Good morning, West Des Moines.

During Thursday morning's storms, the Iowa State Fair tested its new intercom system across 400 acres of fairgrounds and campgrounds; the two-year, $480,000 project sends emergency alerts+ weather warnings for improved safety.

Thirteen-year-old Bracen Grandstaff won the Iowa State Fair youth rooster calling contest for the second straight year this afternoon at Pioneer Hall — he beat over a dozen contestants for the blue ribbon.

Rain sent Iowa State Fair visitors indoors where a record number of dollhouses drew attention.

Dollhouse Superintendent Lori Bauer said the contest (once featuring 27 entries) now inspires kids and adults to create their own miniature worlds.

Big Bad Joe, a 568-pound ram, broke the fair record and is on display at the Sheep Barn until Aug.

23, while Big E, a 3,026-pound bull, won the Super Bull contest and will be seen at the Cattle Barn until Aug. 23.

At the Iowa State Fair, contestants took part in a chicken calling contest held in Pioneer Hall to celebrate a family tradition.

Anne Lind from West Des Moines won the blue ribbon on opening day — highlighting a cherished local event.

KCCI airs a live newscast at 4:30 p.m. from the MidAmerican Energy Stage at the Iowa State Fair — the program features anchors and a meteorologist sharing fair highlights and live performances each weekday.

Zoomer, an Atlantic boar with attitude, won the Iowa State Fair Biggest Boar title in Des Moines today by six pounds, weighing 1,246 pounds.

His owner, Todd Schuler, said a new feeding routine of corn soaked in water + a dozen eggs each day helped him win.

A daily 12-step meeting called Meeting on a Stick offers strong coffee and supportive discussion on the second floor of the Iowa State Fairgrounds before Jalapeño Pete’s opens.

Participants enjoy a judgment-free space to share how they manage life—without relying on alcohol.

JR's SouthPork Ranch offers a $99 dish of breaded chicken nuggets with crème fraîche + a tin of caviar at the Iowa State Fair, one of over 80 new food options for fairgoers.

BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines advised local homeowners to test their sump pumps twice a year + install battery backups as heavy rain may cause water damage following Thursday’s storms.

The company expects more service calls in the coming days.

Two vacant hotels are being turned into supportive housing by Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing; the Urbandale site will feature 104 studio apartments while the West Des Moines hotel will offer 89 units with on-site services such as counseling and classes.

Renovations are expected to finish by late 2027.

Big Thief Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Val Air Ballroom — Ticket prices range from $79 to $224 — Experience an intimate evening with eclectic sounds from Big Thief.