Daily
West Des Moines
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 4th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Over the summer Habitat for Humanity held several builds and on Friday local CEOs from MidAmerican Energy, Fareway and Prairie Meadows helped assemble wall panels that will be sent to Walnut Crossing in Waukee—where 48 new homes are planned; the work comes as community leaders emphasize the need for affordable housing. WHO13
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ On Friday, ICE released a timeline showing the alleged criminal history of former DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts after he was arrested in Des Moines on September 26 with a loaded gun, knife, & $3,000 in cash, and on October 2 he was federally charged with illegal presence & firearms violations while DMPS and another district consider legal action against the search firm that hired him. WHO13
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Nick Offerman will visit Des Moines on October 14 to lead a workshop at the Franklin Event Center where he and co-author Lee Buchanan—who plays the ukulele—will present family-friendly woodworking projects from his new book Little Woodchucks. Radio Iowa
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Today, officials with the Iowa Association of Business and Industry began an 11-day tour in a made-in-Iowa Winnebago RV to visit factories, high schools, community colleges, and city halls and highlight Iowa’s $43B manufacturing sector and its high-wage jobs. ABI president Nicole Crain said the tour will connect local students with manufacturers and will conclude on October 14 in Altoona — featuring innovations like the cotton picker and ZR5-1200 baler. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A legislator requested a report that found offering bachelor’s degrees at community colleges could help Iowans with travel challenges and fill workforce gaps. If approved by the Iowa legislature, colleges would charge higher tuition starting in fall 2028 and need $20 million in state seed grants over five years to hire faculty—despite tight budgets and faculty shortages. Radio Iowa
- ➤ Des Moines Public Schools filed a lawsuit against JG Consulting for failing to properly vet ex-superintendent Ian Roberts, who was arrested by ICE and now faces federal gun charges. The district seeks damages for breach of contract and negligence—its lawsuit cites inadequate background and reference checks—costing it extra expenses and reputational harm. KCCI
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The DNR's first fall color report shows that only about 10 to 15 percent of trees in central Iowa have changed color so far. Peak viewing is forecast to occur from mid to late October—warmer nights have slowed the change—and cooler conditions are expected early next week. KCCI
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Friday morning, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported that roads in Des Moines and central Iowa were clear and free of incidents—sunny, hot and dry weather helped keep delays minimal. This report shows that commuters experienced an easy start to their day. KCCI
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Kelsey Sutter from the Iowa Pork Producers Association announced the top five finalists for the Best Breaded Pork Sandwich contest, part of National Pork Month, with restaurants including The 1854 in Gilbertville, Dexfield Diner in Redfield — just west of West Des Moines, Hometown Heroes in Grinnell, Sugar’s Lounge and Diner in Council Bluffs, and Walker’s in Salix. Iowans can visit these eateries to choose their favorite as the contest winner will be announced in a few weeks. Radio Iowa
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Headshot Happy Hour
5-7 p.m. — Centro — Free entry — Connect with peers and capture a fresh headshot while supporting local women in crisis.
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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.
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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.
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Iowa Home Expo
10 AM – 5 PM — Iowa State Fairgrounds — Free admission — Explore home improvement projects and connect with local and national vendors.
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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.
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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.
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The Outreach Project
1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources and support services for local needs.
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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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