Daily
West Des Moines
Thursday, April 17th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of April.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Vonderrick Rayford, 51, from Milwaukee — identified as the suspect — was shot and killed by law enforcement during a traffic investigation on I-80 west of Des Moines on Tuesday after he fired at officers without provocation from a vehicle reportedly stolen from Colorado — his stolen gun was used as well — and officers have been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation. KCCI
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Blank Park Zoo announced Wednesday that it will temporarily rebrand to Dino Park Zoo in July — part of a dinosaur exhibit that runs through October. The exhibit will feature 15 animatronic dinosaurs and elements designed by dinosaur expert Don Lessem. KCCI
- ➤ Caitlin Clark: A Little Golden Book Biography, the debut book by Marisa DiNovis and illustrated by Joanie Stone, was released on April 15 and is aimed at children aged 4–8. The 24-page book shows Clark’s journey from playing basketball in her driveway to breaking records—being the first pick in the WNBA draft. Des Moines Register
- ➤ The Mother's Day Craft Show will be held at Northbridge Event Center on May 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CDT—featuring over 40 vendors in this free event. Greater Des Moines Partnership
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa House Oversight Committee launched an investigation into a $23 million misallocation of court fines caused by a computer programming error first noticed in late 2020 and fixed last year. The error led to funds being diverted from their intended accounts to the state's General Fund while victim services, the DOT, and county sheriffs received less money for five years and officials plan to present a recovery plan to lawmakers for the 2026 session. Radio Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Diabetes will hold a ribbon cutting event in West Des Moines on May 16th from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — the program will include networking and team remarks — and is supported by sponsor Aureon. Greater Des Moines Partnership
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Outreach Project
1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources through advocates providing essential information.
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Maria’s Cerveza-Ride
10 AM – 5 PM — Exile Brewing Company — $30 per rider — Enjoy a fun-filled 14-mile ride with friends while supporting a local non-profit.
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Cancer Patient & Survivor Self-Care Retreat
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — UnityPoint Health - John Stoddard Cancer Center — Free entry — Immerse yourself in healing with forest bathing and art therapy designed for cancer patients and survivors.
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Mini Gardens Workshop
3:00 – 3:45 PM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Create whimsical Mini Gardens in honor of National Garden Month with all materials provided.
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Beyond Birth: Baby's First Year
9-11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A weekly postpartum support group offering valuable insights for new parents and their babies.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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