Good morning, West Des Moines.

Iowaans can nominate local heroes for the American Red Cross’ Heroes of the Heartland awards by January 28 using online forms or mail (care of Emily Holley at 2016 Grand Avenue in Des Moines); winners will be celebrated in March.

District officials voted to close Walnut Creek Campus next school year over chronic absenteeism, and former student Emily Wallace fears losing the life-changing support the school provided + alternative programming will be offered in a different space with plans expected by late February or early March.

Drake University named Joseph Valenzano III as its new provost; he will start on July 1 (following a national search and the planned retirement of Provost Sue Mattison) and oversee the university's seven colleges.

Iowa lawmakers advanced a bill yesterday to allow community colleges to offer job-specific bachelor's degree programs that meet high-demand workforce needs — the bill requires in-person classes and oversight by the State Board of Education while lawmakers noted it lacks a funding mechanism.

Kelly Nieuwenhuis, an Iowa corn farmer and pipeline backer, is lobbying legislators today at the Capitol to pass a proposal granting Summit Carbon Solutions more flexibility in recharting its pipeline route to avoid landowners who decline voluntary easements — a move aimed at boosting local ethanol growth.

In Des Moines, Dr. Kevin Kremer (the city’s only gynecologic oncologist) is partnering with MercyOne to expand services at The Iowa Clinic, aiming to reduce 6–8 week wait times for cancer surgery and address the statewide shortage with only seven specialists available.

Iowa lawmakers and health experts plan to expand radon testing and mitigation to reduce lung cancer risk as part of a funding plan that will test 30,000 homes + help 500 mitigate radon.

The state will certify new specialists due to a shortage, with only 90 professionals currently serving Iowans.

At Tuesday's event at Drake University & online, experts presented Iowa Cancer Registry data showing Polk County sees about 2,500 new cancer cases each year, with breast and lung cancers most common.

Local leaders plan to form a cancer coalition to urge policy changes.

Egg King returns Jan.

25 at Culinary Annex in Historic Valley Junction to serve its viral Korean-inspired egg sandwiches from 10 a.m. to noon — the pop-up has introduced a new ticket system to cut long wait times.

Dog Man Crafternoon!

4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in fun Dog Man-themed crafts and snacks while vying for tickets to the musical.

Marcus D Wiley Live Performance

7-9 p.m. — Funny Bone Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening filled with laughter at Marcus D. Wiley's comedy show.

Entrepreneurs of Iowa Winter GALA

9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Hotel Fort Des Moines — Ticket prices vary — A full day of strategic networking and motivational talks to kickstart your 2026 goals.

Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards Performance

4-7 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a lively performance by Jazzy Ash and The Leaping Lizards in a vibrant venue.

Tech Central Open House

6-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Explore innovative crafting tools and techniques at the Tech Central maker lab.

Dry January Diaper Drive

11 AM – 10 PM — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Bring three items for donation and receive a $5 voucher — Help keep local families thriving by supporting a diaper drive for a worthy cause.

Dry January Diaper Drive

11 a.m. - 10 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Bring three items for donation to earn a $5 voucher — Help keep tushies dry this January while supporting a local nonprofit.

Drop-In Tech Help

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free service — Receive assistance with your electronic devices from knowledgeable library staff.

Des Moines Buccaneers Blood Drive

8 a.m. - 1 p.m. — MidAmerican Energy Company RecPlex — Free entry — Donate blood to help save lives and get a ticket to that night's Bucs game.

Dry January Diaper Drive

11 AM – 10 PM — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Bring three items to donate and receive a $5 voucher — Help keep tushies dry while supporting a local nonprofit.