West Des Moines Mayor, Others Voice Support of Multi-Million Dollar Project Through Letter to the Editor

Steve Gaer was among 13 local city mayors who signed the letter submitted to the Dallas County News, encouraging community support for a $16.85 referendum needed to finance a new Dallas County administrative building and jail.

Forget Long Lines at the Iowa DOT – Governor Unveils Online System to Renew Driver's Licenses

Gov. Terry Branstad's office revealed the new system Monday, which will allow Iowa drivers to skip the DOT office every other renewal period.

New City Director Comes to West Des Moines From Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Iowa

The city of West Des Moines Wednesday announced who will be filling the role of human services director.

Iowa Politico: Lowly Chicago Cubs Better Odds to Win World Series Then Democrat in 2014 Governors Race

Doug Gross says Iowa Governor Terry Branstad has really strong odds to win in the 2014 governors race.

Oh, Deer: West Des Moines Animal Problem Sparks Talks About Hunting in City Limits

The West Des Moines City Council is considering a resolution that could modify city policy on hunting in an effort to curb the city's deer population.

Have You Seen This?: Public Art on City/School Campus

Sculptures by Iowa artists will be on display until Sept. 30 along the walking trail that circles the pond on the West Des Moines City/School Campus.

Who Are The Finalists for West Des Moines Human Services Director?

Three individuals are up for the position, according to the West Des Moines city manager. They will interview on July 2.

UPDATE: After DOMA Ruling, Vote on Gay Marriage in Iowa or Give Up Fight?

Sen. Matt McCoy says Supreme Court reflects an important shift nationally and is a watershed moment.

Central Iowans React to U.S. Supreme Court DOMA Ruling

On Wednesday, the United States Supreme Court ruled the Federal Defense of Marriage Act, a law barring the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages legalized by the states, was unconstitutional.

Officials Want to Educate Public on New Dallas County Law Enforcement Center

Four public meetings will be held in the next four weeks, giving residents an opportunity to learn about a proposed administration and law enforcement center going before voters on Aug. 6.

‘Chow’s Olympic Avenue’ Honors Coach Who Helped Shawn Johnson, Gabby Douglas Win Gold

Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute is helping put West Des Moines on the map.

Is West Nile Virus Coming to Polk County?

Patch offers mosquito prevention tips, and the map below shows the number of West Nile cases last summer.

Top 9: Big Bank Blamed in $215M Theft, Buzzers to Block School Intruders, City Bans Controversial Surveillance Tactic

As Wisconsin’s Walker Appears to be Testing Waters, ‘Truth Squad’ Debunks ‘Pants on Fire’ Claims

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a Republican, could appeal to both social and fiscal conservatives, making him a candidate to "fear" in the Iowa Caucuses, progressives warn.

Scott Walker in Iowa: Quid Pro Quo Among Political Pals or 2016 Trial Balloon?

“Truth Squad” plans to rally ahead of Wisconsin governor’s appearance before Polk County Republican activists in West Des Moines Thursday.

West Des Moines Water Works Names First Woman to Head Utility

After a national search, the utilities board of directors promoted from within.

West Des Moines' Steve Gaer Says 'No' to One Election and 'Yes' to Another

Mayor Steve Gaer was among the local Republicans courted by members of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, who reportedly liked his consensus-building skills and the city's strong growth through a recession.

Patients Save Thousands by Getting MRIs, Colonoscopies and Other Procedures in Polk County

The cost of colonoscopies, MRIs, CT scans and mammograms can shift a lot from place to place.

Republicans Like Iowa Mayor’s Record; Will He Seek Harkin Seat?

Steve Gaer, whose city has seen robust growth during a crippling recession, is considering a Senate bid, but says uniting Republicans in a primary would be a hurdle.

West Des Moines Among Suburbs That May Drop Homeland Security Team

The three cities now have their own tactical team and officials are now questioning whether the service is worth their investment.

