Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will you pitch in at Christkindlmarket’s teardown today?

Coming up on the Des Moines Patch calendar: Outlets of Des Moines Toys for Tots Drive

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Monday December 15th Patch AM
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Good day Des Moines! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will you pitch in at Christkindlmarket’s teardown today?
  • How did a Des Moines animal cruelty case lead to felony charges?
  • How Iowa’s manure rules are hitting Des Moines’ drinking water costs

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.

Today's riddle: What did the stop sign say to the yield sign? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Monday: Partly sunny and not as cold, with a high of 36 and low of 22 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Freezing fog in the morning, temps: high: 44, low: 28.
  • Wednesday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 45 and low of 32 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Des Moines Christkindlmarket concludes with volunteer call (kcci.com) — Des Moines’ Christkindlmarket has just wrapped up, and organizers urgently need local volunteers today to help tear down huts and festival structures at Principal Park between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The popular holiday market drew vendors from across Iowa, including longtime participant Schanz Furniture from the Amana Colonies, showcasing handmade wooden gifts and keeping a beloved seasonal tradition alive.
   

2. Iowa woman accused of torturing a dog (northiowatoday.com) — Authorities in Des Moines say a neglected dog was rescued and another found dead in a suitcase on a local property, leading to animal torture and neglect charges against a West Des Moines woman. She was jailed in Polk County, has since posted bond, and faces a court date later this month.
   

3. Factory farms in Iowa generate 110 billion pounds of manure per year. No one tracks where it's going. (thegazette.com) — Des Moines residents are paying the price when farm manure runoff drives nitrate levels so high that Des Moines Water Works must spend about $10,000 a day to treat drinking water and even impose lawn‑watering bans. A former top Iowa DNR official argues the state’s outdated, opaque manure‑management system lets billions of pounds of livestock waste be spread with little verification, contributing to rising nitrate pollution and cancer concerns statewide.
   

4. Crimeblotter: Protesters arrested outside NYC Apple Store (appleinsider.com) — Des Moines police are searching for a man who allegedly stole a MacBook during a Facebook Marketplace meetup, arriving on a motorcycle and never removing his helmet. Their investigation, part of a broader roundup of Apple-related crimes worldwide, has already turned up the motorcycle they believe he sold soon after the theft. Officers are asking for help identifying the suspect known only as “Nardo.”
   

5. Hanukkah celebrations held in Des Moines, marked by Australia attack (who13.com) — A long-running Hanukkah celebration outside Maccabees Deli in Des Moines continued this year with candle lighting and a giant menorah, even as attendees mourned a deadly attack on a Hanukkah event in Australia. Rabbi Yossi Jacobson urged metro residents to respond with unity, compassion, and nightly gatherings through December 22, where people can share food, tradition, and support.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

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📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • PLEASE HELP!!!!
    YESTERDAY (12/12/2025) I RODE IN AN UBER FROM PINS AND PIXELS (6205 MERLE HAY JOHNSTON, IOWA) TO WOODSPRINGS SUITES (6703 SE BELLAGIO DR ANKENY, IOWA… (Nextdoor A Plus Lawn and Landscape)
  • I don't know if they'll see this or not, but to the gentleman with the snow blower who cleared my drive on E 39th, I appreciate you and thank you for your kindness.
    You have truly made me realize that I am lucky to have such wonderful neighbour's, even if I haven't met you yet. (Nextdoor Sheridan Gardens)
  • Gpac posted a job opening for Project Logistics Manager in Des Moines. Apply here.
  • LaborMAX Staffing posted a job opening for Forklift Operator 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 either. They were speaking in sign language.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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