Good morning, West Des Moines.

R.W. Nelson, the 98-year-old co-founder of Kemin Industries, died at his home Monday.

He was born in Kansas City, moved to Des Moines when he was seven, and built a big business supplying ingredients for health and nutrition (he is survived by his wife Mary, four children, thirteen grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren).

Voting is underway for the second annual 'Coolest Thing Made in Iowa' contest by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, which highlights Iowa’s manufacturing industry—last year’s winner is not eligible.

Nominations are accepted until April 18 and votes will pick the top 16 items with the winner announced at a business conference on June 11.

James Johnson was convicted by a Polk County jury of first-degree murder after he shot Nikki Loffredo at the intersection of East Ovid Avenue and Cambridge Street on July 29th, 2024; he will be sentenced on June 20—he admitted to using cocaine and marijuana on the day of the shooting.

Des Moines police need help finding missing 14 year old Alayna who was last seen near Fort Des Moines Park on Wednesday at about 1:45 p.m. while wearing a pink hoodie, black pants and brown boots—she is thought to be in emotional crisis.

Drake University in Des Moines expanded its diversity programs and welcomed its most diverse undergraduate class in 143 years, with President Marty Martin vowing to recruit nationwide for a range of viewpoints.

The university appointed Dr. Terrance Pendleton as Associate Provost for Campus Equity and Inclusion and launched Bulldogs Belong—Resilient and Thriving, while earning the 2024 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award amid state changes to DEI funding.

Today the Iowa Senate approved a bill with a 46—1 vote that will extend accidental disability and death benefits to firefighters and police officers in the municipal retirement system and state troopers diagnosed with cancer, and the bill calls for a small increase in contributions before the House approves it and sends it to Governor Reynolds.

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.

Grand Blue Mile and Set the Pace Challenge

6-8 p.m. — Western Gateway Park — Free entry — Compete to win $10,000 for your community by promoting health and wellness in this fun and engaging event.