Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Des Moines’ new franchise fee change DART service and taxes?

Spotted on the Des Moines calendar: Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring 'The Nutcracker" & More

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Good morning Des Moines! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Des Moines’ new franchise fee change DART service and taxes?
  • What witnesses saw before the deadly Drake neighborhood hit-and-run
  • How a Des Moines credit pro used AI to earn top credentials

Also on today's calendar: Candlelight: Vivaldi's Four Seasons and 3 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I used to work in a doughnut shop. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Mainly cloudy, with a high of 47 and low of 36 degrees.
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy, afternoon mist, temps: high: 46, low: 40.
  • Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 53 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Des Moines City Council discusses proposed franchise fee funding for DART (who13.com) — Des Moines residents could soon see part of their utility franchise fees used to support DART as the City Council weighs a new funding agreement. With Grimes and Bondurant pulling back and major route cuts planned next summer, council members are considering shifting more costs from property taxpayers to energy users while negotiating how much DART must lower its property tax levy.
   

2. Pedestrian killed in Drake neighborhood hit-and-run, police say (kcci.com) — A man was fatally struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening at 31st Street and University Avenue in Des Moines’ Drake neighborhood, and police say the driver fled. First responders tried lifesaving measures, but the victim later died at a hospital. This is Des Moines’ 13th traffic death of 2025 and fifth involving a pedestrian, and investigators are urging anyone with information to call 911.
   

3. Celebrating Credit Distinction This Holiday Season (nacm.org) — A Des Moines-based contracts manager at EFCO Corp., Josh Gorman, has earned the advanced Credit Business Fellow designation, marking a significant professional milestone for a local credit professional. He credits steady study, prior certifications, and even carefully fact-checked use of AI tools for helping him deepen his expertise and better serve his organization.
   

4. Iowa DNR says ice fishing not advised across much of state (who13.com) — State officials in Des Moines are warning that ice fishing isn’t safe across much of Iowa after a stretch of unusually warm weather weakened ice, especially in central and southern parts of the state. The DNR urges anglers to stay off ice south of Highway 3, check weekly reports if they’re farther north, and carry safety gear like rope, flotation and ice picks.
   

5. Democrats Weigh In On Prospects For Pipeline Legislation (kiwaradio.com) — From Des Moines, legislative leaders are signaling that 2026 could finally bring action on the long-debated Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline. Democratic leaders say they’ll push for a bill early in the session, weighing ideas like rerouting around unwilling landowners while stressing that private property rights shouldn’t be sacrificed for a private project.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Well we still have DEX the Chow my brother left behind after his death in Nov.
    We thought we found the perfect owner but it turn out not so perfect. Dec did get his shots as well as being chipped now. The next thing for him is… (Nextdoor Sheridan Gardens)
  • Hi Neighbors.
    We just recently lost our beloved cat of 15 years. And are ready to welcome a kitten into our lives. Looking for a female medium to long haired kitty… (Nextdoor Waveland Park)
  • Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • Oracle posted a job opening for M&D Operations Planning Intern - OVIP 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 got tired of the hole business.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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