Daily
West Des Moines
Friday, February 13th, 2026
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Army National Guard soldier Sgt. 1st Class Nathan Bruch surprised his five children in Carroll County after returning on Wednesday from a 10-month deployment in Iraq by visiting his four older children at Ar-We-Va Community School and greeting his toddler at day care. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Potbelly Sandwich Shop in West Des Moines closed its location at 6305 Mills Civic Pkwy after seven years in operation — the Des Moines spot remains open as the only metro option. Des Moines Register
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines welcomed baby cotton-top tamarin Blanca on Jan. 21 to mark a milestone for the critically-endangered species. The zoo will transfer two older tamarins to an AZA-accredited facility in March, and visitors can meet Blanca at the Discovery Center. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Feb. 11, about 250 Iowa National Guard soldiers returned home at ceremonies in Sioux City and Des Moines following a lengthy deployment in the Middle East — 59 from the Second Brigade Combat Team completed missions in Syria and Iraq, with some returning after the loss of two colleagues. Radio Iowa
- ➤ The Iowa Senate Commerce Committee considered a statewide policy to round cash totals to the nearest nickel because the U.S. Mint stopped making pennies, easing cash challenges for retailers. Unanimous Senate subcommittee support highlights growing concerns among local banks and stores+ a push for standardization. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A 2023 law change cut Iowa Youth Survey participation dramatically, with 2,558 student responses recorded for 2025 compared to 46,091 in 2021—leaving local health officials worried about crucial data gaps. Lawmakers are considering Senate File 217 to boost participation through an active consent process. KCCI
-
Sweethearts Party
6:30-10:30 p.m. — Scottish Rite Consistory — Reservation required — Celebrate Valentine's Day with appetizers and a candlelight concert for a romantic evening.
-
Candlelight Valentine's Day Special
12:30 – 4:15 a.m. — Scottish Rite Consistory — Ticket required — Experience romantic melodies performed by the Listeso String Quartet in an enchanting candlelit setting.
-
Reading Buddies with ARL TheraPets
4-5 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Practice reading aloud with friendly ARL TheraPets to boost confidence and reduce anxiety.
-
Baby Rhyme Time
9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage in rhythmic fun with songs, stories, and playtime for babies and caregivers.
-
Baby Safety Class
11:30 PM – 2:00 AM — Visitor Parking Ramp — Registration required — Learn essential tips for creating a safe environment for your little explorers.
-
Emanuel Ax Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Sheslow Auditorium — Tickets required — Experience the extraordinary talent of renowned pianist Emanuel Ax in a solo recital.
-
Crossroads: A History of the Blues
2-4 p.m. — Forest Avenue Library — Free entry — Explore the evolution of the blues from the Delta to Chicago with expert musicians and stories.
-
Winnie the Pooh Theatre Show
1-5 p.m. — Stoner Theater — Ticket prices vary — Adventure with Pooh, Piglet, and friends as they explore the Hundred Acre Wood in a theatrical adaptation of Milne's classic tales.
-
Tech Central Open House
6-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Explore the latest maker lab innovations with 3D printers, laser cutters, and various crafting demonstrations.
-
Mardi Gras Prix Fixe Dinner with NOLA Jazz Band
7-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $85 per person — Celebrate Mardi Gras with a seven-course dinner accompanied by live jazz by the sensational NOLA Jazz Band.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Reading is faster than listening. Doing is faster than watching.
~ Naval Ravikant
About Daily West Des Moines
Welcome to the Daily West Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the West Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily West Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in West Des Moines.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in West Des Moines and across Iowa. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily West Des Moines
A free West Des Moines community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailywestdesmoines.com/sitemap