Good morning, West Des Moines.

The Farm Bureau Cookout Contest filled the Iowa State Fair grand concourse with barbecue smells last Tuesday morning as Governor Kim Reynolds and anchor Eric Hanson sampled dishes while competitors presented their best in beef, pork, and turkey—Caden's Rump Ribs won overall while Randy Stamper secured second in beef.

Former Iowa State football player Ben Durbin, owner of startup True Force, is showing a new AI tool that measures strength with a smart barbell at the Iowa State Fair.

He has sold 27 units in 10 states and two countries—demonstrating the technology at the Varied Industries Building for local visitors to try.

Tuesday evening, community members gathered on Northwest Douglas Parkway for the ribbon cutting of Waukee North Middle School — the new facility with a $50 million budget will welcome sixth to eighth graders starting Aug.

25 and is designed to offer a safe, collaborative learning space.

Central Iowa Water Works’ nitrate removal facility was shut down on Friday after running at partial or full capacity since April 28—an effort to meet EPA standards for drinking water.

The plant operated for 112 days this year and helps lower nitrate levels in the water.

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst is proposing a bill to stop the Postal Service plan to buy electric vehicles because a Wisconsin contractor delivered only 100 trucks by spring despite thousands being ordered—she wants any unspent funds returned to the government.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said during an Iowa visit that diesel truck makers must update sensor technology by the 2027 model year so vehicles do not stall when the emission fluid is exhausted — a change aimed at saving money for local farmers and truckers.

Senator Joni Ernst noted the agency will decide on new biofuel rules after the public comment period.

LifeServe Blood Center is hosting a daily four hour blood drive at the Iowa State Fair where donors can walk in or schedule an appointment — the drive will run for all 11 days near the giant slide and Varied Industries Building and is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on most days while Thursday offers service from 1 to 5 p.m.

Kindermusik Class

5:30-6:15 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $ — Explore music-making through instruments, movement, singing, and play for children ages 3-6.

Inside Out 2 Screening

6:30 PM — Evelyn K Davis Park — Free entry — Experience Riley's teenage transition and the introduction of new emotions in this entertaining sequel.

Summer Sizzler 5K/10K/15K

7-11 a.m. — Gray's Lake Park — $15 — A fun family event with chip-timing, great swag, and a virtual race option in Downtown Des Moines.

Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Live music and patio vibes await every Sunday evening.

Franklin Cinema Club: Once Upon a Time in the West

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Explore a classic western epic and discuss its themes with fellow film enthusiasts.

The Pigeon Visits the Library

4:00 – 4:45 PM — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime with The Pigeon and meet your favorite mischievous character.

Back to School Strength Training Session

6:30-7:30 p.m. — F45 Training Downtown Des Moines — Free entry — Kick off the school year strong with a dynamic strength workout and giveaways.

August 2025 Business Mixer

5-7 p.m. — The Glitter Factory DSM — Free entry — Network and celebrate the opening of a creative new space with local professionals and games.

Gamer Jazz Concert

2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Experience the jazzy twists on iconic video game tunes performed live by the Des Moines Gamer Symphony Orchestra.

Soul Revival Concert

2:30-5 p.m. — Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection — Food and beverages for purchase — Experience vibrant R&B and Gospel music that uplifts the soul.