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Thursday, October 23rd, 2025

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Good morning, Des Moines. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 23rd of October.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • BYU fans are hosting a charitable Cougs Care tailgate at Iowa State’s homecoming game in Ames on Oct 25—fans will donate shoes, coats, and blankets to help local families through the Johnston Partnership. The event, organized by the BYU Alumni Association, will run ahead of kickoff at 2:30 p.m. on FOX.  KCCI
  • Crown Point Community Center in Johnston will host free jam sessions every Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. until Dec. 18—musicians of all skill levels are invited to share their music and meet neighbors.  KCCI

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Ames man Mike Witt—who turned 60 this month—began his career as a mechanic after graduating from a Ford program that partners with DMACC and a local dealership, and he now puts his new skills to work in the automotive field.  The Des Moines Register

CRIME NEWS

  • Former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts (charged with immigration violations including unauthorized work, illegal firearm possession, and a false I-9 form) is set for trial on Dec. 1 after being arrested last month (he has pleaded not guilty).  KCCI

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Five candidates are running for four open seats on the Waukee school board, including three incumbents (Michael Schrodt, Jaime Secory, Armel R. Traore dit Nignan) and two challengers (Jill Burns and Becky Lachenmaier). The candidates have shared their views on funding, student safety and district growth ahead of the Nov. 4 election.  The Des Moines Register
  • Four candidates are running for three seats on the Urbandale Community School District board as the election on November 4 approaches—incumbent Rachel Kent faces challengers Hannah Horton, Marc Salmon, and Rodrigo Santizo who each offer distinct plans on issues like student safety and declining enrollment. The candidates shared their ideas on increasing transparency and improving district policies to keep Urbandale schools competitive.  The Des Moines Register
  • Three candidates, including incumbents Anadelia Morgan, Fannette Elliott and Lila P. Montoya Starr, are running uncontested for at‐large seats on the West Des Moines School Board and voters will select all on Nov. 4.  The Des Moines Register
  • Four candidates are running for three at-large seats on the North Polk Community School District Board of Education—incumbents Matt Aicher and Keith Bormann and challengers Ben Engler and Holly Hunter plan to address issues like inadequate state funding, district growth and school safety ahead of the Nov. 4 vote.  The Des Moines Register
  • Six candidates are running for three Johnston school board seats on Nov 4 — including a full-time student, a teacher, and a corporate counsel — and each aims to strengthen local schools by addressing funding, safety, and support challenges for students.  The Des Moines Register

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • New Functional Fitness Class at DM Yoga and Wellness

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

    Fri, 1/10/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Fri, 10/24/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 10/25/25

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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.

    Sun, 10/26/25

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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.

    Mon, 10/27/25

    View event
  • 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.

    Tue, 10/28/25

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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.

    Wed, 10/29/25

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  • Trivia Night: Halloween Edition

    6-8 p.m. — Exile Brewing Company — $4.50 pints during happy hour — Test your knowledge at this fun weekly trivia event with Trophy Husband Trivia.

    Thu, 10/30/25

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  • The Outreach Project

    1-3 p.m. — Des Moines Public Library - Central Library — Free entry — Connect with community resources and advocate support for health and ID assistance.

    Fri, 10/31/25

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  • An Evening with Yo-Yo Ma

    7:30-9 p.m. — Des Moines Civic Center — Tickets available — Experience legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma in a special performance blending music and reflections on art and humanity.

    Sat, 11/1/25

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  • Iowa Reptile Show

    10 AM – 4 PM — Hilton Garden Inn West Des Moines — Tickets available at the door — A family-friendly event featuring thousands of reptiles, amphibians, and supplies to explore.

    Sun, 11/2/25

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REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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