Monday, June 16th, 2025

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 16th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Zander Raisch—a 4-year-old from Clive who had multiple eye surgeries and wears contacts—will serve as the kid ambassador for the Light the Night for Sight Walk this Friday at Johnston Green Days, where the walk starts at 6:30 p.m. and supports Prevent Blindness Iowa’s free vision screenings in day cares and schools. KCCI
- ➤ Several families celebrated Father’s Day by picking fresh strawberries at the Iowa Orchard in Granger where owner Bryan Etchen noted the harvest is the largest yet with six acres of fruit at its peak. Walk-in visitors were welcomed on Sunday and the orchard also offered pre-picked strawberries and snacks—mini cider donuts and strawberry apple cider slushies—for those who could not pick the fruit. WHO 13
- ➤ Adventureland Resort held its first Father’s Day Flop Belly Flop Contest where dads jumped into the pool to win gift cards from Prairie Meadows Casino. Contestants were judged on their flop style and crowd noise—CJ Ward won first place by timing his jump for calm water to create a big splash. WHO 13
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ First responders are searching the Raccoon River in West Des Moines for an 18-year-old man who went underwater and did not resurface just before 5:30 p.m. Sunday — he remains missing as of 7 p.m. — and the park's beach area remains closed while other areas stay open. KCCI
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Jason Carter lost his appeal arguing that investigators violated his rights during the inquiry into his mother's 2015 murder; the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court ruled that the officers were entitled to qualified immunity. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Today, more than 7,200 students gather in Des Moines at the Iowa Events Center for the 100th anniversary national speech and debate competition, with over 10,000 attendees registering from schools across the country and the world. CBS journalist and debate alum David Begnaud will host the awards ceremony later this week — the event is expected to boost the local economy by over $22 million. KCCI
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ On this week’s episode of Homewi$e, Amanda Krenz and mortgage expert Tyler Osby discussed how one person can have several credit scores — affecting buyers during credit score checks. WHO 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Central Iowa Water Works said that elevated nitrate levels in the Des Moines River at 17.4 mg/L and in the Raccoon River at 16.5 mg/L have kept treatment facilities at full capacity—forcing the continued lawn watering ban. The agency urged residents to conserve water until nitrate concentrations drop to meet EPA drinking water standards. WHO 13
- ➤ Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced on Saturday that he is running for reelection, saying his work in adding voter ID and boosting cybersecurity helped set records for voter registration and participation. He noted that he has served from 1995 to 1999 and since 2015, and his current term will run until 2027 — a campaign that builds on his long tenure in office. WHO 13
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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Alzheimer's Association Happy Hour in Des Moines
4-6 p.m. — Lua Brewing — Free entry — A casual gathering to connect over drinks while supporting a worthy cause.
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Journey to Homeownership Class
6-8 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free — Explore resources and support for African Americans on the path to homeownership.
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Kindermusik Class
5:30 – 6:15 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Cost not specified — Explore children’s music to enhance learning and growth.
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Jake Schrodt Duo Live at Annie’s Irish Pub
8-11 p.m. — Annie's Irish Pub — No cover charge — Enjoy an evening of live music from the Jake Schrodt Duo in a cozy pub setting.
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Ride for a Reason
12-5 p.m. — SingleSpeed Brewing Co - DSM TapRoom — $25 Early Bird ($35 after) — Participate in a fun 17-mile ride while benefiting Dorothy's House and enjoying live music and prizes.
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Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing
5:00–7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer at the Summer Music Series.
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Overcoming Writer's Block Workshop
7-9 p.m. — Smokey Row Coffee — $30 — Explore how to navigate writer's block and unlock your creativity in this intensive workshop.
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MY PAINTING ERA CAMP! Day 1: 1989
9 a.m.–12 p.m. — Painting with a Twist — Cost varies — Create a unique painting with friends and local artists' guidance.
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Avey Grouws Band Performance
6-10 p.m. — Gray's Station — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live music, local food trucks, and summer vibes in Downtown Des Moines.
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Disney Trivia Night at Exile Brewing
6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your Disney knowledge every Thursday evening with Trophy Husband Trivia.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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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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