Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.
Good morning, West Des Moines.
🏘️ Community
Iowans can drop off shoeboxes filled with school supplies, toys, and care items at many local spots this week to bring holiday cheer to children in need.
Denise Moore from Ankeny said the boxes will be processed before being sent by ship or plane to kids in 170 nations — the effort hopes to reach 12 million children.
🏛️ Government
A child welfare task force created after the deaths of Sabrina Ray and Natalie Finn met only three times—with its last meeting on Feb.
23—and no future meetings are scheduled, leaving members frustrated with state oversight. State human services added malnutrition training for social workers + critics say the limited follow-up may put more children at risk.
🏥 Health
EMS crews in Des Moines and West Des Moines can now perform blood transfusions on patients during transport after officials announced a pilot program Monday.
The new program, the first of its kind in Iowa, is a collaboration among partners—MercyOne, UnityPoint Health, Simulation in Motion IA and LifeServe Blood Center—and may expand to more communities.
🎉 West Des Moines Events
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Baby Rhyme Time
9:30-10:00 AM — 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Enjoy a lively session of rhymes, songs, and playtime for babies and caregivers.
Iowa CPCU I-Day 2025
7:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Nationwide Insurance — Registration required — A day of insightful sessions including a keynote by Sinikka Waugh focused on risk management and insurance opportunities.
Open Mic Poetry Night
7-8 p.m. — Beaverdale Books — Free entry — Celebrate creativity at this quarterly gathering of poets and spoken word enthusiasts.
Downtown Winter Farmers' Market
8 a.m. — EMC Expo Center — Free entry — Shop for holiday foods and gifts while enjoying local entertainment and supporting small businesses.
Downtown Winter Farmers' Market
8 AM – 2 PM — EMC Expo Center — Free entry — Explore holiday food, gifts, and live entertainment while supporting local vendors.
Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with new hands-on art activities each week, welcoming all ages and skill levels.
K-pop Fan Meetup
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow K-pop fans over snacks, trading photocards, and music fun.
Baby Rhyme Time
9:30-10:00 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy rhymes, songs, bounces, and stories for caregivers and babies aged 0-18 months.
Open Studio Holiday Shopping
11 AM – 3 PM — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore unique art originals and prints at this festive shopping event.
Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 participation fee — Unleash your creativity with hands-on art activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.
🏠 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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