Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: West Des Moines resident seriously hurt in Greene County highway collision
And on the West Des Moines Patch calendar - After Teaching Through 61 U.S. Colleges, Mr. EWS Returns with Affordable Online Fashion Class

Hi West Des Moines! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️
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In today's newsletter:
- West Des Moines resident seriously hurt in Greene County highway collision
- Which beloved State Fair icon is crafted by a West Des Moines artist?
- How did one West Des Moines diner connect with Iowa farmers at Fair?
Also on today's calendar: After Teaching Through 61 U.S. Colleges, Mr. EWS Returns with Affordable Online Fashion Class.
Today's riddle: Why did the man leave his watch in the bank? 🤔 (Answer below!)
- Tuesday: Humid with heavy t-storms, with a high of 80 and low of 65 degrees.
- Wednesday: A t-storm around in the p.m., temps: high: 81, low: 63.
- Thursday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 82 and low of 65 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. SUV pulls from stop sign into path of oncoming car, killing Iowa woman (northiowatoday.com) — A West Des Moines woman suffered serious injuries when the SUV she rode in was struck at a rural Greene County intersection, a crash that also killed a 75-year-old Denison driver. Investigators say everyone wore seatbelts, which likely saved the lives of the survivor from West Des Moines and the Nebraska driver, as Iowa's 2026 traffic fatality count continues to climb.
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2. Here are the Iowa State Fair photo ops you can't miss (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — A longtime West Des Moines butter sculptor is behind both the iconic Iowa State Fair butter cow and its Smithsonian replica, giving local residents a special tie to one of the fair's most photographed stops. The guide walks you through other must-snap photo spots, from patriotic America 250 displays and the Sky Glider views to Zoomer the Big Boar and Thrill Ville rides.
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3. Farm to Fair dinner showcases Iowa agriculture at Iowa State Fair (desmoinesregister.com subscription) — A West Des Moines resident was among the lucky raffle winners at the Farm to Fair dinner, using the experience to ask farmers questions she rarely encounters in urban life. The multi-course Iowa State Fair event paired local chefs and producers to showcase Iowa-grown ingredients, while encouraging conversations that bridge the gap between city diners and rural agriculture.
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4. Windsor Heights explores converting abandoned rail corridor into trail along 73rd Street (kcci.com) — West Des Moines is one of several metro cities that could gain a new regional trail connection if Windsor Heights succeeds in converting the soon-to-be-abandoned Grimes rail line along 73rd Street into a shared-use path. Windsor Heights officials favor the trail concept, which could save money and link into Clive's network, but they still must negotiate corridor access with Norfolk Southern and other communities.
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📸 Around West Des Moines
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in West Des Moines
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- After Teaching Through 61 U.S. Colleges, Mr. EWS Returns with Affordable Online Fashion Class →
, West Des Moines
9:00 am
Saturday August 22
📣 West 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Arts & Trails Committee meeting
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce City Council Chamber
11:30 am - Adel Farmers Market
Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce Beginning at 2pm through 8pm, the following intersections will be affected: Main St & N 9th St Main St & N 10th St Court & N 10th St Road closures will remain in place throughout the market event. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.
4:00 pm - Public Art Committee →
Urbandale, IA Calendar, 3600 86th Street, Urbandale
4:00 pm - Music at the Market - Joe Demerath Music →
Johnston, IA Calendar Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Library Board of Trustees →
Grimes, IA Calendar
5:00 pm - 8/18 - Clive, IA - Riviera Nights →
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, 12801 University Ave, Clive
7:00 pm - Speed Networking →
Luana Savings Bank, 9321 Market Pl Dr, Norwalk
3:00 pm - Johnston Middle School - Open House
Johnston Comm School District Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Waukee Farmers Market →
Waukee, IA Calendar Waukee, IA 50263
4:00 pm - Parks and Recreation Commission →
City of Urbandale - City Hall City Hall - 3600 86th Street Urbandale IA 50322
5:30 pm - Board of Adjustment Meeting →
Grimes, IA Calendar
5:30 pm
Tuesday August 18
Wednesday August 19
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
- This is a long shot but has anyone seen this cat around?
He's from Tamara ln and he's been lost for about a year. His name is Jax. I'm hoping he was able to sweet talk himself into another safe home. I do… (Nextdoor Tamara Lane)
- Dollar Tree Family Dollar - Dollar Tree, Inc. posted a job opening for Assistant Manager I in West Des Moines. Apply here.
- Fareway Stores, Inc. posted a job opening for Grocery Clerk (Mills Civic Parkway) 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: So he could save time! (Thank you Lorraine S. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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