a t-storm, with a high of 84 and low of 64 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
• Attorneys argue over evidence in Ashley Okland cold-case murder charge (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — A long-running West Des Moines homicide case is back in court as attorneys for Kristin Ramsey argue key evidence in the 2011 killing of Realtor Ashley Okland was withheld from a grand jury. Prosecutors insist they've turned over everything and say they'll keep pursuing the case even if the indictment is dismissed, while the judge weighs motions and a likely trial delay into 2027. 
• Did Hegseth's Iowa campaign appearance violate DoD rules? (thegazette.com) — West Des Moines state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott is mentioned as the Democratic challenger to Rep. Zach Nunn in a close 3rd District race, as questions swirl around Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's appearance at Nunn's Iowa State Fair fundraiser. Ethics experts say his endorsement and speech may conflict with Pentagon rules limiting political activity by top defense officials, though the department hasn't explained its stance.
📸 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!
🗓 Upcoming Events in West Des Moines
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- Isaiah 117 Annual Golf Tournament →
Waveland Golf Course, 4908 University Ave, Des Moines
9:00 am
Thursday September 10
📣 West Des Moines 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
- Community Appreciation Day
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Outside the Raccoon Valley Community House at 1016 Main St., Adel.
12:00 pm - Member Orientation
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Adel City Hall 301 S 10th Street Adel, IA 50003
10:00 am - 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 - Music at the Market - Beggars Bargain →
Johnston, IA Calendar Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Volleyball: ADM JV2/9B Early Bird Quad (Junior Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
4:30 pm - City Council Meeting →
Grimes, IA Calendar
5:30 pm - Volleyball: Dallas Center-Grimes vs ADM (Freshman)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
5:30 pm - Volleyball: Dallas Center-Grimes vs ADM (Junior Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
5:30 pm - Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting →
Waukee, IA Calendar, 230 W. Hickman Rd., Waukee
6:00 pm - Volleyball: Des Moines Lincoln vs ADM (Junior Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
6:30 pm - Volleyball: Des Moines Lincoln vs ADM (Freshman)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
6:30 pm
Sunday August 23
Monday August 24
Tuesday August 25
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
- If you want more control or power in your life, then stop fighting and arguing with people.
Instead pray for them and see how you can serve them. Love conquers all. (Nextdoor Holiday) - Hello!
I am looking for lawn care help. We had a company come out to fix our yard last year and I don't know what he used but we have all sorts of stuff… (Nextdoor Coachlight/Raintree)
- McAlister's Deli posted a job opening for Hourly Team Member in West Des Moines. Apply here.
- CCMI posted a job opening for Merchandiser / Auditor Position Available - West Des Moines IA in West Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Des Moines here.
🗞 Nearby News
Clive
- Siblings from Clive take top spots in singing contest at Iowa State Fair (kcci.com)
- Iowa HHS confirms more measles cases in 2026 as outbreak spreads (who13.com)
- President Trump's Cabinet Champions America First Successes Nationwide (joehoft.com)
Urbandale
- Urbandale Community Theatre marks 30 years, fundraises to continue performances (kcci.com)
- Lahn, Sand talk cancer crisis with survivors. How their plans stack up (qctimes.com)
- Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise predict GOP win in congressional midterms (nola.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: Bison! (Thank you Judy M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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