Good morning, West Des Moines.

Yesterday, the scouts-run Christmas tree lot near Merle Hay Road was busy with families picking from four tree varieties starting at $60 — 450 trees remain and the lot will stay open daily until sold out as proceeds support scouting activities.

Yesterday’s Black Friday deals and today’s Small Business Saturday events played a crucial role for Iowa merchants to meet margins and kickstart the holiday season, as University of Iowa professor Peggy Stover noted — small retailers are fighting big chain and online competition amid economic uncertainty.

Yesterday's Black Friday sales brought many shoppers, but Iowa small business owners are urging locals to support them on Small Business Saturday tomorrow.

Brad Zaun—the SBA regional administrator and former Urbandale mayor—said strong sales could help Iowa's 290,000 small businesses facing tight finances and online competition.

Waukee Community School District nutrition director Amy A'Hern said over 3,000 students will get free or reduced price meals despite a $66,000 negative meal balance that doubled since last year — donations to the Feed the Future program have exceeded $17,000 since December.

Des Moines Public Works crews are preparing for a snow storm by placing salt and readying snowplows on 17 main routes covering 750 miles, while advising local drivers to stay 75 feet behind snowplows.

After the snowfall, crews will start clearing about 1,800 miles of neighborhood roads on Sunday morning and expect to finish by Monday lunchtime — ensuring safe travel for residents.

Iowa DOT crews are on standby as a heavy winter storm is forecast to drop snow and high winds, and Winter Operations director Craig Bargfrede said staff shifts and seasonal volunteers will cover the holiday weekend.

He urged drivers to check 511 for updated road conditions—especially if traveling in the storm.

A local nurse from Emplify Health by Gundersen urged residents to inspect their ladders for damage and to follow the three points of contact rule – two hands and one foot – when cleaning gutters and hanging holiday lights.

She stressed using the right ladder for the job and setting it on a firm, level surface to avoid falls.

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.

Truman's Miracle Drive

7:30 AM - 1:00 PM — Valley High School — Donations appreciated — Help save lives by donating blood in honor of a miracle patient.

Christmas With The Celts

7:30-9 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — $29.50-$69.50 — Experience a lively blend of Irish Christmas carols and contemporary hits with spirited performances and dance.

Wiggles and Giggles

10:15-10:45 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively storytime filled with movement, music, and rhymes.

Joyann Parker's Soulful Christmas

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Athletico Physical Therapy - Ingersoll — Ticket price includes dinner — Enjoy a soulful Christmas performance along with a delicious dining experience.

Holiday Movie Night

5:30-8:00 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — $2 for kids, $3 for adults — Enjoy a festive screening of 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' with free drinks and snacks.

Princess Brunch

9 AM – 2 PM — Exile Brewing Company — Reservations recommended — Enjoy brunch with special meet and greet from the Snow Queen and Ice Princess visiting from Arendelle.

Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad

6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity during hands-on art activities for all ages and skill levels.

Downtown DNA Holiday Gathering

5:30-7 p.m. — The Royal Mile — Free entry — Cozy up with neighbors for an evening of holiday cheer and community spirit.

A Christmas Carol

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Stoner Theater — $25-$45 — Experience the heartwarming journey of Scrooge in this festive holiday classic.