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🌱 Patch AM: Which Valley West Mall tenants must leave as redevelopment ramps up?

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Greetings West Des Moines! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☕️️

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In today's newsletter:

  • Which Valley West Mall tenants must leave as redevelopment ramps up?
  • How a drive-thru drop-off could change your library routine
  • Where does West Des Moines Valley land in the newest volleyball rankings?

Also on today's calendar: Friday Fun and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny and beautiful, with a high of 75 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Friday: A thunderstorm in spots, temps: high: 84, low: 60.
  • Saturday: A steady breeze, with a high of 85 and low of 58 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Valley West Mall tenants told to leave weeks after sale to new owner (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Valley West Mall's new owner has ordered nearly all remaining tenants, including the Des Moines Children's Museum and Chocolaterie Stam, to vacate within about 30 days as redevelopment begins in West Des Moines. JCPenney can stay under its lease while the developer pursues a lawsuit, and pre-demolition work is slated to start later this month, leaving displaced businesses scrambling for new locations.
   

2. West Des Moines library expansion to include drive-thru book drop-off (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — West Des Moines residents could soon see a bigger, more convenient public library, including a new drive-thru book drop-off and expanded rooms for youth and adult programs. The $6.5 million project depends on fundraising, with at least half the cost to be raised before the city covers the rest, and an anonymous donor has already pledged $1 million.
   

3. IGHSAU volleyball rankings for 10/7/26 (1630kcjj.com) — West Des Moines Valley's volleyball team holds the No. 12 spot in the latest Class 5A statewide rankings, keeping the Tigers in the mix against top programs like Waukee Northwest and Ankeny. The Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union's update also reshuffles several other classes, setting the stage for an intense stretch run toward postseason play.
   

4. EPA Begins Process to Restore Lost RFS Demand from Refinery Exemptions (iowarfa.org) — From its West Des Moines base, the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association is applauding the EPA for moving ahead on a rule to restore ethanol demand lost to refinery exemptions. The draft rule, now at the White House budget office, could help stabilize markets for Iowa farmers and biofuel plants if finalized on schedule later this year.
   

5. Driver opens fire on strangers along major US interstate, tells cops he 'had to kill people today' (foxwilmington.com) — A 27-year-old West Des Moines man is accused of shooting at multiple vehicles along Interstate 35 in Warren County, injuring one woman and prompting a lengthy highway shutdown. Authorities say he faces four counts of attempted murder after allegedly firing into several cars before being arrested without further incident along the interstate.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Boot Barn posted a job opening for Inventory Control Associate (Seasonal) in West Des Moines. Apply here.
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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: "What is clean when it is black and dirty when it is white?" — A chalk board (Thank you Charlie H. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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