Saturday, July 19th, 2025

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 19th of July.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Curtis Leaverton, a prominent motorcycle enthusiast and business owner, died when a water-logged tree fell on him on July 12 near his Urbandale home as he prepared for the Colorado 500 charity ride. The Des Moines Register
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Marshalltown police say Duckenson Augustin stabbed a man at the JBS meatpacking plant early Friday morning and was later apprehended around 7 a.m. in Cedar Rapids while the victim is in stable condition at a Des Moines hospital. KCCI
- ➤ A witness who recorded the incident said the driver was accosting a jogger before intentionally ramming a squad car and crashing into Embassy Suites on July 16 near East Grand Avenue & Robert D. Ray Drive; police said high-speed reckless driving was a main factor and the driver remains hospitalized. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Simpson College in Indianola will host a Reconnect Movement event this fall—an initiative that encourages college students to interact without smartphones. Founder Sean Killingsworth and school counselor Jack Simons, who once taught at Lincoln High, plan to launch the event and new parent book clubs to help lessen screen time pressures. The Des Moines Register
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Central Iowa Water Works announced that the lawn-watering ban imposed on June 12 for 600,000 residents will be lifted in stages beginning Tuesday — even-numbered addresses may water on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday while odd-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with commercial and government users following as capacity improves. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Rains improved Iowa's drought conditions this week with 88% of the state free of drought—yet areas in the southwest and southeast still remain abnormally dry or in moderate drought. DNR’s Jessica Reese McIntyre said continued wet weather through July may clear the remaining dry spots. Radio Iowa
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Polk County Supervisor Tom Hockensmith will not be charged for a January altercation with fellow board members after a dispute over administrator John Norris' leave sparked a brief disturbance—The Warren County Attorney’s Office announced Friday that Hockensmith entered a deferred prosecution agreement and no formal charges will be filed. WHO 13
- ➤ On July 18, Iowa PBS said it will lose $3.5 million in federal funds over the next 60 days as Iowa Public Radio faces a $1 million cut that will lead to downsized offices and delayed maintenance. The House passed a bill that removed key CPB funding, so both stations must cut costs and seek community support—affecting programming for all 99 counties. Iowa Public Radio
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
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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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Summer Music Series: Jordan Messerole at Exile Brewing
5:00-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints all-day — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer every Sunday.
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Acrylic Sunsets on Canvas
5-8 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Supplies included — Capture the beauty of a sunset on canvas using vibrant acrylics in a creative workshop led by artist Kelsey Wilson.
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Sherman Hill Historic District Walk and Jazz Celebration
4-5 p.m. — Hoyt Sherman Place — Free entry — Stroll the scenic Sherman Hill followed by live jazz tunes on the beautiful lawn.
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Burger & Beer Deal at Exile Brewing
11 AM - 9 PM — Exile Brewing Company — $12 — Savor a Smash Burger with Fries and a Pint for just $12 every Wednesday.
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Wild on Wheels
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Science Center of Iowa — Free entry — Enjoy live music, games, and food trucks at the kickoff of the Summer Block Party!
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Steve Berry: 1974 Music Retrospective
9 p.m. — Noce — Ticket prices vary — Experience a nostalgic journey through the biggest hits of 1974 featuring iconic artists like Elton John and ABBA.
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Little Explorers Program
10-11 a.m. — Des Moines Public Library — Free entry — Discover and play with activities designed to build early literacy skills in children ages 0-5.
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Summer Music Series: Paul Little at Exile Brewing
5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — All-day happy hour with $4.50 pints — Experience the perfect Sunday with live music and patio vibes.
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I Spy: Mario
12 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Search for your favorite Mario characters and claim a prize upon completion.
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Baby Rhyme Time
10:00 – 10:30 AM — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — A delightful gathering for infants and toddlers featuring engaging rhymes and songs.
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