Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 3rd of October.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
🏛️ Government
The Des Moines School Board is meeting this morning to consider legal action after former superintendent Ian Roberts (who faces federal gun possession charges and a deportation order) was arrested last Friday.
The board will review his hiring process and decide on steps to recover damages from those involved in his misrepresented credentials.
Yesterday morning, Des Moines traffic ramped up but the Iowa Department of Transportation reported no incidents or delays — mobile radar locations were active as authorities monitored the roads.
Overnight, eastbound lanes on I-80 closed between Grand Prairie Parkway and the West Mixmaster at 8:30 p.m. and reopened at 5 a.m.
Des Moines Public Schools said it is considering legal action against former superintendent Ian Roberts after questions arose about his citizenship and academic credentials—officials will meet in closed session at 8 a.m. today to discuss next steps.
Millcreek Township School District in Pennsylvania is also reviewing its options against Roberts.
Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa's congressional delegation have asked U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins to move some USDA research projects to central Iowa since the state was left out of a plan to shift most USDA employees from Washington, D.C.
Senator Chuck Grassley said Ames is a prime spot because it already has USDA facilities—which the future shift from the Maryland center is expected to ease for workers and researchers.
🏈 Sports
The 2025 Football Friday Primetime season is ending as the 4–1 Ankeny Hawks host the 4–1 Johnston Dragons today.
The game will air live on WHO 13 — available on the free TV app.
🎉 West Des Moines Events
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Dog Day Guided Tour at Pappajohn Sculpture Park
11 a.m. — Pappajohn Sculpture Park — Free entry — Celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week with a guided tour exploring art and sculptures in the company of your furry friend.
Surety Hotel Autumnal Artisan Market
1-5 p.m. — Surety Hotel, Autograph Collection — Mini portrait sessions available for $50 — Explore a curated artisan market featuring 15 local makers and enjoy live music with specialty cocktails.
Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with hands-on art activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.
80's Name That Tune Trivia
7-9 p.m. — Bix & Co. — Free to play — Test your knowledge of the best and worst music from the 80's in a fun trivia night.
Headshot Happy Hour
5-7 p.m. — Centro — Free entry — Connect with peers and capture a fresh headshot while supporting local women in crisis.
Michael Blaustein Stand-Up Comedy Show
7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets start at $34 — Experience the quickest rising star in stand-up with viral comedy clips and a top podcast.
Snippets: A Writers' Workshop for Short Works
10-11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Engage in a workshop reading and discussing short literary works with fellow writers.
Iowa Home Expo
10 AM – 5 PM — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Free admission — Explore home improvement projects and connect with local and national vendors.
Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course
1 PM-7 PM — Blank Children's Hospital Campus — Registration closed — Enhance your pediatric emergency care skills with this comprehensive training course.
Drop-In Tech Help
2-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free service — Get assistance with your devices in a relaxed drop-in setting.
🏠 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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