West Des Moines to Spray for Mosquitoes Labor Day Weekend

To keep mosquitoes, flies and gnats under control as people make plans for a long holiday weekend, the city of West Des Moines will spray parts of the town starting Thursday night.

Mitt Romney Touts Jobs, Energy Independence in Des Moines

The Republican presidential candidate discusses his five-point plan for a stronger middle class.

Romney Rakes In $1.8 to $2 Million at West Des Moines Fundraiser

The haul at the Glen Oaks Country Club fundraiser was the largest ever in Iowa, the Romney campaign chairman says.

UPDATE: West Des Moines and Metro Area GOP Elite Support Romney 2012 Fundraiser

In a single night, well-heeled Iowans have a chance to top Romney's July fundraising total of $1.1 million in Iowa. Union leaders and others announce plans to protest at venue.

Romney to Meet With Iowa Supporters Wednesday

Presumtive GOP presidential nominee will be at a private fundraising event Tuesday night in West Des Moines.

West Des Moines Library Cafe Closing

The library board is looking at different options for use of the space.

National 'Kiss-In' Planned Friday to Protest Chick-Fil-A's Same-Sex Marriage Stance

Chick-fil-A, a national restaurant chain with two locations in West Des Moines, is pumping millions of dollars opposing legislation legalizing same-sex marriage.

Romney Heads Back to Iowa Next Week As Speculation Over VP Announcement Swirls

GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney has plans for a private fundraiser at Glen Oaks Country Club in West Des Moines on Tuesday, and additional public events in Iowa.

Branstad Sides With Local Governments on Firefighter, Police Pensions

Governor’s position hits a hot-button issue – trimming public employee benefits and reducing government spending.

Boswell In ‘Tight Spot’ In 3rd District Race Against Latham

The National Journal says the 3rd Congressional District race is the 18th most competitive in the country.

Red Iowa Survey: West Des Moines GOP Insiders Among Those Who Say Latham Will Defeat Boswell

Red Iowa survey shows Republicans are confident Tom Latham will win new 3rd District seat over Democrat Leonard Boswell.

Is ‘Pastor and Patriot' Mullen Still Running for Senate District 22?

“What the hell you smoking?” Waukee Point of Grace Church pastor Jeff Mullen asks those who suggest he shouldn’t politick from the pulpit.

Meet West Des Moines' New Top Cop Friday

One of four finalists for the West Des Moines police chief position will face an intense day of scrutiny from citizens, civic leaders and police employees.

Boswell, Latham Differ on How to Feed Hungry Iowans

An election-year fight is brewing over proposed cuts to the Farm Bill to limit food-stamp eligibility, and candidates in Iowa’s 3rd District differ on the best way to proceed.

Senate Hopeful Adams Says His Moderate Tone Resonates With West Des Moines, Waukee Voters

The Democrat says he can’t be “put in a box” and neither can the voters of newly configured Senate District 22.

What in West Des Moines is Worth $34.25 Million?

Take a peek at what's going up.

West Des Moines Man Who Embezzled Millions in the 1980s Has Died

Gary Lewellyn’s financial crimes were the largest in Iowa at the time.

Red Iowa Survey: Powerful Ron Paul Republicans in Iowa Still Leery of Mitt Romney

Our inaugural Red Iowa survey of influential Republicans — an offshoot of our previous Power Outsiders project — shows some mixed results regarding Mitt Romney as we head into the 2012 general election.

Got Toxic Waste at Your House? Get Rid of It Safely Today

The city of West Des Moines will allow residents to drop off some hazardous products this morning at Valley Stadium.

Santorum to Thank Metro Supporters with July 11 Stop in Windsor Heights

The one-time presidential candidate is making several July stops in Iowa. He will thank Des Moines-area supporters at a barbecue.

Iowans Stand out in Support of Controversial Health Care Ruling

West Des Moines resident Amy Ward talks about how her family's livelihood was saved by the new health-care law.

West Des Moines Patch’s 2012 Election Guide

In addition to the presidential race, we’ll be keeping an eye on legislative races, a sure-to-be-interesting congressional race pitting two incumbents and a contentious judicial retention campaign.

Two from West Des Moines Represent Iowa at National GOP Convention

Ron Paul supporters will send a large number of delegates to the Republican convention.

Former Gov. Chet Culver Among 4 West Des Moines Residents Elected Delegates to Democratic National Convention

Who else is on the list from West Des Moines?

Free Phone App Lets West Des Moines Residents Report Potholes, Road Kill

The free app for Android phones and iPhones lets residents report problems the city needs to fix, including potholes, street lights that are out, and dead animals that crews need to remove.

Sex and Emails: Does Public Have Right to Official’s Steamy Correspondence? Answer in the Patch Poll.

Emails are titillating for sure, but are they in the public’s interest?

Corporate Support for West Des Moines Business Incubator Helps Start-Ups

Supported by business and government, the business incubator is sheltering 10 start-up companies.

ENCORE: Q&A With Mayor Steve Gaer: What Gives West Des Moines Its Jobs Moxie?

And what are West Des Moines leaders doing that employers say almost never happens?

Fiery Pastor Vows to Keep Campaign Signs After West Des Moines, Waukee Voters Give Ward GOP Nod

Mullen: When life and politics intersect pastors “should take the freedom to speak the truth.”

UPDATE: Ward Says Voters Turned Off by Acerbic Tone of Race; Mullen Responds

As she gears up for her Senate District 22 race against Democrat Desmund Adams, Pat Ward says she'll need to increase her awareness in Dallas County.

Ward Pushes Back Challenge From Evangelical Pastor Jeff Mullen in Senate District 22

Unofficial election results give edge to incumbent in contentious Senate primary.

West Des Moines, Here’s What You Need to Know Before Heading to the Polls Today

Polk and Dallas County voters, here's your guide to Primary Election Day.

Ghost of Michele Bachmann’s Campaign Hovers Over Iowa Senate District 22 Race

Low voter turnout could give the nod to a leader in Iowa’s religious right movement. Waukee and West Des Moines voters will decide one of the state's most closely watched legislative races on Tuesday.

Senate Candidate Mullen Picks Up Endorsement from Phyllis Schlafly, Iowa Right to Life Board

The longtime conservative activist gained fame for working to defeat the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s.

ENCORE: Senate Candidate Says West Des Moines, Waukee Voters Want Specifics on Economy, Not Attacks

Sen. Pat Ward says she’s been put in a position of playing defense against attacks on her record.

New Iowa Drug Czar Now Calls West Des Moines Home

Former legislator Steve Lukan takes over role as the director of the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy.

ENCORE: From the Pulpit to Politics: Pastor Makes Religion an Issue in Fiery Iowa Senate Primary

Sen. Pat Ward acknowledges she’s in a tough fight to remain in the Senate, especially if voter turnout is low in the June 5 GOP primary for a district that includes Waukee and parts of Clive and West Des Moines.

In Heated Senate District 22 Race, Mullen Blasts Iowa Bar Association For Wanting Ad Pulled

Mullen stands by ad that blames Iowa Bar Association for gay marriage ruling.

In Contentious Senate District 22 GOP Primary, Ward Out-Raises and Outspends Opponent

Radio ads set tenor of race in new district covering parts of West Des Moines, Waukee and Clive.

West Des Moines Spraying for Mosquitoes Memorial Day Weekend

Fogging will take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, weather permitting.