Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a TV rerun helped crack a 1997 Des Moines hit-and-run

Make time for Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness on the Des Moines Patch calendar

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Cheers Des Moines! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a TV rerun helped crack a 1997 Des Moines hit-and-run
  • How downtown Des Moines turned game day into a giant street party
  • How a Drake grad turned a rare cancer into community inspiration

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why was the scarecrow given an award? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Uninterrupted sunshine, with a high of 69 and low of 46 degrees.
  • Monday: Plenty of sun, temps: high: 69, low: 49.
  • Tuesday: Nice with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 76 and low of 55 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. 'A weight lifted': Leslie Ruby's family reacts to arrest in 29-year-old hit-and-run (who13.com) — Des Moines police have announced an arrest in the 1997 hit-and-run that killed 64-year-old Leslie Ruby on the city's east side, bringing long-awaited relief to his family. A viewer in New Jersey recognized the suspect from an old America's Most Wanted episode, leading to his capture; he's now fighting extradition as Iowa authorities seek a governor's warrant.
   

2. Des Moines Hawkeye fans take their game-day experience outside (who13.com) — Downtown Des Moines turned into a Hawkeye game-day block party, with Big Grove Brewery and the Downtown Neighborhood Association drawing big crowds for outdoor viewing, food, and shopping. Organizers and a city council member say the free event boosts local businesses and showcases downtown as a thriving neighborhood, with hopes it becomes a growing annual tradition.
   

3. Drake graduate shares journey through rare cancer diagnosis, says it taught her to 'live in the moment' (kimt.com) — A Drake University graduate now working in Des Moines is sharing how a rare cancer diagnosis during college reshaped her outlook and deepened ties to the campus community. Now in remission, she's serving as the adult honored hero at this year's Light the Night cancer fundraiser, with her team gathering Saturday evening at DMACC in nearby Ankeny.
   

4. Urbandale contractor gets prison for COVID relief, bankruptcy fraud (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — An Urbandale contractor has been sentenced to two years in federal prison and ordered to repay more than $265,000 for fraudulently obtaining COVID-era PPP loans and later concealing assets in bankruptcy. Prosecutors say he diverted some of the money to open the short-lived Pots and Shots bar and plant shop in West Des Moines, before later hiding proceeds from its sale.
   

5. Finding a new look at the 'Totally Rad Vintage Fest' (wishtv.com) — A traveling 'Totally Rad Vintage Fest' is wrapping up its Indianapolis stop and heading next to Des Moines on Saturday, Oct. 10. The event brings rotating vintage clothing and media vendors from around the country, giving local shoppers a chance to refresh their style with unique finds not usually available in one place.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • So last year on July 17 due to a chronic infection in my left legs after breaking bones on my ankle and leg, I ended up getting amputation below the knee.
    I ended up getting approved for disability. I have completed physical therapy and working towards walking without the aid of any devices. I also want… (Nextdoor Sheridan Gardens)
  • Parents, when you had your child / children did you say to yourself I will give you a better life?
    I don't mean with things or money, just life! I was in my 30's before I got my parents to tell me they loved me. That was my vow to my children, that… (Nextdoor Norwood)
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Freezer, Cooler and Deli Stocker Associate in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Des Moines here.

Ok Des Moines! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why was the scarecrow given an award?" — Because he was outstanding in his field! (Thank you Teresa M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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