Good morning, West Des Moines.

A judge reduced the bond for 18-year-old Demonie Smith from $500,000 to $125,000 after he was accused of shooting Shanice Perry in her vehicle last month—his arraignment will be held on May 1.

Miss Rebecca from Pied Piper Studios will lead a free Read & Rhyme Storytime at The Little Book in Des Moines on April 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.—children can read, rhyme, sing, and dance during the event.

At a city council meeting on Monday, West Des Moines leaders ended their partnership with local animal shelters for stray cats and are considering a Trap-Neuter-Release program that would have handlers catch, spay or neuter, and then return the cats—Furry Friends Refuge warned that the change could undo years of animal protection.

West Des Moines approved changes to its Trap-Neuter-Release program on Monday that redefine community cats as those with no known owner; now, found cats will be vaccinated and microchipped while tame cats are held for 14 days to allow for spaying or neutering before being released if unclaimed. Furry Friends Refuge raised concerns that stray pets may be at risk, and the city council will work on the ordinance through two more readings before it goes into effect.

Buds are blooming in Iowa and spring allergy season has started; pediatrician Dr. Megan Yanny said children with allergies show a runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes while a fever or a sore throat may signal a cold, and she advised parents to reduce pollen exposure by washing off allergens and using non-drowsy antihistamines.

Jazz on the House with Saxophonist Wayne Page & Co.

7-10 p.m. — Noce — No cover — Enjoy jazz tunes and $5 green tea shots during the all night happy hour.

Turn It Up Dance Challenge Competitions

April 11-13 — Iowa Events Center — Registration required — Enjoy a weekend filled with dance competitions, awards, and scholarships.

NAMI Family Support Group

10:30 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Peer-led support for adults with loved ones facing mental health challenges.

Spring Collaging Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Cost TBD — Unlock your creativity with Madeline Maser in this engaging collaging class using various artistic materials.

Spring Needle Felting Workshop

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — All materials provided — Create delightful felted spring flowers in a beginner-friendly setting.

Workshop on Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse

1-4:30 p.m. — UnityPoint Health - Blank Children's Hospital — Free entry — Engage in vital training to help prevent child sexual abuse and learn to address concerning behaviors.

MercyMe Concert

10:30 p.m. — Wells Fargo Arena — Tickets available — Experience a night of faith and music with MercyMe in Des Moines.

Jazz on the House with Guitarist Jack Curtis & Co.

7-10 p.m. — Noce — No cover — Enjoy a lively jazz session with happy hour specials every Thursday night.

Party101 with DJ Matt Bennett

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Wooly's — $35 general admission — Experience a night filled with music and energy as DJ Matt Bennett takes the stage.

Grand Blue Mile 2025

12:00 AM – 11:59 PM — Western Gateway Park — $10 registration — Celebrate healthy habits and family achievement with sprints for all ages during the Grand Blue Mile.