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Axios Des Moines
Polk County launches a new solar initiative
Solar panels are being added to Polk County's administration, River Place offices and North Side Community Center buildings.Why it matters: The system will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of more than 300 homes and kick off what could become a massive collection of government-owned electricity fields.Catch up fast: Three years ago, Polk County set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 90%.Transitioning to an electric-based vehicle fleet and installing new heating and cooling systems are among the recent steps.Driving the news: Supervisors approved a $2.3 million contract for the solar project this week.Construction will...
RAGBRAI is stable even as Gannett cancels other events, organizers say
RAGBRAI leadership says the event is financially stable, despite a drop in registrations and its parent company recently cancelling another major cycling event.Why it matters: There's nothing else quite like it. RAGBRAI, which kicks off next week, is the world's longest-running multi-day bike ride. It attracts thousands of cyclists to experience a week of the best of what Iowa has to offer.Context: Since 2019, RAGBRAI has been operated by Ventures Endurance, an events arm of Gannett, the country's largest newspaper company, which owns USA Today and the Des Moines Register.Driving the news: Earlier this year, Ventures Endurance announced that it...
Des Moines food writer Wini Moranville releases new memoir
Local food writer Wini Moranville's new memoir comes out Wedesday.Why it matters: "Love Is My Favorite Flavor" offers a behind-the-scenes look into Iowa's culinary evolution, awakened from a "meat-and-potatoes" slumber in the 1970s to one that's globally inspired and locally purveyed.Catch up fast: Moranville's work as a food journalist spans about three decades, including as a national wine critic. She' wrote more than 750 restaurant reviews as the former "Datebook Diner" for the DSM Register.She currently writes "Wini's Food Stories," an electronic newsletter published on Substack.Fun fact: Moranville's "humble" start in DSM's restaurant industry began as a server and lasted...
Des Moines offers free curbside cleanup after derecho-producing storms
A line of Monday storms, including at least one tornado in Des Moines, later formed into a derecho in eastern Iowa and western Illinois, according to the National Weather Service.Why it matters: The metro sidestepped some of the system's worst punches but still suffered significant losses.Zoom in: The DSM tornado was classified as an EF1 and traveled about seven miles.The Merle Hay and Franklin Avenue neighborhoods, Urbandale and Windsor Heights saw the worst of it, WHO-13 reports, including topped trees, downed power lines and building damage.No injuries were reported from the storm but at least one person suffered a leg injury believed to have occurred during cleanup, the DSM Register reports.What's next: Damage assessment continues and recovery efforts are underway, according to Polk County Emergency Management.Affected DSM areas will receive free curbside storm debris collection, city officials announced Tuesday.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.
We tried the Iowa State Fair's 11 new foods
The Iowa State Fair released 11 of its best new foods in 2024 on Tuesday, which will take visitors on a culinary journey — from a bacon cheeseburger eggroll to a creative spin on AE Dairy chips and dip.The big picture: I got to try the new foods as a member of the local judging panel at the fairgrounds Tuesday.In total, there are 84 new foods at the 2024 fair, but judges narrowed the finalists to three: the Bacon cheeseburger eggroll, lobster corn dog and Iowa Sm'Oak'ed Roll.The ultimate winner will be determined by fairgoers in August. State of play:...
Des Moines warns of malicious apps, bogus QR codes
Des Moines drivers should be alert to parking scam pages, city traffic engineer John Davis tells Axios.Why it matters: The sites can steal credit card or personal information and siphon parking fees, Better Business Bureau (BBB) warned earlier this year.Catch up fast: DSM modernized its downtown parking system with kiosks in 2022.Contactless payment can be made via an app, scanning a QR code or via text.Yes, but: The change has created the opportunity for scammers to affix imposter QR codes on parking meters, directing users to imitation payment sites, per BBB.Multiple cities in Texas recently warned residents that fraudulent websites...
