🌱 Patch AM: How West Des Moines residents can get Christmas trees hauled away

Good morning West Des Moines! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• How West Des Moines residents can get Christmas trees hauled away
• West Des Moines mourns veterinarian and ISU professor Robert W. Carithers
• Why a wrong-way stop in West Des Moines still matters now

Today's riddle: I quit my job as a banker. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Partly sunny, with a high of 31 and low of 23 degrees.
• Saturday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 36, low: 23.
• Sunday: Periods of clouds and sun, with a high of 40 and low of 28 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. How to dispose of Christmas trees around the Des Moines metro (weareiowa.com) — If you live in West Des Moines, you can set out your real Christmas tree on your regular collection day through Jan. 9 with a $1.50 “Compost It!” sticker and no decorations attached. Pickup is delayed one day during New Year’s week, and artificial trees require a large item sticker instead. The article also outlines options for nearby metro communities.
   

2. In Memory – January 1, 2026 (avma.org) — West Des Moines readers are noting the passing of Dr. Robert W. Carithers, a longtime resident and Iowa State University veterinary professor who died November 11 at age 93. His career spanned Army service, mixed animal practice in Union, and decades teaching neurology and biomedical engineering at ISU. Family suggests memorials to an ISU Vet Med fund in his name.
   

3. Central Iowa respiratory therapist faces multiple disciplinary charges (kcci.com) — A respiratory therapist licensed in Iowa is facing state disciplinary charges after past issues that include a drunk driving conviction tied to a wrong-way stop on E.P. True Parkway in West Des Moines. Regulators cite concerns about intoxication and professional negligence, with a hearing set for early February. Local readers may watch this case as it involves a practitioner who previously worked in the Des Moines area.
   

4. Caitlin Clark makes appearance on Kelces' 'New Heights' podcast (espn.com) — Caitlin Clark, who grew up in West Des Moines, is rolling out her first signature Nike shoe this spring and just talked through the design process on Jason and Travis Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast. She also shared her Olympic dreams, love for the Kansas City Chiefs, and thoughts on the upcoming NFL playoffs. Her rising profile continues to spotlight her West Des Moines roots on a national stage.
   

5. Michael Tetmeyer (chronicletimes.com) — West Des Moines residents are invited to honor longtime Hy-Vee marketing leader Michael Tetmeyer, with visitation Jan. 8 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway and a funeral Jan. 9 at St. Mark Lutheran Church. The obituary reflects on his decades of grocery leadership, community philanthropy, deep faith, and devotion to family across Iowa and Florida.
   

📸 Around West Des Moines

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🗓 Events Nearby

Friday January 2

• Snacks & Facts: Picking Priorities in the City Budget
  Waukee, IA Calendar , 950 S. Warrior Ln. , Waukee
  11:30 am

Monday January 5

• City Council Regular Meeting
  Waukee, IA Calendar , 230 W. Hickman Rd. , Waukee
  5:30 pm
• Girls Basketball: North Polk vs Des Moines Roosevelt (JV1)
  Roosevelt High School Des Moines, IA 50312
  6:00 pm
• Johnston City Council Meeting
  Johnston, IA Calendar , 6221 Merle Hay Road PO Box 410 , Johnston
  7:00 pm
• Girls Basketball: North Polk vs Des Moines Roosevelt (Varsity)
  Roosevelt High School Des Moines, IA 50312
  7:30 pm

Tuesday January 6

• Girls Basketball: Des Moines Roosevelt vs Des Moines East (JV1)
  East High School Des Moines, IA 50316
  4:45 pm
• Boys Basketball: Des Moines Roosevelt vs Des Moines East (JV1)
  East High School Des Moines, IA 50316
  4:45 pm
• Boys Swimming: Ottumwa vs Des Moines Roosevelt (Junior Varsity)
  Roosevelt High School Des Moines, IA 50312
  5:30 pm
• Boys Swimming: Ottumwa vs Des Moines Roosevelt (Varsity)
  Roosevelt High School Des Moines, IA 50312
  5:30 pm
• Basketball: Girls Varsity vs. Ogden (Home)
  Van Meter High School
  6:15 pm
• Girls Basketball: Des Moines Roosevelt vs Des Moines East (Varsity)
  East High School Des Moines, IA 50316
  6:15 pm
• Boys Basketball: Des Moines Roosevelt vs Des Moines East (JV2)
  East High School Des Moines, IA 50316
  6:15 pm

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

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making West Des Moines PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
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Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I have good news for cat lovers.
  The cat I was giving for adoption (Salem - black) is now best friends with Lola. I was worried because she’s grieving and I don’t want additional… (Nextdoor Woodland Hills)
• Is someone missing a dog named Donut in Waukee?
  Black golden doodle?? Just showed up on our deck 12/31 8:00pm Red Ferm street Waukee. (Nextdoor Reed's Crossing)

• Iowa Staffing posted a job opening for Floor Care Specialist in West Des Moines. Apply here.
• American Eagle Outfitters posted a job opening for AE - Stock Associate in West Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near West Des Moines here.

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 just lost interest.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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