🌱 New School Board Budget + McHenry Park Renovations

Hello again, Des Moines! Important update: You all, as readers, have made the Des Moines Daily so successful that it is my honor to announce the next stage of the newsletter. Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Des Moines Daily. Although I have loved getting to know this community, we want to pass the torch to someone truly local to write about Des Moines long term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

First, today's weather:

Periods of sun; windy, cool. High: 52 Low: 31.

Here are the top three stories in Des Moines today:

1. The Des Moines Public School Board approved the budget for the next fiscal year on Wednesday. The new budget cuts $9 million from administrative expenses from last year. The new budget goes into effect on Jul. 1. (KCCI Des Moines)
2. The Des Moines Police Department hopes to identify three suspects who were involved in a violent convenience store assault. On Apr. 2, a 48-year-old victim was violently assaulted while inside a convenience store bathroom. The victim was injured and three suspects fled the scene. (KCCI Des Moines)
3. Major renovations are planned for McHenry Park on Des Moines' north side. The new improvements include walkways, drainage work, native plantings, a custom artistic seating structure, and a new playground meant to replace the current aging and damaged equipment. Construction on these renovations is expected to begin this fall and conclude in the spring. (Des Moines Register)

From our sponsor:

Today’s newsletter is brought to you in part by Ring, a Patch Brand Partner. We all know that Ring is the leader in video doorbells for home security. But did you know that Ring now makes a home security system that is getting raves from consumer electronic experts?

To learn more about Ring Alarm Pro, the system CNET called "the future of home security,” or to build your own custom system, visit Ring here.

Today in Des Moines:

• Public Art Committee Meeting At City Hall (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Due to the overwhelming response, a second film screening of 'The Automat' has been added on Saturday, May 14 at 1:30 pm in Levitt Auditorium at the Des Moines Art Center. (Facebook)
• Did you know that every Tuesday, the Des Moines Public Library shares 10 new releases on its website? It is an easy way to stay on top of exciting new titles in a variety of genres. Check out yesterday's release at dmpl.org. (Instagram)

Loving the Des Moines Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.