The McCoy Report: Curbing Medicaid Fraud Important Part of Health-Care Talks

Fiscally responsible strategies will keep Iowa strong.

Weekend Events: Rubber Boot Bash, plus Court Avenue Street Party, NCAA Wrestling Fan Festival and ‘Million Dollar Quartet’

Time, dates and ticket information for what’s going on in West Des Moines and the metro, plus upcoming Kenny Chesney and Willie Nelson shows.

Last Bell Will Ring for 27 West Des Moines Teachers

Retiring teachers among 100 with 15 or more years of tenure at the school district will be honored at reception.

Reported Marijuana Medical Emergency Leads to Possession Charges

A West Des Moines man reported feeling ill after he and his friend smoked a joint.

‘Stork,’ ‘Frost’ and now ‘Flock’: Local Author Talks About Trilogy

Waukee author Wendy Delsol will talk about her latest book on March 28 at the West Des Moines Public Library.

Valley Junction Route 11 DART Bus Service Continues During Grand Avenue Bridge Closure

The Grand Avenue bridge over Walnut Creek at the intersection with First Street in West Des Moines will close Monday, disrupting traffic for about six months. DART bus lines will help people get around.

Another ‘Dead’ Deer Not Only Sought Freedom, but Totaled a Car: Editor’s Notebook

Plus, if you saw a deer tangled in a wire fence, would you stop to help?

7 Ways to Celebrate the Arrival of Spring in West Des Moines

Here is a list of fun ways to celebrate the arrival of spring in West Des Moines, even if the weather forecast doesn't sound like spring.

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.

Cownie Statehouse Report: Legislative Approval Not Needed for Governor's Healthy Iowa Plan

Things change quickly on the Hill, so don't be surprised if the Legislature does become involved in Medicaid expansion debate.

It's Hazardous; Get Rid of It Responsibly

A new pilot project for hazardous waste collection will be West Des Moines residents on April 1.

Woman Reports Stepping Out of Shower to See ‘Peeping Tom’

Tracks in the freshly fallen snow indicated to police that the same person walked up to several windows of a West Des Moines apartment complex.

NCAA Men's March Madness Tournament: TV Schedule, Brackets, Where to Watch in West Des Moines

We know you want to put the Iowa State Cylones winning it all in your local pool. Here's the bracket you can use to do it.

What Happened When Fraud Suspect Tried to Bluff Police?

A West Des Moines man got caught up in an alleged credit card fraud scheme.

Little Known March Madness Snippet: Vasectomies Up During NCAA Tourney

At West Des Moines’ Iowa Clinic, nothing says March Madness like a small nick with a urologist’s hemostat.

WATCH: Valley Southwoods Anti-Bullying Group Mixes it Up, Does the Harlem Shake

Creatures of habit, students often sit in the same cliques. West Des Moines freshman high school decided to shake that up.

DART Adds Bus Routes from West Des Moines During NCAA Wrestling Tourney

Spectators staying in West Des Moines hotels can catch buses at two convenient spots.

RAGBRAI 2013 Will Pass Through Valley Junction

Riders will come into town on Grand Avenue and pedal down Railroad Avenue, which offers easy access to the Great American Main Street community.

Spring Break Weather Forecast: Cold, Snowy, No Flip-Flops in Sight

Last year when West Des Moines Community Schools dismissed for spring break, it was shorts-and-sandals weather. This year, not so much.

Spring Break in Iowa Means Feeding 750,000 People

Staying in West Des Moines for spring break? First-time Break Hunger event invites community to package food for insecure people in Iowa and around the world.

When Does 2013 NCAA March Madness Begin? Where to Watch in West Des Moines

Do you have your brackets filled out? The 2013 Men’s NCAA March Madness Tournament starts Tuesday.

Schneider Statehouse Report: Think Globally to Keep Iowa Competitive

Iowa also needs to be less bashful about promoting the exciting career opportunities in our state

Craigslist Ad for Painter Alleged Whitewash Job

West Des Moines police say victim was repeatedly asked to make wire transfers.

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 March 14.

Hagenow Statehouse Report: Flat Tax Simpler, Fairer

Legislation giving Iowans a choice for 4.5 percent flat tax with no deductions or credit would provide meaningful tax relief.

Where to Party for St. Patrick’s Day in West Des Moines: Weather Forecast, Bar Specials

Feeling Irish? Upload your party pictures on Patch.

Woof! Woof! There's a Lot to Like About this ‘Like Us’ Campaign

For every person who hits the “like” button, West Des Moines dog daycare will give a dog or cat gets a better shot at life.

West Des Moines Man Arrested on Child Sex Abuse Charges

Allegations include third-degree sexual abuse, pornography charges.

Best of West Des Moines Craigslist: Stink Bombs, Questions of Sanity and Seeking a Mule Named Sal

Also, the anecdotal evidence is piling up: Craigslist dating is an unnatural disaster.

How to Avoid an Unpleasant Spring Break Surprise

West Des Moines police offer some tips to

Weekend Events: Award-Winning Wines, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Leprechaun 10K, Jerry Kluver at Garden Show and Tracy Morgan

Time, dates and ticket information for what’s going on in West Des Moines and the metro, plus upcoming Arlo Guthrie and David Sedaris shows and “Million Dollar Quartet.”

Police Blotter: Something Smelled Suspicious About Fragrance Store Customers’ Demeanor

Store employees allege items are always found missing after trio visit store.

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.

Kindergartner to Disease: ‘So Long, Cancer’ – Take a Bite Out of This

The Schebel family of West Des Moines says school and community support strengthened and buoyed them throughout their son's cancer ordeal.

West Des Moines Students Aim for National Geographic Bee

Four students are semifinalists in the competition that tests students knowledge of geography and aims to increase U.S. students' proficiency in geography.

Cabaret West Glen Redux Offers Sultry, Moulin Rouge Feel

Grand reopening is planned next week with nightly specials at the popular West Des Moines nightclub.

Dowling Catholic Students Watch History Unfold With Pope Francis I’s Election

Students at the private school in West Des Moines have been engaged in “thoughtful, prayerful discussion” as the Catholic Church's cardinals gathered in Rome to select a new pontiff.

West Des Moines Schools Get High Marks During Sunshine Week

School district got high marks for transparency, except in one area.

Cownie Statehouse Report: More Questions than Answers About Sequester Impact on Iowa

Can we afford to carry the load and subsidize cuts to Iowa education and other services while Washington flounders?

Valley High School Students ‘Spread the Word to End the Word’

Group takes a stand against the “R-word.” Will you? We'll take you there.