Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of May.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
🏘️ Community
Summertime at Saylorville Lake will be missing its marina restaurant and bar as the old facility closed—its replacement is under construction and set to open next summer.
Local boaters and bands expressed disappointment, even as other upgrades like a fuel dock will operate this summer.
🎭 Culture
Iowa-born actor Brandon Routh—known for his role in Superman Returns—will headline the fourth annual Des Moines Con this weekend at the Iowa Events Center.
The pop culture festival will offer panels, cast reunions and a Saturday night concert featuring Epic Rap Battles of History.
🎓 Education
Mary Brooks has served as the head judge of the Scripps National Spelling Bee since 2005 and uses a historic bell—engraved with Civil War dates—to signal when spellers make mistakes in the 100-year-old contest.
She values language and encourages students to see the bee as more than just a test of spelling.
Seven years ago, Western Hills Elementary School started a dual language Spanish Immersion pilot program for 26 students where half the day is taught in Spanish and half in English.
Today, the inaugural class graduates and district administrators say the program— the only public dual language option in the metro— is growing with a wait list for future enrollment.
🏛️ Government
Construction is halfway complete on the new terminal at Des Moines International Airport, with officials set to share more details on Wednesday about plans for additional gates, public art installations and an expanded parking garage.
The project began in April after a 2014 study showed the current terminal could not expand further and will open in January while the old terminal—apart from its baggage claim area—will be repurposed for roadway and office use.
Iowa Workforce Development is shutting down its unemployment claims system for one week (to upgrade and merge it with IowaWorks.com) so that Iowans can have a single place to file claims and look for training or jobs.
Claimants may file again as soon as the new system goes live (June 3).
🎉 West Des Moines Events
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The Outreach Project
1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No registration required — Connect with community resources and support services available in your area.
Stuff the Truck for Urbandale Food Pantry
11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Bring a donation for the Urbandale Food Pantry and enjoy a community gathering.
Summer Music Series: Forrest McCurren
5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and summer vibes on the patio with refreshing beer specials.
Writers' Workshop 2025
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — No registration required — Share your writing and receive constructive feedback from fellow writers.
World Pork Expo
June 3-5 — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Check website for entry details — Explore the world of pork with trade shows, seminars, and networking opportunities.
World Pork Expo Attendee Registration
June 4-5 — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Registration required — A premier event for pork producers showcasing industry innovations and networking opportunities.
Drop-In Tech Help
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free assistance — Get help with your phone, laptop, or tablet in a supportive environment.
Cocktails for a Cure
6 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — $50/ticket — Enjoy an evening of fun, food, and fundraising to support cystic fibrosis awareness and research.
Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market
7 AM - 12 PM — Des Moines' Downtown Farmers’ Market — Free entry — Discover fresh local produce, artisan goods, and vibrant community spirit at DSM's heart.
Summer Music Series: Eliana Franzenburg
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with an all-day happy hour.
🏠 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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