Daily West Des Moines Logo Daily West Des Moines

Saturday, April 12th, 2025

SHARE

Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of April.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Former Iowa State and NFL player JJ Moses received the Robert D. and Billie Ray Pillar of Character Award today at The Ray Center’s All-Star Evening event in Des Moines — the honor recognizes a commitment to strong values and mentorship following his NFL career.  WHO13
  • Today, youth wild turkey hunting starts as Iowa DNR official Jim Coffey notes hunters bagged a record 16,000 birds last year and that most targets are two-year-old birds; the regular season begins on April 18—hunters are advised to follow safety guidelines and be aware that early green-up may affect visibility.  Radio Iowa

BUSINESS NEWS

  • FuseDSM will host its Change Your Circle Speed Networking Event (a structured and fast-paced meeting) to help chamber members connect and exchange business cards. Registration is limited (reserve your spot early) to ensure a smooth experience.  Greater Des Moines Partnership

CULTURE NEWS

  • Record Store Day is taking place tomorrow at record stores in central Iowa—fans will line up early for rare vinyl and CD releases with limited copies available. Several local stores in Des Moines, such as Marv's Music and Zzz Records, will join an event that began in 2008—and has grown into a celebration of music and community.  KCCI

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Today, the National Weather Service said it will no longer translate severe weather alerts in languages other than English after its contract with a translation provider lapsed. Spanish-language radio station 97.5 FM La Q Buena said its team will work to warn non-English speakers, though many may not get clear storm warnings.  KCCI
  • Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced in a campaign video on Friday morning that she will not run for reelection in 2026—she said she made the decision after thoughtful family discussions and will work hard until her term ends. She has served in public office since 2017 and devoted nearly 10 years to leading the state.  WHO13
  • Governor Kim Reynolds said she will not run for re-election to spend more time with her family after a historic term that saw her appoint a female lieutenant governor and reorganize state agencies. Leaders say her work changed education funding, tax policies & regulatory rules to prepare Iowa for the future.  WHO13

HEALTH NEWS

  • Iowans can now check out blood pressure monitors from some central Iowa libraries as part of the Libraries with Heart program in partnership with the American Heart Association. Library officials said patrons must return the kits on time and can place holds to pick up items at their local branch.  KCCI

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sun, 4/13/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Mon, 4/14/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 4/15/25

    View event
  • MercyMe Concert

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

    Wed, 4/16/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 4/17/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 4/18/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 4/19/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 4/22/25

    View event
  • Know Your Farmer Dinner at Ray Family Farms

    5:30-7 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — Cost unknown — Savor a delicious 3-course dinner featuring fresh ingredients from Ray Family Farms while engaging with the owners.

    Wed, 4/23/25

    View event
  • Game of Thrones Trivia Night

    6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Enjoy happy hour with $4.50 pints — Test your knowledge of the Seven Kingdoms at Trophy Husband Trivia.

    Thu, 4/24/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The goal is not to read more books. The goal is to gain more wisdom.

~ James Clear

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.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

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