Pheasant Ridge Subdivision Residents Talk Back to City Council

They worry a four-story apartment building risks their privacy, security and property values, but developer says berm addresses their concerns.

WATCH: Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert Skewers Iowa Hospital for 'Deporting' Comatose Immigrant Patients

Iowa Methodist Medical Center caught the attention of the comedy news show, the Colbert Report.

Ca-Ching! Would an Online Sales Tax Make More West Des Moines Business Cash Registers Ring?

The U.S. Senate could vote on the Marketplace Fairness Act as soon as today. Supporters say it will level the playing field for traditional retailers, while opponents say it will saddle small businesses with tax collection costs.

Fido and Fluffy are Legal – and that’s a Cash Cow for Suburbs

New WestPet licensing system in West Des Moines, Urbandale and Clive, creating new revenue streams for a shelter authorities say is desperately needed.

Lawmakers Will Answer Your Questions at West Des Moines Forum

This Saturday, ten Democratic lawmakers will talk about what's going on at the state capitol. The forum will be held at the West Des Moines City Council Chambers.

Iowa State Senator Says You've Been 'Bamboozled' Into Accepting Homosexuality

"Health risks" from homosexuality are equivalent to those of second-hand smoke, said Sen. Dennis Guth, R-Klemme. Critics blasted the comments as "offensive," "disgusting" and "ignorant."

Working-Class Iowan De La Cerda Seeks Congressman Tom Latham's Seat

Gabriel De La Cerda, 34, Iowa Political Coordinator for the United Steel Workers Union seeks 3rd District Democratic Nomination.

Hagenow Statehouse Update: House Agrees to Increase School Funding

The Iowa House has offered to meet Senate Democrats in the education reform process and increase per pupil funding each of the next two years, says the state legislator.

Cownie Statehouse Report: Lots of Strong Bipartisan Work Going on House Committees

News from West Des Moines Representative Peter Cownie, District 42.

West Des Moines First Quarter Construction Down from 2012

City issued permits covering nearly $12 million in construction activity in March, bringing first quarter total to $27.8 million.

Schneider Statehouse Report: Supports Statewide Evaluations and Increased Starting Teacher Pay

State Sen. Charles Schneider's weekly newsletter from the Iowa Statehouse says legislators continue to grapple with education reform and accountability.

Sherzan, First Democrat to Announce Bid for Iowa’s 3rd District, Exits Race

Candidate cites health reasons, says contributions will be returned.

Iowan Tops List of Federal Judges Attending Seminars Sponsored by Political Donors, Corporations

Some critics say the corporations are funding these seminars in order to influence the outcome of cases in which they, or companies like them, are involved.

West Des Moines Community Garden Spots Quickly Claimed

West Des Moines Parks and Recreation's pilot project aimed at gauging interest in community gardening programs.

Federal, Iowa Income Tax Filing Deadlines, Local Tax Preparers

West Des Moines has a strong business base in local tax preparers. We have a list to help you meet looming deadlines.

Iowa Flags Ordered at Half-Mast for Fallen Soldier

Gov. Terry Branstad is ordering all flags in the state to be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2013, to honor Army Staff Sgt. Steve Blass, 27, or Estherville.

2012 Election Autopsy: Voters Shunned GOP for Being ‘Scary’ and ‘Narrow Minded’

Can the Grand Old Party become the "Growth and Opportunity Party?” Yes, a national report says, if it wants to survive.

West Des Moines Does it Again – That's 14 Years Running

City budget lauded for being more than just dollars and cents on a spreadsheet.

Little Bat Equals Big Frustrations for West Des Moines, Waukee Leaders

The cities will have to spend thousands of dollars to determine if an endangered Indiana bat population will be harmed by construction of the $31 million Alice’s Road interchange.

Hagenow Hosts West Des Moines Elementary School Students

Rep. Chris Hagenow, the House majority whip, hosted fifth graders at the Capitol last week.