🌱 Patch AM: Who is the new leader of West Des Moines police?

Cheers West Des Moines! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Who is the new leader of West Des Moines police?
• How a wrong-way driver ended up stopped near 60th Street
• Which West Des Moines lawmaker just joined Iowa’s university board?

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Sun and areas of high clouds, with a high of 47 and low of 33 degrees.
• Wednesday: Sun and areas of low clouds, temps: high: 45, low: 38.
• Thursday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 49 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City of West Des Moines names new police chief (weareiowa.com) — West Des Moines has selected Craig Bellamy as its next police chief, with his first day set for February 2, 2026. Bellamy comes from a long career in Houston, Texas, while current Chief Chris Scott plans to retire in March after leading the department since 2017.
   

2. Clive man accused of driving wrong way on I-235, I-80 while drunk (who13.com) — A driver was arrested after allegedly traveling the wrong way on I-235 and I-80, ending near the 60th Street exit in West Des Moines early Sunday morning. State Patrol says the Clive man’s truck was found facing the wrong direction in the median, and a breath test reportedly showed a blood alcohol level nearly three times Iowa’s legal limit.
   

3. RADIO IOWA: Governor appoints two new members to board that governs, UI, ISU, UNI (radioonthego.com) — A West Des Moines Republican, former state lawmaker Peter Cownie, has been appointed to the Iowa Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s three public universities. He joins former Meredith executive Steve Lacy on the board, filling two open seats after recent resignations.
   

4. Council Bluffs mayor-elect endorses Trone Garriott in 3rd District primary (allpoliticsnow.com) — West Des Moines residents are seeing their state senator, Sarah Trone Garriott, gain momentum as Council Bluffs’ mayor-elect backs her in the 3rd District Democratic primary. The endorsement highlights her record of winning tough races and focuses on lowering costs, protecting health care, and creating good-paying jobs for Iowa families across the Des Moines metro and beyond.
   

5. Garold W. 'Joe' Pfeifer (news-banner.com) — Several of Garold “Joe” Pfeifer’s children and grandchildren now live in West Des Moines, tying his long, full life back to the metro. The longtime Bluffton resident and Iowa State graduate worked across the Midwest, cherished 64 years of marriage, and leaves a large extended family, with services planned in Bluffton later this week.
   

📸 Around West Des Moines

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🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 23

• Johnston Public Library closing early for Christmas holiday
  Johnston Public Library - Johnston IA 50131
  5:00 pm
• No City Council Meeting
  Grimes, IA Calendar , 410 SE Main ST , Grimes
  5:30 pm
• Season of Stillness Sound Bath
  All Love Wellness (Yoga+Health) , 8527 University Blvd , Clive
  6:00 pm
• Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting
  Waukee, IA Calendar , 230 W. Hickman Rd. , Waukee
  6:00 pm
• Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting
  Council Chambers , 110 N. 1st Street , Indianola
  6:00 pm

Thursday December 25

• Chamber Office Closed
  Adel Partners Chamber of Commerce , 301 S 10th St , Adel

Friday December 26

• Speakeasy Karaoke in the Basement Speakeasy at B&B
  Board and Batten, LLC , 1408 Walnut St , Dallas Center
  8:00 pm

Saturday December 27

• Winter Wonderland Holiday Pop-Up
  Wilson's Orchard & Farm (Des Moines) , 3201 15th Ave , Cumming
  10:00 am
• Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring 'The Nutcracker” & More
  World Food Prize Hall of Laureates , 100 Locust St , Des Moines
  4:30 pm

Monday December 29

• Forever Fit
  Norwalk Easter Public Library , 1051 North Ave , Norwalk
  10:00 am

Tuesday December 30

• 12/30- Clive, IA- La Dolce Vita New Year's Eve
  Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant , 12801 University Ave , Clive
  7:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• A Very English New Year - 5th Annual
  Board and Batten, LLC , 1408 Walnut St , Dallas Center
  4:30 pm

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

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• I'm looking for a package from Etsy.
  USPS says it delivered to my mailbox today, but there's nothing there. If anyone on 93rd St. gets it by mistake, I'd be super grateful if you'd run… (Nextdoor Maple Grove South)
• 🎁✨ Why does giving feel so good?
  Today’s Frost & Firelight unwraps the emotional science behind generosity — from connection and nostalgia to the quiet magic of surprise. A warm,… (Nextdoor Olde English Village)

• Burger King posted a job opening for Team Member in West Des Moines. Apply here.
• Allied Universal posted a job opening for Security Officer - Bank Patrol Specialist 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 find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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