Good morning, West Des Moines.

Hurts Donut Co. in the West Glen Town Center (on Mills Civic Parkway) closed Monday night for renovations to its lobby, kitchen and storage areas and will reopen at 5 a.m. Friday.

A survey of supply managers in Iowa and eight Midwest states reported manufacturers experienced job losses for the ninth straight month, with Iowa’s economic indicator falling to 44.6 in December from 52.1 in November.

Professor Goss expects manufacturing to rebound later in the year (further details pending).

Flu activity in Iowa is high and doctors say cases may increase further; local health officials urge residents to get vaccinated & isolate at home to help slow the spread.

A report from SHADAC shows that employer-sponsored health insurance premiums for Iowa families fell slightly from 2023 to 2024 while the percentage on high deductible plans dropped from 62% to 52% — even as average family deductibles have gradually increased.

Baby Rhyme Time: Bilingual Storytime

9:30-10 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A delightful bilingual storytime session for caregivers and babies aged 0-18 months featuring special guest Miss Arlette.

Toast to Terrariums

5:30-7 p.m. — Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden — $51 Members | $60 Nonmembers — Enjoy wine while crafting and nurturing your own terrarium.

Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works

10-11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Engage in lively discussions of short written works among fellow writers.

Knitting 101 Workshop

10 AM – 12 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Cost info not provided — Learn the basics of knitting in a fun two-part course to create a cozy scarf or cowl.

Olivaya Dream: Stretch Series

6:00 – 6:45 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Registration opens December 1st — Start your new year with soothing stretches to ground your body and calm your spirit.

Land Investment Expo

8 AM — Iowa Events Center — Virtual registration available — Explore land investment trends and network with industry leaders at this premier event.

Tie Blanket Workshop

10 AM – 4 PM — Mainframe Studios — Ticket required — Create tie blankets and pillows with random fleece fabrics while enjoying a community craft experience.

Trivia Night at Exile Brewing

6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Happy hour pints for $4.50 — Test your knowledge with Trophy Husband Trivia and enjoy a fun evening out.

The Outreach Project

1-2 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No cost — Connect with community advocates for vital resources like meal sites and shelters.

Olivaya Dream: Stretch Series

6:00 – 6:45 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Tickets available — Experience gentle stretching and breath work to unwind and reconnect with your inner calm.