Daily
West Des Moines
Tuesday, June 17th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 17th of June.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ West Des Moines police are continuing to search for an 18-year-old swimmer who went underwater and did not resurface at Blue Heron Lake in Raccoon River Park—divers resumed the search Monday after the call came in at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, June 15. Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The National Speech and Debate Tournament kicked off on Monday with 6,700 students from 1,300 schools competing at 11 venues across Des Moines + the event is expected to boost the local economy by $22 million. An interactive timeline celebrating the NSDA's 100th birthday is on display at the Iowa Events Center skywalk until June 20th + organizers plan to double debate participation over the next five years. WHO13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig and former Ag Secretary Patty Judge opened a time capsule from 2000 during a farewell event at the Wallace Building—staff from the Ag Department and DNR watched as they displayed newspaper clippings, pamphlets, photos, and grain samples. Naig said the department will refill the capsule for another 25 years—preserving a snapshot of Iowa agriculture for the future. Radio Iowa
- ➤ The final tenants of the iconic Wallace Building across from the Capitol are moving out as the Iowa Ag Department prepares to leave—demolition is planned at the end of the month. Iowa Ag Secretary Mike Naig held a farewell party last week with current and former employees to mark the building’s long service since 1978. Radio Iowa
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ HUDU renovated a run-down three-bedroom house on 14th Street in West Des Moines, using its own tradespeople to add a new kitchen, extra bathroom and bedroom, restore the oak floors, and expand the basement. The team will complete the work in about a week and then invite applications from veterans, first-responders, or a young family for the home priced at $299,000. WHO13
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Mindfulness Meditation Workshop
1:30 – 2:30 PM — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Explore the roots of mindfulness and engage in a guided meditation session.
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Kindermusik Class
5:30-6:15 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Cost varies — Explore the magical world of music designed for young children.
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Mini Dino Parachutes Craft
All day — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Create your very own Mini Dino Parachutes during a fun drop-in craft session this summer.
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Fast Henry Duo Live Performance
12-3 p.m. — Annie’s Irish Pub — Free entry — Enjoy the local sounds of Fast Henry Duo while relaxing at your favorite Irish pub.
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Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes at this local summer event.
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Meet Author Nikki Erlick
6-7 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free admission — Explore the imaginative world of Nikki Erlick's latest novel 'The Poppy Fields' and enjoy a book signing.
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MY PAINTING ERA CAMP! Day 1: 1989
9 AM – 12 PM — Painting with a Twist — Cost info not provided — Pick a painting, invite friends, and enjoy step-by-step instruction with local artists.
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Lunch & Learn: Resources for Small Businesses
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. — Elevator, a Co-Warehousing Community — Free — Discover game-changing resources and network with fellow entrepreneurs while enjoying a complimentary lunch.
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Wiggles and Giggles
9:15-9:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime with movement, music, and rhyming for the little ones.
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Guided Tours at the Pappajohn Sculpture Park
11-11:45 a.m. — Pappajohn Sculpture Park — Free entry — Discover the art and stories behind the sculptures in this vibrant park.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Make visible what, without you, might perhaps never have been seen.
~ Robert Bresson
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