Community Corner
🌱 City To Consider Speed Bumps + Missing Teen Found Safe In Altoona
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Des Moines.

Happy Friday, neighbors! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started. Here's what's happening around Des Moines today.
First, today's weather:
Breezy with a few showers. High: 63 Low: 55.
Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Here are the top 3 stories in Des Moines today:
- The Des Moines City Council will meet on May 9 to discuss a proposal for installing speed bumps in residential areas throughout the city. The city has already agreed to devote $85 million to projects around public improvements, bridge improvements, and street improvements, and some residents are petitioning for a portion of those funds to be allocated to the issue of speeding. If approved, the project would include the installation of around 22 speed bumps throughout seven residential neighborhoods. (Local 5 - weareiowa.com)
- A 13-year-old girl who went missing Tuesday was safely located in Altoona on Wednesday evening. Yalena “Star” Moore had last been seen walking out of Parkview Middle School shortly after school began on Tuesday. The Ankeny Police Department thanked the public and the Altoona Police Department for their help locating Moore. (KCCI Des Moines)
- The Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department says it is struggling to fill necessary positions for summer programming amid staffing shortages. A spokesperson for the department added that, despite opening applications in December, they have only been able to hire about 70 new employees. If the parks are unable to round out a complete staff roster, some summer programs may be forced to be placed on hold. (KCCI Des Moines)
From our sponsor:
Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Today’s newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. Getting some spring cleaning tasks done? Why not refresh your home's security, too. Secure windows, doors, and more with up to $80 off on select Alarm Pro Kits. Don’t wait, offers end 5/1 at 9 p.m. PST.
Today in Des Moines:
- Dress For Success Pop-Up Sale At Outlets Of Des Moines (10:00 AM)
- Story Sprouts At Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (10:30 AM)
From my notebook:
- Looking to buy a home in the Des Moines area? Five new homes just landed on the market. Learn more from your local Des Moines Patch. (Des Moines Patch)
- The Iowa Dental Foundation announced it will be hosting a free dental clinic in Des Moines in November. Mark your calendars now for Nov. 4-5 at the Varied Industries Building to receive your dental checkup at no cost. (Des Moines Register)
- Des Moines Playhouse alumnus Drew Minard is performing on Broadway in the Music Man alongside Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster. Congratulations, Drew! (Facebook)
More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!
Events:
- Hire A Pro To Tackle Mom's To-Do List (May 8)
- Taxes in Retirement Seminar on 5/9 & 5/10 (May 9)
- Add your event
Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.
— Sean Peek
About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.