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🌱 Patch AM: What’s new inside the Science Center’s reimagined kids’ exhibit?

And check out Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Des Moines on the Des Moines Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 17th Patch AM
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Hi Des Moines! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What’s new inside the Science Center’s reimagined kids’ exhibit?
  • Why a southwest Des Moines house fire suddenly roared back to life
  • How a downtown car show just boosted Iowa cancer families

Also on today's calendar: Outlets of Des Moines Toys for Tots Drive and 9 more events.

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

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Helen T.!

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Des Moines? Post it to Des Moines photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

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

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Freezing fog in the morning, with a high of 43 and low of 38 degrees.
  • Thursday: Very windy; colder, temps: high: 39, low: 10. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 36 and low of 30 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Science Center of Iowa unveils reimagined ‘Small Discoveries' exhibit (who13.com) — Families in Des Moines can check out the newly revamped “Small Discoveries” exhibit at the Science Center of Iowa, opening Wednesday, Dec. 17, with admission included in regular entry. The interactive space features farm-themed play, art and metro areas, expanded water tables, and enclosed sensory zones designed for babies through young children, all aimed at exploring Iowa from rural fields to city life.
   

2. House fire on Des Moines' southwest side reignites hours after initial response (who13.com) — Firefighters in Des Moines spent Tuesday battling a house fire on the 2400 block of Watrous Avenue that reignited hours after the initial response, forcing a road closure between SW 26th Street and Wakonda Drive. Neighbors reported explosions and heavy smoke, and later video showed flames and sparks shooting from the home. No injuries were reported, and officials are still releasing details.
   

3. Des Moines Concours Donates $15,000 to Children's Cancer Connection (dmcityview.com) — A long-running downtown Des Moines car show has turned its passion for vintage vehicles into nearly $15,000 in support for Iowa families facing childhood cancer. The Des Moines Concours and Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation donated proceeds from their September show and gala to Children’s Cancer Connection, continuing a partnership that has generated almost $170,000 in local support since 2014.
   

4. American Red Cross expects 20% increase in fires over holiday season (weareiowa.com) — As the holidays ramp up in Des Moines, the American Red Cross is warning that home fires typically jump about 20% in November and December and urging families to check smoke alarms and practice escape plans. After a working alarm recently helped save residents in Ankeny, officials are also reminding people to keep space heaters clear, stay low in smoke, and never leave cooking unattended.
   

5. Des Moines rabbi mourns cousin killed during terrorist attack at Australia Hanukkah celebration (weareiowa.com) — A Des Moines rabbi is grieving after his cousin, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, was killed in a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia. He’s sharing memories of Schlanger’s outreach work, new synagogue, and devotion to Jewish life while reflecting on faith and enduring antisemitism from right here in Des Moines.
   

📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

  • 🌟 Fabulous Customer service from the Fareway manager on Fleur, recommended a product and asked us to let him know how we liked it. Thank You! —Helen T. Like

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

NEW: Like a shout-out or pic? Click the heart!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • LET ME KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE
    Hey, just now found out about this app but I've been looking for my dog Koda all day. My boyfriend and I were leaving around 11-12am this morning and… (Nextdoor South Side)
  • Thank you to the person who cleared my sidewalk twice from the snow.
    It was a real blessing to me. I really appreciate you very much. (Nextdoor Beaverdale North)
  • O'Reilly Auto Parts posted a job opening for DC Materials Handler - Outbound in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • McDonald's posted a job opening for McDonalds Janitorial $16/hr 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 don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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