Des Moines' iconic Riccelli's restaurant could be demolished
The former site of Riccelli's Italian Restaurant would be demolished to make room for two new buildings under a proposal before the Des Moines Plan & Zoning Commission Thursday.Why it matters: The news means a prominent spot along Indianola Avenue could see new life after years of vacancy.Catch up fast: The iconic restaurant, started in the 1960s by the son of Italian immigrants, closed in 2020 during the pandemic.The Riccelli family recently agreed to sell the location, but that sale hasn't closed yet.State of play: Lillian Riccelli made the rezoning request, but the family didn't realize the prospective buyers' plans...
Des Moines' new skyline art dedicated to former school board member
New permanent art was recently added to the top of Mainframe Studios.Zoom in: "Inhale…. Exhale.…" is being dedicated to Teree Caldwell-Johnson, a longtime Des Moines school board member and CEO of Oakridge Neighborhood who died earlier this year.It lights up in a rhythm similar to breaths to amplify a message of resiliency and to maintain calm in the face of adversity, according to a press release.What next: A sunset dedication ceremony will be at Oakridge, Aug. 2 at 8:15pm.1401 Center Street, in the parking lot of building #301. Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.
Iowa political leaders condemn Trump assassination attempt
Across Iowa, political leaders from both sides of the aisle expressed their dismay and condolences over the events at the Trump rally in Pennsylvania Saturday.State of play: Gov. Kim Reynolds said the shooting marked a "dark day in American history" and that she still plans to attend the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee — which will proceed as planned this week with heightened security."As President Trump showed when he walked off the stage, we will not cower to such terror," Reynolds said in a statement.Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird condemned the shooting in a statement, saying it was also...
Waukee Korean fried chicken opens, Teehee's plans new spot
Here are some of the latest restaurants and bars that have opened (or closed) their doors across the metro.OpeningsHiFi Brew Lounge: The brewery opened recently at the former Fox Brewing site in Valley Junction at 103 S. 11th St., WDM.It features a new second-level patio and lunch and dinner menus.Chikin Lickin: Known for Korean fried chicken, it's the second of its kind to open this year in Waukee. 1196 SE University Ave.Teriyaki Madness: The Seattle-based chain opens its first metro restaurant on July 16 near Jordan Creek Town Center at 160 Jordan Creek Pkwy., #160, WDM.Closings and relocationsTeehee's Comedy Club shared in late June that it was holding a "send off" for its location at 15th and Walnut streets in Des Moines. Its site says it will share its new location this winter.The club's owners didn't respond to Axios' request for comment. They are hosting pop-up shows this summer, including Saturday at Big Grove Brewery.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.
An Iowa bike advocate was hit by a car on a RAGBRAI inspection ride
Bike safety is always top of mind for Luke Hoffman, executive director of the Iowa Bicycle Coalition — but especially after he was hit by a driver during RAGBRAI's pre-ride inspection.Why it matters: Iowa roads have become less safe for everyone, including drivers, since 2020. Pedestrians and cyclists, however, have seen the worst safety statistics with the Des Moines metro reporting a five-year high in serious injuries and fatalities in 2022.Context: RAGBRAI's route inspection team rides the same roads as the July event to identify any "unsafe traffic patterns" and hazards that may need to be fixed beforehand, according to...
Des Moines reaches new record high home sales prices
Home sale prices recently hit a new high in the Des Moines metro, up 55% since before the pandemic, according to new data from Redfin.Why it matters: Strong home values build homeowner wealth and contribute to the local economy but can also worsen affordability gaps for low-income families, which metro officials have battled for years.By the numbers: The median sales price of a metro home was $300,000 in May, up from $193,500 in January 2019.Our prices remain below the national price average, which climbed 61% during that time, from about $272,000 to $440,000, per Redfin.Separately: Data from the DSM Area...
