Daily
Des Moines
Saturday, October 18th, 2025
Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ In July near Mitchellville, members of the Sheepgate recovery group pulled a 74-year-old man from an upside-down, submerged car on his way to church. The rescuers received Lifesaving Awards from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office—each honored for their quick action—while the man now recovers with plans to visit the center. KDSM 17
- ➤ Oh My Dog Rescue, a non-profit from Urbandale, uses a chip system to quickly reunite lost dogs with their owners using scanning stations in Madrid, Boone, Polk City, Adel, Huxley and Carlisle — more stations will open soon in Altoona and Norwalk. The group, which has rescued over 700 dogs since 2022 and spends about $10,000 each month on vet bills, will hold a fundraiser with bingo and a silent auction at 5:30 p.m. on October 24th at The Simpson Barn in Johnston. WHO 13
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ As of Friday morning, the Iowa Department of Transportation reported a few stalled vehicles along I-35/80 — and a crash on U.S.65 near Northwood that blocked southbound lanes, though traffic was mostly flowing normally in central Iowa. KCCI
- ➤ After an Ankeny woman's fatal cycling accident on High Trestle Trail last week, the Iowa Bicycle Coalition asked the Iowa Department of Transportation to review the dangerous NW 44th Street intersection (cyclists say that fixes like flashing signals and road leveling could help prevent future tragedies). KDSM 17
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Former DMPS Superintendent Ian Roberts was indicted on two federal charges—making a false statement for employment and possessing a firearm as an illegal alien. He was arrested after fleeing ICE and had provided false documents when he joined the district in 2023. The Des Moines Register
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Des Moines Public School District is mourning beloved teacher Patrick Brennan, 40, who taught social studies at Merrill Middle School and earned the Golden Apple award for teaching excellence in May. Students will honor him at a celebration of life on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Merrill Middle School by bringing a favorite mug and wearing skinny jeans, Converse shoes — or Raybans sunglasses. WHO 13
- ➤ Waukee school board candidates met with community members at Waukee High School on Oct. 16 to answer questions and share their plans for local education—both incumbents and challengers spoke about their visions. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Five candidates are competing for three at-large seats on the Saydel school board in an election scheduled for Nov 4—incumbent Michael Mortensen and challengers Ryan Buman, Dianne Cooper, Ashley Frantz, and Josh Mullin each shared plans to boost teacher support and strengthen safe school policies. They emphasized improving classroom conditions and involving the community to help every student succeed. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Four candidates are running for three open seats on the Dallas Center-Grimes School Board as incumbents Nick Fiala (District 1) and Monica Malmberg (District 2) are unopposed while Will Rubel and Julie Quandt vie for the at-large seat. Rubel said he will focus on better parent communication and fixing urgent school issues as he joins the race to improve the district. The Des Moines Register
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A state revenue panel forecast that Iowa's revenue will drop by $800 million to $8.13 billion in fiscal year 2026 due to tax cuts and agricultural challenges—lawmakers plan to use a budget surplus and Taxpayer Relief Fund to fill the gap. The Des Moines Register
- ➤ Des Moines is hosting a No Kings protest today at the Iowa State Capitol from noon to 2 p.m. The protest joins others across central Iowa that oppose detainments and cuts to healthcare, education, and environmental rules. The Des Moines Register
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Des Moines family reunited with the first responders who helped deliver their baby girl at home last month. Parents Taylor and Adrianna planned an 8:30 a.m. hospital trip on Sept. 21 until Adrianna went into labor and public safety dispatcher Lindsey Hedlund guided them until firefighters arrived—ensuring both mom and baby were taken to the hospital safely as a formality. KCCI
- ➤ MercyOne in Des Moines will launch a split‐flow emergency room model on Monday to cut wait times by directing lower‐acuity patients to a fast track area — the hospital is adding 15 new bed spaces to improve care. KCCI
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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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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.
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Weekly Art Nights with Art is Rad
6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — $10 per artist — Unleash your creativity with a new hands-on art activity each week.
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K-pop Meet-up
5-6 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with fellow K-pop fans, trade photocards, and enjoy snacks and music.
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Halloween Party
11 AM - 1 PM — Des Moines Women's Club — Paid entry — Enjoy ghoul-themed games, a catered buffet, and craft activities at this festive Halloween gathering.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Des Moines
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