The city of Ankeny saluted the heroes and victims of the 9-11 attacks this morning with a remembrance ceremony at the fire department headquarters. The public was invited and a reception followed the event.
The latest No Child Left Behind report shows 81 percent of Iowa schools failed to make adequate yearly progress in reading and math. State Education Director Ryan Wise calls the report – and the law – fundamentally flawed. Wise says he wants to see the restoration of the proper balance between state and federal authority.
The Des Moines Education Association is hosting an event Sunday at Central Campus to connect parents, community members and teachers. The town hall-style event begins with a free dinner at 4PM.
It’s not just schools that are getting involved in the STEM push, but Blank Park Zoo is hosting its annual “STEM Night Out at the Zoo” next week as well. Organizer Anne Schimerdla says local vets, engineers, and scientists will be on hand to teach students about science and technology careers.
Des Moines’ city manager has tapped a staff counsel for the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission to be the next director of civil and human rights for the city. Joshua Barr will be in charge of investigating local cases and educating the public on civil rights in the city.
Budget problems have already popped up with the new Iowa Convention Center Hotel project. City officials got a look at new plans this week, but the presenters admitted costs have edged up by as much as 7 percent for the 100-million dollar Hilton. They’re working on bringing them down again.
Greater Des Moines residents are invited to connect with non-profits that may interest them at the YPC Volunteer Fair on September 24th. The fair runs from 5 to 8 PM at Drake University’s Olmsted Center.
People may joke about “bats in the belfry,” but some ISU students aren’t….they battled with 23 of them in their rental house. Animal control in Ames told the students to get vaccinated for rabies…which they did. The landlord has hired a company to find a solution to the problem.
A proposed revamped retail center in Windsor Heights will get a new Aldi discount grocery store as its anchor. The Apple Valley shopping center will be razed to make room for the project. Other spaces in the new Midtown retail center will be built as leases are signed.
ISU hosts UI in football on Saturday, and Senator Joni Ernst is keeping mum about who she wants to see win. But she loves seeing the Army ROTC participants running the game ball. Four presidential hopefuls will also turn up to the game tomorrow…Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Rand Paul and Scott Walker will attend the GOP tailgate party.
If homes were food, they’d be hotcakes based on how quickly they’re selling….that’s according to the Des Moines Area Association of Realtors. Homes in greater Des Moines sold last month after just 47 days on the market – a nearly 50 percent drop from the same time last year.
