Your trusted source for local Des Moines, IA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Libraries across Iowa are evolving into community hubs, significantly increasing local support, as highlighted by a Creston library's success in attracting more visitors and engagement. This transformation reflects a growing trend in which libraries are adapting to better serve their communities.
Polk County leaders are leveraging millions in federal funding to combat homelessness and the affordable housing crisis in the region. The plan aims to build new homes, thereby addressing the growing need for affordable housing options for families in the area.
A blind skateboarder, Dan Mancina, is competing in the Des Moines Streetstyle Open, marking the first adaptive skateboarding competition hosted by Skate DSM. This event highlights inclusivity in sports and brings attention to the adaptive skateboarding community.
The "Resident Guide to Urban Chickens in Des Moines" provides essential information for residents interested in raising backyard chickens, emphasizing benefits such as food security and fresh ingredients. The guide outlines local ordinances, noise complaint procedures, and animal welfare resources, ensuring that urban farming coexists harmoniously with community standards.
The Des Moines City Council approved a controversial ordinance banning camping in the city, which has drawn criticism for disproportionately affecting the homeless population. The council's seven directives aim to provide support for the homeless, including increasing shelter options and outreach services. This decision marks a significant shift in the city's approach to homelessness.
Iowa schools have revised their attendance policies in response to new legislation aimed at addressing chronic absenteeism. The changes include whether a doctor's note is required for students missing school, creating potential implications for parents and school administrators alike.
The City of Des Moines has secured a $13 million Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant to enhance public safety through various infrastructure improvements, including school-zone speed-feedback signs and retroreflective traffic signal backplates. Mayor Connie Boesen emphasized the city's commitment to creating safer streets, particularly for vulnerable users such as pedestrians and cyclists
Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a non-profit organization, has delivered its 1,900th bed to a child in metro Des Moines, emphasizing the importance of a good night's sleep for children's well-being as they return to school. The initiative addresses bedlessness among children and relies on community support and volunteer efforts to fulfill its mission.
City Manager Scott Sanders of Des Moines announced the date for the third reading of ordinances concerning encroachment removal and prohibited camping, scheduled for September 16, 2024. This initiative is part of broader efforts to address abandoned properties and fulfill Council directives aimed at improving city management. The announcement highlights the city's commitment to enhancing public safety and community welfare.
The Des Moines Fire Department has launched a Mobile Integrated Healthcare program to address the rising number of non-emergency 911 calls, aiming to provide proactive healthcare solutions for residents. By visiting high-volume callers and connecting them with community resources, the initiative seeks to improve healthcare outcomes while alleviating pressure on emergency services.