Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of September.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
🏘️ Community
Iowa Public Radio's fall fundraising drive raised $160,000—this record event saw 2,700 participants with nearly 1,000 new sustaining members, though the station still faced a $1 million budget gap after Congress cut CPB funds.
Executive director Myrna Johnson said the station will seek donor support to fill the gap and continue serving its community.
🚧 Accidents
On September 18th, a crash on I-80 near Newton blocked westbound lanes from Newton to Kellogg — emergency crews arrived and the Iowa DOT set a detour for drivers heading to the metro.
Another crash occurred about 10 miles east near Oakland Acres — its right shoulder was also blocked.
🏛️ Government
Senator Claire Celsi (District 16) of West Des Moines was placed in hospice care on Thursday, September 18, as her family asked for privacy during this difficult time.
She has served in the Iowa Senate since 2019 and returned to the Statehouse after a medical leave for surgery (earlier this year).
Senators Grassley and Ernst are calling on the USDA to study concentration in the fertilizer industry+and push for a report that will explain rising fertilizer costs for farmers.
The bipartisan bill requires the agency to produce the report within a year to review market factors like higher phosphate and potash prices.
The West Des Moines City Council denied a liquor license to Maria Mendoza—new owner of The Hall—after reviewing her tax evasion charges from 2020, and deputy city attorney Jessica Grove maintained that she had not proven she can meet all legal requirements.
The Hall will continue to sell alcohol under the previous license.
On Friday, September 19th, 2025, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird joined a letter with 17 states to protect free speech on college campuses after Charlie Kirk's murder—arguing that campuses must remain places for open debate.
At the same time, the Iowa Board of Regents has launched a two-week investigation into multiple university staff for social media posts about the incident—staff who may face administrative leave if found in violation.
🏥 Health
Modern Vision Centers in West Des Moines—where Refractive Surgeon Drew Dickson explains the SMILE procedure—offers patients a new option to improve their eyesight.
The procedure gives locals another way to correct vision with modern techniques.
🏈 Sports
Today, Norwalk Warriors and Ames Little Cyclones meet in Ames for Football Friday Primetime as both teams are winless at 0-3.
Coaches and players have shared plans to break this streak—the game airs live on WHO 13 and the free WHO 13+ TV app at 7 p.m.
🎉 West Des Moines Events
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Kid-Friendly Brewery Tour
11:00-11:45 a.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Free entry — A fun and educational brewery tour perfect for kids aged 5-12 featuring science and big machinery.
Des Moines Fairytale Ball
10:00 AM-4:30 PM — The Tea Room — Tickets required — Experience enchanting performances and meet your favorite fairytale characters at this magical event.
Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity weekly with diverse hands-on art activities for all ages and skill levels.
Teen Chef: Puppy Chow Three Ways
4-5 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Registration required — Learn to craft three versions of puppy chow with cereal, popcorn, cookies, and more.
Trivia Night at Exile Brewing
6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — Enjoy happy hour pricing — Test your knowledge with weekly Trophy Husband Trivia.
Des Moines Oktoberfest
9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park — Paid entry — Celebrate with authentic German food, craft beers, and lively entertainment at this vibrant festival.
Panda Bear Concert
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets from $48 — Enjoy an evening of captivating music from Panda Bear in Des Moines.
Des Moines Symphony Season Debut
2:30-4:00 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — $20-80 — Experience the triumphant opening of the symphony season with Shostakovich’s Festive Overture and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5.
Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with a new hands-on art activity each week, welcoming all ages and skill levels.
K-pop Meet-up
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow K-pop fans while trading photocards and enjoying snacks and music.
🏠 West Des Moines Real Estate
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💼 West Des Moines Job Board
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📣 West Des Moines Announcements
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