Hagenow Statehouse Update: Education Reform Expanded to Include School Choice

Schools like Dowling Catholic and Iowa Christian Academy, both in West Des Moines, should be free to conform to their own standards.

Valley Junction Mexican-Italian Restaurant Chisme Closing Saturday

Since 2010, Cordon Bleu culinary graduate has been serving unique flavors.

Cownie Statehouse Report: Why Would Suburban Lawmaker Want Ag Committee Appointment?

Agriculture is the backbone of Iowa’s economy.

West Des Moines Library Makes Technology Changes: What You Need to Know

New library system will improve customer experience, but transition may cause some temporary blips in service.

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 Feb. 21.

West Des Moines Family Shocked by What Went on in Laundry Room

Someone had a "paint party.” But that's not all that happened while a mother and her son were gone for a couple of hours.

West Des Moines Company Would Develop Casino in Nearby Norwalk if Voters Approve Gambling

The proposed casino would be located in Norwalk near the Iowa Highway 5 interchange with the Southwest Connector.

WINTER STORM Q UPDATE: School Closings, Parking Ban, Winter Weather Warning, Updated Timeline and Snowfall Totals

Expect a nasty commute home Thursday. Friday morning may not be much better.

IRS Releases $3.1 Million in Liens Filed Against Troubled West Des Moines Payroll Outsourcer John Vratsinas

Since last fall, John Vratsinas's companies have paid nearly $4.3 million in delinquent taxes.

2013 Fuel Cost: Gas Prices Soaring in West Des Moines

Iowa gas prices could hit $4.20 in April, and they've already spiked 59 cents from January.

Get a Sneak Peek at West Des Moines Valley’s New Addition

Open house will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday

Bedfast West Des Moines Woman Accuses Caregiver of Theft

The nursing service the woman’s family contracted with outsourced her care – and now some heirlooms have been reported missing to West Des Moines police.

Be Warned, West Des Moines Commuters: Up to 9 Unmarked Police Patrolling Interstate 80/35 During Rush Hour

Pilot project aims to curb the major causes of highway fatalities – speeding, following too closely and swerving.

West Des Moines Fire Department, DMACC West Easter-Egg Hunt: Save the Date

There will be plenty for the kids to do besides hunt Easter Eggs.

Doctor’s Office Manager Reportedly Admits to Obtaining Fraudulent Narcotics Prescriptions

An Urbandale woman reportedly told West Des Moines authorities she has been obtaining fraudulent prescriptions for hydrocodone for more than five years and “has an addiction problem.”

Ready For the Snow Storm? Where to Find Supplies in West Des Moines

Forecasters are calling for a major winter storm that could dump nearly a foot of snow on West Des Moines.

WINTER STORM Q UPDATE: Heaviest Snow Could Fall in West Des Moines During Thursday Evening Commute

Wicked wind are blowing in a storm that could dump up close to a foot of snow on West Des Moines.

Who Won Dad-Daughter Rivalry in Valley Junction Chili Cook-Off Contest?

Click the link for more photos from the chili contest.

Are Banks Open on Presidents' Day 2013? Here's What's Open and Closed in West Des Monines

Presidents' Day is a holiday for Patch.com.

Featured User Photo Uploads: West Des Moines Children in Church Musical

Getting your photos, news and calendar events on Patch is easy.

2013 Iowa State Wrestling Results: 2 West Des Moines Wrestlers Crowned State Champs

Valley will bring home two state championships in wrestling this year. Clayton Eicher and Jake Koethe emerged victorious.

2013 State Wrestling Quarterfinal and Semifinal Results: West Des Moines Sends 3 to Finals

Eide, Eicher and Koethe will wrestle for the championship at the Iowa high school wrestling state tournament in Des Moines on Saturday.

Random Acts of Kindness in West Des Moines

Use the hashtag #PatchRandomActs on Facebook or Twitter to spread the word about a selfless act you witnessed or experienced in West Des Moines.

Lots of Eye-Appealing Extras in West Des Moines Real Estate House of the Week

Established landscaping gives this West Des Moines ranch plenty of curb appeal, but wait until you see what’s inside.

Ejected West Des Moines Hotel Guest Allegedly Insists on Quaffing Beer, Refuses to Go Out in the Rain

Woman reportedly said she and her friends were “just having fun” – fun that apparently included a hotel sign.

2013 West Des Moines Parks and Rec Basketball, Volleyball Tournaments Offer $850 in Cash Prizes

Registration deadlines approaching for annual tournaments.

Best of West Des Moines Craigslist: What She Flashed at Hooters that Made Him Look, Outhouses and Never-Soiled Bon Jovi Blanket for Sale

Plus, the smell of love – Old Spice? – and musical interludes with The Rolling Stones and Billie Holiday and a hint of a coup d'état by some homeless chickens.

Schneider Statehouse Report: Allowable Growth for FY 2015 Set Before Reform Plan is Approved

The Legislature hasn’t agreed on what the reform plan will be and how much it will cost.

West Des Moines, Metro Weekend Events: ‘Chillin’ in the Junction,’ Iris DeMent, Wine and Food Showcase, Second City, Plus Tosh.0 and Kenny Chesney Ticket Sales

Times, dates and ticket information for what’s going on in West Des Moines in the metro, plus upcoming Miranda Lambert and Tracy Morgan shows.

See Oscar Best Picture Nominees ‘Life of Pi,’ 'Les Miserables,’ 'Lincoln,’ ‘Zero Dark Thirty,’ ‘Armour,’ Others in West Des Moines Theater Marathon

The marathon starts at noon Saturday and continues the following weekend.

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 Feb. 14.

Silicon Prairie Favorite Goodsmiths West Des Moines Chamber’s 2013 New Business of the Year

Recently named one of the technology start-ups to watch in the Heartland, Goodsmiths and three other West Des Moines businesses feted.

Little Feet Across West Des Moines and the Metro Are Still Happy, Despite Crime ‘Bounce’

It’ll take more than a thief to let the air out of a club that mixes soccer with story time.

Hagenow Statehouse Report: Expanding Medicaid Exposes Iowa to Financial Risk

“If the government is already saying they won’t live up to their initial commitment, that is certainly one promise they will keep.”

2013 State Wrestling Results: West Des Moines Valley Wrestler Scores 53-Second Pin

Together, West Des Moines Valley and Dowling Catholic are sending eight wrestlers to the quarterfinals.

UPDATE: West Des Moines Valley, Valley Southwoods Send 130 Students to State Speech Contest

Students perform Saturday at All-State Festival. A pep rally and send-off for the students will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday in the VHS Auditorium.

Quill and Nib Writing Instruments of Distinction Moving to Prime Valley Junction Spot

Quill and Nib is moving to the old home of Little Padded Seats, which moved to Valley West Mall.

West Des Moines Valley Senior Raising Money for Kids with Cancer Among Iowa’s Top Youth Volunteers

While volunteering to work on craft projects with kids with cancer, Katelyn Cinnamon wanted to do more. “They are some of the strongest, bravest, happiest kids I know,” she said. “They deserve to have something to look forward to.”

Are Banks Open on Presidents’ Day 2013? What’s Open, What’s Closed in West Des Moines

Don’t count on being able to do personal banking Monday.

New Homes Eyed for West Des Moines Human Services, Business Incubator

Should the city's Human Services office and a business incubator move to new locations in Valley Junction? The city’s finance subcommittee is mulling those options, along with whether it makes sense for West Des Moines to establish its own Sister C