Good morning, West Des Moines.

On Friday, June 27, traffic in central Iowa flowed smoothly while the Des Moines Arts Festival opened at 11 a.m., closing Grand and Locust from 10th to 16th around Western Gateway Park.

Downtown parking was available at the Nationwide Parking Garage on 1100 Walnut St. and on nearby meter spaces.

A lawn-watering ban in central Iowa has forced sod companies like AJ White’s, a long-standing local business, to drop from 40 to five jobs in two weeks since the restrictions only allow watering for sod laid before the ban — the companies are now urging Central Iowa Water Works to change the rules to prevent further financial hardship.

Mario Campos, 44, was arrested in Des Moines for a hit-and-run crash that on June 23 killed 53-year-old Andrew Verwers when his Dodge Ram struck Verwers at Merle Hay Road and Hickman Road and then fled the scene — Campos admitted to drinking and impaired driving and is now held in Polk County Jail.

A man from Waukee was arrested after he allegedly threatened to shoot up Methodist West Hospital in West Des Moines when he did not receive the treatment he wanted, and Tyler Marvelli, *27*, is now held in Dallas County Jail with a court date set for *July 3*.

Eric Hanson recalled how Channel 8 began on July 31, 1955 when Bobby Cannon activated the red light on a sweltering 109° day at 10 a.m.—the broadcast, accompanied by a local minister’s blessing, marked the start of a station that grew from simple radio-style newscasts into a trusted local news leader. The station now celebrates 70 years of television history, reflecting on its humble beginnings and enduring impact on Iowa’s broadcast culture.

AAA-Iowa forecasts that more than 72 million people will travel over the 4th of July weekend, including about four million in our region taking road trips of 50 miles or more—up from last year and over seven million more than in 2019.

The agency also projects air travel to drop slightly to around 203,000 while other modes rise 9% and advises all travelers to check their vehicles and drive safely.

Today, the Iowa DNR advises residents to avoid 10 state beaches where tests show high E. coli levels and a risk of harmful germs—Backbone Beach, Beeds Lake Beach, Black Hawk Beach, Blue Lake Beach, Bobwhite State Park, Lake Darling Beach, Nine Eagles Beach, North Twin Lake West Beach, Pine Lake South Beach, and Union Grove Beach. The agency also closed George Wyth Beach due to flooding and tests more than 36 state beaches weekly from the week before Memorial Day to Labor Day—steps meant to keep swimmers safe.

Plan B contraception was the most used item from a harm reduction vending machine placed outside the Polk County Health Department in early May—this machine offers 24/7 free access to condoms, period packs and gun locks—and May figures show 287 Plan B units were taken as staff observed people grabbing Narcan in hard moments while neighborhood groups also expressed interest in the machine.

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.

Summer Skate Day Camp

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. — Lauridsen Skatepark — $185.00 — A week of fun and skill-building in the art of skateboarding at Skate DSM's camp!

Jazz in July Night 1

5:30-10 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free entry — Experience vibrant jazz performances from local talents in a festive summer atmosphere.

Mindfulness Meditation Workshop for Veterans

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free — Experience a guided mindfulness meditation session designed for veterans and those dealing with high-stress environments.