Good morning, Des Moines.

At the Iowa State Fair today, contestants fired up grills at 1 a.m. for the 61st annual Cookout Contest organized by the Iowa Farm Bureau to win nearly $4,700 in cash prizes.

Over 50 competitors, including first-timers and seasoned chefs, are cooking meats like beef, pork, lamb, turkey, and chicken — winners will be announced around noon with Governor Kim Reynolds and the Farm Bureau President in attendance.

St. Vincent de Paul of Des Moines said it will use $185,000 from Prairie Meadows grants to repair and update its food pantries on Army Post Road and Sixth Ave—work that includes a new roof, parking lot repairs and interior upgrades for about 1,000 visitors a month.

The nonprofit plans to start roof repairs within 45 days as the need for food and supplies grows.

In Atlantic, an eight-year-old child was flown to Methodist Children’s Hospital after being struck by a westbound SUV driven by 22-year-old Todd Schwab at the intersection of W 6th Street and Birch Street at 7:47 p.m.—authorities said the child suffered serious injuries while the Iowa State Patrol investigated the crash.

Des Moines police are seeking help locating Aiden, a 15-year-old teen last seen Tuesday morning in the 3700 block of Center Street—he is believed to be in crisis and anyone with information is asked to call 911.

Today at the Iowa State Fair, the Iowa Honey Producers Association is teaching Fair visitors about bees and all the things honey can make by showing live bees, wax figures, and over 30 honey flavors; the booth explains how to make candies, candles, lip balm, and even lemonade plus shows how bees turn honey into wax.

At the Iowa State Fair, the Snakes Alive exhibit celebrated 50 years by displaying over 40 reptiles including snakes, lizards, and turtles—while giving visitors a chance to take photos with a boa constrictor.

Co-owners Nick Blay and Zach Wright said the exhibit adds one or two new animals each year and charges $3.50 for entry.

Drake University dean Craig Owens was named as the new executive director of The Harkin Institute for Public Policy — replacing Matthew Reed — after a national search announced Monday, Aug 11.

Owens has worked in several roles at Drake and will lead the institute as it focuses on key policy issues.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has directed the Iowa National Guard to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement by providing administrative and logistical help starting Sept.

8—this mission is approved until Nov. 15.

New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

This FUNctional fitness class will increase your strength for everyday living!!

Sara Sato's 'Notes from the Sea' Exhibit Opening

6:30-8 p.m. — Heritage Art Gallery — Free entry — Explore a unique meditation on our relationship with nature through the diverse stories of water and its enigmatic inhabitants.

Jane Monheit Performance

7 PM — Noce — Cost not listed — Experience the enchanting jazz interpretations of vocalist Jane Monheit.

RnB Brunch DSM

4-8 p.m. — 319 SW 5th St, Des Moines, IA — Ticket required — Savor a delicious brunch with bottomless mimosas while enjoying soulful R&B tunes and karaoke fun.

Summer Music Series: Jonas Magram at Exile Brewing

5-7:30 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints all-day — Enjoy live music and patio vibes with cold beer at this community gathering.

Franklin Cinema Club - Once Upon a Time in the West

6:30-7:45 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Explore the classic western epic Once Upon a Time in the West and engage in film discussions.

The Pigeon Visits the Library

4:00 – 4:45 p.m. — Franklin Avenue Library — Free entry — Participate in a whimsical storytime with The Pigeon and capture fun memories with photos.

Generation Rx Program

7-8 p.m. — 1000 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Learn safe medication practices to enhance your health and well-being through informed choices.

Cloakroom

7-8:30 p.m. — xBk Live — Live music event — Experience the haunting melodies of Glass Ox as they perform 'Rushes of Evil'.

Bingo Loco Event

7:30-10:30 p.m. — 7 Flags Event Center — General Admission — Enjoy a night of outrageous bingo with prizes, dance-offs, and more in a lively atmosphere.

Downtown Farmers' Market

7 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Court District — Free entry — Explore local produce, artisan goods, and festive community atmosphere at this vibrant market.