Iowa Gov. Branstad Tells Parents of Murdered, Missing Children Death Penalty Legislation Unlikely

The Senate Democratic leader says death penalty legislation is a non-starter, but Republican Kent Sorenson says he'll reach across the aisle for support for "capital justice."

Newly Elected Senator from West Des Moines Ranking Minority Member of Judiciary Committee

Charles Schneider will also serve on the Senate Commerce and Economic Growth committees.

February Election to Fill Senator-Elect's West Des Moines Council Seat Likely

One candidate has already announced his election plans. You may recognize him from the Iowa Hawkeye football team.

City of West Des Moines Wins National Safe and Sustainable Snowfighting Award

Award recognizes cities minimizing effect on the environment.

Senate District 22 Special Election: When to Return Absentee Ballots

Voters will decide between Democrat Desmund Adams and Republican Charles Schneider Tuesday.

Senate District 22 Special Election: Where to Vote in Waukee, West Des Moines, Clive and Windsor Heights

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Tuesday’s special election.

Senate District 22 Election: Schneider, Adams Differ on Same-Sex Marriage

The Republican candidate favors letting Iowans voted on same-sex marriage, while the Democrat says there are no degrees of equality.

Senate District 22 Special Election: Candidates Agree Commercial Property Tax Reform is Imperative, Differ on Solutions

Voters in Waukee, Clive and West Des Moines will decide between Democrat Desmund Adams and Republican Charles Schneider.

Judkins Says Recount Won't Change Outcome of Iowa House Race

Questions about how District 43 absentee ballots were counted have been satisfactorily answered, the Democrat said.

Firefighters Claim People's Choice Award at Great Cookie Walk of West Des Moines

More than 660 people voted in the contest. Sponsors will give $1 for each vote to the Youth Justice Initiative of West Des Moines.

Jo Eckert, West Des Moines Business Incubator Executive, Earns Certification

Training enhances managers’ skills in building stronger relationships with key constituents.

West Des Moines Economic Development Director Graduates from Prestigious Institute

Clyde Evans graduated from program at University of Oklahoma earlier this month.

Senate District 22 Candidates Desmund Adams, Charles Schneider to Meet in Forum

The Waukee Public Library will host a forum for the two candidates running for the Iowa Senate District 22 on Dec. 1.

Election 2012: Remember This? Family Leader Thanksgiving and Other Moments from the Past Year

What a year!

Polk County Auditor Says Turnout Heavy

A glimpse behind the scenes at the Polk County Election Office on Election Night.

West Des Moines’ Officials Talk Smack for a Sweet Reason

Abuse of power? Maybe, but it's for a good cause.

Mayor's Proclamation Reflects Community-Wide Support for Youth Justice Initiative of West Des Moines

Today, watch police officers, firefighters, educators, and government and business leaders battle it out in a cookie bake-off.

Federal Jury Convicts Former Head of Iowa Mortgage Brokers Group of 18 Fraud Charges

Paul Kramer placed innocent homeowners, including an Iraqi refugee living in West Des Moines, at risk of foreclosure by failing to pay off prior mortgages when the homeowners bought or refinanced their properties through his brokerage and closing compan

Yard Waste Pick-Up Season Is About to End

Residents can use CompostIt! bags to get rid of leaves, garden waste and those decaying Halloween pumpkins.

Election 2012 Analysis: Progressives Score Wins With Same-Sex Marriage Vote

Tuesday’s vote retaining one of the authors of the same-sex marriage ruling suggests same-sex marriage isn’t the hot-button issue it was two years ago.

Top Stories on Patch: Shawn Johnson, Obama Re-Eected, Gay Marriage, Rare Bonobo Panbanisha Dies

We take a look back at the top stories on West Des Moines Patch last week.

Democrat Susan Judkins Says She'll Ask for Recount in House District 43

Rep. Chris Hagenow's lead narrowed when provisional and absentee ballots were counted.

A Look Back at Mitt Romney's Last Stop in Iowa

Patch was there as Gov. Mitt Romney made one last campaign stop in Des Moines in an effort to win the swing state's votes. A look back at photos from the event.

What's Open and What's Closed on Veterans Day in West Des Moines?

Veterans Day is on Sunday, Nov. 11, but is being observed by many on Monday, Nov. 12.

Moderation from Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District Means Little

Although moderate in name, in practice Leonard Boswell and Tom Latham act like party members.

Obama’s Iowa Win Holds Despite Defections in 16 Counties; How Did Polk, Dallas County Vote?

President Obama was successful in Iowa even though 16 counties that voted for him in 2008 went for GOP challenger Mitt Romney this time around.

Iowa Picked Obama; Here's How West Des Moines Voted

Only about 550 voters separated the two candidates.

Election 2012: West Des Moines Voters Say Wind Energy Jobs, Women's Rights Key Issues Driving Their Votes

The mother of two children, 4 and 8, wants to send message that “It is not OK to not speak your voice."

Election 2012: Iowans Reverse Trend, Retain Supreme Court Justice Who Ruled on Same-Sex Marriage

Once again, Iowa voters took a defining stand on gay marriage in America and politics in the judiciary.

Where Do I Vote in West Des Moines? See a Sample Ballot, Too

Don't forget to vote! Find your poll location and ballot summary in West Des Moines.

Election 2012: Everything You Need to Know about Voting Today, Finding Your Polling Place, Registering at Polls, Returning Absentee Ballots and More

Election offices in Polk and Dallas counties are open for early voting today. Tomorrow, vote at the polls from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Other questions? We'll get the answers.

Election 2012: Boswell-Latham Race in Iowa’s 3rd District a Toss-Up

One of the most competitive races in the country, Iowa's 3rd District congressional race pits incumbents against each other.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN LIVE: Information on How to See 'The Boss' with the President, First Lady

The Boss is set to play a free concert Down by the River in Des Moines as President Obama ends his campaign in Iowa.

Who Has Donated to the Obama and Romney Campaigns in West Des Moines?

Use the nifty, easy-to-use database below to see who in West Des Moines and across Iowa has donated to the Mitt Romney-President Obama Election 2012. You'll want to share this with your friends.

Election 2012: Early Voting, Polling Places, Candidates, Ballot Measures, Registering at the Polls, Election FAQ

Here's everything you need to know about voting in the 2012 general election. Still have questions? Ask them in comments and we'll try to get an answer.

5 Questions for Chris Hagenow, House District 43 Incumbent: ‘Clear Record of Success’ Makes Case for Re-Election

Republican Chris Hagenow says he’ll continue to work on fixing Iowa’s “broken property tax system” to create a tax climate more favorable for business.

5 Questions for Susan Judkins, House District 43 Challenger: ‘Moderate Views Set Me Apart’

Democrat Susan Judkins says her views contrast sharply with incumbent Chris Hagenow, a conservative Republican. “My real world experience ... is the right background to stop partisan bickering and bring people together,” she said.

West Des Moines, Holiday Park Baseball Can't Agree How to Operate Boys' Programs

The nonprofit organization operating baseball programs for West Des Moines youths wouldn't agree to new conditions, so city officials cancelled the agreement.

Familiar Names on List Reportedly Interested in Replacing Sen. Pat Ward on GOP Ballot

Two conservative Christians – the fiery pastor who challenged Ward in the primary and an Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition leader – reportedly aren't candidates.

West Des Moines Developer to Talk to Ankeny Leaders About Casino Resort Tonight

West Des Moines businessman Gary Kirke is a lead partner in Wild Rose Entertainment LLC, which owns two Iowa casinos. The company will talk to the Ankeny City Council tonight, a month after it dropped plans to build a casino in Urbandale.