Good morning, West Des Moines.

The Iowa Character Awards for 2025 have named 12 role models who show the best of Iowa—Mike Knapp of Iowa Realty earned the top Pillar of Character honor for his leadership and the City of Spencer received the Community of Character Award after its 2024 floods; the awards ceremony will be held on August 1st in the Des Moines metro area. Founded in 2005, the program has honored more than 200 Iowans for their positive contributions.

A man was taken into custody after West Des Moines police used a K-9 unit and drone — shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday — near 73rd Street north of I-235 to search for a suspect wanted by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

A spokesperson for Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said prosecutors filed felony charges in six cases of alleged 2024 Iowa election fraud — following a March audit by Secretary of State Paul Pate that found 35 non-citizens voted, five ballots were rejected, and 237 registered voters did not cast ballots.

Heavy rain fell overnight across Iowa and triggered a flash flood warning in southern areas after more than 6 inches were recorded near Sun Valley Lake in Ringgold County — other locations like Des Moines Airport received lighter totals while more showers are forecast for later this week.

Central Iowa Water Works has kept a mandatory lawn watering ban in place for 12 days because recent heavy rains have increased nitrate runoff—officials now test water every 18 minutes with a $100,000 instrument to ensure levels stay below the safe standard of 10 milligrams per liter. Local enforcement has led many areas to quickly comply with the watering restrictions.

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.

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.

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.

Summer Music Series: David Watson

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes at this weekly event featuring a local artist.

Rooftop Yoga with Feel Good Frequency

7-8 p.m. — The Shop DSM - Event Center — Refunds available up to 7 days before the event — Experience a rejuvenating rooftop yoga session amidst beautiful views.

Hoyt Sherman Art Classes

5:30-7:00 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Registration required — Explore creativity at engaging art classes designed for young artists.

Drop-In Tech Help

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free — Get assistance with your devices from knowledgeable staff every Thursday afternoon.

First Friday Open House at Mainframe Art Studios

5-8 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore creative workspaces and enjoy food, drinks, and art from local creators.

I Spy: Independence Day

All day — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Search for Independence Day pictures in the Youth area to win a prize!

Summer Music Series: Riley Jane

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with a refreshing cold beer.