Daily
West Des Moines
Saturday, July 12th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 12th of July.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ The West Des Moines Fire Department investigated a house fire on Friday evening – a homeowner discovered the blaze just before 9 p.m. on Ashworth Road and Seventh Street – and firefighters contained the flames in 30 minutes with no injuries reported. WHO13
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Des Moines police arrested Michael Valento early this morning near his home after a pipe bomb was found and safely detonated at Waveland Golf Course on Thursday afternoon. Investigators say evidence links Valento to another bomb on July 3 and he now faces multiple felony charges — Possession of an Explosive Or Incendiary Device With Intent, Arson, and a firearm offense. Radio Iowa
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation is hosting its annual Corndog Kickoff at the Varied Industries Building at the fairgrounds with food grazing from 35 vendors, live and silent auctions, and a new bake sale to support fairground improvements—items must be dropped off by Saturday morning and doors open at 6:30 p.m. The event supports renovations like a newly painted horse barn, restored windows, new restrooms, and a plaza with improved seating and concessions. WHO13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Living History Farms has become a regional partner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee to host a contest for 74 Iowa counties next year. Registration for schools will open on August 19 and the bee on March 7—where the champion will compete in the national bee in Washington D.C.—offers a new educational opportunity for local students. WHO13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Kim Reynolds said the state should stick with a voluntary approach to reduce farm chemical runoff into Iowa waterways+ a county report found high nitrate levels in Des Moines metro drinking water rivers. Former Governor Tom Vilsack urged using manure to create valuable products and lower pollution, with his ideas airing tonight on Iowa PBS. Radio Iowa
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Iowa Reptile Show
10 AM – 4 PM — Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines — VIP & General Admission at the door — Explore thousands of reptiles, amphibians, and supplies with local breeders.
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I Spy: Des Moines Landmarks
All day — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Explore iconic Des Moines landmarks through a fun scavenger hunt in the Youth area.
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Jazz in July: Night #2
5:30-10 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free entry — Experience live jazz performances featuring local and traveling musicians in a vibrant summer setting.
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Mindfulness Meditation for Veterans and Community
1:30-2:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Explore the benefits of mindfulness meditation with expert guidance and practice.
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Glowforge Plus Training
3-4 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Library card required — Master the Glowforge Plus Laser Engraver and become fully qualified to use it independently.
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NBDA Doula Birth Doula Training
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Registration required — Top-rated training for Black and BIPOC doulas addressing maternal health issues.
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Monthly Critique Group Workshop
10 AM — Smokey Row Coffee — Free entry — Engage in deep discussions while sharing your poetry for constructive feedback.
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5K Beer Run at Confluence Brewing
11 a.m. — Confluence Brewing Company — $35 — Enjoy a 5K fun run and celebrate with a craft beer from the local brewery while supporting the Food Bank of Iowa.
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School of Adventure: Learn to Play D&D
3-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Explore the magical world of Dungeons and Dragons with guidance in a fun and engaging one-shot campaign.
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Farm to Table Vegan Dinner
6 p.m. — The Wallace Centers of Iowa — $75/ticket — Enjoy a vibrant three-course vegan dinner featuring fresh produce from local farms.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Welcome to the Daily West Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the West Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily West Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in West Des Moines.
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