Des Moines' 80/35 music festival makes a big move when it starts Friday
80/35 begins its new era at Water Works Park on Friday.Why it matters: A lot is riding on the annual event's success at its new spot, especially as other nonprofit music festivals struggle, Greater Des Moines Music Coalition (DMMC) board president Kuuku Saah told Axios.Catch up fast: DMMC launched its flagship event in downtown Des Moines in 2008.The festival, which offers multiple free stages, runs almost entirely via volunteers under the nonprofit's mission to elevate the metro's music scene.Friction point: Downtown construction and street projects made it impractical to keep the festival at its longtime location this year.Plus, some business...
Ask Axios: Have people fallen from the Iowa State Fair Sky Glider?
"How often do people fall from the Iowa State Fair Sky Glider? Like do they have numbers? It's always been a fear of mine when taking my kiddos."— Eric Doll, WDMAnswer: Rest easy, Eric! Nobody has fallen from the glider in its nearly 50-year history."We certainly want to keep it that way," fair spokesperson Mindy Williamson tells Axios.Yes, but: At least 56 people were stranded for more than an hour — including four rescued via a 100-foot fire truck ladder — during the ride's debut, according to a DSM Register story from 1975.A motor overheated after operators repeatedly stopped the aerial ride for elderly people.No injuries were reported.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.
Des Moines' iconic botanical dome gets a lit makeover
Greater DSM Botanical Garden has a new outdoor lighting system that illuminates its iconic dome in different colors.Driving the news: The inaugural dome lighting is at dusk Thursday during the attraction's Music in the Garden concert.Guests will give a countdown as the lights go up.If you go: The concert starts at 6:30pmTickets are $12 for adults; $9 for children between 2 and 12; and free for children 1 and younger.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.
Your guide to this year's new Iowa State Fair foods
The Iowa State Fair on Tuesday announced the 84 foods that will debut at this year's event.What's next: A panel of local celebrity judges — including Axios' Linh Ta — will help determine the top three to compete for the coveted Peoples' Choice Award next Tuesday.The ultimate winner will be determined by fairgoers.The three we're most excited to try:Linh: Candied Bacon Gnocchi, Hot Cheeto Float and deep-fried bubble gum.Jason: Ragin' Raspberry Ravioli, Walking Frito Pie and the Chicken Mac Attack Bowl.The complete list:• Apple Fries• Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Roll• Barbie Era Funnel Cake• Beer Belly Fries• BLT on a Stick•...
Unusual scorpion, lizards in Des Moines' new zoo exhibit
Blank Park Zoo has a new exhibit of reptiles, amphibians and insects.Zoom in: The newbies include a Jamaican Boa, an axolotl, an arboreal alligator lizard, Golfodulcean poison dart frogs, Madagascar hissing cockroaches and an emperor scorpion.A Fiji banded iguana, a prehensile tail skink and a recently hatched pheasant pigeon chick are also at the zoo's Discovery Center.If you go: Open daily from 9am-5pm.Tickets: $15 for children, $20 for adults.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.
Unusual scorpion, lizards in Des Moines' new zoo exhibit
Blank Park Zoo has a new exhibit of reptiles, amphibians and insects.Zoom in: The newbies include a Jamaican Boa, an axolotl, an arboreal alligator lizard, Golfodulcean poison dart frogs, Madagascar hissing cockroaches and an emperor scorpion.A Fiji banded iguana, a prehensile tail skink and a recently hatched pheasant pigeon chick are also at the zoo's Discovery Center.If you go: Open daily from 9am-5pm.Tickets: $15 for children, $20 for adults.Get more local stories in your inbox with Axios Des Moines.
Iowa needs to prep for future flooding, precipitation
Iowa needs to make changes to prepare for a future with worsening inclement weather, state climatologist Justin Glisan said on Iowa Press.Why it matters: This year has demonstrated that our infrastructure is not sufficient to withstand the changed climate of today, let alone the impacts on the horizon.Driving the news: 2024 has been a weather rollercoaster, starting with polar vortex conditions during the Iowa caucus, followed by an unseasonably warm February.An EF-4 tornado — one of the strongest-ever in western Iowa — killed four people in Greenfield in May.It was also the eight-wettest spring on record statewide. Spring flooding resulted...
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