The good

The Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market’s Meals from the Market program had one of its most successful years in 2011. In its third year, Meals from the Market collected more than $63,291 or 23,416 meals. The program also saw an 81 percent increase since 2010 in market patron donations, according to the Downtown Community Alliance. Meals From the Market offers vendors and patrons an opportunity to give back to the community by providing fresh food to the homeless and hungry in central Iowa. The program is a collaborative effort between First Federal Savings Bank of Iowa, Hope Ministries, Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) and the Downtown Farmers’ Market. 

Happy Holidays to new and expecting parents from Holding Tiny Hands and Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, both of which have partnered to provide “NICU Nummies” to families with infants in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of Blank Children’s Hospital and Mercy Medical Center. Wellmark volunteers delivered daily holiday treats during the week of Dec. 19-23. The goal of Holding Tiny Hands is to improve the outcomes of infants in the NICU by addressing the parents’ emotional and psychological needs through an established support system of parents who share similar experiences.

The bad

Single women need to keep on looking if they cross paths with Florida resident Michael Pratt. Last week, Pratt, 27, was arrested after stealing a car — from the girl he was on a date with. According to police, Pratt and a female went to a movie. In the middle of the film, Pratt said he needed to get something out of the car and needed the keys. The victim gave Pratt the keys, but he never came back. The victim called Pratt and he answered the phone, laughed at her and admitted to stealing her car. He called the victim four days later and told her he dumped the car. Officers found the car and eventually arrested Pratt. He was charged with grand theft auto.

The U.S. government reported last week that Dutch scientists have successfully created a highly contagious and deadly airborne strain of bird flu that has the potential of killing millions. The scientists want to publish their work about the strain, but U.S. officials are worried the information might fall into the hands of a terrorist organization. Officials are also questioning the reasoning behind the creation of this deadly strain of bird flu. The new virus is different than previous bird flu strains because it can be transmitted through the air in coughs and sneezes. Be afraid!

The ugly

They say love is forever, but one crazy Florida resident wanted to make sure it was permanent. Last week, Hank Watson, 41, was arrested after he attacked his ex-girlfriend and forced her to carve his name into her arm. According to police, Watson and Amanda Telson, 21, were in a car when they began arguing, which quickly turned violent when Watson began punching her. He then held a knife to Telson’s throat and threatened to kill her unless she carved his name into her arm. Telson carved the name “Hank” into her arm as Watson continued to punch her. Watson was arrested the following day after he hit his cousin in the face with a piece of wood. Watson was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for attacking Telson and abuse of a disabled adult for the attack on his cousin.

Here’s a nominee for Super Dad 2011. Minnesota resident Steve Wilson was arrested last week after he beat up his eighth-grade son for losing a basketball game. According to officials, police were dispatched to the local high school after a number of witnesses reported a parent physically attacking his son. Witnesses stated that Wilson held his son down in the hallway and repeatedly punched him in the face. Luckily, concerned parents got between the father and son. Wilson was arrested and charged with fifth-degree domestic assault. CV