Latest Mullen Ad Accuses Ward of Taking Guns from Domestic Violence Victims

Sen. Pat Ward says her opponent, Point of Grace Church Pastor Jeff Mullen, is “desperate.”

What Do West Des Moines, Waukee Patch Readers Say About Contentious Senate District 22 Race?

Patch readers weigh in on Michele Bachmann’s endorsement, dueling abortion ads and which candidate best represents Iowans’ values.

More Abortion Allegations as West Des Moines, Waukee Senate Race Waged Over Airwaves

In latest volley, Pastor Jeff Mullen stands by ad attacking Sen. Pat Ward for voting for taxpayer-funded abortions. She says it's a distortion and shamed him as a pastor.

West Des Moines, Waukee Republicans Will Decide One of State’s Most Closely Watched Primaries

Moderate lawmaker faces strong challenge from socially conservative pastor in Senate District 22. Take our poll at the bottom.

Budget Success a Session Highlight

Lawmakers held the line on spending and significantly reduced the cost of government to ttaxpayers.

Gingrich Makes it Official: He's Out; Iowa Strategist Says Romney Free of Distractions

Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who won two primaries in the GOP nominating process but finished fourth in the Iowa Caucus, officially suspended his campaign today.

Neighbors' Concerns Reflected in Dowling Parking Plan Before West Des Moines Council

Crowding congests area around Dowling; neighbors hope solution doesn't create a different kind of nuisance.

West Des Moines School Staff Cuts Scaled Back After Public Outcry

Five reading positions, a band position and more saved from the chopping block after residents of the school district voice their objections.

Last Chance to Get Rid of Storm Debris This Week in West Des Moines

All tree branches brought down in the April 14 storm that are smaller than 8 inches in diameter must be out on the curb Monday morning. Collection runs this week on garbage pickup days.

West Des Moines to Celebrate Earth Day on Sunday in Valley Junction

Sunday's events include a 5K run/walk, activities for kids, live music and food. The fun starts at 10 a.m. and runs to 3 p.m. along Fifth Street.

Encore: Clear Out Some Clutter Saturday With Scrap Tire Dropoff, Document Shredding

The city will offer to take up to five old car tires off your hands Saturday, and you can have documents safely shredded, too.

Most Patch Poll Voters Say Grassley's Tweet Was Out of Bounds — What Do You Say?

A Twitter message from Sen. Chuck Grassley that said voters are not as stupid as President Obama when it comes to Supreme Court rulings. Did Grassley tell it like it is or insult the presidency? Tell us below in comments.,

A BIG West Des Moines Welcome to New Library Director

With Day 1 on the job over, Darryl Eschete starts to get settled in.

West Des Moines Crews to Pick Up Some Tree Debris from Storms

The city of West Des Moines will collect some of the tree branches downed by weekend storms. But not everything qualifies for the pickup, which starts next week.

Iowa Patch Poll: Grassley 'Tweet Watch' Update

Did Iowa’s Sen. Chuck Grassley trip up with a Twitter message that called the president “stupid?” Vote in the Iowa Patch Poll and share your comments.

Tuesday’s the Last Chance to File Federal Taxes Without Penalty

The deadline has been extended to Tuesday, April 17, but make sure you get your return to the Post Office on time.

Antiquated Mental Health Reform a Bipartisan Priority, GOP Lawmaker from Wet Des Moines Says

Leaving mental health delivery to counties' discretion creates inequities across Iowa.

It's Time to 'Fish or Cut Bait' on Budget, Tax Relief, West Des Moines Lawmaker Says

In this week's Legislative update, Sen. Pat Ward talks about balanced budget and tax relief in Iowa.

Iowa ‘Field of Dreams’ Incentive a Nightmare for Iowa Taxpayers

Project creates winners and losers. A better approach is broad-based tax reform for all Iowans.

Basset Rescue Group Joins with City for West Des Moines Dog Walking Club

Owners and their furry friends can meet up for long walks on city trails.

Knapp Properties' Neugent Honored for Service to West Des Moines Business Incubator

The West Des Moines business leader has served for two years on the board aimed at fostering economic growth.

Why Isn’t West Des Moines Lawmaker Closely Watching High Court on Obama’s Health-Care Reform?

The U.S. Supreme Court could take a lesson from Iowa on transparency in government.

Iowa's Giving West Des Moines Kids a Mediocre Education

The problem hasn’t been that Iowa’s students are doing significantly worse, but rather other states are getting much better.

Sen. Pat Ward: Although Iowa’s Tax Revenue is Now Growing, Spending Should Not

Being a good steward of the taxpayer’s money continues to be a top priority of mine.

Patch Poll: West Des Moines, Do Semantics Matter With 'Pink Slime?'

The term "pink slime," given to a product actually known as lean finely textured beef, created an uproar of concerned omnivores. Now there's an equal uproar in defense of the product. What do you think?

Rep. Chris Hagenow: As Legislature Moves Toward Adjournment, Property Tax Reform Still a Thorny Issue

Legislator says that if Iowa does nothing, taxpayers will be facing a $2.3 billion property tax increase over the next 10 years, most of which will fall to homeowners.

Rep. Peter Cownie: Return Some DNR-Owned Land to Private Ownership

House legislation to sell $20 million in land generates controversy.

West Des Moines Democrats Ponder '60s-Style Bra Burning to Fight 'GOP War on Women’

Activists are still in the trenches, reigniting the fire behind a fight for equality they thought women had already won.

Shop On the Internet? In Iowa, That Could Start Costing You More

The Iowa Senate votes to begin taxing Internet sales.

Survey: West Des Moines Businesses Want Sales Tax for Web Businesses

“It is just too easy to google a need and know you are saving money on the sales tax,” says one respondent in Patch’s Small Business Forum.

Sen. Pat Ward: Restoring Lost Iowa Jobs a Heavy Lift

Regulatory reform part of effort to land jobs in Iowa.

Rep. Peter Cownie: Online Learning Should be an Option for Students in West Des Moines, Rural Iowa

Legislature should be forward-thinking and take advantage of technology to enhance learning options.

Iowa GOP Leaders to Examine, Improve Caucus Process

The state GOP chairman announced Monday party leaders will look at what went right — and wrong — on caucus night. The party was heavily criticized in January when votes were not counted and it took two weeks to declare Rick Santorum the state's winner.

Sen. Pat Ward: Gov. Branstad Gets Credit for Putting Iowans Back to Work

Improving Iowa’s business climate hinges on commercial property tax reform.

Rep. Chris Hagenow: School Choice Preserved in House Version of Education Reform

Hagenow amendment exempts religious schools from requirements that conflict with faith or require public state postings of job openings.

Rep. Peter Cownie: Reach Consensus on Key Priorities Soon to Avoid Another June Adjournment

With different proposals from the House, Senate and governor, budget likely will be the last issue debated in the General Assembly.

A Decade of Defunding Higher Ed: What UNI Cuts Mean to College-Bound Students in West Des Moines

DISPATCH: Iowa's funding for higher education has been shrinking for the past 12 years, a trend mirrored across the country.

Rep. Chris Hagenow: Changes Proposed in County Supervisor Redistricting to Prevent Gerrymandering

House resolution opposes Iowa Air National Guard cuts.

Sen. Pat Ward: Jobs Program has Driven $7.4 Billion in Investments Since 2004

Legislation approved by the Senate improves effectiveness of program, which has created 13,820 high-paying jobs since in past eight years.

Rep. Peter Cownie Reports: When Schools Start Before Labor Day, Iowa Tourism Industry Loses

A bigger question – one the Legislature hasn’t tackled – surrounds extending the school year to make students more competitive.