Daily
Des Moines
Wednesday, October 15th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 15th of October.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ State and local officials joined JBS executives for the groundbreaking of a new sausage plant in Perry on Oct. 14— the plant will start production by the end of next year and eventually add 500 jobs to help the community recover from recent setbacks. JBS will mark its first dedicated sausage production site in the United States through this project. Radio Iowa
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Waukee Community School District has seen student enrollment climb from about 10,600 in 2017 to roughly 14,000 today and has invested over $440 million in new schools and facility upgrades. The district uses SAVE tax and a local property tax to generate $30.5 million a year—school board president Michael Schrodt said the plans will include assessments for 11 schools—ensuring long-term stability for growth. KCCI
- ➤ DC-G parent Shellie Flockhart (with attorney Jazmine Polk) addressed the Iowa Board of Education in Gilbert to contest books and curriculum at Dallas Center-Grimes school district. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Monday morning, DMPS held an information session at Kurtz Opportunity Center where five voters learned about the $265 million Reimagine Education bond referendum and raised concerns over student enrollment and trust issues linked to former superintendent Ian Roberts—Interim Superintendent Matt Smith said the plan is meant to keep current students and attract new ones while warning that significant staffing cuts will follow if the bond does not pass; additional sessions were held on Tuesday before early voting began today. WHO 13
- ➤ Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand said his office will audit Des Moines Public Schools after a confidential qualifying request was submitted following the arrest of former Superintendent Ian Roberts. Sand added his probe will focus on concerns with the hiring process—state law prohibits state lawmakers from requesting audits—and will proceed through proper legal channels. The Gazette
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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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Fall Author Series: Hank Phillippi Ryan
7 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan shares insights on her latest thriller, featured in scenes set at this very library.
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Saxsquatch Live Performance
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — $27.49 — Experience the mind-bending sounds of electronic music artist Saxsquatch adorned with a spectacular live show.
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Turn it On! Mural Festival
1-3 p.m. — 901 Grand Ave, Des Moines, IA — Free entry — Celebrate the unveiling of an AR mural by Leon Keer while enjoying live jazz music.
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Doom Gong with Evander Ellsbury
7:00-8:30 p.m. — xBk Live — Tickets start at $38 — Experience an unforgettable evening with Doom Gong in Des Moines.
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Nurse Blake Comedy Show
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hoyt Sherman Place — Ticket prices starting at $51 — Enjoy a night of laughter with Nurse Blake at this renowned venue.
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Storytelling with Analogies
4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Principal Financial Group — Free entry — Enhance your communication skills by crafting analogies that simplify complex concepts.
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Light+ Iowa
2:30-7:30 p.m. — The Tea Room — Free entry — Explore innovative lighting solutions with expert insights and enjoy live music and appetizers.
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Tyler Rich Concert at Wooly's
7-8:30 p.m. — Wooly's — Tickets from $49 — Experience the energetic vibes of Tyler Rich live in Des Moines.
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To Grandmother’s House We Go
9 a.m. — Brown's Woods — Entry Fee $40 — Tackle a spooky trail run on the unpaved paths of Brown's Woods with options for 5k, 10k, or 15k distances.
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Beggar's Brunch at Exile Brewing
10 AM – 2 PM — Exile Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate Beggar's Night with costume fun and bingo for prizes.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
In life, you need either inspiration or desperation.
~ Tony Robbins
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