Daily
West Des Moines
Wednesday, March 18th, 2026
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Tomorrow, an escort route will honor Maj. Jeffrey O'Brien from Waukee and Sgt. Declan Coady of West Des Moines, killed in a Kuwait attack on March 1. The route begins at Des Moines International Airport between 1:30 and 2 p.m. and follows McKinley Avenue to Park Avenue and 63rd Street. KCCI
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hot Off the Presses, known for inventive grilled cheese, will close on March 28 on Ashworth Road in West Des Moines and soon be replaced by Flame the Taqueria offering Mexican street-style dishes plus a range of tacos and tortas. Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ New president David Cook, a local and former student, began his tenure at Iowa State on March 1, focusing on student athletes and adapting to changes in athletics; he will meet lawmakers in Des Moines next to support ISU's core mission (his hometown roots bolster his commitment). FOX 17
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa DOT closed parts of I-35/80 overnight Tuesday and will close them Wednesday and Thursday from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. to shift lanes for a $94 million widening project at the Hickman Road Interchange, with northbound ramps reopening by Friday & easing traffic on this busy route. KCCI
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Twilight Zone UnScripted
7-11 p.m. — Temple Theater — Cost unknown — Experience an interactive performance inspired by the classic series that brings the unexpected to life.
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Design Jam: Creativity for Community Betterment
6 p.m. – 8 p.m. — Gravitate Coworking (Downtown) — Free entry — Collaborate with local artists to create impactful designs for nonprofits in a 26-hour creative challenge.
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Tyler Richton & The High Bank Boys Concert
7-10 PM — Wooly's — Tickets from $87 — Experience heartfelt melodies and boot-stomping fun with Tyler Richton live in Des Moines.
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The Bachelorette Season Premiere Watch Party
7-9 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free entry — Grab a drink and gear up for the dramatic season kickoff of The Bachelorette.
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Lake Drive with Flwers, Callback, and Rutabaga
6-9 p.m. — xBk Live — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of vibrant music with Rutabaga and more.
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Puzzlepalooza Duel Jigsaw Puzzle Competition
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Rook Room Game Lounge & Cafe — $15 registration — Engage in a competitive puzzle challenge with head-to-head matchups and the chance to sabotage your opponent.
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Baby Rhyme Time
9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Engage your little one with rhymes, songs, and playtime for babies and caregivers.
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One Million Trees Campaign Kickoff
4:30-6 p.m. — West End Architectural Salvage — RSVP required — Discover urban reforestation efforts and engage with local leaders at the kickoff for the One Million Trees Initiative.
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Capital City Card Convention
3-8 p.m. — Community Choice Convention Center — $11.45 for adults, free for kids with ticketed adult — Discover rare trading cards and connect with fellow collectors in Iowa's largest trading-card event.
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Music and Movement Class
10:00 a.m.–9:45 a.m. — Indianola Activity Center — Cost info not provided — A fun class for kids to explore musical concepts through singing, instruments, and movement.
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
Help others achieve their dreams and you will achieve yours.
~ Les Brown
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