Good morning, West Des Moines.

On April 24, two Iowa National Guardsmen rescued kayaker (Kenny Kreitlow) at Brushy Creek State Park after his sit-on-top kayak flipped when it struck hidden trees; the men rushed over rocks to help him and stayed until his wife arrived.

Cynthia Hansen said her century-old family farm is spared after Summit Carbon Solutions shifted the pipeline route Wednesday to remove eight counties, although other landowners remain at risk.

Kathy Stockdale said she will fight for property rights by voting in the June primary and November general election (as the debate continues).

Honey Creek Resort, closed since late October, will reopen this summer with new operators as Embergrove Hospitality takes over lodging.

Maxim Golf Group will revive the 18-hole course with plans to open it a week from Saturday (the resort aims to welcome guests by the July 4 holiday weekend).

Wright County Conservation set aside $35,000 for a new Boone River sensor while Johnson and Polk counties invest to keep the statewide nitrate network active until June 2027 & local leaders say the move offsets diverted state funds from the Iowa Water Quality Information System in 2023.

Several Iowa environmental groups are suing the EPA over its removal of portions of the Raccoon & Des Moines rivers from an impaired waterways list, arguing that high nitrate levels make the decision unsafe.

The EPA must reply by July 13 as the groups seek relisting or a final decision.

Ballet Des Moines - Cinderella

7-10 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Tickets start at $35 — Experience the enchanting world premiere of Cinderella set to Prokofiev's iconic score.

Dog Days of Summer at Principal Park

5:30-9 p.m. — Principal Park — $16 — Enjoy a night at the ballpark with your pup featuring a dog parade and dog-friendly activities.

Tech Yeah! 2026 Q2 Networking & Happy Hour

4-6 p.m. — P3+Uplift (Professional Project Partners, Inc.) — Non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks available — Grab a beverage, meet new people, and enjoy casual conversation.

Morning Yoga with Feel Good

8-9 a.m. — Kava DSM — In-person session — Start your day with rejuvenating yoga in a calming atmosphere.

Spring Music Series: Forrest McCurren

5-7 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live tunes in the Beer Hall during the Spring Music Series with happy hour specials.

Community Cooking Class: Artists Around A Table

6-9 p.m. — Culinary Annex — $50 — Engage in a hands-on cooking class creating classic dishes from the 1920s-40s with Chef Cass in a lively social setting.

Learn to Play Mah Jong

10 AM – 1 PM — West Des Moines Public Library — Registration recommended — Discover the exciting world of American Mah Jong with a hands-on introduction to the game.

Blue Light Jazz at Surety Hotel

5-12 p.m. — Surety Hotel Lobby Lounge — Free entry — Enjoy Stiff Drinks and Smooth Grooves while chasing away mid-week blues with live jazz.

Networking at Evolve Juicery and Kitchen

6-10 p.m. — Evolve Juicery & Kitchen — Free entry — Meet local professionals through guided introductions for better conversations.

First Friday Art Exhibition: Nostalgia

5-8 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore art reflecting on memory and nostalgia with interactive activities and music.