Wednesday, April 9th, 2025

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 9th of April.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ R.W. Nelson, co-founder of Des Moines-based Kemin Industries, died Monday at 98. He started the company in 1961 with his wife using $10,000 and built it into a global business employing over 3,700 people. The Des Moines Register
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Dakota Funk, 33—a central Iowa social worker—reportedly threatened his former employer with revenge and now faces sanctions for practicing while intoxicated, abusing colleagues and failing to keep proper client records in Ankeny. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ An investigation into a downtown Des Moines shooting—occurring on the 100 block of Locust Street near the Federal Courthouse—started around 8:40 a.m. with one person critically injured and taken to a local hospital as law enforcement increased presence to keep the area safe. WHO 13
- ➤ Ankeny Police are asking for help finding 14-year-old Anahi Lozano-Villalobos who was last seen leaving Southview Middle School on Monday while riding in a dark-colored, four-door sedan — she was wearing a black sweatshirt, white pants, and carrying a black backpack — and urge anyone with information to contact Polk County Dispatch. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ A man was injured in an officer-involved shooting Monday night in Webster County after deputies chased him following a 911 call for a domestic disturbance in Gowrie—he was hit in the right hand and taken to Unity Point ER in Fort Dodge. WHO 13
- ➤ An employee at the new federal courthouse at 111 Locust Street died after self-inflicting a gunshot wound when police responded at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday—United States Probation Officer Dan Velasco was confirmed dead at the hospital after life-saving measures failed. WHO 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa House approved a 2% increase in K-12 funding on Tuesday, April 8th — this plan lifts school spending by $162 per student and adds $5 million for transport and operational sharing. The bill was sent to Governor Kim Reynolds for her signature after the funding deadline passed. Iowa Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Iowa Department for the Blind is celebrating its 100th anniversary today—inviting the public into its downtown Des Moines facility to learn about services that help blind and low vision Iowans gain independence. Representatives said a Centennial Celebration was held Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. at 524 4th Street to showcase adaptive programs and community resources. KDSM 17
SHOP NEWS
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New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness
This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!
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Jazz on the House with Saxophonist Wayne Page & Co.
7-10 p.m. — Noce — No cover all night — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live jazz music paired with happy hour specials.
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Warrant Concert
12:30 a.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Tickets starting at $49 — Catch Warrant live for a night of rock music in Des Moines.
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Spring Collaging Workshop
1-3 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Cost not specified — Explore your creativity with collaging techniques in this engaging workshop with Madeline Maser.
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UX Bootcamp in Des Moines
— 105 hours — Bank of America Building, 317 6th Ave — $3,744 — Gain hands-on skills in UX design through a practical bootcamp experience.
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Toddler Tales: Rabbits
3:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Easter Lake Event Center — Free entry — Engage your toddler's imagination with a delightful nature-themed story about rabbits followed by fun activities.
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Des Moines Career Fair
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — Des Moines Marriott Downtown — Registration needed — Connect with top employers in various fields and boost your career prospects.
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Trivia Night at Exile Brewing
6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your knowledge with Trophy Husband Trivia while enjoying great brews.
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First Friday Art Open House
5-8 p.m. — Mainframe Studios — Free entry — Explore 181 artist studios, enjoy themed festivities, and support local creatives during this monthly open house.
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Pajama Party Yoga
10-11 a.m. — Surety Hotel — Donation-based class — Unwind with yoga, live DJ music, and complimentary mini massages in a cozy atmosphere.
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Taps & Tags Music Night
7:30-10 p.m. — Westown Tap Bar and Restaurant — Free entry — A lively social evening for singers and music lovers to showcase their talent and enjoy live performances.
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Welcome to the Daily Des Moines, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Des Moines, Iowa community. If you like the Daily Des Moines, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Des Moines.
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