Daily
West Des Moines
Thursday, October 23rd, 2025
Good morning, West Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Elevation Golf Club opened October 13 in Urbandale and offers eight Trackman simulators, 6000 square feet of greens and chipping space, a sand trap, lounge, and fitness center—designed for year-round indoor play. Local founders Matthew and Kassidy Small started the club after a personal loss and will add pro lessons soon. WHO13
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Officials say attackers allegedly entered a Woodbine farm on October 20–21 and released 2,000 mink into the wild; the farmer has recovered about 60% so far while law enforcement and the FBI investigate the incident under the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act. WHO13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Three Des Moines School Board candidates — Maria Alonzo, Marcus Coenen, and Sara Hopkins — answered public questions at a DMPS forum on Wednesday evening, discussing transparency in hiring and support for the upcoming Reimagine Education Bond Referendum ahead of the November election. WHO13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ State Senator Tony Bisignano requested an audit of the Iowa Department of Education’s background check and licensing procedures after former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested in September on charges including illegal entry and possessing firearms — the review will determine how state processes failed to identify his false statements during hiring. WHO13
- ➤ The Iowa State Auditor’s Office will review the Education Department’s licensing and background check procedures after Sen. Tony Bisignano asked for an investigation following former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts getting a license by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Auditor Rob Sand said the audit will look into how the department may have missed key issues—ensuring the public better understands the process. KCCI
- ➤ The century-old Horse Barn at the Iowa State Fairgrounds is in its second phase of construction as workers install new floors with radiant heat, 400 portable stalls, an indoor wash rack, and a new lighting and electrical system. The $13.1 million project is set to finish by the 2026 fair — a renovation effort that will preserve this historic structure for future livestock shows — as part of a broader campaign to update all fairground barns. WHO13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Johnston siblings Millie and Krish Sethi donated 1,500 first aid kits to low-income families in Iowa through their PureKindness Foundation— they plan to expand their efforts after Millie graduates next year. KCCI
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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 at the library's outreach event.
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Spooky Science
9 AM – 4 PM — Science Center of Iowa — Free for SCI members — Enjoy hair-raising experiments and creepy-crawly critters at this family-friendly Halloween event.
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Beggar's Brunch at Exile Brewing
10 AM – 2 PM — Exile Brewing Company — Fun for the whole family — Test out costumes and enjoy Haunting Bingo for prizes ahead of Beggar's Night.
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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 for all ages and skill levels.
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K-pop Meet-up
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Trade photocards, snack, and enjoy K-pop with fellow fans.
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Koyo Concert
6:00-8:30 PM — Wooly's — Tickets from $49 — Experience a lively evening of music at Koyo's performance.
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Special Effects Makeup Workshop - Session 1
6:30-7:30 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Registration required — Learn to create realistic scary effects with special effects makeup just in time for Halloween.
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Halloween Big Band Performance
7 & 9 p.m. — Noce — Costume Contest — Enjoy a spooktacular evening with a big band featuring scary soundtracks and fun arrangements.
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Hoyt Sherman Art Classes
2-4 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Space limited — Explore creativity through various art classes designed for Bigs and Littles.
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Iowa Reptile Show
10 AM – 4 PM — Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines — VIP & General Admission tickets available at the door — Discover thousands of reptiles, amphibians, and supplies while engaging with local breeders.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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