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🌱 Patch AM: What’s next for these troubled Des Moines properties and projects?

Happening soon: Eloisa James - Featured author on the Des Moines Patch calendar

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Tuesday September 15th Patch AM
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Hello Des Moines! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What's next for these troubled Des Moines properties and projects?
  • How will Des Moines' police and fire cuts affect your neighborhood?
  • What's at stake in today's Des Moines budget‑cut vote?

Also on today's calendar: Top Dogs Member Market and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What has a tail, but no body? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: A shower and thunderstorm, with a high of 72 and low of 60 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Showers and a heavier t-storm, temps: high: 68, low: 64.
  • Thursday: Humid with variable clouds, with a high of 77 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Prominent Des Moines developer ordered to pay millions in overdue loans (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — A prominent Des Moines developer has been ordered to repay more than $7 million in overdue loans, putting several downtown properties and a key Grand Avenue site on track for sheriff's sale. The ruling follows stalled plans for a boutique hotel and a PACE health facility that had city tax incentives, raising questions about the future of visible Ingersoll and Grand Avenue properties residents know well.
   

2. Des Moines City Council approves nearly $1M cuts to police and fire departments (who13.com) — Des Moines residents face nearly $1 million in cuts to local police and fire services as the City Council approves a budget plan to close a multimillion‑dollar shortfall. Fewer new officers will be hired, support roles in fire prevention and tech services are being eliminated, and both departments warn ongoing understaffing and heavy overtime could affect response times and neighborhood quality‑of‑life issues.
   

3. State News: Des Moines Budget Cuts, New Governor's Chief of Staff, Animal Rescue and Alcohol Harm Study (westerniowatoday.com) — Des Moines residents should watch today's City Council vote on more than $11 million in proposed budget cuts affecting police, fire, libraries, and parks for the 2028 fiscal year. Also in state news, the governor names a new chief of staff, the Animal Rescue League seeks help after large rescues, and a study ranks Iowa high for alcohol‑related harm.
   

4. Fallen Rider receives proper escort home (legion.org) — Des Moines quietly became the gathering point where Kansas and Iowa American Legion Riders met to escort fallen rider Michael Haas's remains back home to Kansas. Local riders, firefighters, and law enforcement helped organize a multi‑state motorcycle escort, complete with an honor guard and taps, to ensure he received a dignified final journey.
   

5. Michael Rohde earns Graduate Fellowship in Wildlife Policy (wildlife.org) — Des Moines will host The Wildlife Society's annual conference starting Nov. 1, where Iowa State University PhD student Michael Rohde will receive a prestigious wildlife policy fellowship. His work focuses on how farm wetlands can balance wildlife, water quality, and agriculture, highlighting conservation challenges and innovation with strong Midwest ties.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

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★ Featured events ★

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📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • I was outside earlier and I didn't have my phone but I seen a fox running up from my back yard into my front yard.
    Please be safe and please be aware and watch your pets. (Nextdoor Sheridan Gardens)
  • Nothing like finding a good watermelon.
    I just grabbed one and hoped it was a good one but I heard there's ways to tell the good from the bad. How can you tell the difference? Please share… (Nextdoor Magnolia Park)
  • Mortensen Group - Planet Fitness posted a job opening for Part Time Cleaner in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • LaborMAX Staffing posted a job opening for Industrial Laborer 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: Coin (Thank you John W. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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