Author Archives Press Releases

Nitrate violation imminent: Lawn watering banned immediately

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 2025 Contact: Tami Madsen, Executive Director Central Iowa Water Works, tmadsen@ciww.gov DES MOINES – Pending an imminent risk of violating the nitrate standard, all commercial and residential lawn watering and use of automatic lawn watering systems are prohibited until further notice. This ban is effective

Premier event returns September 6–7 with exhibits, gala, and support for families facing childhood cancer DES MOINES, IOWA – The Des Moines Concours d’Elegance, a premier exhibition of vintage, classic, and special-interest vehicles, will celebrate its 25th anniversary the weekend of September 6–7, 2025, in downtown Des Moines. Presented by

The 39th Annual Summer Iowa Games Kick Off in July

AMES, IOWA — The 39th annual Summer Iowa Games, presented by Grinnell Mutual, are set to begin July 11, with competitions running through July 20. This Olympic-style festival brings together athletes of all ages and skill levels from across the state and beyond, offering a diverse lineup of events in

HOME, Inc. Receives $150,000 Grant from Principal® Foundation

Des Moines, IA – (June 12, 2025) – HOME, Inc. announced today that it has received a $150,000 grant from Principal® Foundation, a global nonprofit organization committed to helping people and communities build financially secure futures. The contributions will support their Property Development Program for 2 years. HOME, Inc. is

Iowa Juneteenth Celebrates 35 Years

DES MOINES, Iowa — June 2025 — Iowa Juneteenth proudly marks its 35th anniversary with a series of empowering, family-friendly, and community-centered events celebrating freedom, culture, and history. This year’s theme, “Remember Our History, Release the Past, Reshape the Future,” reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to year-round education, cultural connection,

Water treatment plants at capacity: Central Iowa Water Works requests voluntary minimum 50 percent cut in lawn watering

DES MOINES – Central Iowa Water Works is now calling for a voluntary minimum 50 percent reduction in all residential and commercial lawn watering to help alleviate water supply challenges caused by high nitrate concentrations in raw source waters. If customer demand does not immediately decline, lawn watering will be

Blank Park Zoo Welcomes New Male Eastern Black Rhino

Critically endangered eastern black rhino arrives from Cincinnati Zoo to support breeding efforts and inspire conservation DES MOINES, Iowa (June 11, 2025) – A new male rhino has arrived at Blank Park Zoo. Known simply as “AJ,” Ajani Joe was born in Cincinnati on August 21, 2020. His name means

Bucs and DMU Team Up for Athletic Training Partnership

WEST DES MOINES, IA (06/10/2025) The Des Moines Buccaneers are pleased to announce its exclusive athletic training partnership with Des Moines University Clinic for the 2025-26 season. DMU’s athletic training program is sure to provide the Buccaneers with world-class injury prevention and keep athletes in peak performance mode all season

DMPS OFFERING FREE SUMMER MEALS AT 30+ SITES, SUPPLIES AT 15 SCHOOL PANTRIES

Starting Monday, June 9, Des Moines Public Schools will once again participate in the USDA Summer Food Service Program, providing free, nutritious meals to children during summer break. More than 30 meal sites will be open across the city from June through mid-August 2025. All children age 18 and under

I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa Celebrates the Life and Mourns the Loss of Dr. Hal S. Chase, Esteemed Historian and Champion of African American History

Des Moines, Iowa —I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa, Iowa’s African American Festival, joins countless others in mourning the tragic passing of Dr. Hal S. Chase, a respected historian, educator, and longtime advocate for African American history in Iowa. Dr. Chase died in a car accident on May 22.