Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How the I-80 ramp closure will affect your Friday night drive

You won't want to miss Blue Plate Mystery Dinner & Auction on the West Des Moines Patch calendar

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Good morning West Des Moines! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How the I-80 ramp closure will affect your Friday night drive
  • Collins Aerospace ramps up West Des Moines production and hiring again
  • How Collins Aerospace's new expansion could reshape West Des Moines jobs

Also on today's calendar: Blue Plate Mystery Dinner & Auction and 10 more events.

Today's riddle: Why should you never iron a 4-leaf colver? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Humid with rain, some heavy, with a high of 73 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Thursday: Rain and a thunderstorm, temps: high: 68, low: 49.
  • Friday: Clearing and less humid, with a high of 68 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Westbound I-80 ramp at Jordan Creek Parkway to close overnight (qctimes.com) — Drivers in West Des Moines should plan for the westbound I-80 on-ramp from southbound Jordan Creek Parkway to be closed overnight from Friday evening, Oct. 2, through late Saturday morning, Oct. 3. Crews will be doing asphalt overlay work, with a marked detour using Ashworth Road and Grand Prairie Parkway, and officials warn to expect delays and use extra caution in the work zone.
   

2. RTX unit Collins Aerospace expands Iowa engine components plant capacity (tradersunion.com) — Collins Aerospace is enlarging its West Des Moines engine components facility by 14,000 square feet and plans to add jobs through 2027 as it boosts production of fuel systems and engine nozzles. The company recently finished a separate $14 million expansion at another West Des Moines site, reinforcing the city's role in its global manufacturing network and local employment base.
   

3. Collins Aerospace will expand West Des Moines plant, add jobs (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — Collins Aerospace is planning a multimillion‑dollar expansion of its West Des Moines jet engine components plant, adding 14,000 square feet and new jobs through 2027. The project upgrades fuel‑distribution and nozzle manufacturing at the Fourth Street facility and follows a recent $14 million expansion at the company's other West Des Moines plant, underscoring its growing local footprint and employment impact.
   

4. Valley West Mall sold, JCPenney lease still poses legal issues (weareiowa.com) — Valley West Mall in West Des Moines has been sold to local firm Threshold Capital, which is now asking an Iowa court how JCPenney's lease might limit redevelopment plans. The company says it doesn't intend to push JCPenney out but wants clarity on what changes can move forward as it works to revive the long‑struggling property for the community.
   

5. Fighting Hawks Finish Tied for Seventh at Badger Invitational (fightinghawks.com) — College golf fans in West Des Moines can look ahead to the Zach Johnson Invitational at Glen Oaks Country Club on Oct. 19, where North Dakota returns as defending champion. The Fighting Hawks just tied for seventh at the Badger Invitational and will try to repeat last year's title run on the local course.
   

📸 Around West Des Moines

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Still looking for my little Hank.
    Please everyone keep your eyes peeled . Tip came that he may be with an Asian fellow near Beaverdale so if your near the area please remember to… (Nextdoor Robel Run)
  • This little one showed up at my back door tonight.
    If she (I believe) is yours, let me know on here and we can figure out how to get you reunited! (Nextdoor Peony Park)
  • TJX posted a job opening for Retail Cleaning Associate Part Time Now Hiring in West Des Moines. Apply here.
  • Olive Garden posted a job opening for Prep Cook in West Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Des Moines here.

Ok West 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: You don't want to press your luck! (Thank you Tee E. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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