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🌱 Patch AM: How a West Des Moines man received a 35-year federal sentence

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Saturday December 20th Patch AM
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What's up West Des Moines! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a West Des Moines man received a 35-year federal sentence
  • Where you can drop toys in West Des Moines for Bentley’s legacy
  • How could new Medicaid rules shrink kids’ speech therapy in West Des Moines?

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 42 and low of 20 degrees.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 44, low: 32.
  • Monday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 52 and low of 34 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• West Des Moines man sentenced to 35 years for exploiting minors on social media (cbs2iowa.com) — A man from West Des Moines has been sentenced in federal court to 35 years in prison for exploiting minors online and possessing child sexual abuse material. Investigators say he targeted youths on social media across the U.S. and abroad, and multiple law enforcement agencies, including Iowa DCI and Urbandale Police, helped bring the case forward.
   

• Iowa mom continues late son's legacy with holiday toy drive (kcci.com) — A local mom’s holiday toy drive in memory of her son now includes a drop-off site at a West Des Moines Yellow Brick Road Childcare center. Residents can donate new toys and self-care items through Christmas to support pediatric oncology patients and families at Blank Children’s and Stead Family Children’s hospitals.
   

• Iowa families, providers raise concerns over Medicaid speech therapy changes (kcci.com) — A West Des Moines-based therapy agency says new Iowa Medicaid rules could sharply cut reimbursement for speech therapy, likely shortening children’s sessions and limiting in-school visits. Local therapists and educators warn that reduced time, especially for early intervention, may slow kids’ progress and are urging state officials to pause and reconsider the change.
   

📸 Around West Des Moines

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Hi all, my cat Arlo ran away from my apartment this morning around 7:15 AM and hasn’t yet returned home.
    I’m worried he may have ventured too far and gotten lost. He is a slender gray/black cat with a long tail and green eyes. is a bit skittish but very… (Nextdoor Woodland Hills)
  • Things to know this week in Waukee:
    1. All City offices, including the Waukee Public Library, will be closed Wednesday, December 24 and Thursday, December 25. If your regular trash or… (Nextdoor )
  • American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. posted a job opening for Aerie - Stock Associate - Evening (Off-Hours) in West Des Moines. Apply here.
  • Walmart posted a job opening for Cart Attendant in West Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Des Moines here.

🗞 Nearby News

Clive

  • Powerball jackpot hits $1.5 billion; excitement builds nationwide (kwwl.com)

Windsor Heights

  • 'Tis the season: Holiday light displays around central Iowa (weareiowa.com)

Urbandale

Ok West 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 dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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