West Des Moines Man Banned from Bar Until He Can Pay Tab

A West Des Moines man faces a fourth-degree theft charge after he allegedly bought rounds of drinks for patrons of Tonic bar, but didn't have the money in his account to pay the tab.

Tax Returns 2013: The Smartest Way to Spend Your Tax Refund in West Des Moines

What should you do after your refund check comes? Attorney Leslie H. Tayne shares what's best to do with a lump sum.

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

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

An Evening of Art: Spring Gallery Night is This Friday in West Des Moines' Valley Junction

The event will include five local galleries showcasing new artwork from local, national and international artists. Other Valley Junction businesses will have extended hours for the event.

Burger Joint Opens in Former El Toro Restaurant Spot

EP True Burger Cafe opened for business in late March at 50th Street and E.P. True Parkway.

Chow Grooming Next Gymnast for Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games

Rachel Gowey, a ninth-grader at Johnston Middle School, is aiming to compete in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil. West Des Moines Coach Liang Chow says she has a chance to shine.

This Week in West Des Moines Weather: Rain, Thunderstorms, and Guess What Else?

There is a good chance for rain and thunderstorms in the West Des Moines area for the start of our work week, and even a few flakes of snow could drop in town when temperatures drop later this week.

2013 NCAA Championship Game: Final Results

Louisville vies for the NCAA championship tonight without Kevin Ware, who's out after a gruesome injury. Rick Pitino and the Cardinals face Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr. and the Michigan Wolverines. You can catch the action right here in West Des Mo

West Des Moines Taking Appliances, TVs and other Difficult-to-Recycle Items

Free paper shredding event is also planned.

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.

Speed Networking, New Business Ribbon Cutting on Chamber Agenda

Networking is a proven business strategy. The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce is helping members make the most of the opportunity – quickly.

No School Tax Hike Proposed in West Des Moines, but Spending Down More than $7 Million

Teachers at Valley High School warned about what they believed were inadequate staffing levels last month. The issue will be addressed in the budget presented in a public hearing tonight.

Police Chase Led by Polk City Teenager Starts in Ankeny, Ends in West Des Moines

The 18-year-old made it nearly 20 miles before police apprehended him, according to the Des Moines Register. The incident follows another in which the teenager was charged after allegedly taking his friend's car without permission.

NCAA Final Four: TV Schedule, Game Time, Preview, Betting Lines and Predictions

Louisville Cardinals face Wichita State without Kevin Ware, who's out after a gruesome leg injury. Trey Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr. and the Michigan Wolverines face Syracuse Orange. You can catch the action right here in West Des Moines. Find out where

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.

9 March Stories You Loved: Jerry Springer-Inspired Fight, Yes, but also Humanity’s Best

Face-palm stories aside, you clicked again and again on stories that made you think; and your pride in hometown Olympian Shawn Johnson never dims.

Alleged Pizza Bandit Cops Slices; Now Banned from Convenience Store's 1,700 Locations

It wasn't just that the suspect took two slices of pizza, a store worker told West Des Moines police, but he allegedly wasted an entire pie.

Pristine Ranch Offering Security of Gated Community Rich with Amenities

This home on a private cul-de-sac in a gated community is the one you’ve been looking for – and it’s priced under $500,000.

Woman Arrested for Allegedly Scaling Apartment Wall, Raising a Ruckus

Woman reportedly told West Des Moines police to take her to jail, then changed her mind.

Wheels of the Week: Love Your Ride? We Want to Feature it on West Des Moines Patch

We’re not just looking for classic cars. Newer ones work, too. So do motorcycles, bicycles, your kid’s trike and even your riding lawn mower. We want your photos and a word or two about why you love your wheels.

Best of West Des Moines Craigslist: Possessed Drawers, Lost Clothes, Turkeys and Imagery for Return of Lost Mind

It’s springtime around the Patches. You know what that means. The sap is running hard.

Police Still Search for Ashley Okland's Killer Two Years Later

The two-year anniversary of Okland's death while working at a West Des Moines townhouse development is April 8. Police are still following leads in the case and still need help from the public to solve her murder.

Hagenow Statehouse Report: Property Tax Reform Key to Keeping Iowa Strong

Flat tax is another important part of tax reform Iowans have demanded.

Weekend Events: The Big Deal, plus Iowa Barnstormers, Kids Health Fair, ChildServe Bubble Ball, DSM Sushi Roll and More

Time, dates and ticket information for what’s going on in West Des Moines and the metro, plus upcoming Jon Bon Jovi and Justin Bieber concerts, and David Byrne at 80/35 tickets now on sale.

School Offices Will Be Displaced in $3.36 Million Reconstruction Project

Learning Resource Center will be closed until the 2013-2014 school year begins in September.

‘Hypnotizingly’ Good Time Promised at After-Prom Party

Volunteers are still needed for the Valley High School event that includes inflatables, giant tricycle races and – new this year – West Des Moines hypnotist Ben Ulin.

Police Say Woman Seeks 'Hillbilly Heroin' at Area Walgreens

West Des Moines police are investigating an alleged prescription drug crime, among the fastest growing types of crimes in the Midwest.

Five Iowa Job Openings In and Around West Des Moines

Here's our look at who's hiring in and around West Des Moines for the week of April 4.

‘Indiana Wants Me’: Identity Mix-Up Sticks Woman with 12 Felonies, Denied Housing App

“What?” an incredulous West Des Moines woman asked when told she had an extensive criminal background in Indiana. “I’m a good kid. I’m as straight-laced as they come.”

Weird Iowa Rewind: Couple Throws Blows After 'Jerry Springer Show;' Pot, Pills Found After Nap at Family Video

And, a weird mystery still surrounds the resigning-unresigning-resigning again superintendent.

Cownie Statehouse Report: Law Requires State to Live Within Means; It Hasn’t

In the past, Legislature has raided reserve funds.

West Des Moines Valley's Brad Rose Develops New Standards for Coaches

Winning isn’t just something that happens on the athletic field. But when it does, it translates well to life. A program developed by Valley's activities director is helping coaches bring out the best in athletes.

UPDATE: More Reports of Thieves Working Over the Work-Out Crowd

West Des Moines police are investigating a rash of thefts from vehicles while parked at area gyms.

West Des Moines Learnapalooza Coming to an End

West Des Moines Community Education is considering alternatives to family-friendly event held every spring for the past 15 years.

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

Candidate cites health reasons, says contributions will be returned.

West Des Moines Chamber Reveals 2013 Citizen of the Year

The 68th annual recipient of award is a small business owner and tireless community volunteer.

What Caused Metro Pals' Class Reunion to Go South

A West Des Moines woman’s joy in seeing her old pal after a several years reportedly didn’t last long.

Good for You! West Des Moines Administrator Wins Top State Honor

Donna Gregory was honored by the Iowa Association of School Business Offcials.

Schneider Senate Update: Rosy Revenue Estimates Not a Green Light to Grow Government

Revenue Estimating Caucus cautions against reckless spending.

West Des Moines Police Blotter: What Would Batman Do?

On this day of foolery, what would your favorite fictitious characters do in these real situations, taken from the files at the West Des Moines Police Department?