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West Des Moines considers $700K bathroom near Jamie Hurd Amphitheater

City staff say it's one of the most requested amenities from residents.

News

The Jamie Hurd Amphitheater is used for everything from theater performances to symphony concerts, rock cover bands and film screenings.<ul><li>But the one major thing missing for those events is a bathroom with flushable toilets, West Des Moines city staff say.</li></ul>

Polk County pushes "Polk Proud" plates

The new campaign urges people to get their vehicles titled locally.

Polk County&#x27;s treasurer is urging car buyers and dealers to title vehicles locally, launching a &quot;Polk Proud&quot; campaign to keep that business in the county.Why it matters: Hundreds of vehicles are being titled in surrounding counties each month, draining thousands in revenue that would otherwise support Polk County services, Treasurer Mary Wells tells Axios.

WDM data center program gives free tuition to learn new career

The program provided 15 students tuition-free data center training.

Ramero Jackson was at home, unable to continue his work as a truck driver because of a medical issue, when he stumbled across a post for a free data center training program through the City of West Des Moines.Why it matters: Jackson, who was selected for the program last year, now works in Altoona at an IT company contracted by Meta after completing the 15-week course, which helps prep <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="underemployed" data-vars-click-url="https://workforce.urban.org/taxonomy/term/6.html" data-vars-content-id="3bc3d305-9eb6-4d7b-b424-36d7a6c6111f" data-vars-headline="WDM data center program gives free tuition to learn new career" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://workforce.urban.org/taxonomy/term/6.html" target="_blank">underemployed</a> people for a career in the growing data center industry.

Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines plans campus expansion

The West Des Moines campus is one of the most popular churches in the state.

Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines, the largest church in Iowa, plans to expand its campus by 14,000 square feet, per a council meeting— including a gym, teen center and a larger food pantry.Why it matters: The $20 million project, funded through donations, reflects the church&#x27;s efforts to encourage more in-person interactions and accommodate a growing congregation, Pastor Jeremy Johnson tells Axios.

Des Moines Diocese reports 51% increase in new Catholics

More people are converting to Catholicism in recent years.

Religion

The Diocese of Des Moines has seen a 51% surge in new Catholics this year, with 400 converts recorded compared to 265 in 2025.Why it matters: The local figures are part of a broader national trend, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the New York Times says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/us/catholics-converts.html" data-vars-content-id="22399ca9-3e8c-49a1-9642-d1c65bbbc441" data-vars-headline="Des Moines Diocese reports 51% increase in new Catholics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/us/catholics-converts.html" target="_blank">the New York Times says</a> is producing some of the highest convert numbers in recent years.

Iowa rescue sees increase in big dogs and cats

More animals are coming in, but the shelter is also experiencing record adoption numbers.

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa (ARL) experienced an increase in surrendered dogs last year — a growing problem influenced by economic hardships, says ARL staffer Megan Matamoros.Why it matters: Large dog breeds are staying at shelters much longer — about 30 days on average — compared with roughly a week for smaller dogs, increasing stress and anxiety for the animals.

DSM to join No Kings protest and Palm Sunday march

The third No Kings protest is March 28 at the state Capitol.

Organizers across the U.S. are planning more than 3,000 local events Saturday for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" data-vars-content-id="e8beff97-0882-4a4b-8644-6ee72aea611b" data-vars-headline="DSM to join No Kings protest and Palm Sunday march" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" target="_self">No Kings</a> Day of Nonviolent Action.The big picture: Progressive political groups, labor unions and human and civil rights organizations expect Saturday&#x27;s nationwide demonstrations to surpass last year&#x27;s No Kings rallies in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" data-vars-content-id="e8beff97-0882-4a4b-8644-6ee72aea611b" data-vars-headline="DSM to join No Kings protest and Palm Sunday march" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" target="_self">June</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="October" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" data-vars-content-id="e8beff97-0882-4a4b-8644-6ee72aea611b" data-vars-headline="DSM to join No Kings protest and Palm Sunday march" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" target="_self">October</a>.

Discarded batteries causing fires in Des Moines metro landfills

Improper disposal of rechargeable devices is causing costly damage and safety risks.

Discarded vapes, smartphones and electric toothbrushes are becoming some of the biggest hazards in the Des Moines metro&#x27;s solid waste system, prompting fires and causing millions in damage.Why it matters: Lithium batteries are increasingly prevalent in our everyday lives, but improper disposal of rechargeable devices can spark fires in landfills and garbage trucks.

Thrasher's Hardware building is up for sale

The east side building is available for purchase.

An east side building that was once home to the iconic Thrasher&#x27;s Hardware store is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="up for sale" data-vars-click-url="https://www.crexi.com/properties/2349537/iowa-3001-e-14th-sthttps:" data-vars-content-id="1188daf2-d8e3-453d-beeb-fb50f246c5eb" data-vars-headline="Thrasher&#x27;s Hardware building is up for sale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.crexi.com/properties/2349537/iowa-3001-e-14th-sthttps:" target="_blank">up for sale</a>.Why it matters: 3001 East 14th St. hasn&#x27;t seen much use in recent years, but now that it&#x27;s up for sale, there are interested buyers who want to bring it back to life, says Matt Connolly, a commercial broker with Iowa Realty Commercial.

Beaverdale Books is expanding

The long-established local bookstore is expanding into the space next door.

Beaverdale Books is turning 20 this year, and it&#x27;s celebrating in a big way by expanding the shop.Why it matters: While fewer people say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="they read for fun" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/20/well/reading-pleasure-decline-study.html" data-vars-content-id="bff70eef-7e2b-4341-a46f-ae764770698e" data-vars-headline="Beaverdale Books is expanding" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/20/well/reading-pleasure-decline-study.html" target="_blank">they read for fun</a>, those who are reading are turning more toward local shops for live events and camaraderie over their latest fandoms.

News 🗞

Des Moines Diocese reports 51% increase in new Catholics

1 pic to go: A sign of spring

Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines plans campus expansion

The Ear: Wake me up before you grow-grow

1 pic to go: Easter decor