Ask CITYVIEW
7/2/2025How many bridges go into Des Moines?
We published a story entitled “The Bridges of Des Moines” in February of 2023. Many of the featured bridges are iconic and serve thousands of area residents each day. That story was about the bridges around the city. The Iowa Architectural Foundation also published an article about the bridges of Downtown Des Moines.
According to that article, there are four: The Locust Street Bridge, completed in 1907; the Grand Avenue Bridge, completed in 1918; the Walnut Street Bridge, completed in 1918-20; and the Court Avenue Bridge, completed in 1917.
If you use a looser definition of where downtown starts, that number can rise quickly through the likes of railway, road and pedestrian bridges. There is the Des Moines Riverwalk and Principal Riverwalk, the University Avenue bridge on the north side, the Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway bridges that cross both the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, S.W. Second, Seventh and Ninth, the Coleman Bridge, the George Washington Carver Bridge and the Iowa Interstate Railroad bridge. That brings our count to 13 bridges, and we likely missed a few.
How do I properly dispose of a flag?
After our answer to a question on how to properly display American flags, we received another question about how to properly dispose of them. There are several options.
You can donate your old flag to most American Legions, Boy Scout Troops or local police stations, where they will retire them. If you choose to retire your American flag yourself, these steps are in accordance with the United States Flag Code (4 USC Sec 8 Para (k), Amended July 7, 1976).
Build a medium-sized fire in a safe, approved location. The fire will need to have reached a proper size and level of heat so it will fully burn the flag without leaving any remnants of the flag intact.
If the flag is currently flying, respectfully lower the flag and remove it from the pole. Fold the flag in the traditional triangle fold.
Place the folded flag on top of the fire, being careful to not injure yourself. Watch the flag to make sure it is fully incinerated
While the flag is in the process of being burned, observe the flag with respect and reverence.
While the flag is being incinerated, recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
Once the process of burning the flag is complete and no part of the flag remains, safely put the fire out completely.
Some may think burning the flag is a sign of disrespect, but, according to the U.S. Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.”
Can I bury my pet in my backyard in Des Moines? If not, what are my options?
According to Iowa Code 167.18, “A person who has been caring for or who owns an animal that has died shall not allow the carcass to lie about the person’s premises. The carcass shall be disposed of within a reasonable time after death by composting, cooking, burying, or burning, as provided in this chapter, or by disposing of it, within the allowed time, to a person licensed to dispose of it.”
If you do not have a yard to bury your pet, numerous cremation services are available, including through the Animal Rescue League.
