Daily
West Des Moines
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of June.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines police responded Tuesday morning to a crash on East University Avenue between East 36th and East 38th Streets after a vehicle hit a child who was badly hurt and taken to a nearby hospital—officers closed the road for about one to one and a half hours during their investigation. KCCI
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines is hosting the National Speech & Debate Tournament, drawing 11,000 students, teachers, and coaches to 11 venues in central Iowa—with 42 champions to be named on Friday at the Iowa Events Center and an estimated $22-million economic impact. The competition covers both prepared and impromptu topics that test a wide range of speaking skills. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Christina Bohannan announced Tuesday morning that she would challenge incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District for her third run after narrowly losing by 799 votes in 2024—she said Miller-Meeks sided with corporate special interests at the expense of Iowan families. WHO13
- ➤ Officials in Altoona, Clive, Grimes, Johnston and West Des Moines will conduct special census counts this summer to update population figures from the 2020 census. Updated counts will affect Road Use Tax funds—West Des Moines expecting up to an extra $5.6 million over 2026-2030 and Johnston over $1.6 million if population gains meet targets—and will help cover census costs. KCCI
- ➤ Polk County will pay $125,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit brought by former Assistant County Attorney Shannon Archer. Under the settlement+ the county does not admit any wrongdoing. KCCI
- ➤ West Des Moines will conduct a partial special census this summer to update its population count so it may secure up to an additional $5.6 million in Road Use Tax funds for services from 2026 to 2030. The city is also recruiting door-to-door census takers who must meet specific requirements, complete a four- to five-day training session, and work between 25 to 40 hours a week. Des Moines Register
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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.
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NAMI Family Support Group
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free of cost — A peer-led support group fostering insight and support for adults with loved ones experiencing mental health challenges.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Character is much easier kept than recovered.
~ Thomas Paine
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