Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: What could replace the long-vacant Valley West Mall?
Be sure to catch Fridays at the Farm | KRACKLIN on the West Des Moines Patch calendar
Morning West Des Moines! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- What could replace the long-vacant Valley West Mall?
- Could Buc-ee's choose West Des Moines after Urbandale's rejection?
- Meet Abby, the West Des Moines crisis pup lifting coworkers' spirits
Today's riddle: Why did the chicken go to the gym? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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- Friday: Toasty conditions, with a high of 96 and low of 71 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
- Saturday: Near-record heat, temps: high: 96, low: 72.
- Sunday: Humid with a t-storm in spots, with a high of 88 and low of 69 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Valley West Mall could finally have new owner as residents look ahead (who13.com) — A potential buyer has been approved to purchase Valley West Mall in West Des Moines, raising hopes that the long-struggling property will finally be redeveloped. Residents and the mayor are pushing for green space, housing, arts, and community uses, backed by up to $110 million in possible city incentives once the sale closes and plans are revealed. 
2. Norwalk renews efforts to bring Buc-ee's after Urbandale rejection (kcci.com) — West Des Moines is among several Des Moines suburbs vying to land a massive Buc-ee's travel center, with Mayor Russ Trimble touting the potential boost to local tourism, quality of life, and entertainment options. While Norwalk is currently pushing a detailed proposal, West Des Moines leaders remain eager to attract the Texas-based chain as it reconsiders its Iowa plans.
3. Crisis response K-9 Abby celebrates her second birthday in West Des Moines (kcci.com) — MercyOne's crisis response dog Abby just marked her second birthday with coworkers in West Des Moines, where she's become a beloved presence in stressful moments. Staff say Abby helps de-escalate crises and provides grounding comfort, and she was rewarded with extra attention, cuddles, and a "Birthday Girl" bandana during the celebration.
4. E15 on Track to become Iowa's Top-Selling Fuel in 2026 (iowarfa.org) — From a base in West Des Moines's renewable fuels industry reports that E15 sales hit 46 million gallons in August, the second-highest month on record. Advocates say the cheaper, higher-ethanol blend is poised to overtake E10 as the state's top fuel in 2026, boosting corn demand and pushing for year-round nationwide access.
📸 Around West Des Moines
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📣 West Des Moines Shout Outs!
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🗓 Events Nearby
- Fridays at the Farm | KRACKLIN →
Middlebrook Farm, 4300 Cumming Ave, Cumming
4:30 pm - Football: ADM vs Ballard (Varsity)
Adel DeSoto Minburn Comm School District Adel, IA 50003
7:00 pm - Football: Van Meter vs Treynor (Varsity)
Van Meter Comm School District Treynor Community School
7:00 pm - Labor Day →
Urbandale, IA Calendar - City Buildings Closed - Labor Day →
Grimes, IA Calendar Grimes, IA 50111 - All City offices CLOSED in observance of Labor Day →
Waukee, IA Calendar Waukee, IA 50263
8:00 am - Splash Pad Closed for the Season →
Grimes, IA Calendar Grimes, IA 50111 - 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 - Music at the Market - Chris Powell →
Johnston, IA Calendar Johnston, IA 50131
4:00 pm - Girls Tennis: Southeast Polk vs Waukee (JV)
Van Meter Comm School District Waukee High School
4:00 pm - Girls Tennis: Southeast Polk vs Waukee (Varsity)
Van Meter Comm School District Waukee High School
4:00 pm - Girls Cross Country: Winterset Cross Country Invitational (8th Grad
Van Meter Comm School District Lakeview Country Club
4:15 pm
Friday September 4
Monday September 7
Tuesday September 8
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making West Des Moines PatchAM possible:
- Tech Stack Digital Solutions — (515) 855-6499
Click here to show your appreciation! 💚
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Collins Aerospace posted a job opening for 1st Shift_ Machine Operator III_ Onsite in West Des Moines. Apply here.
- Walmart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate 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: He was working on his pecks (pecs). (Thank you W F C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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