Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of April.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
🌲 Environment
Thunderstorms moved through Iowa from Thursday into Friday, causing tornadoes, large hail, and heavy rain that soaked some areas while leaving others dry for weeks.
At Des Moines Airport, officials reported 0.63 inches of rain—other readings reached up to 1.55 inches in some places—showing varied impacts statewide.
🏛️ Government
Most Iowa legislators began working on a constitutional amendment to allow child witnesses to testify remotely in abuse cases—Attorney General Brenna Bird proposed the change after a Supreme Court ruling that children must testify in person.
Some lawmakers favor a state law for an immediate fix while others support the amendment, which will be voted on in future sessions.
🎉 West Des Moines Events
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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.
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.
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.
The Outreach Project
1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources through advocates providing essential information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After School Adventures: May Baskets
3:45-4:30 p.m. — West Des Moines Public Library — Registration required — Craft your own paper May baskets to celebrate spring and May Day festivities.
I Spy: Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
All day — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a fun picture scavenger hunt for kids.
🏠 West Des Moines Real Estate
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💼 West Des Moines Job Board
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📣 West Des Moines Announcements
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