Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How Des Moines crews pulled a trapped sewer worker to safety

Spotted on the Des Moines calendar: El Desmadre

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Saturday December 13th Patch AM
Saturday December 13th Patch AM (Patch graphic)

Cheers Des Moines! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Des Moines crews pulled a trapped sewer worker to safety
  • Why a Des Moines porta-potty case is now in federal court
  • What big changes are lawmakers planning before they return to Des Moines?

Also on today's calendar: The Bomb Shelter Comedy Showcase and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the boat dock say when it was arrested? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Des Moinesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Saturday: Colder with snow, 1-3", with a high of 10 and low of -10 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and cold, temps: high: 9, low: 5.
  • Monday: Partly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 38 and low of 20 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Man freed after Iowa trench collapse (siouxlandproud.com) — Emergency crews rescued a sewer worker after a trench partially collapsed on the southeast side of Des Moines Friday morning, trapping him up to the waist. Des Moines and West Des Moines firefighters carefully stabilized the scene in cold conditions before freeing the alert 23-year-old, who was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
   

2. Suspect in porta-potty filming cases transferred into federal custody (weareiowa.com) — A Des Moines resident accused of secretly placing cameras in portable toilets at youth events has been moved into federal custody and now faces multiple child sexual exploitation charges. Federal court records say incidents span meets in Marshall and Clarke counties and an event in Polk County, with a trial set for February 2, 2026. He remains in custody after waiving a detention hearing.
   

3. Iowa agencies pre-file bills ahead of 2026 session, reviving fight over Iowa City archives (thegazette.com) — Key decisions that could reshape state archives in Des Moines and Iowa City are headed for debate as Iowa agencies pre-file bills before the 2026 session convenes in Des Moines. Lawmakers will also weigh proposals on kratom regulation, prison safety, political deepfakes, government transparency, public fund theft penalties, and utility shutoff protections during extreme weather.
   

4. US House pass bill that could reshape Clean Water Act (weareiowa.com) — Des Moines residents could see big impacts on local drinking water as the U.S. House advances the PERMIT Act, which may weaken federal protections for rivers like the Des Moines and Raccoon. All four Iowa representatives support the bill, while environmental advocates warn it could worsen nitrate pollution that already forced Des Moines Water Works to restrict lawn watering last summer.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Saturday December 13
  • El Desmadre
    Wooly's, 504 E Locust St, Des Moines
    9:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Open for Sales
    Discover Holiday Magic at DSM WORKSHOP with Spruce Designs by Melissa Date: Sunday, December 14th Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Location: WORKSHOP DSM,… (Nextdoor Beaverdale)
  • Need suggestion- my mother recently passed away, and I have all of her personal care items such as slightly used hair, products, makeup, curling, iron, hair, dryer, etc.
    I would like to find a place to donate these rather than dispose of them. Most of them have been used, but are still in good condition. (Nextdoor Norwood)
  • The Walt Disney Company posted a job opening for Youth Activities Counselor in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • IICRC posted a job opening for Administrative Assistant/Bookkeeper in Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Des Moines here.

Ok Des Moines! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I demand a jury of my piers.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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